Beyond the theme parks
Published in Where Orlando magazine, By Sarah Sekula
If you think Orlando is all roller coasters and pixie dust, prepare to be pleasantly overwhelmed. There are plenty of hidden treats to be discovered and many of them are just as action-packed. Drive past wetlands on the way to Cocoa Beach, bask among bright-winged birds and sweet-almond plants at Discovery Cove or learn a few tricks worthy of Cirque du Soleil. We’ve summed up a few stellar choices below.
Dolphin Dip
Turn off Central Florida Parkway and wander onto what looks exactly like a Caribbean island complete with with hammocks and the soothing sounds of steel drum music. Here, at Discovery Cove, you have the chance for some one-on-one time with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Pose for photo ops, teach your new flippered friend some tricks and tour the lagoon via the dolphin’s dorsal fin. Don’t forget the aviary, too, where 250 birds flutter around freely. Then, lunch on grilled salmon and gourmet salads at the upscale cafeteria (food is included with your ticket), hop on the horticulture tour and leave plenty of time to feed the sting rays. Cost: $199 for all-inclusive admission; $99 for park without dolphin swim. Must be at least 6 years old to swim with the dolphins. 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando/877-434-7268, www.discoverycove.com.
Fitness High
Fun-loving folks of all types flock to Orlando Aerial Arts for an utterly uplifting workout. Here, you’ll find Cirque du Soliel-style classes. (Think: Climbing silk cloths that hang from the ceiling.) It is the perfect way to gain flexibility and core strength. Better yet: You are so busy mastering the skills that you don’t even realize you’re burning calories at the same time. Not your cup of tea? There’s always aerial hoop classes or even anti-gravity yoga. Don’t be intimidated; the instructors will gear the workout to your current fitness level, and you literally start form the ground up. Go ahead, defy gravity. Cost: $20 for one class or a class pass for $64 (includes 4 consecutive classes.) 5390 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee/863-414-8061, www.orlandoaerialarts.com.
Beach Bound
The best way to scope out the area’s teeming marine life is to skim across its waters. More specifically, head to SoBe Surf in Cocoa Beach for a stand-up paddleboarding lesson. You’ll be in good hands. The instructors are lifeguard certified and award-winning paddleboarders. Participants hop aboard super sturdy, extra-long boards and paddle several miles on the Banana River Bay. Expect an up-close encounter with manatees, dolphins, pelicans and fish of all sorts as you glide by waterfront mansions, including one owned by pro surfer Kelly Slater. It’s equally peaceful and thrilling at the same time. 3592 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach/321-926-6571, www.sobesurf.com.
Flip-Flop
Unicycle riding. Trampoline bouncing. Trapeze swinging. For some, it doesn’t get much more satisfying than that. If joining the circus sounds appealing, pop into Orlando Circus School. It offers up huge thrills for both tykes and the adult set. Choose from wire-walking, juggling, gymnastics and more. At the end of the day, one thing is certain: This place will definitely knock your coolness factor up a notch. Cost: Prices range from $15 for a class to $60 for private instruction, 1420 Gemini Blvd., Orlando/407-583-4243, www.orlandocircusschool.com.
Gnarly Day
Who says you need an ocean to hang ten? At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park you can learn to carve up some pretty sweet waves in an ideal setting — a giant wave pool. With friendly 4-foot waves, one-on-one instruction from Craig Carroll’s Cocoa Beach Surf School and sturdy, soft-sided long boards, you are guaranteed a mother lode of thrills. In fact, a new wave is pumped out every 90 seconds! Post surf session, be sure to stick around to snorkel with nurse leopard sharks, sting rays and swarms of candy-colored tropical fish at the coral reef or opt for a leisurely raft ride on Castaway Creek. Cost: $150 age 8 and up. To enjoy the park after the lesson, you must purchase a ticket ($45 age 10 and up; $39 ages 3 to 9.) The Learn to Surf program is offered on select days prior to park opening. 145 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista/407-939-7529, www.disney.go.com/parks/typhoon-lagoon.
