The Other Orlando: Five Things to Do in Orlando Other Than Disney World

Sure, Orlando is world famous as the home of Walt Disney World, the world's most visitied resort. But beyond the gates of the Magic Kingdom, Orlando is a vibrant, beautiful city just waiting to be discovered by those who visit. There's a reason the city's motto is "The City Beautiful" and here are five things to do in Orlando that aren't Disney World.

Visit the Orlando Museum or Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is located just a few miles north of of downtown Orlando and is home to one of the region best art collections. The museum features works by notable artist in a variety of mediums in addition to special exhibitions presented throughout the year.

Stroll Around Downtown's Lake Eola and Ride a Swan Boat

Lake Eola Park is a beautiful spot in downtown Orlando that surrounds Lake Eola. The lake itself has a beautiful fountain that lights up at night. There are also swan-shaped paddle boats that you can rent for a romantic experience on the lake. Shore side, there a walkway around the lake that's popular for long walks at dusk. There's also the Walt Disney Amphitheater that often hosts concerts and special events. and on Sundays, the park is also home to the downtown farmer's market.

Catch an Independent Movie at Enzian Theater

The Enzian Theater is Orlando's only independent film house. With couches, table , and plush chairs, it's 180 degrees from most other theaters. You can enjoy a drink from the full bar outside before entering the theater. There's the usual theater fare such as soda and popcorn, but there's also cheese and fruit, nachos, and even full entrees.

Spend a Day in Orlando's Thornton Park Neighborhood

Located near Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando is the Thornton Park neighborhood. As recently as a few years ago, this area was rundown and forgotten. However, Thornton Park is going through a renaissance complete with new trendy cafes, art galleries, and shops. There are some great places to grab lunch or dinner such as Dexter's Wine Bar or Hue. Most of the restaurants and cafés have outdoor seating so you can enjoy a sunny Orlando day as you drink wine and watch the world go by.

Discover Orlando's Haunted Past

Spend an evening discovering Orlando's haunted past with Orlando Ghost Tours. Each night, Orlando Ghost Tours offers a walking tour of downtown's haunted places. At one stop, a former mortuary, a horse drawn carriage used to bring the dead can sometimes still be heard. At another stop you'll hear about a former brothel turned bar where the piano sometimes played by itself thanks to one haunted inhabitant. The tour ends in the old courthouse where the ghosts of lives shattered and torn apart still haunt the building.