Orlando Q

Chapter 25: Hitting the Clubs and Bars

To Epcot

Pleasure Island’s Motion, tries hard to be hip and trendy but still fea-

the Rock ’n’ Roll Beach Club and the outdoor West End Stage will sat-

If your taste in live music runs more to the Top-40 and rock veins, both

tures a mix of Top-40 tunes and alternative rock. It’s a hyperactive club

that appeals to the T-shirt and sneakers theme-park crowd. Moody blue

lighting makes you believe you’re dancing the night away in deep space,

335

Downtown Disney

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

Exploring Downtown Disney’s West Side

Immediately adjacent to Pleasure Island, Disney’s West Side is a district

where you’ll find clubs, restaurants, and DisneyQuest (see Chapter 16).

Singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, created Bongo’s Cuban

Café (% 407-828-0999; www.bongoscubancafe.com), an eatery/

nightspot where a Desi Arnaz look-alike may show up to croon a few

tunes. The upbeat salsa music makes this place noisy, so flee to the

patio or upstairs if you want privacy. All in all, this isn’t one of Florida’s

better Cuban restaurants, so you’re better off coming for the atmos-

phere rather than the food (which will run you about $10–$26). The Café

is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and doesn’t take reservations. You

can also find plenty of free self-parking.

Cirque du Soleil isn’t your ordinary circus. It doesn’t have any lions,

tigers, or bears. But you won’t feel cheated. This “Circus of the Sun” is

nonstop energy. At times, it seems as if all 64 performers are on stage

simultaneously, especially during the frenetic trampoline routine. Trapeze

artists, high-wire walkers, an airborne gymnast, a posing strongman,

mimes, and two clowns cement a show called La Nouba into a five-star

performance. But if you’re on a tight budget, this is gut-check time:

Can you blow one or two day’s entertainment budget on 90 minutes

of fun? If you can, it’ll be worth the splurge. The two ticket categories

are $87 for adults and $65 for kids 3 to 9 (plus tax) for center of the

theater seats, and $75 and $56, respectively, to the right and left of the

stage. Don’t assume the cheaper seats are the worst — there’s barely a

bad seat to be had in this well-designed theater. Shows are at 6 and 9 p.m.

five nights a week, but times and nights vary, and sometimes a matinee

is scheduled, so call ahead (% 407-939-7600) or check the show’s Web

site (www.cirquedusoleil.com) for information and tickets.

Plus-sized guests may find the seating a bit narrow, so request a folding

chair upon arrival.

The rafters in the House of Blues literally shake with rhythm and blues.

The House is decorated with folk art, buttons, and bottle caps, and the

patio has a view of the bay. If you like spicy food, offerings such as jam-

balaya and gumbo ($9–$25) are respectable. Sunday’s Gospel Brunch

($30 for adults and $15 for kids 3–12) has foot-stomping music served

with decent food (omelets, beef, jalapeño smashed potatoes, cheese

grits, and sausage among meats and other items). Brunch is the only

time you can make reservations. Guests dining before attending a show

that night are often eligible for early admission, which is handy during

the general-admission shows. Ask your server for details, call % 407-

934-2583, or go to www.hob.com. House of Blues is open daily from

11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and offers free self-parking.

337

Chapter 25: Hitting the Clubs and Bars

Strolling Along Disney’s BoardWalk

Part of the same-named resort (see Chapter 9), the BoardWalk is home

to several clubs and restaurants and is a great place for strolling and

people-watching. Street performers sing, dance, juggle, and make a little

magic most evenings. It has something of a midway atmosphere reminis-

cent of Atlantic City’s heyday. Three standout options here include:

Atlantic Dance features Top-40 and ’80s dance hits Tuesdays

through Thursdays and live bands on Friday and Saturday nights.

It’s open to everyone 21 and older from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and admis-

sion is free.

The rustic, saloon-style Jellyrolls offers dueling pianos. Strictly for

the over-21 set, it’s open daily from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. There’s a $5

cover.

If you need a game fix, ESPN Sports has 90 TV screens (there are

a few even inside the bathrooms!), a full-service bar, food, and a

small arcade, all without a cover charge. It’s the sports mecca in

town.

You can get information on all of the spots listed here by calling % 407-

939-3463 or going to www.disneyworld.com.

Dancing the Night Away at CityWalk

Universal’s answer to Pleasure Island is a two-level collection of clubs

and restaurants located between its two theme parks. CityWalk (% 407-

363-8000; www.universalorlando.com or www.citywalk.com) is open

from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Although no admission is charged, several

clubs have cover charges after 5 or 6 p.m., sometimes as late as 8 or

9 p.m. CityWalk also offers party passes. A pass to all clubs is $10 plus

tax; for $13 plus tax, you get a movie at Universal Cineplex (% 407-354-

5998). Universal also offers free club access to those who buy multiday

theme-park tickets (see Chapters 18 and 19). Daytime parking in the

Universal Orlando garages costs $8, but parking is free after 6 p.m.

Save your parking stub if attending a movie at the Universal Cineplex

before 6 p.m. The theater will allow you to apply the $8 parking fee

toward a concession-stand purchase any time that same day.

Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom (% 407-224-3663; www.bob

marley.com) has architecture said to replicate Marley’s home in

Kingston, Jamaica. Local and national reggae bands perform frequently.

Light Jamaican fare is served under umbrellas. The club is open daily from

4 p.m. to 2 a.m. There’s a cover of $5 after 8 p.m.; cover prices increase for

concerts on special nights. You must be 21 or older after 10 p.m.