What should I do in Orlando? Anyone want to do a meetup?

[prolesunited]

I'll be in town for a conference June 24 to 30. I have a lot of meetings scheduled, but I'm sure I can work some fun into my schedule as well.

So, where should I go?
Where should I eat? (non-seafood eating vegetarian)
Do I need to rent a car?

Also, I know there was talk of a DU meetup. Did that go anywhere? My evenings are completely free, so it would be great to do dinner and/or drinks sometime.

Thanks to the input of DUers, I had a great time in San Diego earlier this year. Their side trip recommendations were great and we had a fun-filled evening as well.

So, can the Florida DUers top the S. California DUers? :-)

[prolesunited]

1. Wow, talk about feeling unloved.

:cry:

Anyone been to Orlando? What should I avoid at all costs? Anything you enjoyed?

[pmbryant]

2. My SO went there three years ago

Offhand, I recall that she definitely thought Epcot wasn't worth the money, but she very much enjoyed a canoe trip in a state park a short ways out of town. I don't recall the name of the park right now, but can try to find out if you are interested in that kind of thing.

Have fun!

:hi:

Peter

[prolesunited]

5. I would definitely prefer a canoe trip

over a theme park. Think sticky June with a bunch of rambunctious kids and screaming parents. No thank you!

I *might* go to Universal Studios one night, but only because they have the park booked for us.

[pmbryant]

9. I think this is the place: Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park:

Wekiwa Springs State Park comprises approximately 8,000 acres of wild scenery that offers an opportunity to see how areas of Central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked the uplands.

42 million gallons of crystal clear, cool water flow from the main spring each day. The water is a constant 72 degrees year-round. Check out the link on the right to learn more about Florida's springs and how you can help to protect them!

(snip)

Driving Directions


Wekiwa Springs State Park is approximately 20 minutes North of Orlando and approximately 45 minutes North of the attractions. It is easily located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Take State Road 434 West to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right on Wekiwa Springs Rd. and travel approximately 4 miles to the park entrance which will be on the right. Please call the park if additional directions are needed.

[prolesunited]

12. Thanks for finding that for me

The photos look breathtaking and floating down the river and hiking seems like a perfect way to spend the day.

[Touchdown]

11. Most of Univ's attractions are indoors with A/C.

the T2-3D movie even squirts you with cold water. It's a better park when it's hot.

EDIT: Wait until you get on the 1984 ride! They pick one rider and pull his teeth out, no proles are allowed to ride though.:evilgrin:

[Misunderestimator]

3. Suggest posting this in the FLORIDA state forum n/t

[bmbmd]

4. Disney has priced me

out of visiting the theme parks. More bang for your buck at Universal. Great golf, good fishing, good shopping all over Orange County. Car rental depends on where you are staying-most convention type hotels have dependable bus transportation. Pleasure Island I can live without, Bob Marley's and Margaritaville are kind of fun at the City Walk. Have fun-it's a great city.

[fishnfla]

6. Ok, I'll bite

I assume you'll be staying in the International drive area? Whether or not you need a car depends on where you are staying. Most hotels offer shuttle services to attractions.
Speaking of which, Citywalk at Universal is fun, bob marleys's, pat O'Brians, Margaritaville and Emeril's. You normally need a reservation for a table at Emerils, but you can get a bar seat walk-in and watch the cooks. The vegetarian thing throws me for a loop, but there is a fun eclectic restaurant on I Drive called Tu-TU Tangos.

The meet-up never got off the ground

PM me if you have any other ? or need further info.

[prolesunited]

7. I can't recall offhand

which hotel I'm staying at.

So, why didn't the meetup get off the ground? There's still time to arrange it?

[rppper]

8. get the hell out of orlando and see.......

....some of the less visited parks and sites. there are three good sized parks within 40 miles of orlando...defuniak springs, blue springs and deleon springs parks. all have swimming, canoe and paddle-boat rentals and nature walks(at blue springs, the mannatees are especialy numerous). a quick trip down the beeline expressway/toll will put you in cocoa, where you can visit cape canaveral. there is a clothing optional beach just north of the cape, around the edgewater/mims area, again easy access via the beeline and us1. there is always daytona beach...just avoid the international speedway area near downtown. the ponce deleon lighthouse has a nice park and beach area, as well as the best surfing on the east coast(also note that it is the official shark bite capital of the world...)at ponce inlet right next to the park. thats located on at the end of A1A in daytona. the tomoka river basin has some good fishing, as well as the critter fleet in daytona. there is always the nascar museum too, just off I4 on speedway blvd, 2 miles east of I95. there are several state parks near flagler beach just north of daytona...i'd recomend tomoka state park or washington state park, both accessible via A1A. hi-bridge road of A1A, between ormond beach and flagler is a scenic drive ....centuries old oaks line either side of the road...you have to see it....you also might want to check out the lake mary area near sanford.

just a sample here...good luck and enjoy...

[Aristus]

10. Stay away from

the "Buy a Time-Share! Free breakfast included!" sales meetings.