When planning a Florida holiday, most guests tend to plan their trips around the fabulous theme parks, perhaps with a trip to the wonderful Gulf Coast beaches, a bit of shopping - and, of course, lazing by your own private pool at one of Orlando Villas’ privately owned homes.
But visitors shouldn't overlook the opportunity to see some new blockbuster films, perhaps catch some live music - or visit one of the largest music stores you are ever likely to encounter!
Films
Films are often released in the USA ahead of the rest of the world. So check out the listings - see the local newspaper 'The Orlando Sentinel', or have a look when passing one of the cinemas (or theaters). There are two large multi screen cinemas in the area, as well as many smaller cinemas. No prizes for guessing where the two largest cinemas are - Downtown Disney and Universal City Walk. A visit to one of these is a great way to finish off a day at the theme parks. And Florida being Florida, tickets are usually cheaper than in Europe, and there are plenty of opportunities to finish the evening with a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.
Music
The House of Blues at Downtown Disney has live music most evenings -featuring local bands as well as better known artists. Many different styles of music are catered for - as they are at other local venues. The Hard Rock Cafe also has regular live music (the venue was opened by Elton John) - although many of the bigger names stage concerts at the TD Waterhouse Centre, a few miles North of the attractions area, just off the Interstate I-4 near Downtown Orlando. A few weeks before your holiday, check the websites for each venue to see if there is something that tempts you.
Listening to Music
There are countless local radio stations, each specialising for a particular market. For 'rock and roll of yesterday and today' tune in to 98.9 WMMO - if you have to wait longer than a couple of hours for a track from Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' you must have tuned in to another station!
Buying Music
Great prices on DVDs, videos and CDs at Wal-Mart and the other supermarkets. But for the widest choice, visit the enormous Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney. But a word of warning for visitors from outside the USA - make sure your DVD and video players are compatible before taking advantage of the great prices.
But visitors shouldn't overlook the opportunity to see some new blockbuster films, perhaps catch some live music - or visit one of the largest music stores you are ever likely to encounter!
Films
Films are often released in the USA ahead of the rest of the world. So check out the listings - see the local newspaper 'The Orlando Sentinel', or have a look when passing one of the cinemas (or theaters). There are two large multi screen cinemas in the area, as well as many smaller cinemas. No prizes for guessing where the two largest cinemas are - Downtown Disney and Universal City Walk. A visit to one of these is a great way to finish off a day at the theme parks. And Florida being Florida, tickets are usually cheaper than in Europe, and there are plenty of opportunities to finish the evening with a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.
Music
The House of Blues at Downtown Disney has live music most evenings -featuring local bands as well as better known artists. Many different styles of music are catered for - as they are at other local venues. The Hard Rock Cafe also has regular live music (the venue was opened by Elton John) - although many of the bigger names stage concerts at the TD Waterhouse Centre, a few miles North of the attractions area, just off the Interstate I-4 near Downtown Orlando. A few weeks before your holiday, check the websites for each venue to see if there is something that tempts you.
Listening to Music
There are countless local radio stations, each specialising for a particular market. For 'rock and roll of yesterday and today' tune in to 98.9 WMMO - if you have to wait longer than a couple of hours for a track from Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' you must have tuned in to another station!
Buying Music
Great prices on DVDs, videos and CDs at Wal-Mart and the other supermarkets. But for the widest choice, visit the enormous Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney. But a word of warning for visitors from outside the USA - make sure your DVD and video players are compatible before taking advantage of the great prices.