Trevor’s Utopia Guidebook
Amusement Parks (too many to list here :-)
Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World. I've listed SOME of my favorites below and a few off the" beaten path." Most require no description from me. (Note - I have not personally visited The Holy Land or Dinosaur World, but thought I would include here as they are quite unique experiences when compared with the others).
If you have the time, Discovery Cove was way better than I ever expected it would be. They offer a more personal experience. Reservations highly recommended and worth the higher cost in my opinion.
Heaven for Harry Potter fans!
Distance from my location is 21.3 miles.
1423 locals recommend
Universal Studios Florida
6000 Universal BlvdHeaven for Harry Potter fans!
Distance from my location is 21.3 miles.
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
Distance from my location is 17.5 miles.
2110 locals recommend
SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World DrMarine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
Distance from my location is 17.5 miles.
It's a water park. It is the sister park of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. Visitors to the park can interact with a range of marine animals including bottlenose dolphins. Very personalized experience versus masses of people.
Distance from my location is 17.7 miles.
205 locals recommend
Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove WayIt's a water park. It is the sister park of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. Visitors to the park can interact with a range of marine animals including bottlenose dolphins. Very personalized experience versus masses of people.
Distance from my location is 17.7 miles.
One of my favorites.... Superheroes. Magical creatures. A school of witchcraft and wizardry. Even dinosaurs. Take a ride, multiple rides. Some will drench you. Some will just mess up your hair. Some will make your head spin. All of them will say: Every island is a new reality.
Distance from my location is 21.4 miles.
750 locals recommend
Universal's Islands of Adventure
6000 Universal BlvdOne of my favorites.... Superheroes. Magical creatures. A school of witchcraft and wizardry. Even dinosaurs. Take a ride, multiple rides. Some will drench you. Some will just mess up your hair. Some will make your head spin. All of them will say: Every island is a new reality.
Distance from my location is 21.4 miles.
Where dreams come true!
Distance from my location is 13.3 miles to the Magic Kingdom entrance.
1355 locals recommend
Magic Kingdom Park
1180 Seven Seas DriveWhere dreams come true!
Distance from my location is 13.3 miles to the Magic Kingdom entrance.
"A place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies to the 14-foot monsters that call our Breeding Marsh home. We even have the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators. But, Gatorland is more than just a gator park! Our free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure ensure your day will be chock-full of fun, smiles and special memories!"
Shortest distance from my location is 21.5 miles using toll roads.
417 locals recommend
Gatorland
14501 S Orange Blossom Trl"A place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies to the 14-foot monsters that call our Breeding Marsh home. We even have the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators. But, Gatorland is more than just a gator park! Our free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure ensure your day will be chock-full of fun, smiles and special memories!"
Shortest distance from my location is 21.5 miles using toll roads.
For animal lovers!
Distance from my location is 8.9 miles.
1272 locals recommend
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
2901 Osceola PkwyFor animal lovers!
Distance from my location is 8.9 miles.
A cheaper mini theme park alternative (to Disney, etc., )with food, shops and rides right next to Fun Spot America.
Distance from my location is 11.4 miles.
621 locals recommend
Old Town
5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial HwyA cheaper mini theme park alternative (to Disney, etc., )with food, shops and rides right next to Fun Spot America.
Distance from my location is 11.4 miles.
Located close by within Polk County. Opposite direction from Orlando. Great for kids.
Distance from my location is 31.3 miles.
514 locals recommend
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
1 Legoland WayLocated close by within Polk County. Opposite direction from Orlando. Great for kids.
Distance from my location is 31.3 miles.
You'll pass this place on the way to Disney. It has a water park called - Island H2O - accessible to the public (that would be people not staying onsite at the resort).
Distance from my location is 5.7 miles.
63 locals recommend
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up CirYou'll pass this place on the way to Disney. It has a water park called - Island H2O - accessible to the public (that would be people not staying onsite at the resort).
Distance from my location is 5.7 miles.
The Holy Land Experience is registered as a Christian-based theme park in Orlando, Florida and registered non-profit corporation. HLE conducts weekly church services and bible studies for the general public. HLE’s theme park recreates the architecture and themes of the ancient city of Jerusalem in 1st-century Judea.
Distance from my location is 24.2 miles.
83 locals recommend
The Holy Land Experience
4655 Vineland RdThe Holy Land Experience is registered as a Christian-based theme park in Orlando, Florida and registered non-profit corporation. HLE conducts weekly church services and bible studies for the general public. HLE’s theme park recreates the architecture and themes of the ancient city of Jerusalem in 1st-century Judea.
Distance from my location is 24.2 miles.
I have not been here, but including because it is different and off the popular path. It is one of three around the country. It is located off of I-4 towards Tampa 46 miles from my location.
99 locals recommend
Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew RdI have not been here, but including because it is different and off the popular path. It is one of three around the country. It is located off of I-4 towards Tampa 46 miles from my location.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida. It is 63 miles from my location traveling towards Tampa on I4.
2168 locals recommend
Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrBusch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida. It is 63 miles from my location traveling towards Tampa on I4.
Recreation
Fishing is available from the shoreline.
The natural theme park of Lake Louisa State Park showcases a diversity of wildlife, including deer, bobcat, gopher tortoises, fox squirrel and flighted creatures like bald eagles and osprey. The park is home to 11 distinct natural plant communities and lies within the eastern boundary of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern and the northern boundary of the Lake Wales Ridge.
The park’s three major lakes, Louisa, Hammond and Dixie, transforms idle observers into active participants with canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Bicycling is popular on the park’s seven miles of paved roads over rolling hills and on the 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails.
Distance from my location is 10.2 miles.
149 locals recommend
Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US-27Fishing is available from the shoreline.
The natural theme park of Lake Louisa State Park showcases a diversity of wildlife, including deer, bobcat, gopher tortoises, fox squirrel and flighted creatures like bald eagles and osprey. The park is home to 11 distinct natural plant communities and lies within the eastern boundary of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern and the northern boundary of the Lake Wales Ridge.
The park’s three major lakes, Louisa, Hammond and Dixie, transforms idle observers into active participants with canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Bicycling is popular on the park’s seven miles of paved roads over rolling hills and on the 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails.
Distance from my location is 10.2 miles.
If interested in a trail for safe walking or bike riding, I highly recommend this one about a 15 minute drive from my location. This shop will rent bikes onsite and deliver them too. There are two differing terrains to chose from based on level of difficulty. Go on South Lake-Lake Minneola Scenic Trail for a more hilly, but very scenic experience. Go on the West Orange in the other direction for more flat terrain passing through local towns with restaurants & shops.
Distance from my location is 19.9 miles.
22 locals recommend
West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades
17914 FL-438If interested in a trail for safe walking or bike riding, I highly recommend this one about a 15 minute drive from my location. This shop will rent bikes onsite and deliver them too. There are two differing terrains to chose from based on level of difficulty. Go on South Lake-Lake Minneola Scenic Trail for a more hilly, but very scenic experience. Go on the West Orange in the other direction for more flat terrain passing through local towns with restaurants & shops.
Distance from my location is 19.9 miles.
Serene Kayaking Trail into a beautiful Cypress Forest.
The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek is conveniently located inside The Shingle Creek Regional Park. Rentals and tours. Includes kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Distance from my location is 16.7 miles.
25 locals recommend
The Paddling center
4266 W Vine StSerene Kayaking Trail into a beautiful Cypress Forest.
The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek is conveniently located inside The Shingle Creek Regional Park. Rentals and tours. Includes kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Distance from my location is 16.7 miles.
I am located in Central Florida. A fairly popular beach on Florida's East Coast not far from the Kennedy Space Center (where the Space Shuttles launched from). It would be a day trip from my location at a distance of 92 miles.
673 locals recommend
Cocoa Beach
I am located in Central Florida. A fairly popular beach on Florida's East Coast not far from the Kennedy Space Center (where the Space Shuttles launched from). It would be a day trip from my location at a distance of 92 miles.
I am located in Central Florida. Clearwater Beach on Florida's west coast is one of the best beaches in the country. Very popular. It would be a day trip 88 miles from my location.
If interested in equally beautiful, but much less crowded, consider nearby to Clearwater Beach: Treasure Island (92 miles) or Madeira Beach (90 miles) both close to each other on Florida's west coast.
1870 locals recommend
Clearwater Beach
Gulf of Mexico DriveI am located in Central Florida. Clearwater Beach on Florida's west coast is one of the best beaches in the country. Very popular. It would be a day trip 88 miles from my location.
If interested in equally beautiful, but much less crowded, consider nearby to Clearwater Beach: Treasure Island (92 miles) or Madeira Beach (90 miles) both close to each other on Florida's west coast.
Highest rated outside of Disney. I have not been here yet, but close to me. Good value dominates reviews. Distance from my location is 6.3 miles.
19 locals recommend
The Mighty Jungle Golf Adventure
7792 W Irlo Bronson Memorial HwyHighest rated outside of Disney. I have not been here yet, but close to me. Good value dominates reviews. Distance from my location is 6.3 miles.
Food scene (multiple restaurants & entertainment in 1 place) & Dinner shows.
There are numerous individual restaurants in my vicinity covering all American and ethnic food cuisines if one chooses to remain close to home. That said, I would also like to highlight two locations with multiple choices of restaurants in one place that also have other recreational choices too.
See Medieval Times and Arabian Nights for dinner show experiences.
Disney Springs is an assortment of dining, bars, lounges, and shopping. It's basically a dining, shopping, and entertainment venue.
Distance from my location is 13.2 miles.
2430 locals recommend
Disney Springs
1486 Buena Vista DrDisney Springs is an assortment of dining, bars, lounges, and shopping. It's basically a dining, shopping, and entertainment venue.
Distance from my location is 13.2 miles.
An assortment of restaurants, some internationally themed, all along International Drive. Also, shopping mall with an excellent IMAX theater. Ferris wheel - The Wheel at ICON Park.
Distance from my location is 21.1 miles to the heart of International Drive where IMAX Regal Pointe is located in the shopping mall.
314 locals recommend
International Drive
International DriveAn assortment of restaurants, some internationally themed, all along International Drive. Also, shopping mall with an excellent IMAX theater. Ferris wheel - The Wheel at ICON Park.
Distance from my location is 21.1 miles to the heart of International Drive where IMAX Regal Pointe is located in the shopping mall.
Recommended because it is different. Combines dinner with a competitive jousting tournament/entertainment. Went there for my birthday celebration and had a pretty fun time.
It is 16 miles from my location.
346 locals recommend
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
4510 W Vine StRecommended because it is different. Combines dinner with a competitive jousting tournament/entertainment. Went there for my birthday celebration and had a pretty fun time.
It is 16 miles from my location.
Located close to Universal Theme Parks. Same parking facility. Movie theaters, restaurants, shops, and concert venues. It's on par with Disney Springs, but Universal's version.
Distance from my location is 21.4 miles.
991 locals recommend
Universal CityWalk
6000 Universal BlvdLocated close to Universal Theme Parks. Same parking facility. Movie theaters, restaurants, shops, and concert venues. It's on par with Disney Springs, but Universal's version.
Distance from my location is 21.4 miles.
Shopping outlets
The closest (smallest of 3 recommended) shopping outlets to my location.
Shortest distance from my location is 14.3 miles.
254 locals recommend
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
15657 S Apopka Vineland RdThe closest (smallest of 3 recommended) shopping outlets to my location.
Shortest distance from my location is 14.3 miles.
A shopping outlet near my location that I would characterize as mid-sized when compared to the two others.
Shortest distance from my location is 15.3 miles.
1502 locals recommend
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
8200 Vineland AveA shopping outlet near my location that I would characterize as mid-sized when compared to the two others.
Shortest distance from my location is 15.3 miles.
The largest of 3 outlets I would recommend. Higher end in cost though. Located at the end of the touristy area of International Drive, which I would also highly recommend for sightseeing, amusement and dining.
Distance from my location is 22.7 miles.
1162 locals recommend
Orlando International Premium Outlets
4951 International DrThe largest of 3 outlets I would recommend. Higher end in cost though. Located at the end of the touristy area of International Drive, which I would also highly recommend for sightseeing, amusement and dining.
Distance from my location is 22.7 miles.
One of the closest shopping malls to my location. Also has an IMAX movie theater. Good for last second shopping items needed before returning home. There are also several shopping opportunities you will pass on the way to Disney or towards Orlando.
Distance from my location is 9.3 miles.
136 locals recommend
Posner Park
1300 Posner BlvdOne of the closest shopping malls to my location. Also has an IMAX movie theater. Good for last second shopping items needed before returning home. There are also several shopping opportunities you will pass on the way to Disney or towards Orlando.
Distance from my location is 9.3 miles.
Indoor shopping mall. It is a little cheaper alternative to the more expensive Mall at Millenia, also close by.
Distance from my location is 23.8 miles.
656 locals recommend
The Florida Mall
8001 S Orange Blossom TrlIndoor shopping mall. It is a little cheaper alternative to the more expensive Mall at Millenia, also close by.
Distance from my location is 23.8 miles.
A higher end indoor shopping mall.
Distance from my location is 23.8 miles.
1167 locals recommend
The Mall at Millenia
4200 Conroy RdA higher end indoor shopping mall.
Distance from my location is 23.8 miles.
Sightseeing
Travel high in the sky over all of the theme parks in the Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or package deal including SeaWorld. Also a Celebrity tour.
Distance from my location is 13.3 miles.
27 locals recommend
International Heli-Tours
12651 International DrTravel high in the sky over all of the theme parks in the Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or package deal including SeaWorld. Also a Celebrity tour.
Distance from my location is 13.3 miles.
The Boggy Creek Airboat location is 32 miles from my location. Might be easier to navigate to then then one listed below.
Another alternative is Marsh Landing Adventures: Orlando Airboat Tours. Distance from my location is 31 miles using toll roads.
59 locals recommend
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
2001 E Southport RdThe Boggy Creek Airboat location is 32 miles from my location. Might be easier to navigate to then then one listed below.
Another alternative is Marsh Landing Adventures: Orlando Airboat Tours. Distance from my location is 31 miles using toll roads.
The Wheel at ICON Park
8375 International DrMoves very slowly.
Botanical gardens.
Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail.
Opposite direction to the Orlando attractions located in Polk County. Distance from my location is 35.3 miles.
224 locals recommend
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower BlvdBotanical gardens.
Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail.
Opposite direction to the Orlando attractions located in Polk County. Distance from my location is 35.3 miles.
"Orlando Balloon Rides is the largest passenger ride operator in the USA flying thousands of people a year Recently added is America’s Largest Hot Air Balloon. This new balloon towers more than 11 stories high (112 feet tall) and carries 24 passengers. Orlando Balloons Rides is proud of their 100%, unblemished safety record. All the balloons have the latest safety features including partitioned baskets, which the Federal Aviation Administration has deemed the safest way to fly. The ballooning adventure is a three to four-hour experience. After traveling to the chosen launch site, the balloon team will start the inflation process. Once the balloon is ready to fly, all the magic begins! This one hour flight will be filled with varying breathtaking sights over Orlando and the theme park area. During the flight, your pilot will point out spectacular sights of the area from the theme parks and beautiful resorts to the orange groves, forest, and swamps that have been untouched for thousands of years. On landing, a traditional champagne toast is held to celebrate our wonderful adventure. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available."
Closest spot from my location is 7 miles. There are multiple locations.
22 locals recommend
Orlando Balloon Rides
5010 US Highway 27"Orlando Balloon Rides is the largest passenger ride operator in the USA flying thousands of people a year Recently added is America’s Largest Hot Air Balloon. This new balloon towers more than 11 stories high (112 feet tall) and carries 24 passengers. Orlando Balloons Rides is proud of their 100%, unblemished safety record. All the balloons have the latest safety features including partitioned baskets, which the Federal Aviation Administration has deemed the safest way to fly. The ballooning adventure is a three to four-hour experience. After traveling to the chosen launch site, the balloon team will start the inflation process. Once the balloon is ready to fly, all the magic begins! This one hour flight will be filled with varying breathtaking sights over Orlando and the theme park area. During the flight, your pilot will point out spectacular sights of the area from the theme parks and beautiful resorts to the orange groves, forest, and swamps that have been untouched for thousands of years. On landing, a traditional champagne toast is held to celebrate our wonderful adventure. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available."
Closest spot from my location is 7 miles. There are multiple locations.
Grocery food shopping / Pharmacy / Convenience Store
This is the closest Publix Supermarket to my location at 2.2 miles.
61 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Summer Bay
17445 US-192This is the closest Publix Supermarket to my location at 2.2 miles.
This is the closest Supercenter Walmart to my location at 2.3 miles.
422 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
2855 N Old Lake Wilson RdThis is the closest Supercenter Walmart to my location at 2.3 miles.
Aldi
9550 US-192This is the closest Aldi to my location at 2.1 miles.
Closest Hispanic Supermarket to my location at 1.8 miles from my location.
17 locals recommend
La Isla Supermarket
9722 US-192Closest Hispanic Supermarket to my location at 1.8 miles from my location.
Target
3200 Rolling Oaks BlvdThis is the closest Target to my location at 5.4 miles.
Dollar General
49571 US-27This is the closest Dollar General to my location at 3.1 miles.
The closest CVS Pharmacy to my location next door to Dollar General 3.2 miles away.
27 locals recommend
CVS Pharmacy
3200 Rolling Oaks BlvdThe closest CVS Pharmacy to my location next door to Dollar General 3.2 miles away.
Walgreens
7767 W Irlo Bronson Memorial HwyClosest Walgreen's to my location 3.5 miles away.
7-Eleven
30 N Summerlin AveClosest 7-11 to my location 2.9 miles away