I know, I know, you might be wondering, why would I ever want to leave Disney World? I get it; Disney World is a special place, and even though I’ve visited the parks hundreds of times, it still hasn’t gotten old.

Magic Kingdom

There is nothing quite like the feeling of passing under the Walt Disney World arch and knowing you’re in for a great day. Whether it be visiting happy haunts in Magic Kingdom or discovering how to live with the land in EPCOT, Disney World will always hold a special place in my heart. However, I also want to encourage you to LEAVE Disney World while you are in Central Florida!

*Gasp* Leave Disney World? And I don’t just mean heading over to Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando; I am talking about actually venturing into all the areas around the theme parks. Orlando is SO much more than Disney World. In fact, Disney World isn’t even technically in Orlando, but it is definitely one of the area’s most well-known locations. However, there is so much to do nearby, and plenty of day trips you can take if you are willing to travel a bit farther.

EPCOT

I have lived in Orlando for over five years, and while I spend a lot of time in the theme parks, I also thoroughly enjoy exploring everything Central Florida has to offer. That is why I am sharing the three things that I wish I knew before leaving Disney World, so you might just consider leaving Disney World too!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

One of the very first things I tell people to consider before they leave Disney World is that public transportation in the area isn’t great. At all. If you are planning on leaving Disney World, you will need to be prepared to rent a car or use Uber/Lyft. The good news is that Uber and Lyft are widely used, and rental cars are also ubiquitous. However, it will add to the overall cost of your trip, so keep that in mind! Plus, I know driving in a new city can be a bit daunting, so if you opt for the rental car route, make sure you have someone willing to drive around.

©City of Orlando

The next thing you will want to know about leaving Disney World is that you will have lots of options for things to do. There is something for everyone, whether you want to explore the great outdoors or learn something new. Know what your group is most interested in! When I say there is a lot to do in Orlando, I really mean it. You can explore nature, head to a museum, eat lots of good food, check out concerts and live theater, discover various cities, check out other tourist attractions, and so much more.

©Dr.Phillips Center

When people ask me to recommend things to do in Central Florida, it is always difficult to narrow the list down. However, to give you a taste of what the Orlando area has to offer, here are a few of my favorites!

• Lake Eola: This beautiful lake is located in Downtown Orlando. The park has lots of wildlife including swans and ducks. You can even rent a swan boat and paddle around the lake. The lake has a wonderful walking path, and it is surrounded by various restaurants and stores. If you head here on Sunday morning, you can even browse the Orlando Farmers’ Market.

Lake Eola

• Winter Garden: There are lots of adorable cities in the Central Florida area, and Winter Garden is one of them. You can explore lots of local businesses, check out the Central Florida Railroad Museum, and enjoy a lovely stroll through the city. Some of my other favorite cities are Winter Park, Celebration, and Mount Dora — although Mount Dora is a bit farther away.

Winter Garden

• Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive: I recommend this to a lot of people if they are looking to see a variety of Florida wildlife. I have a few warnings ahead of time though. First, it is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Second, it is a one-way driving trail that is 11 miles long. It takes about 1-3 hours to complete, so keep that in mind. However, it is free, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your car, and you can usually see lots of wildlife — including alligators!

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

• Orlando Science Museum and Orlando Museum of Art: These two museums are located right by each other near Downtown Orlando. Both museums are great, and you can also check out Mannello Museum of American Art and outdoor sculpture garden nearby. It is a really pretty area, and you are also close to lots of great restaurants.

©Orlando Science Museum

These are just a few of my favorites, and if you didn’t see something that peaked your fancy, I encourage you to do a bit of research as I am sure there is something that you would love in Central Florida. The Visit Orlando website can be a great place to start your research!

Winter Park

I also want to encourage giving your group plenty of time to enjoy the trip outside of Disney World. Traffic in Central Florida can be a bit unpredictable, and it can get heavy. Don’t plan your day to the exact minute, as you will likely be late or early to something. Know your top priorities and work your way through them. While you could allot a few hours to leaving Disney World, I really think it is more enjoyable if you leave a whole day to explore the area. And after you have enjoyed exploring the area, get ready for more Disney World fun. Of course, leaving Disney World might not be what is best for your group either and that’s okay too!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While you are thinking about all the things there is to do outside of Disney World, let Small World Vacations take away the stress of planning your Disney World vacation. They have years of experience planning Disney World vacations, their services are FREE, and they can’t wait to help you plan!

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Have you explored the Central Florida area? Let me know what your favorite things to do are in the comments!