Our Story
About Beyond the Parks
Like many families, our first trips to Orlando were all about the theme parks.
But each time we came back, we found ourselves exploring a little farther. We discovered beautiful beaches, charming downtowns, scenic parks, local restaurants, and so many hidden gems that most visitors never experience.
Over the years, Orlando became much more than a vacation destination—it became a place our family truly loves.
We eventually purchased a vacation home near Disney, allowing us to spend more time exploring Central Florida throughout the year. With every visit, we continue discovering new places, trying local restaurants, and finding experiences worth sharing.
That's what inspired us to create Beyond the Parks.
Why we created Beyond the Parks
When we started planning our own trips, we noticed that most travel websites focused almost exclusively on the theme parks.
But some of our favorite memories happened elsewhere.
We created Beyond the Parks to help families discover everything Central Florida has to offer—from free attractions and beautiful beaches to hidden gems, shopping, restaurants, and practical travel tips.
Our goal is simple: to help you experience more of Orlando while making the most of your time and budget.
Ready to turn inspiration into a real plan? Start with our Orlando trip-planning page.
We'd Love to Hear From You.
Planning a trip to Orlando?
Have a question about one of our guides?
Or maybe you've discovered a hidden gem you'd love to share. We'd love to hear from you!
Whether you need travel advice, have feedback about our guides, feel free to get in touch.