Orlando Vacation Homes, Orlando Vacation Travel Guide and tips for your Orlando vacation

Most people associate Orlando with Disney World, but there is more to do there than just visit Disney. Here are the top 5 Orlando attractions that have nothing to do with Disney World, or its other operations in the area.

Islands of Adventure

This is part of the Universal Studios resort, and is situated across from the studios close to International Drive. Steven Spielberg was the creative consultant involved in its design, and it is as spectacular as it should be with the great man involved. Get there early, because it can get busy, and although the official opening time is 9 am, they often open the doors sooner.

Although queues can be long, Islands of Adventure operate an optional Universal Express fast pass system, where you can use your ticket to book for your ride in advance over a specific time period. You get to join a shorter queue and get on your rides quicker. All in all, Islands of Adventure is regarded as a fantastic Orlando attraction, and frequently tops the internet theme park lists.

Discovery Cove

If you have ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, then this is your chance. Discovery Cove offer a dolphin swim option ticket and a non-swim option, and the entrance is located on Central Florida Parkway. It offers a fantastic tropical experience, where you can go reef diving and snorkel in the company of exotic fish and rays. You will share a lagoon with dolphins, and float down Wind-away River, saying goodbye to all your stresses while you enjoy the sounds of the tropical birds, many of which will feed from our hands.

Most who have visited Discovery Cove regarded it as the most relaxing and peaceful experience they have ever enjoyed, and feel ready for whatever the outside world has ready and waiting for them. The number of visitors is limited to 1,000 so you never feel crowded, and that in itself is one of the wonders of Orlando's Discovery Cove.

SeaWorld

Killer whales, sharks, barracudas, turtles, penguins and dolphins: just a small selection of the marine wonders you will find at SeaWorld. To get here, simply take International Drive from the city and you find SeaWorld on your right. It offers a fabulous sight of many of the sea creatures you have only seen in movies and on TV, but there is more than just that.

The rides are fabulous, and don't miss the Kraken, Journey to Atlantis or the Wild Arctic. The food is equally good, and Sea World is one of the favorite venues for most people once they have visited Disney. In fact, many come to Florida just for this attraction and the two above, and forget Disney.

Universal Studios

Visit Universal Studios close to International Drive (you can't miss it) and see the movies brought to life. Famous characters wander around the grounds (make sure Beetlejuice doesn't catch you littering!). It is still a working studio, making TV programs, and is a must for any movie fan.

You will get the chance to see Shrek and Terminator films that have never been released anywhere else, and can visit the sets of many famous movies such as Jaws and see the special effects used in 'Earthquake' in action. The rides are unbelievable, but it's just great to be able to walk around and see how some of these great classic films were made. Disney World is for kids, but this is for you and me. And the children of course!

Gatorland

If you are looking for a change from the busy commercialism of the top four attractions here, then head off on the South Orange Blossom Trail towards Kissimmee and visit Gatorland, which is one of the original attractions of Orlando. It does what it says on the tin, and introduces you to the life of alligators and crocodiles, not just American species but also ferocious jungle crocs.

It's also good for the kids, and Alligator Alley allows them to touch emus, goats, llama, deer and tortoises among other friendly animals - though don't let them touch the gators or crocs! In fact, they can't, and your children are perfectly safe at Gatorland. You won't be going home without them! It educates them about the wildlife of Florida, and also on some of the more fascinating creatures from around the world.

So there you have it. The top 5 Orlando attractions that people have voted for other than Disney! In fact, some of these appear before Disney World and EPCOT as favorite attractions in Orlando.

Accommodation in Orlando

When visiting Orlando, it is important that you are staying in the right accommodation. Most people opt for hotels, because that is what they are used to, but there is an alternative. Orlando vacation villas can offer a degree of privacy and luxury that most hotels cannot, and enable large parties to stay together in accommodation that can offer up to eight bedrooms at less cost per head than any hotel.

Alternatives are cabins and trailers, and although these are also very popular, many are starting to find hotels somewhat restrictive and expensive for large families and groups of buddies on golfing or other trips. There is a good choice of holiday villas in Orlando, as well as cabins and other forms of accommodation. You should choose that which best suits your need so that you can enjoy a vacation that offers you excitement by day, but peace and relaxation by day.

When visiting the top 5 Orlando attractions other than Disney, make sure you have comfortable and spacious accommodation. Otherwise, your vacation might not be as memorable as it should have been

Mark and Susan Whichard are Orlando tourism experts and write frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. He and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Orlando's Finest Vacation Homes and you can get great deals on Orlando Vacation Homes at this website http://www.orlandosfinest.com