If you’ve been vacationing in the Orlando , Florida area for a few days, you’ve probably realized by now how outrageously expensive the big theme parks can be. Perhaps you are looking for a break from the Disney and Universal parks, and hoping to find a family-style attraction that’s a little easier on your wallet. If so, consider a fun-filled outing to one of the Orlando mini golf parks. Having lived in Orlando for about 10 years, I can recommend the following three mini golf parks as some of the best you will find in the area:
Best Mini Golf Orlando Option #1: Congo River Mini Golf
Location: 6312 International Dr. , Orlando , Fl (next to Wet’ n Wild)
Course Layout: 36 holes
Prices: Adults $10.99; Children under 10 years $8.99; One child under 5 is Free (as of 4/14/11)
Specials: Website coupon$1 off per player up to 6 players (good through 10/20/2011)
Telephone: 407-352-0042
Website: www.congoriver.com
Other Info: This popular Orlando mini golf course offers a challenging course layout where you will be able to explore waterfalls, rocky summits, caves and rainforests. It has been voted Orlando ‘s best miniature golf by various sources over and over again. The park also offers its signature zebra-striped plane, gemstone mining, an arcade room, opportunities to feed live gators, and more.
Best Mini Golf Orlando Option #2: Pirates Cove Mini Golf
Location: 8501 International Drive , Orlando FL 32819 (one mile from the Convention Center)
Course Layout: 36 holes
Prices: Adult Prices range from $10.95 to $16.50; Child Prices range from $9.95 to $14.95
Telephone: 407-352-7378
Website: http://www.piratescove.net/location/5
Other Info: You will find yourself in a world of intriguing pirates’ lore at this fun Orlando mini golf course. The course area includes buccaneers, sunken ships, cascading waterfalls, pirate dungeons and lush tropical vegetation. Stray cannon shots shake things up a bit every once in a while as you’re playing. Pirates Cove mini golf was ranked “Best in Florida ” by Orlando Magazine.
Best Mini Golf Orlando Option #3: Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf
Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando , Florida
Course Layout: 36 holes
Prices: Adults $12.00 per 18-hole round; $10.00 for children 3 to 9 years of age
Telephone: 407-939-6244
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/miniature-golf/
Other Info: This Disney mini golf attraction is my favorite. Admittedly, it will probably appeal most to those with small kids, or adults like me who have fond Disney memories from their childhoods. The charming Disney mini golf course has two 18 hole courses: 1) Fantasia Gardens, which is inspired by Disney’s classic animated movie Fantasia and has several holes that include dazzling water effects and some that even reward good shots with musical tones, and 2) Fantasia Fairways which resembles a traditional golf course but on a miniature scale, since the emphasis on this course is more on skill.
So let your wallet take a break from the big expensive Orlando area theme parks, and have fun at whichever Orlando mini golf attraction you choose to visit!
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