Florida Beyond the Parks: Our Family Adventures

Medieval Times – Front Row Feasts & Jousting Glory

We kicked things off with Medieval Times, and honestly, it was absolutely amazing. We decided to upgrade to the Queen’s Table, and wow—it was worth every penny. Front row seats, crowns, flags, cheering knights… the whole experience was incredible.

G had a ball picking out a sword to cheer for our knight—and honestly, he spent a lot of his spending money on it. I mean, could you blame him? This was his dream night out: everything he loves—swords, shields, history—all rolled into one. The kids absolutely loved the chanting and atmosphere. I was a bit worried at first—A is very loud and L needed ear defenders—but they both just immersed themselves completely. Maybe it was the freedom to eat messy, stand while eating, and shout at the dinner table like true medieval royalty that sold it for them!

The feast itself was just like stepping back in time—meat, bread, and vegetables served with no cutlery (though we did ask for some forks for the boys). Each section of the audience has a knight to cheer for, and the atmosphere is so engaging: the knights joust, sword fight, and horse dance, weaving through their competitions with drama and skill until the final winner is announced.

And the best part? Our knight—the Green Knight—actually won the tournament! We cheered, we laughed, and we all felt completely swept up in the excitement. The horses dancing, the clashing of swords, the theatrical fights—it kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Honestly, if you’ve got kids, Medieval Times is an absolute must. It’s fun, immersive, messy, loud, and unforgettable—the kind of experience that makes everyone in the family grin from start to finish.

Water Parks – Typhoon Lagoon Adventures

Disney has two water parks that alternate opening, and we went twice to Typhoon Lagoon. I have to admit, I was a bit worried beforehand. I had planned this day as a “rest day”, but I was concerned it might end up being too full-on for the kids with the boys’ energy levels to consider, I wasn’t sure how it would go.

In the end, it was the perfect balance. The big boys spent the majority of their time in the wave pool—which is brutal, by the way! I definitely had to hold the hands of the little three to keep them safe, though L and A wouldn’t go near it anyway. They absolutely loved the smaller kids’ splash zones with mini slides, which were perfect for them. The variety of options meant that everyone could have fun at their own pace, and there were plenty of shaded spots for snacks and breaks. Disney provide life jackets for all, so no need to take your own floats! Perfect, and espically with the wave pool, even our confident swimmer G felt saver with one.

One really lovely little touch was the Disney staff carrying little themed rubber ducks. Occasionally, they would stop and give one to the kids to keep, and the boys absolutely loved this magical surprise. Moments like that really make a day at Disney feel special.

Although we had only one day originally planned here, it worked out so perfectly that we actually went back a second time on the day we flew home, using the park’s changing facilities to get airport-ready. It was a brilliant way to squeeze in one last bit of fun before leaving, and the kids were thrilled to get that bonus splash before heading home.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a family-friendly day that combines thrills, relaxation, and little touches of Disney magic, Typhoon Lagoon is unbeatable. It’s fun for all ages, stress-free for parents, and gives the kids the perfect mix of adventure and play.

Shopping – Disney Springs & Beyond

Shopping wasn’t really our main focus, but Florida has so much to tempt you if it is your thing. We didn’t bother with the outlets, as that’s not really us, but I have to say—they’re amazing for anyone looking for designer bargains.

We shopped mostly in the Disney parks and Disney Springs, which was perfect. There’s loads of choice, and wandering around Disney Springs is a fun experience in itself with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

The boys were very clear on one thing: Target was non-negotiable. We ended up making two trips, and honestly, I completely understand why—it’s massive! For them, it’s like stepping into one of the American shows or YouTube videos they love, and they were fascinated by all the things you can buy. I was sold too—I mean, they literally sell everything! From snacks to toys, clothes to little gadgets, it’s impossible to leave empty-handed.

Even if shopping isn’t your main plan, Disney Springs and Target are worth a wander. The boys loved it, we picked up a few fun souvenirs, and it added another layer of excitement to our Florida trip. One target thing we loved was the trolley's sounds ridiculous but they actually were so cool and fitted  5 kids haha!

Riding the Disney Monorail & Buses

Even though we had a car for getting around, we still made sure to ride the Disney monorail and buses—and it turned out to be so much fun! There’s something about using Disney’s transport that feels like an adventure in itself.

The boys absolutely loved gliding along on the monorail, seeing the resorts and parks from above, and pretending they were part of the Disney magic. Even the buses were exciting! One of the highlights was when a bus driver spotted the boys, loved their enthusiasm, and stopped to give them tokens and little collectible Disney transport cards. They were over the moon.

It’s little touches like this that make even the simplest parts of a Disney trip feel magical. For us, riding the monorail and buses wasn’t just about transport—it was another experience for the kids to enjoy, full of smiles, excitement, and those tiny moments that make a holiday truly memorable.

Old Town – Classic Cars, Dancing, and Nostalgia

Old Town was such a hidden gem and one of those experiences that really surprised us. If you go on the right night, you can catch the classic car show, which is non-stop entertainment. Cars just keep coming and coming—it’s amazing! And it’s not just the classics; there are themed cars too, like Star Wars, Sonic, and more. The boys were completely fascinated, running from car to car, pointing out the coolest ones, and trying to take it all in.

We had a proper old-fashioned American meal while we were there, sitting outside and soaking up the atmosphere. The smells, the music, and the energy of the place made it feel like we’d stepped back in time. Then, just as the sun set, we danced in the streets with the live music playing—it was such a joyous, unplanned moment that the kids absolutely loved.

For me, there was a strong sense of nostalgia, as I’d visited Old Town a lot with my parents when I was younger. Sharing it with the boys was so special—they got to see my favourite memories come to life, and yet experience it in their own way. Between the classic cars, themed vehicles, live music, dancing, and food, it’s a night full of fun, discovery, and family moments.

Old Town isn’t a traditional tourist “must-do,” but for anyone who loves nostalgia, quirky attractions, and a bit of old-school Americana, it’s a place you don’t want to miss. The combination of sights, sounds, and surprises makes it magical for both kids and adults.

A Lazy Day at the Resort – Pools, Slides, and Family Chill

Sometimes the best days are the lazy ones, and our afternoons at Storey Lake Resort were exactly that. We had a fantastic complex with lazy rivers, slides, and pools, and it was perfect for the kids to let off steam while we relaxed.

The boys spent hours splashing around, racing down slides, and floating along the lazy river, and I loved watching them play together without a care. Even the toddler-in-chief L had so much fun in the smaller splash areas designed for little ones—perfect for him and A to join in safely.

One of my favourite things was just sitting back, sun in my face, drink in hand, and seeing the boys so happy. The freedom to relax and play at their own pace was exactly what we needed in the middle of a busy trip. It wasn’t about sightseeing or racing around; it was just quality family time in a beautiful, fun setting.

It also gave us a chance to recharge for the next adventures. For big families, having this kind of downtime is so important—it keeps everyone happy, calm, and ready for more excitement later. Honestly, these “lazy days” often end up being some of the most memorable, just because the kids are so relaxed and genuinely enjoying being together.

Tri-Circle Ranch – Horse Heaven for R

If you’ve got a horse-loving kid, Tri-Circle Ranch is an absolute dream. For R, this was one of the most magical days of the entire holiday—all his dreams came true. From the moment we arrived, he was completely captivated by the horses, stables, and carriages.

The ranch is home to all of Disney’s horses, and it’s fascinating to see how they’re cared for, groomed, and trained. You can wander around the stables, see the carriages, and really appreciate the attention to detail and love that goes into looking after these magnificent animals. The boys were in awe, and I was just as impressed seeing the behind-the-scenes care.

The highlight for R? He rode a real Disney horse! The excitement on his face was priceless—he couldn’t stop smiling, and I honestly think he felt like he was living a little Disney fairy tale. Every horse we passed, we had to stop for a picture, of course—he wanted a memory with each one. It became a running joke, and the photographer in me loved it too!

The atmosphere is calm, peaceful, and a little magical—no crowds, no rush, just horses, carriages, and the kids’ sheer delight. For anyone visiting Disney with little ones who love animals, this is one of those hidden gems that’s well worth the visit. It’s educational, fun, and utterly memorable—and seeing R so happy made it one of the most special days of our trip.

Boggy Creek – Airboat Adventure & Wild Alligators

Boggy Creek was hands-down one of the best days of the entire trip. If you’re like me and aren’t keen on zoos or places where animals are caged—I’m a small-time animal activist—then this is perfect. We wanted a real nature experience, and that’s exactly what we got.

The airboat ride was phenomenal. Skimming across the marshes and waterways, we saw baby alligators and fully grown alligators, all completely in the wild—nothing caged or tied up, just living freely in their natural habitat. The boys were absolutely fascinated. L, in particular, couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards, saying it was his favourite experience of the whole trip. There was something incredibly special about seeing these amazing creatures in their natural environment, so close but completely safe.

The ride itself was a thrill too—fast, exhilarating, and full of surprises around every bend. The guides were brilliant, sharing fascinating facts about the ecosystem and wildlife, and the kids loved spotting birds, turtles, and other swamp creatures along the way.

For families who love nature and a little adventure, Boggy Creek is an absolute must. It’s educational, exciting, and gives kids (and adults!) a unique, authentic connection with Florida’s wild side. Seeing L’s sheer delight and the boys’ excitement made this one of those unforgettable, magical days.

NASA – Kennedy Space Center

If you’re looking for something completely different, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is incredible. About an hour’s drive from Orlando, it’s packed with interactive exhibits, rockets, astronaut experiences, and space history, and it really gives you a sense of how massive and awe-inspiring space travel is.

One tip we learned the hard way: do the bus tour as soon as you arrive. We waited until the afternoon, and it was a 90-minute wait! Still, it was well worth it—the tour takes you behind the scenes to see launch pads, historic sites, and more.

The sheer size of the rockets, shuttles, and spacecraft is unimaginable. You really can’t comprehend how big they are until you see them with your own eyes. We loved the shuttle Atlantis exhibit—the boys were completely fascinated, and even we adults were blown away by the engineering, the history, and the sheer scale of everything.

The hands-on exhibits were brilliant for the kids, too. They could try simulations, explore mock spacecraft, and learn about life as an astronaut, which made it both educational and fun. It’s also a great reminder that there’s a whole world beyond the parks, full of learning, exploration, and wonder.

For anyone visiting Orlando, even if the kids are Disney-mad, the Kennedy Space Center is worth a full day. It’s inspiring, awe-inspiring, and gives families a totally different perspective on Florida—one that mixes science, history, and adventure perfectly.

Final Thoughts – Florida Beyond the Parks

Florida is so much more than just the theme parks, and exploring outside the Disney bubble made our holiday feel truly unforgettable. From cheering for knights at Medieval Times, to splashing in Typhoon Lagoon, wandering through Old Town, and riding Disney horses at Tri-Circle Ranch, every day brought something different and magical.

What made it extra special for us was the balance. Some days were thrilling and full-on, like Boggy Creek’s airboat adventure or the Kennedy Space Center, while others, like our lazy resort day or wandering Disney Springs, were calm and relaxed. For families, that mix of excitement and downtime is so important—it keeps everyone happy and makes each day memorable.

Little touches—like the rubber ducks at Typhoon Lagoon, the bus driver giving tokens and collectible Disney cards, or stopping for a photo with every horse at Tri-Circle Ranch—made the trip magical in ways that cost nothing but create memories forever.

A few tips from our trip:

• Plan water park days as rest days, but don’t worry—they often strike the perfect balance of fun and downtime. Bonus tip: go early on the day you fly home and use the changing facilities to get airport-ready!
• Do the Kennedy Space Center bus tour first thing, or be prepared for long waits later in the day.
• Let the kids choose a little souvenir or special treat, whether it’s a sword at Medieval Times, a Target gadget, or a Disney collectible—they’ll treasure it.
• Mix high-energy adventures with calm, free-play days to keep everyone refreshed and happy.

We barely scratched the surface of what Orlando and Florida have to offer outside the theme parks, but this is what we chose for our family—the experiences that fit our boys’ personalities and our idea of fun. And honestly, it gave us a holiday full of laughter, discovery, and special memories we’ll treasure forever.

Our trip reminded me that the real magic of Florida isn’t just in the rides—it’s in the experiences you share, the laughter, the surprises, and the memories you make outside the parks. Whether it’s meeting wild alligators, riding real Disney horses, dancing in the streets of Old Town, or just floating along a lazy river, Florida has something for every family.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t just stick to the parks—explore, discover, and embrace all the unexpected adventures waiting for you. These are the memories that last a lifetime.