Orlando P

Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

a quieter, more sophisticated afternoon out on the town, love it,

and . . . look, over there! Is that Ozzie and Harriet? From WDW, take

U.S. 192 east 5 miles, past Interstate 4. The entrance to Celebration

is on the right. Call % 407-566-2200 for more information.

Kissimmee: Southeast of the Disney parks, Kissimmee straddles

U.S. 192/Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway — a sometimes tacky,

too-often-under-construction stretch of highway lined with budget

motels, smaller attractions, and a branch of every fast-food restau-

rant in the known universe. Although Kissimmee has recently begun

to evolve and now includes more family-oriented attractions and

better hotels and eateries, the town’s shopping merit remains negli-

gible unless you’re looking for a cheap T-shirt, or seashells not sold

by the seashore, or the like. That said, cowboy lovers may appreci-

ate the area’s Western shops, a sign the city is still mindful of its

cowboy roots.

International Drive area: This tourist magnet is east of, and extends

7 to 10 miles north of, the Disney parks between Highway 535 and

the Florida Turnpike. The southern end offers a little elbow room,

the midsection is somewhat upscale, but the northern part is a

tourist strip crowded with small-time attractions (including bungee

jumping for those who have a death wish), fast fooderies, and sou-

venir shacks. Its most redeeming shopping draws: Pointe Orlando

and the Orlando Premium Outlets. (See listing under “The Malls,”

later in this chapter.)

Locally, International Drive is better known as I-Drive.

Downtown Orlando: Orlando’s downtown is actually northeast of the

theme parks along I-4. The biggest draws here are the shops along

Antique Row. (See “Antiquing Downtown,” later in this chapter.)

Winter Park: Just north of Downtown Orlando, Winter Park began

as a haven for the wealthy Yankees escaping the cold Northeast.

Today, Winter Park’s centerpiece is Park Avenue, a collection of

upscale shops, art galleries, and restaurants along a cobblestone,

tree-lined street. Ann Taylor, Talbot’s, Williams-Sonoma, and

Crabtree & Evelyn are among the dozens of specialty shops.

No matter which end of Park Avenue you start at, there are more

shops than most can survive, but you’re bound to find something

here you won’t find anywhere else. For more information on Winter

Park, call % 407-644-8281.

Checking Out the Big Names

Orlando’s reputation wasn’t built on shopping. In fact, it isn’t even the

No. 1 shopping area in Florida, falling well short of Miami–Fort Lauderdale.

But Orlando has attracted some big names, including a very small Saks,

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Chapter 22: Shopping in Orlando

as well as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s. Some

of the better specialty stores include Tiffany & Co. and Charles David,

while some of the more unique retailers include Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and

Hilo Hattie. It also has a growing stable of discount centers.

Factory outlets

In the last decade, the tourist areas have bloomed with outlets where

shoppers can find plenty of name brands, but not always big bargains.

Although many of the stores claim savings of 50 to 75 percent, a dis-

count on a heavily marked-up or overpriced item doesn’t always mean

you’re actually getting a deal. And more often than not, only a few items

are as heavily marked down as the outlets maintain. What you will find

(at least in most cases anyway) is a decent selection of designer and

name-brand merchandise at slightly lower prices than you would nor-

mally pay at the malls.

If you’re a smart outlet shopper, you know the suggested retail prices for

items before you hit the stores. Therefore, you’ll know just what is —

and what isn’t — a bargain.

Here’s a list of outlet stores and centers in and around Orlando:

Belz Factory Outlet World: Belz (% 407-352-9611; www.belz.com)

is the granddaddy of all Orlando outlets. Located at 5401 W. Oak

Ridge Rd. (at the north end of International Drive), it has 170 stores

in two huge, enclosed malls and four annexes. The outlet offers more

than a dozen shoe stores (including Bass, Nike, and Timberland),

many housewares stores (such as Fitz & Floyd, Oneida, and Mikasa),

and more than 60 clothing shops (London Fog, Adidas, Tommy

Hilfiger, Danskin, Izod, Liz Claiborne, Guess Jeans, Kasper, and

Geoffrey Beene, for example). You’ll also find records, electronics,

sporting goods, health and beauty aids, jewelry, toys, gifts, acces-

sories, lingerie, hosiery, and so on.

The two main buildings, Mall 1 and Mall 2, each have discount

outlets for Disney World merchandise (Character Premier and

Character Warehouse), as well a store for Universal Orlando. You

have to dig for some of the bargains, but if you don’t mind your

item saying 2005 instead of 2006, you can save 50 percent or more

on select items.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores: The three dozen or so outlets

here include Big Dog, Casuals (Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger),

Gap, Old Navy, Nike, Eddie Bauer, Carters, Liz Claiborne, Fossil,

Osh Kosh, and Reebok. Savings are modest, but the plaza itself is

quiet and inviting. There’s also a food court and a salon. You can

find these stores at 15591 S. Apopka–Vineland Rd.; % 407-238-9301;

www.lbvfs.com.

314 Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

Orlando Premium Outlets: This is my favorite outlet mall in Orlando,

and it’s also the only true upscale outlet in the city. The center’s

110 tenants include Coach, DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Hugo Boss,

Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Timberland, and Tommy Hilfiger. In contrast

to most of the outlet centers in the city, it’s character is more of an

open-air outdoor mall. Some of the best buys here are at Banana

Republic and a second location of Disney’s discount Character

Premier store. It’s at 8200 Vineland Ave. (just off the southern

third of I-Drive, next to Dolly’s Dixie Stampede); % 407-238-7787;

www.PremiumOutlets.com.

The Malls

The Orlando area is also home to several traditional shopping malls. As

in malls throughout the country, good buys are often elusive. Arguably, a

mall’s best bargain is the people-watching, which is free. Here’s a list of

Orlando’s malls:

Altamonte Mall: Built in the early 1970s, this is the area’s second

largest mall, behind the Florida Mall (see later in this list). Altamonte

Mall’s major-league tenants include Macy’s, JCPenney, and Sears, as

well as 175 specialty shops. Major renovations have added a food

court; a new indoor, soft-play area for younger kids; rides for tod-

dlers; and a new 18-screen AMC movie theater with stadium seating.

You can find it at 451 E. Altamonte Dr. (about 15 miles north of down-

town Orlando). For information call % 407-830-4422 or surf over to

www.altamontemall.com.

Festival Bay: One of the newest additions to the shopping scene,

Festival Bay’s tenants include a Ron Jon Surf Shop, Hilo Hattie, Bass

Pro Shops, and several other specialty stores. Restaurants include

a handful of fast-food eateries as well as Murray Bros. Caddy Shack,

Fuddruckers, and the brand new Dixie Crossroads, with a Cold Stone

Creamery to top off your meal. Some of the area’s more unique recre-

ational venues can be found here as well, including Vans (indoor)

Skatepark; The Putting Edge, a glow-in-the-dark mini golf park; and

a 20-screen Cinemark Theater. Plans are in the works for an indoor

Ron Jon Surf Park where surfers, beginners and experts alike, can

ride the waves and hang ten all day long. This one can be found at

5250 International Drive (the far north end of I-Drive across from

the Belz Outlets). For information call % 407-351-7718 or go to

www.belz.com.

Florida Mall: The exciting news at this popular shopping spot is the

arrival of Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor to combat the opening of

Mall at Millenia (see below). Other anchors include Macy’s, Dillard’s,

JCPenney, Sears, and Saks to go along with an Adam’s Mark Hotel

and more than 250 specialty stores (Abercrombie & Fitch, Harry &

David, Sharper Image, and Benetton, to name a few), restaurants

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Chapter 22: Shopping in Orlando

(the Salsa Taqueria and Tequila Bar, California Pizza Kitchen, and

Bucca Di Beppo are just three of the choices), and entertainment

venues. You can find the Florida Mall at 8001 S. Orange Blossom

Trail (at Sand Lake Road, 4 miles east of International Drive). For

details, call % 407-851-6255 or check out www.shopsimon.com.

Mall at Millenia: This 1.3 million-square-foot upscale center made

quite a splash when it debuted in October 2002 with anchors that

include Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus. In addition to

the heavyweight anchors, Millenia offers 200 specialty stores that

include Burberry, Chanel, Crate & Barrel, Godiva, Gucci, Lladro,

Swarovski, and Tiffany & Co. Restaurants include The Cheesecake

Factory, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Johnny Rockets, and Panera

Bread among others. The recently-opened Blue Martini is an upscale

bar featuring a tapas menu and 29 designer martinis and is a good

place to celebrity watch or just pretend to be famous. The mall

is 5 miles from downtown Orlando at 4200 Conroy Rd. (at I-4 near

Universal Orlando). For details, call % 407-363-3555 or visit www.

mallatmillenia.com.

Orlando Fashion Square Mall: This city-side mall has marbled

walkways, indoor palm trees, and tenants that include Macy’s,

JCPenney, Sears, 165 specialty shops, and an extensive food court.

The mall is 5 miles from downtown Orlando at 3201 E. Colonial Dr.;

% 407-896-1132.

Pointe Orlando: Although it’s set up like a mall, this complex’s two

levels of stores, restaurants, and a 21-screen IMAX theater aren’t

under one roof, making it a mall with an open top. Headliners among

the 60 shops include Bath & Body Works, Foot Locker, and Victoria’s

Secret. Plans are underway to renovate the complex to include even

more shops and restaurants and create a more-inviting streetscape.

Parking is $5 in the attached garage, but most restaurants, night-

clubs, and the movie theater will validate with a purchase. Pointe

Orlando (% 407-248-2838; www.pointeorlandofl.com) is located

at 9101 International Drive.

Antiquing Downtown

If you can think of nothing better than a relaxing afternoon of sifting

through yesterday’s treasures, check out Antique Row and Ivanhoe

Row on North Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando.

Flo’s Attic (% 407-895-1800; www.flosattic.com) and A.J. Lillun (% 407-

895-6111) sell traditional antiques. Fredlund Wildlife Gallery (% 407-898-

4544; www.fredlundwildlife.com) sells pricey, original works of art,

including sculpture. And The Fly Fisherman (% 407-898-1989; www.fly

fishermaninc.com) sells — no surprise here — fly-fishing gear. You can

sometimes watch people taking lessons in the park across the street.

316 Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

Homegrown souvenirs

Given Orlando’s history as a major citrus producer, oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus

products rank high on the list of local products. Orange Blossom Indian River Citrus,

5151 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando (% 800-624-8835 or 407-855-2837; www.orange-

blossom.com), is one of the top sellers during the late-fall-to-late-spring season. It also

makes a great place to shop for anyone left in charge of your pets, house, or other such

duties while you’re off vacationing in the sunshine state.

And if you have a love affair with leather, alligator-skin leather goods are a specialty

of the gift shop at Gatorland, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail (% 407-855-5496; www.

gatorland.com). For more details on this classic Florida theme park, see Chapter 21.

All the stores I mention in this section are spread over 3 miles along

Orange Avenue. The heaviest concentration is between Princeton Street

and New Hampshire Avenue, although a few are scattered between New

Hampshire and Virginia avenues. The more upscale shops extend a few

blocks beyond Virginia Avenue. To reach the area from the theme parks,

take I-4 east to Princeton Street (Exit 43). Turn right on Orange Avenue.

Parking is limited, so stop wherever you find a space.

As for hours of operation, most of the stores are open from 9 or 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. (Storeowners usually run the stores,

so hours can vary; call before you head out. A small number of shops

are open Sunday, but it isn’t worth the trip from the resorts.)

If you decide to do your antiquing on a Saturday, you can also shop for

fresh produce, plants, baked goods, and crafts every Saturday from

8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a downtown farmers’ market. It’s located at the

intersection of North Magnolia and East Central. Get more information

at www.downtownorlando.com.

Chapter 23

Going Beyond Orlando:

Two Day Trips

In This Chapter

Going on safari at Busch Gardens

Lifting off at the Kennedy Space Center

E

ven with all Orlando has to offer (and if you’ve read chapters 12–20

you know there’s plenty), you may want to drive to the coast for a

day to enjoy a change of pace, some sugary sand beaches, and warm

waters. In addition to Florida’s spectacular beaches, two places are worth

going out of your way to visit: Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay and the

Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The first is a combination

of SeaWorld, with its lush landscaping, relaxing atmosphere, and eco-

educational themes (see Chapter 20), Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with

its array of African wildlife; (see Chapter 15), and Universal’s Islands of

Adventure’s heart-pounding thrill rides. Kennedy Space Center is a unique

experience that you just can’t get in Orlando (unless Disney starts devel-

oping a space-shuttle program, which would be a stretch, even for them).

Trekking to Busch Gardens

When this Tampa theme park grew out of a brewery in the ’60s, the main

(and only) attractions were a bird show and free beer. (Some of you may

be wondering, who could ask for anything more?) Both are alive and well,

but Busch Gardens has grown into one of Florida’s top theme parks, filled

with coasters that can out-thrill even Universal Orlando, and wildlife,

eco-educational themes, and landscaping that all give the park a unique

and fascinating allure.

Getting there

If you’re driving from Orlando, head west on I-4 to I-75. Go north on I-75

to Exit 265 (Fowler Avenue/University of South Florida). Bear left on the

exit ramp, and it will lead you directly onto Fowler Avenue. Proceed west

on Fowler Avenue to McKinley Avenue. (McKinley Avenue is the first light

past the main entrance to the University.) Turn left on McKinley. Proceed

318 Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

south on McKinley to the parking lot and the main entrance to the park.

Parking costs $7 per day. The drive should take a little more than an

hour, depending on traffic.

SeaWorld (see Chapter 20) and Busch Gardens in Tampa, both owned

by Anheuser-Busch, have a shuttle service (% 800-221-1339) that offers

$10 round-trip tickets to get you from Orlando to Tampa and back. The

11⁄2- to 2-hour one-way shuttle runs daily and has five pick-up locations in

Orlando, including at Universal Orlando and on I-Drive (call for sched-

ules, reservations, and pick-up locations). The schedule allows about

seven hours at Busch Gardens. The service is free if you have a 5-park

FlexTicket. For more on the FlexTicket, see “Admission options,” which

follows.

Most Orlando shuttle services will also take you to Busch Gardens.

See Chapter 8 for details on the city’s shuttle companies.

Visitor information

You can get information in advance of your visit by calling % 888-800-5447

or 813-987-5283 or heading online to the park’s excellent Web site, www.

buschgardens.com. Once inside the park, you can obtain information

from several visitor centers, or you can try the Expedition Africa Gift

Shop. Be sure to grab a guide map of the park when you enter.

Busch Garden is open daily, generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (though hours

can range from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. during peak season). The park’s hours change

seasonally, and seemingly on a whim, so be sure to confirm the hours for

the day you’re going by either calling or checking the Web site before

you depart.

You can get information, save a few dollars, and avoid waiting in long

lines by buying your tickets to Busch Gardens at the privately owned

Tampa Bay Visitor Information Center, opposite the park at 3601 E.

Busch Blvd., at North Ednam Place (% 813-985-3601; www.hometown.

aol.com\tpabayinfoctr). Owner Jim Boggs worked for the park for

13 years and gives expert advice on how to get the most out of your visit.

Admission options

Busch Gardens has a number of admission schemes, though your

options are usually limited to two as a day visitor:

One-day regular park admission costs $56 adults, $46 for kids

3 to 9, children younger than 3 are admitted free. Prices do not

include the 7 percent sales tax.

The FlexTicket is a multiday, multipark option that may work

for you if you plan on visiting Universal Orlando or SeaWorld

while in Orlando. The most economical way to see the various

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Chapter 23: Going Beyond Orlando: Two Day Trips

“other-than-Disney” parks, you pay one price to visit any of the

participating parks during a 14-day period. A five-park pass to

Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Wet ’n Wild,

SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens is $225 for adults and $190 for

kids. You can order the FlexTicket by calling % 888-800-5447

or by going to www.buschgardens.com. For more on the other

FlexTicket parks, see Chapters 18 through 21.

Busch Gardens occasionally runs other discount admissions specials and

offers a host of other multiday and annual-pass selections (fun cards and

the like). If you plan on spending more time in Tampa and want some

more details on these options, call % 888-800-5447 or 813-987-5283 or

check the Web at www.buschgardens.com.

Seeing the park

Busch Gardens is older than Walt Disney World and, over the years, has

managed to age quite well. This park has eight distinctive areas, each of

which has its own theme, animals, live entertainment, thrill rides, kiddie

attractions, dining, and shopping. A Skyride cable car soars over the park,

offering a bird’s-eye view of it all. Two things set Busch Gardens apart

from its nearest rival (Disney’s Animal Kingdom): its vast array of thrill

rides (some of best in the country) and the accessibility of its wildlife.

Chasing thrills

Busch Gardens has six — count ’em, SIX!! — roller coasters (and that

doesn’t include the flume and rapids rides) to keep your adrenaline

pumping and stomach jumping. New to the collection is SheiKra, and

she’s a doozie. The first of its kind in the Americas (and only the third in

the world of its kind, though, of course, this one’s higher and faster), this

dive coaster hurtles you 90 degrees straight down at speeds reaching

70 mph and 4Gs. If you manage to survive that, its on to a rolling loop,

and a second 90 degree drop plummeting you 138 feet through an under-

ground tunnel. Other unexpected thrills await you throughout the three

minute adventure. As you may expect, there is a height restriction of

54 inches to ride this one.

The Gwazi is a wooden wonder named for a fabled African lion with a

tiger’s head. This $10-million ride slowly climbs to 90 feet, before turn-

ing, twisting, diving, and va-rrroommming to speeds of 50 mph — enough

to give you air time (also known as weightlessness). Fact is, these twin

coasters, the Lion and the Tiger, provide 2 minutes and 20 seconds of

thrills and chills, steep-banked curves, and bobsled maneuvers. At six

points on the ride, you’re certain you’re going to slam the other coaster

as you hit 3.5Gs.

There’s a 48-inch minimum height, and the 15-inch seat is smaller than an

airline seat, so it’s a tight squeeze for thin folks and the next best thing

to misery for larger models.

320 Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

Busch’s other four roller coasters are made of steel. Kumba is a 143-

foot-high number that covers 4,000 feet of track at 60 mph. It jerks you

with sudden turns and has a 54-inch height minimum. Montu musses

your hair at speeds exceeding 60 mph while the G-force keeps you

plastered to your seat (another 54-inch minimum). The Python is a tad

tamer, running through a double-spiraling corkscrew and a 70-foot

plunge (48-inch minimum). The Scorpion offers a high-speed 60-foot

drop and 360-degree loop (42-inch minimum).

The park’s water rides are welcome relief from the summer heat.

Tanganyika Tidal Wave (48-inch height minimum) is a steep flume,

while Congo River Rapids (42-inch height minimum) is similar to

Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom (see Chapter 15).

Meeting animals and seeing shows

Busch Gardens has several thousand animals living in very naturalistic

environments that continue the park’s African theme. Most authentic

is the 80-acre Serengeti Plain, strongly reminiscent of the real Serengeti

of Tanzania and Kenya, upon which zebras, giraffes, and other animals

graze. Unlike the animals on the real Serengeti, however, the grazing

animals have nothing to fear from lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and other

predators, which are confined to enclosures — as are hippos and ele-

phants. Busch’s critters have fewer places to hide and, therefore, are

much easier to see than those at Animal Kingdom (see Chapter 15).

Twenty-six acres of the Serengeti Plain are devoted to free-roaming white

rhinos. Rhino Rally, a Land Rover tour through the plains, takes up to

16 passengers on a very bumpy, seven-minute journey where the white

rhinos, Asian elephants, cape buffaloes, alligators, antelopes, and other

animals roam. There are, of course, a few catches along the way to make

the ride a bit more exciting. If you can handle the bumps, it’s a pretty

good ride, and one of the few that’s appropriate for almost all ages.

Nairobi’s Myombe Reserve is home to gorillas; this area also has a baby-

animal nursery, petting zoo, turtle and reptile displays, and an elephant

exhibit. Congo features rare white Bengal tigers.

In addition to the animals, your kids will love Land of the Dragons, which

has slides, a tree house, and rides. Kids also like the sandy dig site at

King Tut’s Tomb and the friendly lorikeets of Lory Landing. Kids especially

love the 22-minute R.L. Stine’s Haunted Lighthouse film, a family-friendly

show that combines sensory effects and 3-D film.

And did I mention the free beer if you’re 21 or older? This is an

Anheuser-Busch park you know. You can sample their products

at the Hospitality House.

Special tours and options

Although you get close to Busch Garden’s predators, hippos, and elephants

in their glass-walled enclosures with a regular admission, the only way

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Chapter 23: Going Beyond Orlando: Two Day Trips

to mingle with the grazers is on a tour. Here are the best the park offers

(note that children must be at least age 5 to participate in any of them):

For an extra $30 to $34 (depending on the season) over the admis-

sion price, you can go on the 30-minute, guided Serengeti Safari

tour, which feature an extra close look and a chance to feed giraffes,

gazelles, and more (from the back of a flatbed truck). If you’re eager

for a hands-on wildlife experience, the safari is worth the extra

money. You can make reservations for the first tour of the day at

the Expedition Africa Gift Shop or by calling % 813-984-4043, but

the midday and afternoon tours are first-come, first-served. Kids

must be older than 5 years old to participate.

The 5-hour Guided Adventure tour gives you the safari, front-of-

the-line access to shows and rides, plus lunch, for $90 above park

admission. The Elite Adventure Tours includes the above plus free

parking, free bottled water on the tour, merchandise discounts,

VIP seating at shows, and two meals ($180 per person plus park

admission). If you want to participate, reserve in advance by

calling % 813-984-4043 or online at www.buschgardens.com.

Blasting Off to John F. Kennedy Space Center

Each time a space shuttle blasts into the heavens, someone you know

wishes he or she could be an astronaut. Heck — maybe it’s you. You can

live out your childhood fantasies at the Kennedy Space Center located

on the so-called “Space Coast” at Cape Canaveral.

Getting there

Though there are shuttles from Orlando to Cape Canaveral, this area really

demands a car in order to be seen properly. The Center is an easy hour’s

drive from Orlando via the BeeLine Expressway (Highway 528, a toll road).

Take the S.R. 407 exit going to Kennedy Space Center and Titusville and

continue on S.R. 407 until it dead ends into S.R. 405. Turn right (east)

onto S.R. 405 and follow the signs for Kennedy Space Center. You will

travel approximately 9 miles on S.R. 405. The KSC Visitor Complex will

be on your right. Parking is free.

Visitor information

For information before you leave home, call % 321-449-4444 or check out

the Center’s Web site at www.kennedyspacecenter.com. For general infor-

mation about the Space Coast, contact the Florida Space Coast Office of

Tourism/Brevard County Tourist Development Council by calling % 800-

872-1969 or 321-868-1126; or by surfing the Web to www.space-coast.com.

The Visitor Complex is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Astronaut

Hall of Fame is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (except Christmas and

select launch days). Always call to confirm these hours before you set

out for Cape Canaveral.

322 Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

Admission options

You have two main ticket options:

Standard Admission includes admission to the Kennedy Space

Center, several IMAX films, and access to exhibits and shows. It

costs $30 adults and $20 kids 3 to 11.

A Maximum Admission pass includes admission to the Kennedy

Space Center, several IMAX films, access to exhibits and shows,

entrance to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and a chance to ride in

an interactive space simulator. It costs $37 for adults and $27 for

kids 3 to 11. You can purchase this pass (and others) online at

www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

You can also purchase Hall of Fame admission only for $17 adult, $13

children. A 12-month pass runs $46 adult, $30 children. The ATX, or

Astronaut Training Experience (see below), costs $225.

Touring the Center

Whether you’re a space buff or not, you’ll appreciate the sheer grandeur

of the facilities and technological achievements displayed at NASA’s pri-

mary space-launch facility. Highlights of the Center include trips down

memory lane and glances into the future of space exploration. You also

explore the history of manned flights, beginning with the wild ride of

the late Alan Shepard (1961) and Neil Armstrong’s 1969 moonwalk.

The Center also has dual 51⁄2-story, 3-D IMAX theaters that reverberate

with special effects. You’ll need at least a full day to see and do every-

thing here.

Begin your visit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which

has real NASA rockets and the actual Mercury Mission Control Room

from the 1960s. You’ll find several hands-on activities for kids, including

a chance to meet a real astronaut, as well as several dining venues and a

shop selling a variety of space memorabilia and souvenirs. Because this

privately operated complex has been undergoing an ambitious $130 mil-

lion renovation and expansion, check to see whether it has changed its

tours and exhibits before visiting.

Bus tours of the complex (included with your admission) run contin-

uously. Plan to take the tour early in your visit and be sure to hit the

restrooms before boarding the bus — there’s only one out on the tour.

You can get off at the LC-39 Observation Gantry, which has a 360-degree

view of shuttle launch pads; the International Space Station Center,

where scientists and engineers prepare additions to the space station

now in orbit; and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which includes artifacts,

photos, interactive exhibits, and the 363-foot-tall Saturn V rocket.

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Chapter 23: Going Beyond Orlando: Two Day Trips

Don’t miss the Astronaut Memorial, a moving black-granite monument

that has the names of the U.S. astronauts who have died on missions or

while in training. The 60-ton structure rotates on a track that follows the

movement of the sun (on clear days, of course), causing the names to

stand out above a brilliant reflection of the sky.

The Astronaut Hall of Fame, a separate attraction at the Kennedy Space

Center Visitor Center, includes displays, exhibits, and tributes to the

heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. There’s also a

collection of spacecraft, including a Mercury 7 capsule, a Gemini training

capsule, and an Apollo 14 command module. And in Simulator Station,

guests can experience the pressure of four times the force of gravity,

ride a rover across Mars, and land a space shuttle.

On launch days, the Center is closed at least part of the day. Although

launch days aren’t good times to see the Center, they’re great occasions

to observe history in the making. Schedules for launch tickets entitling

you to admission to the Center for the shortened operating hours, plus

at least a two-hour excursion to NASA Parkway to see the liftoff, are avail-

able by calling % 321-449-4444. You must pick up tickets, available five

days prior to the launch, on site.

Special tours and options

The Kennedy Space Center offers a number of special programs and tours

to visitors. Here are a few that will delight any wannabe-astronauts or

avid space buffs:

The ultrapopular Lunch with an Astronaut program gives visitors

the chance to enjoy an out-of-this-world experience: lunch with an

actual astronaut. The opportunity is available at the Center every

day during lunch hours. Past participants have included John Glenn,

Jim Lovell, and Wally Schirra. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve

well in advance by calling % 321-449-4400 or heading online to

www.kennedyspacecenter.com. The program costs $20 for adults

and $13 for kids 3 to 11 in addition to the cost of admission to the

Center.

The Cape Canaveral Then and Now tour includes a visit to the

first launch sites, the Air Force Museum, and the Missile Museum.

The tour costs $22 adult and $16 kids 3 to 11.

On the 90-minute NASA Up Close tour, a space program expert

guides you through the intricacies of the space-shuttle program

and gives you an up-close look at the space shuttle launch pads.

The tour almost always sells out, so reserve in advance of your trip

by calling % 321-449-4400 or going online to www.kennedyspace

center.com. The tour costs $22 adults and $16 kids 3 to 11 in

addition to the cost of admission.

324 Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando

Part VI

Living It Up After

Dark: Orlando

Nightlife

In this part . . .

O

rlando’s action used to literally rise and set with the

sun, but that’s hardly the case now. I tip my hat to those

of you who still have the pizzazz for a nighttime adventure

after a day in the parks. Whether you prefer rocking the night

away, slow dancing until dawn, or dining while you watch

pirates battle for treasure, you can liven up your evenings

in Orlando, and this part of the book shows you how.

Chapter 24

Taking in the Dinner Shows

In This Chapter

Seeing Orlando’s best dinner shows

Getting tickets for everything else

I

f a day at the theme parks isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite for

entertainment, Orlando’s dinner theaters serve up a rather diverse

menu of amusements to keep you entertained as you dine. In this chap-

ter, I tell you about dinner shows where you can solve a “murder,” learn

to hula, or cheer on a knight at a medieval joust.

Getting the Inside Scoop on Orlando

Dinner Theater

Orlando’s busy dinner-show scene is far different than those you find in

high-flying cultural centers such as Paris, New York, and London. Walt

Disney World and Orlando feature family-oriented fun and fanfare rather

than critically acclaimed dramatic performances. Most shows focus on

entertaining the city’s top VIPs: the kids. Expect action, adventure, and

corny humor, all generally performed in a very loud stadium setting

where the kids can scream to their hearts content.

Did you ever notice that you never see dinner-shows listed in the restau-

rant section? Ever wonder why? It’s not the dinner you’re going for.

Eating adds its own ingredient of adventure to Orlando’s dinner-theater

experience. The fare is right off the rubber chicken circuit. The meals

usually consist of a choice of two or three generic entrees (often over-

cooked) and school-lunch caliber side dishes. This may very well

explain why some theaters serve free wine and beer after you’re been

seated — to dull your palate before dinner is served.

The prices of the shows that I list in this section include your meal and

the aforementioned wine and beer (soda is available, too) but not tax or

tips, unless otherwise noted.

328 Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife

You can often find discount coupons to the dinner shows inside the

tourist magazines distributed in the tourist information centers, hotel

lobbies, gas stations, and sometimes on the listed Web sites. A good

place to look for discounted tickets for the dinner theaters is the

Orlando CVB Web site (www.orlandoinfo.com).

For all dinner shows, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

And when it comes to Walt Disney World dinner shows, always, always,

always, make an Advanced Dining Reservation, % 407-939-3463. (See

Chapter 10 for more about Advanced Dining Reservations.) Disney’s

shows fill up fast, often months in advance for weekend performances

and during peak vacation seasons and holidays. I’ve actually spent sev-

eral days trying to make reservations (for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical

Review), calling the very minute the phone lines opened (usually around

7 a.m.) about 1 year in advance and it took four days to finally get a

reservation — and I didn’t get the day or the time I would have liked.

Arabian Nights

Kissimmee

If you’re a horse fan, this show is a winner. It stars many of the most

popular breeds, from chiseled Arabians to hard-driving quarter horses to

beefcake Belgians. They giddy-up through performances that include trick

riding, chariot races, a little slapstick comedy, and bareback daredevils.

The premise of the show is the elaborate wedding of the prince and

princess — and what wedding would be complete without an uninvited

guest? — and so begins the adventure. Locals rate it No. 1 among Orlando

dinner shows. On most nights, the performance opens with a ground

trainer working one-on-one with a black stallion. The dinner, served during

the two-hour show, includes salad, a choice of prime rib, grilled chicken,

chicken tenders, chopped steak, or vegetable lasagna, vegetables, garlic

mashed potatoes, rolls, and wedding cake for dessert. Unlimited beer,

wine, or soda pop comes with the meal.

The Web site usually offers a discount on tickets purchased online.

See map p. 303. 6225 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. (U.S. 192, east of I-4 at Exit 25A).

% 800-553-6116 or 407-239-9223. www.arabian-nights.com. Reservations rec-

ommended. Shows held daily, times vary. Admission: $47 adults, $29 kids 3–11. AE,

DISC, MC, V. Stadium-style seating. Parking: Free.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

Lake Buena Vista

What do you get when you combine 32 horses, a slew of talented riders and

singers, and Dolly’s family-friendly vision of the Civil War? A down-home

battle of the North and South featuring corny jokes and plenty of audience

interaction. You’ll try to resist, but it’ll win you over. Come early for enter-

tainment by Gary, the original Electric Cowboy. The all-inclusive price

329

Chapter 24: Taking in the Dinner Shows

includes unlimited soda, tea, beer, and wine during the meal, as well as a

four-course, Southern-style meal (rotisserie chicken and barbecued pork

or lasagna, corn on the cob, herb potato, and a turnover for dessert) — the

creamed vegetable soup is surprisingly outstanding. Be sure to take a

gander at the horse stables after the show.

See map p. 303. 8251 Vineland Ave. (off I-4, next to the Orlando Premium Outlets).

% 866-443-4943. www.dixiestampede.com. Reservations required. Shows:

6:30 p.m; an 8:30 p.m. show is sometimes added. A holiday version of the show runs

during the Christmas holiday season. Admission: $47 adults, $20 kids 4–11. AE, DISC,

MC, V. Stadium-style seating. Parking: Free.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Walt Disney World

This show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (see

Chapter 9 for more on this hotel) is Disney’s most popular, so make

Advanced Dining Reservations as early as possible. The reward: You feast

on a down-home, all-you-can-eat barbecue (fried chicken, smoked ribs,

salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, bread, salad, strawberry shortcake,

and your choice of coffee, tea, beer, wine, sangria, or soda) all served up

family style in tin buckets. While you stuff yourself silly in Pioneer Hall,

performers in 1890s garb lead you in a foot-stomping, hand-clapping high-

energy show that includes plenty of jokes that you haven’t heard since

elementary school, but somehow seem just as funny now. The audience is

quickly caught up in all the hoopla, and even the most skeptical find them-

selves having plenty of fun. Although the songs and skits are a bit corny,

the talent is absolutely stellar.

If you catch one of the early shows, consider sticking around for the

Electrical Water Pageant at 9:45 p.m., viewed from the Fort Wilderness

Beach.

Audience participation is heavily encouraged, and the cast is more than

happy to help you single out your friends.

Upon arriving at Fort Wilderness, you’ll need to park in the guest lot and

take the resort’s internal bus system to Pioneer Hall where the show is

held. Add at least an extra half-hour to your traveling time because of this.

Reservations can be made up to two years in advance. Your travel dates

will determine how far in advance to call — during holidays, spring break,

and summers you should make reservations as early as possible. The

entire bill must be paid when making the reservation, but as long as you

call at least 48 hours prior to the day of your reservation, you will be

refunded your entire payment if you find you have to cancel.

See map p. 338. 3520 N. Fort Wilderness Trail (at WDW’s Fort Wilderness Resort and

Campground). % 407-939-3463. www.disneyworld.com. Reservations required.

Shows: 5, 7:15, and 9:30 p.m. Admission: $50 adults, $25 kids 3–11 including tax and

tip. AE, DISC, MC, V. Table seating. Parking: Free.

330 Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife

Makahiki Luau

SeaWorld

SeaWorld’s entry on the Orlando dinner circuit starts with the arrival of the

tribal chief via boat, with a ceremonial progression leading the audience

into a theater located in the Seafire Inn at the park’s Waterfront district

(see Chapter 20 for more on the theme park). Throughout the night, you

experience the ancient customs, rhythmic music and dance, authentic cos-

tumes, and family-style dining on Polynesian-influenced cuisine that

includes tropical fruit, mahimahi, sweet-and-sour pork, Hawaiian chicken,

island stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, dessert, and beverages, including

one free cocktail. My only complaint is that the ventilation in the theater

wasn’t adequate for all the smoke used during the show. At one point, sit-

ting at one of the front tables, I couldn’t see anything, not even my food.

See map p. 291. 7007 SeaWorld Dr. (inside The Waterfront at SeaWorld). % 800-327-

2420. www.seaworld.org. Reservations required. Park admission not required.

Shows: 5:30 and 8:15 p.m. Admission: $43 adults, $28 kids 3–9. AE, DISC, MC, V. Table

seating. Parking: Free.

Medieval Times

Kissimmee

Orlando has one of eight Medieval Times shows in the United States and

Canada. Inside, guests gorge themselves on garlic bread, barbecued spare

ribs, herb-roasted chicken, vegetable soup, appetizers, herb-roasted pota-

toes, a pastry dessert, and beverages, including beer. But because this

show is set in the 11th century, you eat with your fingers from metal plates

while knights mounted on Andalusian horses run around the arena, joust-

ing and clanging to please the fair maidens. Arrive 30 minutes to allow time

to tour the Medieval Village, a re-created Middle Ages settlement ($ 3.50

per person). There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash,

including photos and toys, so set your limits ahead of time or the evening

can wind up costing a bundle.

See map p. 303. 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. (U.S. Highway 192, 11 miles east

of the main Disney entrance, next to Wal-Mart). % 800-229-8300 or 407-396-1518.

www.medievaltimes.com. Reservations recommended. Shows nightly, times

vary. Admission: $49 adults, $33 kids 3–11. AE, DISC, MC, VISA. Stadium-style seat-

ing. Parking: Free.

MurderWatch Mystery Theatre

Lake Buena Vista

Mystery lovers rejoice. The game’s afoot every Saturday night at this

all-you-can-eat buffet, which offers beef, chicken, fish, and a separate chil-

dren’s buffet while diners try to solve a mystery. The proceedings take

place in Baskerville’s restaurant, which has 19th-century Edwardian décor

and houses a Sherlock Holmes museum. This somewhat sophisticated

offering is one of the city’s best.

331

Chapter 24: Taking in the Dinner Shows

See map p. 303. In the Grosvenor Resort at 1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd. (Turn west off

Highway 535 onto Hotel Plaza Boulevard; it’s close to Downtown Disney

Marketplace.) % 800-624-4109 or 407-827-6534. www.murderwatch.com.

Reservations recommended. Admission: $40 adults, $11 kids 3–9. AE, DISC, MC, V.

Shows: Sat 6 and 9 p.m. Table seating. Parking: Free.

Pirates Dinner Adventure

International Drive Area

The special-effects show at this theater includes a full-size ship in a

300,000-gallon lagoon, circus-style aerial acts, a lot of music, plenty of

swordfights by swashbuckling pirates, and a little drama. Dinner includes

an appetizer buffet with the preshow, followed by roast chicken and beef,

rice, vegetables, dessert, and coffee. After the show, you’re invited to the

Buccaneer Bash dance party where you can mingle with cast members.

This show gets somewhat mixed reviews; the more favorable come from

kids with an affinity for pirates and swordfights (of which there’s plenty).

The arena is smaller than some of the others in the area, which makes it a

slightly friendlier experience overall.

See map p. 303. 6400 Carrier Dr. (from Disney, take I-4 to Sand Lake Road, go east to

International Drive, and then north to Carrier). % 800-866-2469 or 407-248-0590. www.

orlandopirates.com. Reservations recommended. Show times vary. Admission:

$53 adults, $32 kids 3–11, tax included. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Stadium-style seating.

Parking: Free.

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater

International Drive Area

While catering more to an adult crowd (though they do offer two special

afternoon versions for kids), the mysteries solved here are absolutely

hilarious whodunits. In a smaller, more-intimate theater guests are seated

around small tables while enjoying the show. After some of the characters

serve hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to guests, the show begins. Dinner is

served between acts and includes a choice of Cornish game hen, herb

stuffing, baked potato, vegetables, and cranberry sauce; prime rib (for an

additional $3) with baked potato and vegetables; or four-cheese lasagna

(with or without meatballs), vegetables, and garlic bread, plus dessert and

unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Guests are encouraged to discuss

the clues to solve the murder. The more the audience participates (which

often seems directly related to the amount of alcohol they consume), the

more amusing the show can be. Eleven unique mysteries keep guests

coming back for more.

Discounts are often available online as well as in many of the tourist

publications.

See map p. 303. 7508 Universal Blvd. (take I-4 East to exit 75A, turn right at the light

onto Universal Boulevard, go through two lights; Sleuths is on the right in the Republic

Square Plaza). % 800-363-1985. www.sleuths.com. Reservations recommended.

Show times vary with between 1 and 4 shows offered daily. Admission: $47 adults, $24

kids. AE, DISC, MC, V. Table seating. Parking: Free.

332 Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Walt Disney World

Although not quite as much in demand as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical

Revue, Disney’s Polynesian Resort (see Chapter 9 for more on the hotel)

presents a delightful two-hour show, which comes across like a big neigh-

borhood party with an island flair. The luau features Tahitian, Samoan,

Hawaiian, and Polynesian singers, drummers, and dancers who entertain

you while you feast on a menu that includes tropical appetizers, Lanai-

roasted chicken, pork ribs, sliced pineapple, Polynesian wild rice,

Polynesian-style bread, South Seas vegetables, dessert, wine, beer, and

other beverages. Kids can eat mac ’n’ cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets,

or PB&J if they prefer. The show takes place five nights a week in an open-

air theater (dress for nighttime weather) with candlelit tables, red-flame

lanterns, and tapa cloth paintings on the walls.

Reservations should be made at least 60 to 90 days in advance (but can

be made up to two years in advance), especially during peak periods such

as summer and holidays. Payment must be made in full at the time of the

reservation, but you can cancel up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled

show for a full refund.

See map p. 338. 1600 Seven Seas Dr. (at Disney’s Polynesian Resort). % 407-939-3463.

www.disneyworld.com. Reservations required. Shows: 5:15 and 8 p.m. Tues–Sat.

Admission: $50 adults, $26 kids 3–11, including tax and gratuity. AE, DISC, MC, V. Table

seating. Parking: Free.

Getting Information and Tickets

For evening entertainment other than the dinner shows, dozens of rock,

rap, jazz, pop, country, blues, and folk stars are in town during any given

week in Orlando. You can find schedules in the Orlando Sentinel’s

Calendar section, published every Friday and available online at www.

orlandosentinel.com. The Orlando Weekly’s Calendar section (www.

orlandoweekly.com) is another good source of information for live-

music events, including club schedules.

Ticketmaster is the key reservations player for most major events in

Orlando, including concerts, shows, and pro-sports events. If you know

of an event that’s happening while you’re in town, check first with your

hometown Ticketmaster outlets to see whether they sell tickets for

the event. (If you live as close as Miami or Atlanta, they probably do.)

Otherwise, call the Ticketmaster outlet in Orlando at % 877-803-7073

or 407-839-3900, or go to its Web site at www.ticketmaster.com.

You can also get additional event information and can often order tickets

from the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau

(% 407-363-5872; www.orlandoinfo.com).

Chapter 25

Hitting the Clubs and Bars

In This Chapter

Rocking the night away at Walt Disney World

Cruising the clubs at CityWalk

Exploring hot spots inside Orlando’s hotels

Finding a few more places to party

A

lthough Orlando has a reputation as a daylight destination, its

nighttime offerings continue to grow as fun-seekers aren’t ready

to call it quits after a day at the parks.

Clubs such as Mannequins and House of Blues at Pleasure Island and

Disney’s West Side rock well into the wee hours. Universal Orlando’s

CityWalk entertainment district features nightspots such as the groove

and CityJazz.

Many of the clubs that I list in this chapter are open to anyone 18 or

older, but remember: The minimum drinking age in Florida is 21, and

the clubs will check your ID.

Enjoying the Pleasures of Pleasure Island

This 6-acre entertainment district is the home of several clubs, bars,

and restaurants. You can enter the complex for free if you just want to

take in the ambience but don’t plan to enter any of the clubs. Admission

to a single club (you can choose from all but the Comedy Club and the

Adventurers Club) is $11, including tax. A single-day pass that allows you

to hop from club to club, is $21, plus tax. (If you purchase the Magic Plus

Pack, you can choose admission to Pleasure Island’s clubs as part of the

package — see Chapter 11 for information on Disney’s admission passes.)

Self-parking is free. For information on Pleasure Island, call % 407-939-

2648 or check out Disney’s Web site at www.disneyworld.com.

The island is designed to look like an abandoned waterfront industrial

district with clubs in its lofts and warehouses. But the streets are deco-

rated with brightly colored lights and balloons, giving it a carnivalesque

feel. After the clubs open, loud music blasts, a few scantily clad dancers

gyrate on outdoor stages, and alcohol is served on the streets. Every

334 Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife

evening at Pleasure Island ends with a New Year’s Eve celebration at

midnight — noisemakers, confetti, lights, countdown, the works. I

wouldn’t suggest bringing along the kids too late into the evening, as

much of the partying is right in the streets — with crowds wandering

(sometimes not so steadily) about.

Mannequins Dance Palace is Pleasure Island’s main event. It’s a high-

energy club with a big, rotating dance floor. Just watching the inebriated

trying to get on and off the spinning surface can be an evening’s worth of

entertainment. Being a local favorite makes the club hard to get into, so

arrive early, especially on weekends. Three levels of bars and mixing

space are adorned with elaborately dressed mannequins. The DJ plays

contemporary tunes loudly enough to wake the dead.

You must be 21 to enter, and the staff is very serious about that.

The Adventurers Club is a multistory building that, according to WDW

legend, was designed to be the library and archaeological trophy room for

Pleasure Island founder and explorer, Merriweather Adam Pleasure, who

was lost at sea in 1941. The club is decorated with early aviation photos,

hunting trophies, and a mounted yakoose — a half yak, half moose that

speaks, regardless of whether you’re drinking. Also on hand are Pleasure’s

zany band of globetrotting friends and servants, played by skilled actors

who interact with guests while staying in character. Improvisational

comedy and cabaret shows are performed in the library. You can easily

hang out here all night, sipping potent tropical drinks in the library or the

bar, where elephant-foot barstools rise and sink mysteriously.

If you’re a fan of the BET Cable Network, you’ll probably love BET

Soundstage (% 407-934-7666), which offers traditional R&B and the

rhyme of hip-hop, with the occasional Latin-music night thrown in here

and there. You can dance on an expansive floor or kick back on an out-

door terrace. Cover charge for the Soundstage is included in the Pleasure

Island single-day ticket, except for major concerts.

A very talented troupe — the Who, What and Warehouse Players — is

the main event at the Comedy Warehouse. The group performs 45-minute

improvisational shows based on audience suggestions. It does five shows

a night. Remember that you’re in Disney, so the comedy here is pretty

much squeaky clean.

Patent leather and polyester rule at 8Trax, a 1970s-style disco where

50 TV screens air diverse shows and videos over the dance floor. A DJ

plays everything from “YMCA” to “The Hustle.” Some nights he may

even dig into the music of the ’80s for a few dance gems.

What was once the Pleasure Island Jazz Club has been replaced

by Raglan Road, an Irish pub featuring traditional Irish music and

storytelling.