4. International Drive & Fun Spot

Distance from Disney: 15 minutes

Closer to Disney's campus, we can't ignore the inherent draw of International Drive – basically, the purpose-built tourist corridor of Orlando. International Drive is filled with tourist traps – both the good and the bad kind. Along the main stretch of the street between SeaWorld and Universal Orlando, you'll find absurd gift shops, buffets, wax museums, dinner theaters, seemingly hundreds of hotels, aquariums, haunted houses... you name it, and you'll find it on International Drive.

In general, when it comes to International Drive, your mileage may vary (and not just because of the street's infamous traffic). Sure, everything's overpriced, and a whole lot of it is fluff that would leave Pigeon Forge jealous. So whether or not you're lured into the upside down mansion that makes up WonderWorks, or enjoy the expansive flatness of Florida from the 400-foot tall "The Wheel at Icon Park" Ferris wheel, or putt through the classic Pirate's Cove mini-golf, or manage to actually find a "hidden gem" depends on your tastes and preferences...

But a go-to favorite is certainly Fun Spot Orlando (the International Drive-adjacent of the small chain's three locations; a second is nearby in Kissimmee, and a third is in Atlanta). Fun Spot is unique among Florida parks in that – like the classic midways it emulates – admission is free. Instead, guests pay per ride (or buy an all-day wristband) to experience the park's multi-story go-karts, arcades, midway rides, or its two coasters. Whether or not Fun Spot is your "kind of thing," you can decide on your own. But for some families, it's a welcome reprieve from Disney World, and a budget alternative – a ride-all-day wristband is just $60.

5. Kennedy Space Center

Distance from Disney: 1 hour

The 144,000 acre Kennedy Space Center dates to 1962, but it was in the lead-up to Walt Disney World's opening that NASA got serious about constructing a visitors center and "tour" experience for Florida visitors. Located on the state's east cost (near NASA's renowned launch facilities), Kennedy Space Center today offers a full day of experiences for visitors to explore the past, present, and future of mankind's relationship with outer space.

The Visitor's Complex is essentially an explorable campus, allowing visitors to weave your way through the U.S. Space Program in chronological order: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle and beyond. From the Rocket Garden to immersive shows; vast museum exhibitions to IMAX theaters; simulators to walkthroughs of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and a bus tour of NASA's restricted areas... 

It may be tough to convince families to pry themselves away from Disney World for a day of learning at the Kennedy Space Center... so we'll let Floridians and tourists sound off in the comments... what do you think of Kennedy Space Center? 

6. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Distance from Disney: 1 hour 15 minutes

The "red-headed stepchild" of Florida theme parks must be Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a wonderful park with the bad fortune to be a little over an hour away from the gravitational pull of Walt Disney World. But make no mistake: Busch Gardens is a park worth traveling for!

With its areas meant to emulate Africa, Busch Gardens is part zoo (home to giraffes, lions, cheetahs, flamingos, crocodiles, snakes, and more) and part thrill park, packed with legendary, iconic coasters like Kumba, Montu, SheiKra, and the newly-reborn Gwazi.

It's easy to balk at the idea of needing to rent a car or make the trek to Tampa... but trust us, SeaWorld Parks are one step ahead. Basically, any paid admission to Busch Gardens Tampa comes paired with free access to a shuttle between Orlando and the park operated by Mears. There are three pick-up locations around Orlando, including SeaWorld Orlando itself. So if you can get to SeaWorld, you can get to Busch Gardens! With single day admission discounted as low as $66, it may not be as much of a "value" aside as other options on this list, but it's one worth the effort to get to.

7. The real Orlando

Most of us theme park aficionados talk a lot about visiting Orlando. But we'd bet that 90% of visitors to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando never really see Orlando itself. Yep, believe it or not, Orlando is a real city, where real people live, work, grow, and play.

There are fifty acres of beauty to explore in Leu Gardens! Visit the sweet mini-campus of Mennello Museum of American Art or the prestigious Orlando Museum of Art! Stroll around Lake Eola Park! Be honest – did you know that Orlando has a zoo that's not owned by Disney? Yep, just north of downtown in Sanford, you can visit the century-old Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens!

Likewise, far from the tourist quirkiness and inflated prices of WonderWorks is the Orlando Science Center – a legitimate, true, and mission-based nonprofit filled with hands-on educational experiences for half the price of its distant, International Drive cousin. Just spending a day in downtown Orlando might convince you that there's more to the city than just the tourist attractions you know.

And in the bigger picture, if you need a change from Disney – even if just for a day – it doesn't mean you have to take Central Florida off your list... Instead, just expand your view! Take a wider look at Central Florida – and beyond – and you may find a new (and cost-saving) alternative you never considered... For those who've experiences some of these nearby destinations, let us know in the comment below – which are the most worth your time and money?!