The increasing availability of cheap flights to Orlando has made the surrounding area a popular tourist destination for those drawn by the call of such famous household name attractions as Universal, SeaWorld and, of course, Walt Disney World. The vistor from overseas may not appreciate that the area offers many other, less well-known attractions. I will write about 5 of them now.

Opened in’49, Gatorland is a freshwater alternative to the more well-known SeaWorld. Thousands of alligators and crocodiles live in this theme park and reserve which includes a breeding marsh. For those who want to get to know these toothy species at close range, Gatorland is the ideal destination, offering wrestling shows and educational facilities.

If you are looking for a theme park that is like no other, then the Holy Land Experience may be for you. In this theme park and museum you can walk along re-creations of ancient streets and feel immersed into biblical times. Lifelike re-enactments will portray key events from within the Bible. This theme park may not be for everyone – some may feel that it is a money-grabbing attempt to exploit religious belief but others will find that the Holy Land experience is moving, enjoyable and educational.

The historic marble tower and botanical gardens at Bok Tower Gardens (near Lake Wales) are an ideal destination for those who love nature. Founded as a bird reserve by Edward Bok in’21, the gardens provide a habitat for over one hundred species of birds as well as a variey of other wildlife. The carillon bells in the Singing Tower are rung daily and fill the gardens with music.

Comedy fans should not miss the chance to visit the SAK Comedy Lab in central Orlando, famous for improvisational comedy and theatre. There are seasonal show throughout the year but the long running “Duel of Fools” is its famous long running attraction. This show features two teams improvising against each other. Past shows have included game shows and “Fourplay: The Improvised Musical” – a humorous Broadway send up.

The medieval re-enactment is a truly American tourist tradition. At the Medieval Times dinner theatres (situated around the US), diners eat a “royal” banquet whilst being enertained by sword fights and jousting. You will be seated in the corner of a mock-up medieval castle and invited to root for a knight whilst you eat and they do battle.

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