Take a Staycation in Orlando

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Updated: September 16, 2009

Orlando staycations are in and traveling abroad for vacation is out. Locals are finding ways to have fun, regardless of the recession, in the great outdoors, at area attractions, by the ocean (Daytona Beach, left) and in the air. Find out which destinations to visit in our Citysearch guide before planning your summer staycation this year.

Local Retreats

  1. 1 Walt Disney World Resort
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    1375 N Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (map)

    Spend your vacation with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or the Animal Kingdom. Florida residents receive a discount seasonally during non-peak times of the year. And don’t forget you receive free admission on your birthday, which is another reason to celebrate.

  2. 2 Moss Park
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    12901 Moss Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32832 (map)

    Become one with nature while camping in the wilderness, hiking along trails, cooking and roasting marshmallows over an open fire, fishing, canoeing or kayaking on Lakes Hart or Mary Jane this summer.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Daytona Lagoon-Ocean Walk Vlg
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    601 Earl St, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (map)

    Plan a day trip to the beach. Slather your body with suntan lotion before lying on a beach blanket or swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a picnic lunch or grab a bite to eat from one of the area restaurants with the beach as its backdrop.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Gatorland
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    14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837 (map)

    Take a walk on the wild side and experience one of Central Florida’s oldest attractions and the alligator capital of the world, where guests can expect to have a swamp stompin’ time. The 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve is the home of thousands of gators and crocodiles. The facility features shows, an aviary, breeding marsh, bird sanctuary, petting zoo, nature walk, a splash park and a train ride around the park.

  5. 5 Fly At Wallaby Ranch
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    1698 Lakeside Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 (map)

    Go high into the sky while hang-gliding with an aerotow over Orlando. Tandem and solo flights are available. The facility has other amenities including a swimming pool, a swing set, trampoline and rock wall for families that are waiting for their hang gliders to come down for a landing.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Orlando Watersports Complex
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    8615 Florida Rock Rd, Orlando, FL 32824 (map)

    Make a splash while water skiing in Orlando this summer. The water sports facility offers kneeboarding, slalom skiing, surfing with a rope, trick skiing, wakeboarding and wakeskating on a cable or behind a boat.

  7. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Rivership Romance
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    433 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 (map)

    Embark on a voyage on a 98-foot, triple-decked ship along the St. Johns River in Sanford, Fla. Experience old Florida and view nature up close along the river. Lunch and dinner cruises are three to four hours and include appetizers, fruit or a buffet for your dining pleasure.