alternatives to the top theme parks in orlando (as i have older relatives visiting)?

Check the things to see and do at this site: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34515-Acti...

There is no reason older relatives would not enjoy WDW Theme Parks. Especially Epcot or Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/seniortips...

Each have other attractions that will appeal to them besides fast rides. WDW is geared to all ages. More so that Universal is .... IMHO.

Actually, Disney would be great for an older crowd - especially something like Epcot! They have the first section which is mostly rides and stuff, but the World Showcase is really interesting and really nice to go through. They also have some great restaurants (check out Le Cellier!)

Also, the Magic Kingdom has something everyone of all ages will enjoy.

Avoid Universal if you don't like thrill rides.

You could also check out Sea World - we love that park!

Your older relatives might still enjoy the Disney theme parks, especially Hollywood Studios, which features rides and exhibits from older movies, and Epcot - the World Showcase is very laid back and perfect for older adults. And SeaWorld has a very casual atmosphere. You can skip the rides and go to the animal shows instead.

If you are looking for something to do outside the parks, would they enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Tohopekaliga? Or dinner and a movie in downtown Celebration? Or a dinner show or hot air balloon ride?

I don't really know of an alternative or think you need an alternative. My family & I have been to WDW 12 times. We have always seen lots of seniors there. Epcot is especially nice, with the World Showcase. It's a nice walk around with nice things to see in the countries. There are benches to sit. It's not as noisy. They could sit in the Liberty Inn (American Pavillion) or Electric Umbrella Restaurant (by fountain close to Spaceship Earth). They are both quick serve places where they can get refillable drinks & wait if others want to go on rides.

International Drive has tons of things to do!

http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/

http://www.titanictheexperience.com/

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/orlando/00220...

There are a lot of miniature golf places in Orlando. One that I really like is Hawaiian Rumble on International Dr.

http://hawaiianrumbleorlando.com/

BTW: Walt Disney World does have 2 miniature golf places!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/miniat...

There are a lot of dinner shows- Pirates Dinner Adventure, Arabian Nights, Medieval Times, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.

Gatorland!

Fantasy of Flight-- http://www.fantasyofflight.com/

http://www.cypressgardens.com/

http://www.theholylandexperience.com/

http://www.orlandoinfo.com/

Well Old Town in Kissimmee is a great place, we love strolling around the shops and flea markets there. Or there are the various lakes and parks.

with older people you could do EPCOT since that is geared to a older crowd they'd more than likely enjoy doing the world showcase

You're never too old for Mickey Mouse - ask them where they would like to go and don't forget that Disney is a place where everyone is young, forever!

Wet and Wild. I love that waterpark! also they have like a fun city place where there are awesome go-karts and ferris wheels and miniature golf. Orlando isn't really a city for older people any way. haha.

Good luck! :)

wet and wild