Entertainment

If you're looking for amusement in Orlando, the fun doesn't stop at the parks. Orlando's nights are just as jam-packed as its days. Orlando definitely has something for everyone, from comedy clubs to a Texas two-steppin' rodeo bar with live bull riding, from Polynesian luaus to cartoon character dinners. Families can check out fireworks and parades, themed dining events and high-stepping Lippizaner stallions. Music-wise, local and national talent runs the gamut from rock 'n roll, disco and blues to jazz, country and DJ music.

Nightlife

For a virtual smorgasbord of entertainment, check out the Victorian-themed Church Street Station, spread out across several downtown blocks and centered around an old railroad track no longer in use. In its varying showrooms, Church Street features rock 'n roll, dancing and plenty of dining. A host of entertainment spots have grown up around the attraction and now line Church Street and Orange Avenue. Topping the list is Ybor's Martini Bar.

For an laid-back International Drive diversion, Cricketers Arms features 15 imported beers and four hand-drawn ales, and is tucked into cobble-stoned streetscapes, amid 75 shops and restaurants. For fans of Irish beer: the Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub is just down the street on International Drive.

There's still more to be found on International Drive: Pointe Orlando is an entertainment complex featuring an IMAX 3-D theater, a 21-screen movie complex, outdoor entertainment and 70 shops, decked out with the unmistakable landmarks of its huge concrete teddy bear and Barbie's pink shoes.

Amusement Parks

There are obvious entertainment diversions to be found at the massive Walt Disney World and equally-impressive Universal Studios Florida. There are rides, restaurants and shopping abound in these two places. It's enough to keep you entertained for the whole weekend, if not longer.

SeaWorld was one of the very first amusement parks opened in Florida. Beyond the rides, it offers an educational look at marine life. Navigate through the swamps and trails at Gatorland, where visitors get the chance to get up close and personal with the alligators themselves. There's even a waterpark on-site for smaller children. Wet 'n Wild is a great place to stop to cool off and have some fun. One of the tallest slides stretches up 300 feet, giving visitors a real thrill.

Shopping

Downtown Disney Marketplace, a cluster of restaurants are joined by a host of shops like a Virgin Megastore, a cigar shop, a games center filled with virtual reality machines and video challenges, plus lots of purveyors of Disney memorabilia. Pointe Orlando is a large shopping mall where you can find several stores, restaurants and entertainment options. The Mercado offers gifts from around the world. You'll also find smaller boutiques, such as Bijou's Boutique, selling stylish, unique creations.

Performing Arts

Unquestionably, the entertainment crown of Downtown Disney is the massive circular theater that houses Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba, a fantastic show that gives a whole new meaning to the circus concept. A study in color, lighting and special effects, Cirque du Soleil is imaginative, graceful, death-defying and awe-inspiring. The Central Florida Ballet company performs at various venues throughout the year. Contemporary drama can be found at the UCF Student Resource Center Auditorium, where the drama company is known for its provocative selection of plays. The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center is a community theater dedicated to bringing quality live theater to the Central Florida area.

Festivals

Orlando is also the site of several large festivals. The Kissimmee Blue Grass Festival stretches over three days and includes live music and some of the best food around. The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Orlando Cabaret Festival feature productions that cover controversial and risque subject matter, while the Orlando Shakespeare Festival covers more traditional topics. The Leesburg Bikefest is a must for cyclists looking to score some great gear. The Orlando Carnival takes place over Memorial Day weekend, with plenty of drinking and dancing. Cine-philes come out in droves for the annual Florida Film Festival (FFF). The food in the stalls at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival comes from all over the world, and there are fantastic wine selections to pair them with.