WonderWorks in Orlando: Good Choice For Non-Disney Family Fun

While in Orlando last week for my son's hockey tournament, we had a free afternoon to fill. Our family of four were looking for a fun activity, but could not justify the cost of a Disney World or Universal Studios park admission for just a few hours. In looking for a lower cost Orlando attraction, I picked up a brochure in hotel lobby and found WonderWorks, an imaginative, interactive science museum with laser tag, a 4D ride, a ropes course and much more. I have to admit, I was highly skeptical. Sometimes these places can turn out to be complete waste-of-time, expensive tourist traps oversold in a colorful brochure. My nine year-old loves science, but I was worried my thirteen year-old would be bored and think it was lame. I sold it to the family by mentioning the laser tag and ropes course and off we went. Located off International Drive, it was easy to navigate our way.

We parked in the paid lot and entered this upside-down building. Next thing I knew we were experiencing a 5.3 moderate earthquake followed by hurricane force winds and the icy waters of the Titanic. The earthquake simulator was worthwhile. The hurricane was fueled by giant fans (that you could see). The iceberg waters were simple but so unbelievably cold that it gave immediate empathy for those poor souls hanging on to boat scraps. Navigating the joystick to find our home on the large screen via Google satellite was fun for the kids.

The second floor is full of interactive games. It was fun trying to strike out Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols. You can test your body strength while learning the advantages of multiple pulleys. You can test your mind by wearing a headband to monitor your brainwaves while your challenge an opponent to a game of Mind Ball--a very cool display of EEGs. My advice is to stay clear of the Bed of Nails. It HURTS! Everyone that tried it said it was painful. Most of these games were quite engaging--only a couple we found to be broken. The bubble lab is clearly for little kids. My daughter loved the gigantic piano that you played with your feet. The sound wave booth lasted too long and was lame. Surprisingly, we spent a good hour-and-a-half on the first two floors before venturing on to the adrenaline area.

As expected, laser tag was a huge hit. Its just fun to run around and safely shoot people. The 4D Extreme Motion Ride was not at all "extreme" and "4D" is a stetch, but it was fun and worth doing. You can't go in with the expectation of experiencing a ride at Universal Studios. If nothing else, it gives you a chance to sit down and cool off after laser tag before tackling the ropes course. Don't take the ropes course lightly if you are over 40. I consider myself fairly adventurous--never did I think the ropes course would be too challenging. It was not physically strenuous, but then I guess I would not know. After putting on the harness and the safety rope, I headed up the stairs following my nine year-old. Once up two stories, the neon lights and the fear factor convinced me to retreat down the stairs like a total coward. I didn't feel too bad--why should I stress myself out with a near panic attack? It was vacation! My husband and kids loved it the course and went on every part of it.

We bought the combo package for admission into the "amusement park," including the laser tag, ropes course, movie attraction and "The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show." What the food lacked, the comedian/magician, Tony Brent, made up for and exceeded all expectations.

First, we were told to get there 45 minutes early to line up for the show. This is really not necessary if you have a reservation. The first ones there sit in the front of the room and are more likely to end up on stage. Second, the food is fine, but not great. It is all you can eat pizza and salad and beverages. Yes, this includes Bud, Bud Lite and a small selection of wines. The mediocre food did not bother me, but the family style sharing of food with total strangers did. It would be much better if each table (or group) shared the pizza and salad. The service was exceptionally good. Tony Brent, the magician/comedian, is truly talented and an amazing entertainer. You can check him out at www.tonybrent.com. He had us so fully engaged in his comedy that his magic tricks were flawless and impossible to figure out. My family laughed until our sides hurt. This was a very enjoyable evening and well worth the money. It usually sells out so reservations are recommended.

If you are looking for a fun-filled afternoon in Orlando, absolutely check out WonderWorks. It was well worth doing once, but I doubt it would have the same appeal twice. www.wonderworksonline.com