Orlando area Options

[impala454]

So I'm headed out there to watch the launch tuesday, and will have about a day and a half of time to do whatever in the orlando and/or cocoa beach area. Anyone know of any must-see things to do or restaurants to try?

[Mommy]

Well, Cocoa Beach is about an hour and a half from Orlando. Cape Canaveral, where I assume the launch is, is about 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach if I recall correctly. In Cocoa Beach, they have the best surf shop on the East Coast... it's called Ron Jon's surf shop. Check it out. You'll like it. Lots of neat stuff. Plus, you'll look like a total beach bum if you put one of their stickers on your truck. haha. I'm not a huge fan of the public beach in Cocoa Beach. We almost were robbed there once. Vero Beach is about 45 minutes up the road from Cocoa Beach and has a lot nicer beach IMO.

The NASA launch area in Cape Canaveral offers tours of the NASA site that are really freaking awesome. One of the bus tours of the NASA facilities even has a section where you get to see bald eagles and gators.

Orlando area: Gatorland was pretty cool and a tad cheaper than going to a Disney park or Universal park. I have the best time going to Downtown Disney. There is no entrance fee as it is just a bunch of restaurants, clubs, shops, and a movie theater. Best restaurants: Fulton's Crab House if you are willing to throw down some serious cash. Captain Jacks Seafood for a cheaper alternative to a seafood meal. The Universal City Walk is also nice. Same concept as Downtown Disney. Fantasia Gardens mini golf is on Disney property as well. It's only $10 to golf, and they have REALLY fun courses. Sea World has a water park in Orlando now, but I have never been to it.

Tampa is fairly close to Cape Canaveral if I remember correctly, but I would avoid it there. Tampa is a dump, and Bush Gardens was nothing that great.

If you have any questions about more specific things to do in Orlando, let me know. I have been there several times and love it. Have fun!