Reccomendations for experiences during our trip

Question

hello, i am coming to Orlando 6-21 September (myself, husband and brother in our 30s, my parents both 60, and my 9 year old son). staying for 10 nights. we are from the UK, and ive only visited once before when i was 10 so i dont really remember much and im sure its changed a lot since then.

we are doing all 3 universal parks plus the water park, all disney parks except the water parks, seaworld, discovery cove (including dolphin swim, and my father and son are doing the trainer for a day type experience) and kennedy.

we also want to do a shopping day - any suggestions of where to go appreciated as we ahve no idea, except that we do want to go to Wallmart and target at some point.

this is most likely to be the only time we are able to afford to do this trip so i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for good experiences/things not to miss out on.

also any restaurant suggestions for international drive would be appreciated - ive alrady had reccomendations on another psot for park/resort restaurants.

Answer

Orlando is packed with experiences beyond the theme parks, so with a 10-night stay, you have a great opportunity to mix parks, shopping, and local attractions. Since you’re covering almost all the major parks, planning strategically is key to avoid burnout and make the most of your trip.

Here are some additional experiences and tips to consider:

ICON Park / The Wheel: A fun way to see Orlando from above, great for all ages and a relaxing alternative to theme parks for a half-day.
International Drive Attractions: Mini golf, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and fun interactive experiences are great for a family-friendly afternoon.
Lake Eola Park: If you want a calm, scenic spot downtown Orlando to stretch legs and enjoy local surroundings.
Orlando Science Center: Interactive exhibits for your 9-year-old, and plenty of interesting displays for adults too.
Leu Gardens: Beautiful botanical gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

For shopping, Orlando has options ranging from outlet malls to big-box stores:

Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland & International Drive: High-end designer and brand outlets with potential for significant savings.
The Mall at Millenia: Upscale shopping experience with department stores and boutique shops.
Walmart & Target: Plenty of locations across the city; convenient for snacks, drinks, and essentials.

For dining on International Drive, here are some options that cater to a range of tastes and group sizes:

Vito’s Chop House: Classic steakhouse with good service, great for a group dinner.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex: Casual, fun, and family-friendly Mexican fare.
The Capital Grille: Upscale American cuisine if you want a more refined evening.
Mango’s Tropical Café: Lively atmosphere with Latin-inspired dishes and entertainment—good for adults and kids alike.
Pointe Orlando Restaurants: Various dining choices including Italian, seafood, and pub fare.

Additional tips:

Use a mix of Uber/Lyft and rental car depending on your park schedule—Universal and Disney offer good transportation if staying on-site, but a car is handy for Discovery Cove, Kennedy Space Center, and Walmart/Target runs.
Book any must-do experiences like dolphin swims, Disney Genie+ or Universal Express passes in advance to avoid long lines.
Consider alternating busy park days with lighter days (shopping, ICON Park, or gardens) to prevent everyone from being too exhausted.
Keep in mind Florida weather in September is hot and humid with possible afternoon thunderstorms—pack ponchos, sunblock, and reusable water bottles.

By balancing parks, local attractions, and downtime, you’ll maximize your experience without overwhelming the group, ensuring memorable activities for everyone from the kids to your parents.

Reccomendations for experiences during our trip

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