Starting off as a modest production house and staging two of the Bard's plays around two decades ago, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater today has a permanent house to feature an entire catalog of Shakespeare's works. The 50,000 square foot complex houses various theaters. Aside from staging the works of the Bard through 29 in-house productions, adaptations of prominent books are also undertaken such as Robinson Crusoe, A Christmas Carol, Dracula and Frankenstein.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Lake Eola is an ideal escape without having to leave the city. The lake is a part of a park complex that includes a lovely walkway, which encircles the lake and serves as a running track. The park is a whopping 43.2 acres (17.48 hectares), which makes it easy to feel like you really have left the city. Visitors can use the picnic facilities located throughout the park, or rent a boat to take out onto the lake.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a dynamic water park with much more than just water slides, although it does have those in abundance. At Shark Reef, if you dare, you can snorkel in salt water with real sharks and tropical fish. Go early or stay late to learn how to surf in one of the world's largest wave pools. If you are searching for a more classic water park, Typhoon Lagoon has these attractions as well. Take a ride on the slow and relaxing Castaway Creek, let the little ones play in Ketchakiddee Creek, or go for the big thrills with speed slides or a water coaster!
This lovely 50-acre botanical garden is situated on Lake Rowena and promises to offer visitors a chance to escape into Old Florida. Wander miles of paved paths through forests of giant camphor, oaks and palms. The formal Rose Garden is one of the largest in the South, but don't pass up the opportunity to visit the herb, butterfly, palm and bamboo gardens as well. Towering over all this natural wonder is the Leu House. Built-in 1888, it now serves as a decorative arts museum.
This sculpture collection is housed in a Mediterranean-style building that served as home to the renowned Czechoslovakian sculptor from 1949 until his death in 1961. Prior to his Florida retirement, Polasek had served more than 35 years as chair of the Chicago Art Institute's sculpture department. Visitors can stroll through three galleries and a three-acre sculpture garden, gazing on the master's paintings and his classical sculptures. The latter are heroic in style, chiseled with an attention to muscle and sinew reminiscent of Michelangelo's works.
Opened on 9th October, 2003, the Orlando Repertory Theatre is meant for the young crowd as well as families. It holds many plays, classes, camps, and offers performance opportunities for young artists. ThisLearn place promotes reading, literacy, and verbal skills through the use of books and plays as literature.
The 250-odd seat Mad Cow Theatre is a prime venue in Orlando to host plays, music concerts, dances or musicals. The annual Orlando Cabaret Festival finds itself a permanent venue at the Mad Cow Theatre. Before the popular movie Sweeney Todd lit the big screen, one of the places it ran as a successful musical was the Mad Cow. Adding to the list of popular musicals featured often is the Fantasticks. Comedies such as Present Laughter or analysis of human nature in A Number have been other features to earn standing ovations.
Plaza Cinema Café 12 is downtown Orlando’s first movie complex in decades. It is located in the heart of downtown and is more than your average movie theater. It boasts large, comfy chairs with connected small tables and drink holders for all of your snacks and beverages. There are 12 screens showing the latest movies, and two are 21 and older only. Plaza Cinema Café has two wine bars that also serve beer and overlook Orange Avenue below, while the snacks offered are more than the typical popcorn and candy. Choose from a number of American favorites including appetizers, entrees and desserts.
The CityArts Factory is situated in the Downtown Arts District and displays one of the largest art collections in Orlando. This is not your typical art gallery, since there are astounding presentations of visual and performing arts. The CityArts Factory building contains six independent art galleries on the first level, with the SAK Comedy Lab located on the second level. Special events are held every third Thursday of each month.
SAK Comedy Lab is out to tickle your funny bone but not shock your sensibilities. Snack food is served, and beverages are available here. Adhering strictly to a "no obscenities" rule, the club lures both local folks and visitors, who flock here for an evening of fun, free of the concern that the amusement will rely on shock value. Be warned though, if you wear socks with sandals or hang a touristy camera around your neck, chances are you will be heckled. Apart from putting up a range of shows that are appropriate for the whole family, SAK also organises improv classes and can even organize entertainment for private parties.
A haven for house music on Saturday nights, the Attic is a high-energy club with mass appeal. This club is comprised of two rooms, and features a dance floor in the middle plus VIP booths lined up along the walls. The modern decor and EDM music make this a standout among the college crowd, but the Attic offers something for everyone looking to party.
Amway Center is a prominent sports and entertainment venue in downtown. Orlando The facade and interiors of the center were designed by ace architects and are very eclectically built. The center boasts a variety of facilities, including a concourse, locker rooms, rest rooms, concert stage and more. Events here include Orlando Magic basketball games, other local tournaments, the famed NBA championship, WWE events, concerts, and performing arts shows.