Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife
CityWalk
Endangered Species 2
Universal Studios Store 3
CityJazz (% 407-224-2189) has a cover charge that includes the
Downbeat Jazz Hall of Fame (with memorabilia from Louis Armstrong,
Ella Fitzgerald, and other greats) and the Thelonious Monk Institute
of Jazz, a performance venue that’s also the site of jazz workshops.
You can browse through 500 pieces of memorabilia marching through
Dixieland, swing, bebop, and modern jazz. Nationally acclaimed acts per-
form frequently. Thursday through Saturday, the club occasionally hosts
national and local comics via special Bonkers Comedy Club shows. On
the food side, look for tapas, sushi, and lamb chops. It’s open Sunday
through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from
7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover charge is $5 (more for special events). You must
be 18 to enter.
CityWalk’s answer to Pleasure Island’s Mannequins is the groove
(% 407-363-8000); it’s not as crowded here, except on the occasional
all-ages teen night, when you’ll want to stay as far away from the place
341Chapter 25: Hitting the Clubs and Bars
as possible. The sound system is loud, and the dance floor is in a room
gleaming with chrome. Music-wise, the groove features hip-hop, jazz
fusion, techno, and alternative. A DJ plays tunes on nights when record-
ing artists aren’t booked. Each of the club’s three color-themed lounges
has a bar and a specialty drink to fit its ambience (the spacey Blue one
is the coolest, though the Red is kind of sexy in a bordello sort of way).
You must be at least 21 to enter (except for the special teen events), and it
will cost you a cover charge of $5. The club is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.,
sometimes later.
CityWalk’s Hard Rock Cafe is the largest in the world, and the adjoining
Hard Rock Live (% 407-351-5483; www.hardrock.com) is the first con-
cert hall bearing the name. The cafe also has a free exhibit area, where
you can browse through displays of rock memorabilia, including the
platform heels and leather jumpsuits of KISS. Concert charges vary by
act, and MTV often films concert specials here. The cafe is open daily
from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Flip-flops and flowered shirts equal Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
(% 407-224-2155). Tunes are piped through the building during the day-
time, with a Jimmy sound-alike strumming on the back porch around dusk.
Inside, there’s nightly live entertainment, though nothing extraordinary.
Bar-wise, you have three options. The Volcano erupts (I’m not kidding)
killer margaritas; the Land Shark has fins swimming around the ceiling;
and the 12 Volt, is, well, a little electrifying. The menu screams “Key West!”
It includes cheeseburgers in paradise, mahimahi, and Key lime pie.
See Chapter 10 for more on the food front. Margaritaville is open from
11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., and there’s a $5 cover after 10 p.m.
The two-level Latin Quarter (% 407-224-3663) restaurant/club offers
you a chance to absorb the salsa-and-samba culture and cuisine of 21
Latin nations. It’s filled with the music of the Meringue and the Mambo,
with a little Latin rock thrown in for good measure. The sound system is
loud enough to blow you into the next county. The club’s open Monday
through Friday from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon
until 2 a.m. There’s a $5 to $10 cover charged after 9 p.m., depending on
the evening’s entertainment.
An arcade has replaced the live-music stage at the Motown Café, which
is now known as Decades (% 407-224-3663), but you can still refuel on
steaks, ribs, and BBQ ($8–$18) surrounded by memorabilia recalling
famous people, movies, and music from the past 40 years. It’s open daily
for dinner at 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am for lunch. A DJ
plays on Friday and Saturday nights, when there’s a cover of $5.
Guessing the focus of a place that has a one-page food menu and a book-
let filled with drinks doesn’t take a genius. Just like the French Quarter’s
version, drinking is the highlight at Pat O’Brien’s (% 407-363-8000).
You can enjoy dueling pianos and a flame-throwing fountain while you
suck down the signature drink — the Hurricane. No one younger than
342 Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife21 is permitted after 9 p.m. Pat O’ Brien’s offers a limited menu of sand-
wiches, snacks, and treats like jambalaya and shrimp Creole, which sets
you back $8 to $10. Hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and a cover of $5 is charged
after 9 p.m.
Locating the Best Hotel Lounges
Some of Orlando’s best nightlife is located in its hotels. Even the locals
head to the resort areas for fun after dark. If you’re staying at one of the
places listed here, you can do an evening on the town without ever get-
ting behind the wheel. None of the following charges a cover.
Mizner’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a pianist or band
that alternates evenings in a lounge with an elegant library look (% 407-
824-3000). Outer Rim in the Contemporary Resort (% 407-824-1000)
is trendy and close to the monorail. Kimono’s in the Walt Disney World
Swan transforms into a karaoke bar after 8:30 p.m. (% 407-934-4000).
The Laughing Kookaburra Good Time Bar in the Wyndham Palace,
Lake Buena Vista (% 407-827-2727), has dancing and live music or a DJ
most nights. The Top of the Palace Lounge, also at the Wyndham Palace
(% 407-827-2727), has a great view of Disney fireworks. Baskerville’s
in the Grosvenor Resort Hotel, Lake Buena Vista (% 407-827-6534),
features the MurderWatch Mystery Theater on Saturday nights (see
Chapter 24). And Auggie’s Jammin’ Piano Bar offers dueling pianos at
9 p.m. nightly at the Gaylord Palms Resort (% 407-586-0000).
Exploring Orlando’s Other Hot Spots
Downtown Orlando is home to a number of clubs and bars, and offers a
vibrant nightlife. Here’s my list of favorites:
Club at Firestone, 578 N. Orange Ave., (% 407-426-0005; www.club
atfirestone.com), is home to a revolving list of parties that take
place each day of the week. It continuously books some of the best
DJs in the dance music scene to spin, especially on Saturdays for
the popular “gay night” party. The cover ranges from free to $10,
depending on the event. It’s open daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Locals perform at the 200-seat SAK Comedy Lab, 380 W. Amelia St.
(% 407-648-0001; www.sak.com), which offers several performances
weekly. Favorite acts include Duel of Fools, where two teams face off
in improvised scenes based on suggestions from the audience, and
Lab Rats, where students play in improv formats. Admission costs
$5 to $13. Shows usually are Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 p.m. and
Thursday through Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m.
The best spot in town for live music, The Social, 54 N. Orange Ave.
(% 407-246-1419; www.orlandosocial.com), offers an eclectic
Chapter 25: Hitting the Clubs and Bars
Downtown Orlando
mix that changes dramatically from night to night. You’re just as
likely to hear an urban groove as the next big punk band on the air-
waves. A $5 cover is charged for those 21 and older; national act
covers vary. It’s open daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tabu, 46 N. Orange Ave. (% 407-648-8363; www.tabunightclub.
com), is one of the city’s hottest see-and-be-seen spots. The Art
Deco club boasts three dance floors and something of an attitude.
DJs spin hip-hop records and live bands provide additional music;
the club also hosts theme nights. A private lounge for VIPs means
you may see a famous face or two. Leave the denim at home,
though — the club’s upscale dress code is strictly enforced. Cover
is $5 to $10 on most nights. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Metropolis and Matrix, 9101 International Drive (% 407-370-3700;
www.metropolismatrix.com), are a pair of sophisticated clubs
located close to all the tourist action. The Matrix offers a futuristic
344 Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlifeatmosphere with a multimillion-dollar light show, and large dance
floor with Techno, Eurotrance, Breakout, and Top-40 music. Just
next door, the Metropolis features a 13-foot video wall, TV screens
surrounding the room, and billiards tables. The Matrix is open
Wednesday to Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Metropolis is open
Thursday to Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover varies nightly.
“Stylish dress” required. Parking (next door at the garage) is $2 to
$5. You must be 18 to enter; on Saturday and Sunday nights, guys
must be 21.
A handful of Downtown hot spots are clustered in the Wall Street
district. Chillers, Big Belly Brewery, and Lattitudes (% 407-939-
4270), offer three very different experiences all in a single building.
The trio of clubs are all geared to the young adult crowd with an
atmosphere that’s very casual. Wall Street Plaza (www.wallst
plaza.net) is home to a wide variety of clubs including The Globe
(% 407-849-9904), a European patio cafe; Slingapours (% 407-849-
9904), a dance club with an indoor and outdoor patio for relaxing;
Waitiki (% 407-849-0471), a retro tiki lounge and restaurant, and
The Monkey Bar (% 407-849-0471), a hip martini lounge and cock-
tail bar. Hours and cover varies, so call ahead.
Part VIIThe Part of Tens
In this part . . .A
h, tradition. The Part of Tens chapters are to For
Dummies books what noisemakers and silly hats are to
New Year’s — an integral part of the experience. In this part
of the book, I feed you plenty of useful and fun information
that I think is especially handy, such as budget attractions
that can stretch your dollars and fun ways to keep active
when you’re not at the theme parks.
Chapter 26Top Ten Cheap Alternatives
to the Theme Parks
In This Chapter
Spending some time at a museum
Strolling through a real park
Taking a leisurely boat tour
I
t may shock you to learn that there are things to see and do in this
city beyond Mickey, Shamu, and Shrek. I discuss some of the city’s
smaller but still-popular attractions in Chapter 21, but here are some
hidden gems, where you can dodge the enormous crowds, save a few
dollars, and still have a great time while others are still waiting in line
or emptying their wallets at the big parks.
Central Florida Zoo
The animal collection at the Central Florida Zoo includes a number of
endangered species including beautiful clouded leopards and cheetahs.
In addition to a lovable hippopotamus named Geraldine, you can also meet
black howler monkeys, siamangs, American crocodiles, a Gila monster,
hyacinth macaws, bald eagles, and dozens of other species. The latest
additions to the park include a puma enclosure, a rare king vulture
exhibit, and an Australian exhibit featuring kangaroos and emus.
The park is located 20 to 30 minutes from Orlando at 3755 N. U.S. 17/92 in
Sanford. (Take I-4 Exit 104, and follow the signs to the zoo.) Call % 407-
323-4450 for more information or visit www.centralfloridazoo.org
on the Web. Admission is $8.95 for adults, $6.95 for seniors 60 and older,
and $4.95 for kids 3 to 12 (children younger than 3 are free). Strollers are
available for rent at a cost of $3 or $6, depending on the type. The park
is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closes only on Thanksgiving and
Christmas.
348 Part VII: The Part of TensCharles Hosmer Morse Museum
of American Art
Louis Comfort Tiffany is in the spotlight at the Charles Hosmer Morse
Museum of American Art, and if you’re a fan of the artist, a stop here
is a must. This museum, founded in 1942, has 40 vibrantly colored
windows and 21 paintings by the master artist. In addition, there are
non-Tiffany windows ranging from creations by Frank Lloyd Wright to
the works of 15th-century German masters. Also look for leaded lamps
by Tiffany and Emile Gallè; paintings by John Singer Sargent and Maxfield
Parrish; jewelry designed by Tiffany, Lalique, and Fabergé; and Art
Nouveau furnishings.
The museum is at 445 Park Ave. N., in Winter Park. (Take the I-4 Fairbanks
Avenue exit east to Park Avenue, go left and through four traffic lights.)
Call % 407-645-5311 or 407-645-5324 (a telephone recording) for more
details, or check online at www.morsemuseum.org. Admission is $3 for
adults, $1 for students 12 to 17, those younger than 12 are free. The
museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum
This showplace has 6,000 works on display (European and American
paintings, sculpture, and decorative art), making it one of Florida’s most
distinguished and comprehensive art collections. The museum also con-
ducts lectures and gallery-talk walks.
The museum is located at the east end of Holt Avenue on the Rollins
College campus in Winter Park. (Take I-4 Exit 45/Fairbanks Avenue east
to Park; turn right and then left on Holt.) Call % 407-646-2526 or visit
www.rollins.edu/cfam for more information.
Eatonville and the Zora Neale Hurston
National Museum of Fine Arts
America’s oldest black municipality is located just north of Orlando.
Eatonville is the birthplace of Zora Neale Hurston — a too-little heralded,
African-American author. The best time to visit is in January during the
city’s annual festival honoring her and her work. A small gallery on the
site displays periodically changing exhibits of art and other work, and you
can grab a map for a walking tour of the community, established in 1887.
The museum is at 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. (Take I-4 to Exit 46
and make a quick left onto Lee Road, then left on Wymore, and then
right on Kennedy. It’s a quarter-mile down the road on the left.) Call
349Chapter 26: Top Ten Cheap Alternatives to the Theme Parks
% 800-972-3310 or 407-647-3307 or visit www.zoranealehurston.cc
for more information. The museum accepts donations as admission and
is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
This bird sanctuary — one of the biggest rehabilitation centers in the
Southeast — has treated more than 8,000 raptors and released more
than 3,500 of them back into the wild since opening in 1979. It flies under
the radar of most tourists, making it a great place to get to know the
winged wonders (eagles, owls, hawks, and other raptors) that earn their
keep by entertaining those who do visit. It’s a wonderful place for nature
lovers and kids who love getting up close with the feathered residents.
The center is at 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland. (Take I-4 to Lee Road/Exit
46 and exit right; turn left at first light/Wymore Road, and turn right at
the next light/Kennedy Boulevard. Continue a half-mile to East Avenue,
turn left, and go to the stop sign at Audubon Way. Turn left, and the
center is on the right.) Call % 407-644-0190 or visit www.audubonof
florida.org/conservation/cbop.htm for more information. The
center accepts donations: $5 adults, $4 children 3 to 12. Visitor hours
are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kissimmee Sports Arena & Rodeo
The Kissimmee Sports Arena & Rodeo is a good way to fill a Friday
night dance card, and it’s only 20 minutes from the major theme parks.
The arena stages weekly contests where real-life cowboys compete in
several events, including saddle bronc and bull-riding, calf-roping, and
barrel-racing.
The arena is located at 958 S. Hoagland Blvd., Kissimmee. (Take I-4 Exit
25A/U.S. 192 east to Hoagland, and then go south 1 mile to the arena.) Call
% 407-933-0020 or visit www.ksarodeo.com for more details. Admission
is $18 for adults, $9 for children age 12 and younger. The fun begins Friday
evenings at 8 p.m. It’s closed in December.
Lake Eola Park
This quiet hideaway in Downtown Orlando offers the city’s skyline as
a backdrop. The 43-acre park has a walking and jogging path, a play-
ground, and swan-shaped paddleboats for rent if you want to take a
quiet ride across the 23-acre lake. You can relax and feed the swans,
birds, and fish (in certain areas only). There’s also a small cafe. A variety
of performances happen throughout the year, most of which are free.
The Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival (Apr to early May) costs $10 to
350 Part VII: The Part of Tens$30 nightly. Call % 407-447-1700 or head online to www.shakespeare
fest.org for more information about the festival.
The park is located at Washington Street and Rosalind Avenue, Orlando.
(Take I-4 to Anderson Street., exit right, and turn left at the fourth light/
Rosalind. The amphitheater is on the right.) Call % 407-246-2827 or
check the Internet at www.ci.orlando.fl.us/cys/recreation/
lake_eola.htm for more information about the park and details on
scheduled performances. Admission is free, and the park is open daily
during daylight hours, sometimes later.
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
The Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards produces some of Florida’s more
noteworthy vintages. Tours include a look behind the scenes at the work-
ing vineyard and winery, a video presentation, and, of course, tastings.
The winery is at 19239 U.S. 27, Clermont. (Take U.S. 192 west of the WDW
parks to U.S. 27, turn right and go 25 miles north.) Call % 800-768-9463
or www.lakeridgewinery.com for more information. Tours and tastings
are offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
The Peabody Ducks
One of the best shows in town is short, but sweet and free. The posh
Peabody Orlando hotel’s five mallards march into the lobby each morn-
ing, accompanied by John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton March” and their
own red-coated duck master. They get to spend the day splashing in a
marble fountain. Then, in the afternoon, they march back to the elevator
and up to their fourth-floor “penthouse.”
The hotel is at 9801 International Drive (between the BeeLine Expressway
and Sand Lake Road), Call % 800-732-2639 or 407-352-4000 for more infor-
mation. Admission is free, and the ducks march daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
This peaceful water voyage has been operating since 1938. The narrated,
one-hour cruises showcase the area’s beautiful lakes and canals, Rollins
College, Kraft Azalea Gardens, and a number of historic mansions. Native
wildlife, including cranes and alligators, may also make an appearance.
The boat tour launches from 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. Call
% 407-644-4056 or check out www.scenicboattours.com for addi-
tional information about the tour. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for
children ages 2 to 11, kids younger than 2 are free. Weather permitting,
the tours run daily, except Christmas, every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chapter 27Top Ten Fitness Activities
in Orlando
In This Chapter
Enjoying water-related activities
Getting land-based exercise
W
ant some exercise other than pounding theme-park pavement?
Walt Disney World and the surrounding areas offer plenty of
recreational jaunts to keep even the most active people busy. The major-
ity of these activities are most convenient for guests of Disney’s resorts
and official hotels, but many of the area’s other resorts offer comprehen-
sive facilities as well. The facilities I describe in this chapter are open to
the public, regardless of where you’re staying. For further information,
call % 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529) or visit www.disneyworld.com and
click “More Magic,” then the “Other Recreation” link.
Biking
Bike rentals (single- and multispeed bikes for adults, tandems, surreys,
and children’s bikes) are available from the Bike Barn (% 407-824-2742)
at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Fort Wilderness has exten-
sive and well-kept bike trails. Rates run $8 per hour, $22 per day (surrey
bikes are $18–$22 per half hour). You can also rent bicycles with training
wheels and baby seats. Helmets are available at no additional charge.
Boating
Along with a ton of man-made lakes and lagoons, WDW owns a navy of
pleasure boats. Capt. Jack’s at Downtown Disney rents Water Sprites
and canopy boats ($24–$27 per half-hour). For information, call % 407-
828-2204.
The Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness (% 407-824-2742) rents canoes and
paddleboats ($6.50 per half-hour, $12 per hour); canopy boats ($27 per
352 Part VII: The Part of Tenshalf hour); Sea Raycers ($24 per half hour); small sailboats ($20–$30 per
hour); and pontoon boats ($42 per half hour).
Fishing
Disney offers a variety of fishing excursions (catch and release only) on
various Disney lakes, including Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. The
lakes are stocked, so you may catch something, but true anglers proba-
bly won’t find it much of a challenge. You can arrange special B.A.S.S.
fishing excursions 24 hours to 14 days in advance by calling % 407-939-
2277 or 407-939-7529. A license isn’t required. The fee is $200 to $225 for
up to five people for two hours, $395 for four hours ($90 for each addi-
tional hour), including refreshments, gear, guide, and tax. Kids can get in
on the action as well: General B.A.S.S. tours are available for children
ages 6 to 12 at a cost of $28 per child for an hour excursion.
Here’s a less expensive alternative: Rent fishing poles at the Bike Barn
(% 407-824-2742; $6 per hour or $10 per day, bait $3.50) to fish in the
Fort Wilderness canals. A license isn’t necessary.
Golf
Walt Disney World operates five 18-hole, par-72 golf courses and one
9-hole, par-36 walking course. All are open to the public and offer pro
shops, equipment rentals, and instruction. The rates are $69 to $159 per
18-hole round for resort guests ($10 more if you’re not staying at a WDW
property). Rates depend on the course, the season, and the time of day
you play. Twilight specials (for play after the hours of either 3 or 5 p.m.)
are often available. For tee times and information, call % 407-939-4653
up to 60 days in advance (up to 90 days for Disney-resort and official-
property guests). Call % 407-934-7639 for information about golf
packages.
Beyond Mickey’s shadow, Celebration Golf Club (% 888-275-2918 or
407-566-4653; www.celebrationgolf.com), which has an 18-hole regula-
tion course (greens fees are $65–$129, depending on the season) and a
3-hole junior course for 5 to 9 year olds. Champions Gate (% 407-787-
4653; www.championsgategolf.com), offers 36 holes designed by Greg
Norman; greens fees will set you back from $55 to $170.
Golf magazine recognized the 45 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus at
the Villas of Grand Cypress resort as among the best in the nation.
Tee times begin at 8 a.m. daily. Special rates are available for children
under 18. For information call % 407-239-1909. Greens fees run $120 to
$180 for guests, $180 to $250 for non-guests, depending on the season.
353Chapter 27: Top Ten Fitness Activities in Orlando
Golfpac (% 888-848-8941 or 407-260-2288; www.golfpacinc.com) is
an organization that packages golf vacations with accommodations and
other features and prearranges tee times at more than 40 Orlando-area
courses. The earlier you call (months, if possible), the better your options.
Tee Times USA (% 888-465-3356; www.teetimesusa.com) and Florida
Golfing (% 866-833-2663; www.floridagolfing.com) are two other
companies that couple course and package information with a reserva-
tions service.
Horseback Riding
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers 45-minute
scenic guided-tour trail rides six times a day. The cost is $32 per person.
Children must be at least 9 years old, and the maximum weight limit is
250 pounds. For information and reservations up to 30 days in advance,
call % 407-824-2832.
The Villas of Grand Cypress opens its equestrian center to outsiders.
You can go on a 45-minute, walk-trot trail ride (four times daily) for
$45. A 30-minute private lesson is $55; a one-hour lesson is $100. Call
% 800-835-7377 or 407-239-1938 or surf the Internet to http://grand
cypress.com.
Jogging
Many Disney resorts have scenic jogging trails. For example, the Yacht
and Beach Club resorts share a 2-mile trail; the Caribbean Beach
Resort’s 1.4-mile promenade circles a lake; Port Orleans has a 1.7-mile
riverfront trail; and Fort Wilderness’s tree-shaded 2.3-mile jogging path
has exercise stations about every quarter-mile. Pick up a jogging trail
map at any Disney property’s Guest Relations desk.
Surfing
The creative minds at Disney have added a way for you to find out how
to catch a wave and “hang ten” at the Typhoon Lagoon water park. (See
Chapter 16 for the park listing.) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,
instructors from Carroll’s Cocoa Beach Surfing School (% 407-939-
7529) show up for an early-bird session in the namesake lagoon, which
has a wave machine capable of 8 footers. The two and one-half hour ses-
sion is held before the park opens to the general public. It’s limited to
14 people. Minimum age is 8. The $135 cost doesn’t include park admis-
sion, which you must pay if you want to hang around after the lesson.
354 Part VII: The Part of TensIf you’re staying at WDW and don’t have a rental car, note that you can’t
use the Disney Transportation System to get to the park for the 7:30 a.m.
start time of the lessons; the buses don’t operate that early.
Ron Jon Surf Park, the worlds first surf park, is scheduled to open in
2006 at Festival Bay (located at the northern-most end of International
Drive) where beginners can learn to surf, or the pros can simply ride the
waves, and its all indoors. Surf over to www.ronjons.com for the most
up to date information.
Swimming
Orlando is home to an amazing number and variety of swimming pools.
Whiling away the heat of the afternoon at a pool is a great way to recharge
your batteries and cool off after a morning of pounding the pavement at
the parks. Keep in mind, however, that you won’t be the only one to think
that an afternoon retreat is a good idea — there are times the pools can
seem as crowded as the parks.
Tennis
Twenty-six lighted tennis courts are scattered throughout the Disney
properties (including ten at Disney’s Wide World of Sports). Most are
free and available to resort guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Call
% 407-939-7529 to make reservations (they generally cost $8 per hour)
or for more information. The Racquet Club at the Contemporary Resort
has six clay courts (reservations required; $8 an hour), all lighted for
evening play, and offers lessons.
Water-skiing and Wakeboarding
You can arrange water-skiing trips (including boats, drivers, equipment,
and instruction) Tuesday through Saturday at Walt Disney World
by calling % 407-824-2621 or 407-939-7529. Make reservations up to
14 days in advance. The cost for skiing is $140 per hour for up to five
people. Wakeboarding is $140 per hour for up to four people. You also
can wakeboard and ski at the Sammy Duvall Watersports Centre at
Disney’s Contemporary Resort (% 407-939-0754; www.sammyduvall.
com); it costs $140 for 60 minutes and $100 for every additional hour.
Parasailing is available as well; for a single rider the cost is $90, tandem
costs $140.
You can snorkel at Typhoon Lagoon (see Chapter 16). Scuba-diving
is available at Epcot’s Dive Quest at the Living Seas pavilion (see
Chapter 13). Outside Disney, you can get some time behind a boat or
at the end of an overhead cable at the Orlando Watersports Complex,
355Chapter 27: Top Ten Fitness Activities in Orlando
which has lights for nighttime thrill-seekers. The complex is located
close to Orlando International Airport at 8615 Florida Rock Rd. Prices for
wakeboarding or water-skiing, including lessons, runs $45 a half-hour,
$180 for all you can ride. If you want to ride on the cable, it will cost $21
for an hour and $39 for all day. Basic equipment is included in the rental
price, but if you prefer the more advanced stuff, you can rent it sepa-
rately at the pro shop. For information, call % 407-251-3100 or go to
www.orlandowatersports.com. Ask about special rates for later
evening hours and for kids.
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