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.
Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine is officially named as Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This Roman Catholic Church is located in Orlando and was just an idea in the 1970s, but became a reality in the 1980s and 1990s. Originally built to accommodate the tens of millions of Catholics coming to the area on vacations, the church offers a place for travelers to worship or attend Mass among magnificent statues, sculpted entryways and adorned walls. On the church's property, you will also find beautiful gardens, a museum and a gift shop.
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.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of the major events centers in the city established in the year 2011. It was built in the under the guidance of the renowned architect Barton Myers. It has spaces like Walt Disney Theater, Steinmetz Hall, DeVos Family Room and the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, all of which are well-equipped with modern light and sound installations. If you are a lover of performing arts then do visit this place while in the city.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is located in the heart of downtown Orlando. This sprawling center is home to the Walt Disney Theater. Experience the arts with their state-of-the-art sound and light system and facilities. Their schedule features the best in Broadway, musicals and performing arts such as The Phantom Of The Opera and I Love Lucy. The complex is also ideal for hosting pre- and post-performance events.
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.
A historical depot and block, featuring a state-of-the-art retail center and entertainment zone, the Church Street Station is a popular tourist attraction in Orlando, Florida. This commercial establishment also includes a SunRail stop, which is a famous commuter rail service in the Greater Orlando region. The iconic depot was built in 1889 by the South Florida Railroad Company and served multiple railroads up until 1926. During the early 1970s, the station and surrounding buildings were developed into an entertainment and commercial zone, featuring bars, lounges, restaurants and event spaces. This revamped Church Street Station today serves as one of the prime nightlife destinations in Downtown Orlando.