There is a whole world beyond Mickey Mouse just around the corner in Orlando. Get away from the crowds for a breath of fresh air. Round up the gators and sail through the air. Search for hidden treasure and see the horses run.

Experience chills and thrills at the Orlando Science Center, an interactive museum for the Inspector Gadget in all of us. Make sure to be around on Friday or Saturday night for a glimpse of far away galaxies through Florida's largest public telescope. Day and week long camps for kids are available.

Escape the World of Disney on International Drive for the best cheap eats in tourist land. Stop off for the kitsch and kaboodle of the International Flea Market where you can spend hours sifting through the stands looking for hidden treasures. Cool off with the endless array of tropical soft drinks and hit the food court for international eats and boutique beers.

Live like the locals and take a picnic to Loch Haven Park. There's plenty of room for a game of Frisbee golf. Early morning or late evening strolls along the lake are filled with birds for a watcher's delight. The park has a continuously changing outdoor sculpture collection displayed in hidden niches all along the winding trails.

Surrounding Loch Haven are some of Orlando's best museums. If the park has put you in an artsy mood just up the road is the Alden Arts District. It is full of one of a kind galleries, antique shops and interesting eateries.

Hungry but don't want all that hullabaloo try a trip downtown to the almost completed renovation of Church Street Station. We were afraid that some of our old Orlando favorites would be expelled but you'll find most of them have made the transition. Tapas, sushi, brick oven pizza, southern BBQ, caught today seafood and the best deserts in the south can be found here.

Kennedy Space Center is just a hop and a skip away. Check on nasa.org for lift off dates and special events. While you're there head to the port for a casino cruise where the slots rival Vegas and the fun never stops.

 Take a day long course at Gatorland in the fine art of gator handling. Fly fast and high at Orlando Water Sports Park where just an hour long lesson will have you crashing the wake with some of the world's top professional wake boarders. Let the kids learn the art of moto sport with the mini moto setup all the gear, bikes and lessons.

Drive north for the day to the oldest tourist attraction in Florida, Silver Springs. This funky old bird has been drawing people since the dawn of time. Explore the springs in a glass bottomed boat. Watch close up as the gators and turtles cruise amidst the awesome cypress trees. We've been hitting Silver Springs since before Disney set his eyes on Florida and it never fails us!  

Whatever you do, wherever you go, Orlando is a city of fun and magic--even if you look past the Mouse!

This tidbit of real travel advice was provided by Betsy Young 

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