It’s easy to visit Orlando and not see anything beyond the theme parks. Let’s face it, we drag ourselves thousands of miles across continents to visit the Mouse. If you look beyond the obvious Disney / Universal / Seaworld attractions there are a number of interesting cultural, shopping and dining experiences beyond the parks. Here’s a couple of ideas.

Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art has provided an outlet for arts education and appreciation since its founding in 1924. The museum presents up to 12 exhibits at the museum each year and 13 exhibitions at locations throughout the greater Orlando region. The museum also offers lecture series, special events, workshops for children and special programs for teachers. The museum is closed on Mondays and major national holidays.

Orlando Science Center
Explore the wonders of science and its impact on daily at the Orlando Science Center. Interactive exhibits appeal to all ages and feature everything from high-tech inventions to Florida’s six native habitats to the human body. The museum’s CineDome and Planetarium show entertaining screen productions on everything from solar systems to lions roaming the Kalahari Desert.

AMC Pleasure Island Theatre
With 24 giant screens, you’re sure to catch the latest Hollywood release at AMC Pleasure Island Theatre located in Downtown Disney. The theaters feature stadium seating and high-tech surround sound for maximum movie-going pleasure. AMC Pleasure Island is open daily.

Mall at MiIlenia
Shop for the finest luxury brands at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. The mall is anchored by Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus and also features such designer retailers at Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo. World-class shopping isn’t the only thing offered at Mall at Millenia. Concierge services, a U.S. post office for shopping spree shipping, foreign money exchange and a variety of top line restaurants complete the experience.

The Florida MallThe Florida Mall
Outfit yourself, your family and your home at The Florida Mall in Orlando. With six department stores and over 250 specialty retail stores, you can shop till you drop and then some! Need a retail break? The Florida Mall offers dozens of dining choices ranging from fast food to sit-down service.

Prime Outlets
The Prime Outlets on International Drive in Orlando is the place to shop for designer fashions at reduced prices. The outlet shopping center features over 110 nationally recognized brands, including the only Neiman Marcus LAST CALL store in Central Florida. Other favorites include Coach Factory, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Gap Outlet and Nike Factory Store.

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Experience the life of an American astronaut at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center, in Cape Canaveral (about 50 miles from Orlando). View amazing collections of personal artifacts and exhibits from famous astronauts, take control in the Astronaut Adventure Room where for a true space-like journey, and view actual astronaut training simulators.

Lake Eola
Stroll the beautiful 43 acres of Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando for a relaxing afternoon. The paved sidewalk rings the lake allowing for convenient walking and jogging. Paddle boats and electric gondola boats are available for rent. Plays and concerts are also held at Lake Eola Park, which offers beautiful views of the Orlando skyline.