Do Something Different On Your Lake Buena Vista Vacation
When you book a second (or third or fourth) Lake Buena Vista vacation, you might start to think about spreading your wings beyond the first and obvious choices of Disney World or Universal or Sea World. If you’re looking for some variety, there is a lot to choose from and some of them only take up about half a day, so you can use the rest of the day to relax by the pool. This article gives you some brief details about just a few of the alternatives.
If you want to see some of Florida’s oldest wildlife residents then a trip to Gatorland will enable you to get up close to the alligators that can be found all over the State. Here you will learn fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures when you visit the Gator Jumparoo and be able to have a close encounter with gators and other animals.
If you want to be really entertained, make sure you visit the wrestling show where the trainers take on the animals. Then you can cool off in the splash pool but of course you need a change of clothes for the rest of the day. You can reach Gatorland in about fifteen minutes from most Lake Buena Vista locations, so give it a go!
On a smaller scale Jungle Adventures at 26205 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, Florida 32709 (yes there really is a town called Christmas complete with a decorated tree!) is a nature park and zoo. Here you can take a Jungle swamp cruise among about 200 alligators, get close up and personal with baby alligators and snakes and of course see alligator wrestling.
The park takes longer to get to than Gatorland but it does have a wider range of animals including raccoons and even a Florida Panther (an endangered species in Florida). Another attraction is the tour of a replica Native American village that includes examples of tools produced by today’s Native Americans.
Instead of the alligators and panthers you may enjoy the more peaceful experience of the Historic Bok Sanctuary. Located in Lake Wales (south of Lake Buena Vista), it comprises 250 acres of gardens including walking trails and paths and many birds and butterflies are attracted to the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is loved by its many visitors for the peace and tranquility available throughout. Take a stroll and experience the calmness of the place, bring a picnic and rest on the grassy areas or the benches or enjoy a meal at the Carillon Cafe. It’s all just very relaxing.
The most prominent landmark is the Bell Tower, constructed of marble and coquina eighty years ago. Carillon music is played every hour. You can also take a guided tour of the Pinewood Estate, formerly the winter home of Charles Austin Buck of Bethlehem Steel in the 1930s and still containing much of the furnishings and decorations from his time.
Finally, why not try Lake Louisa State Park, on Highway 27 and about thirty minutes west of Lake Buena Vista? Unlike the Disney theme parks, the attractions are all strictly natural: deer, butterflies, wild turkeys, opossum, birds and many other mammals are on view along the nature trails. Good hiking shoes are advisable as is lots of insect repellent and supplies of sunscreen.
Lake Louisa is loved by anglers because they can use four of the six lakes as long as they have a license. The Lake does offer the opportunity to swim, which can be very welcome after a hot few minutes or hours on the hiking trails, but pay attention to the restrictions highlighting the water areas to avoid. Also, be sure to take your own food and drink as none is available to buy inside the park.
I hope this has given you some alternative ideas of places to visit during your Lake Buena Vista vacation.