What to do in Orlando?

What's there to do in Orlando?

• Okay, so my best friend (who's a guy) and I are going to Orlando next weekend for a whole week, we're taking the train, and we're staying right on International Drive across the street from Wet N Wild. We got tickets to Universal, so we'll be there a lot. But what I want to know is what else is there to do in Orlando, especially on I-Drive (b/c we're not renting a car). (oh yea, he's 21, I'm 22). We've been to Orlando b4 to Universal and Disney, but that on a school trip in high school. Also if anyone could give me estimates on cab rates...that'd be great (gotta get from the train station to the hotel prolly a few other places). Here are some things we thought about doing while there besides Universal : Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium, Wonderworks (the upside down building), Orlando Science Center, Terror In Orlando (haunted house), Outta Control Magic Comedy Show (in Wonderworks), Universal City Walk (any suggestions on which restaurants/clubs to hit up?), Lake Ridge Winery

• Answer:

  Since you are thinking about visiting WonderWorks, then consider visiting the entire complex around it: Pointe Orlando: WonderWorks, there is also a movie theater that has an IMAX screen, and several Night Clubs. I've been to BB Kings Blues Club, the food is ok but the bands, sound system, and dance floor are terrific. Adobe Gila's is a fun night club too. There are also shops, restaurants and a coffee shop. Pointe Orlando http://www.pointeorlando.com/ Check out who will be performing at the Hard Rock Cafe at Univeral City Walk while you are there. This is my favorite concert hall in all of Central Florida. Hard Rock Orlando http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=89&MIBenumID=3 If Hard Rock doesn't strike your fancy, I hear that the Blue Man group performances are excellent....but expensive. My favorite restaurants at CityWalk are Pat O'Briens, Bob Marley's, Jimmy Buffet's, and Emeril's. CityWalk Orlando http://www.universalorlando.com/cw_index.html?__source=yssp The Orlando Science Center is just ok, and is several miles North of International Drive. If you have the funds, you would be better off going to DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney. You could eat at one of the Downtown Disney restaurants and play at DisneyQuest. There are also nightclubs, shops, and snack stands there. The Lego store is fun, I always stop by to play with the Legos they have outside the store. DisneyQuest http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/entertainment/entertainmentDetail?id=DisneyQuestIndoorInteractiveThemeParkEntertainmentPage LakeRidge Winery is probably too far away to go by taxi. Unless you rent a car for the day, I'd skip it. The Winery is in Lake county, at least 25 miles from International Drive. If you like County Music, the Cheyenne Saloon in Downtown Orlando just opened back up. http://www.cheyennesaloonandoperahouse.com/home.html Sea World is very close to International Drive. If you've never been there I'd highly recommend that you spend a day there. International Drive, including information about the I-Ride Trolley-the Trolley operates from 8:00 am until 10:30 pm. http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/ Mears Shuttle Service to Theme Parks http://www.mearstransportation.com/AttractionTrans.htm Mears Taxicab Service, includes a fare estimator http://www.mearstransportation.com/TaxicabService.htm