If your family loves thrill rides, by all means make the short drive to Tampa and go to Busch Gardens
http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/default.aspx
This park has the best thrill rides in Florida (IMO), plenty of animals to view roaming free on the simulated African plains, and a lot of milder rides for the squeamish. Since my children turned 12 or 13 we have quit going to Disney(we are all bored to tears by the Disney rides), we have missed Universal several times we were in the area, we even miss IOA occasionally when in Daytona or central Florida, but we NEVER miss Busch Gardens and rarely miss Sea World. The last time I stayed in Daytona we only had enough free time to do one park so I took a famiy vote. 4 out of 4 chose Busch Gardens for our only theme park excursion. We got up one morning early, drove past everything Orlando has to offer, spent a fantastic day riding coasters etc at Busch Gardens, and drove all the way back across the state to our room after the park closed.
They have some ticket specials currently available, and here is a good one:$99.95 adult and $89.95 per child gets you unlimited 14 day access to Busch Gardens and Sea World with the following perks:
2 Parks
Busch Gardens Africa + SeaWorld
Our combination tickets offer fantastic benefits and savings. Additionally, adults can take advantage of select tickets at kids' prices when you pre-purchase on our Web site at least 7 days in advance.
Enjoy both Busch Gardens and SeaWorld at your leisure during regularly scheduled operating hours.
Our unique Length of Stay Benefit* allows unlimited admission during your vacation so you can come and go as you please, at no extra charge.
Also included is free roundtrip transportation on our Shuttle Express for the short ride from Orlando to Busch Gardens in Tampa.
E-Ticket allows you to print your ticket at home and go straight to the turnstiles.
Tickets are Non-Transferable.
This offer is not to be combined with any other special offers or discounts.
*Tickets expire 14 days after first use