Experiencing the City Beautiful’s art, history, and culture through a visit to its museums will make your Central Florida vacation more enriching and memorable. Take a break from the busy theme parks and enjoy a relaxing visit to a museum or escape a rainy day inside a historic center. Many museums offer reasonable admission prices, making it an affordable vacation activity.

As someone who grew up here, with memories of field trips and family time in the museums, I have my favorites. Check out some of the best institutions Orlando has to offer.

Art museums in Orlando

If you’re going to visit just one museum in Orlando, I strongly suggest the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Located along Central Florida’s poshest drag, Park Avenue in Winter Park, you can make a whole afternoon of your visit. This museum features works of art by Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose last name you may recognize – Louis Comfort Tiffany is of the Tiffany family that’s behind Tiffany & Co. jewelry. The art contained within the walls of the Morse Museum are incredible works made using stained glass and other materials. (Keep in mind the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is closed on Mondays. All visitors are free on Fridays, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, from November through April.)

While you’re in Winter Park, you may want to consider a visit to Cornell Fine Arts Museum and the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art. Both are located at Rollins College, which is a private college with an exquisite campus and a neighboring boutique hotel, the Alfond Inn. You can view a wide array of awe-inspiring art both at the museum and in the collection on display at the inn. Admission is free to both!

Want even more art while in Winter Park? There’s an exquisite sculpture collection a few minutes from where the Morse Museum and Rollins College are located. The Albin Polasek Museum and Gardens offers a fascinating collection of over 200 works by Czech-born sculptor Albin Polasek, and what makes this experience so unique is that the majority of the art is outside in the gardens. Take in the sculptures on display on the shores of Lake Osceola, at the sculptor’s home, and linger in the shade underneath majestic trees and enjoy bright and cheerful flowers. This picturesque location is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Note that the museum and gardens are closed on Mondays.)

Another artful area in Orlando is Loch Haven Park, where you will find both the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art. The Orlando Museum of Art was founded in 1924, and for many locals like me, it is the beacon of the art community within Central Florida; no matter what exhibits are on display, you’re sure to view inspiring and interesting art here. Nearby is the Mennello Museum, which showcases art by Earl Cunningham that has been described as a combination of folk and pop culture. (Like many others, both of these museums are closed on Mondays.)

Orlando history museums

In the heart of downtown Orlando is one of my favorite treasures, the Orange County Regional History Center, which showcases Orlando and Orange County’s history (as the name might imply). A variety of exhibits help to paint Orlando’s rich heritage at this incredible history center. Theme-park fans can have a little fun here as there is a collection of memorabilia, news articles, and other items that show how Orlando became the themed capital of the world. There is also a somber tribute to the Pulse Nightclub tragedy and how Orlando came together during that historic moment. (This museum is open seven days a week and offers free admission on the third Thursday of each month, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.)

Also in downtown Orlando is the small and humble Orlando Fire Museum. Located inside a historic fire station, this museum is a treat for anyone with an affinity for fire fighters, including kids – not only are there interesting details to learn about firefighting, but also Orlando’s history, as well. (This museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.)

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando and the attractions area by going to the Maitland Art and History Center.  There are actually five different museums to explore across two campuses: the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum, and Carpentry Shop Museum. The Waterhouse Residence Museum is a preserved Victorian home located at lovely Lake Lily Park – you’ll walk among Victorian furnishings and view turn-of-the-century woodworking tools and other items. Artists can take up residence in studios here to create inspiring works of art, and as you visit the Waterhouse residence, be sure to stroll on the first brick road to ever be laid in the state of Florida.

See? The Orlando area does have some pretty cool history!

Unique Orlando museums

Two of the most unique museums in Orlando are along International Drive. And as you explore the museums, be sure to visit some of the nearby restaurants and attractions, as there is a lot to do along this corridor.

Start off at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. You’ll be amazed at the exhibits and the facts – and, maybe, you’ll even be a little grossed out, too. Having visited both the Orlando and St. Augustine Ripley’s, as a kid and an adult, I can say the things I saw there have certainly stuck with me.

And then end your tour of International Drive on a sweet note. The Chocolate Museum and Cafe is a trip into the wonderful world of chocolate. Your visit starts off learning about the origins of chocolate while inside a tropical rainforest; then you can gaze at incredible chocolate sculptures, the sweetest art you may ever see. There’s also machinery on display so you can see what it takes to get the sweet stuff, and, finally, your tour finishes with a tasting of some of the world’s finest chocolate. If you’re craving even more chocolate, there is a cafe with coffee, wine, sandwiches, and all kinds of dessert. It’s the sweetest museum in Orlando!

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When you first step into the Blues Club, you’re greeted with a gift shop. Maybe that’s just the Orlando influence? But on the Sunday my family and I stopped in for an early dinner, we decided to check that out as we left.

The place was pretty empty when we arrived at about 4:30 pm (the entertainment doesn’t usually start until about 7:00 pm), so we were seated promptly by a friendly greeter, and our drink orders were taken by our waitress. While we waited, we checked out our table and some of the surrounding ones, too, which are all adorned with portraits of blues legends, such as Frank Stokes, John Lee Hooker, and, of course, BB King himself. The same portraits grace the walls, as well, all painted by Memphis-based artist Lamar Sorrento.

The place is pretty open, as you’d imagine a club to be, and the stage is front and center. Even though there was no show going on at the time, there was still no shortage of great music coming over the speakers – everything from Stevie Ray Vaughn and Bessie Smith to Muddy Waters. No complaints from us!

Let’s dig in

The beer and wine list is pretty standard – it’s all the usual suspects – plus there’s BB’s featured draft. They also have a good list of mixed drinks, and, like most Orlando touristy-type establishments, you can get their signature drinks in a souvenir cup, which will cost a little extra but get you a discount on any refills. The signature drinks all have a Southern flair, such as the Strawberry Sunshine with Stoli Citrus, triple sec, strawberry lemonade, and sliced strawberries, and the Lucille, featuring RumHaven Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, and mixed orange and pineapple juices.

Our drinks arrived (wine for me, beer for the husband, and soda for the kid), and, not too long after that, so did the food. We ordered the fried dill pickle starter, loaded tater tots, and cheeseburger sliders, and my daughter got her go-to for any Southern establishment, the pulled pork sandwich. These were all featured items on the menu, so they seemed like a good place to start.

The food overall was decent. My daughter thought there wasn’t quite enough sauce on the pulled pork and the meat itself was a bit dry; otherwise, we all liked the loaded tots and pickles well enough, and my husband was a big fan of the sliders. There was definitely enough food there to fill our bellies and take some home, and at a grand total of $59.60, including the beer and wine, we certainly couldn’t complain about bang for our buck!

But was it amazing? Not quite. Are there other places to get really delicious Southern food in Orlando? Yes. I’d put BB King’s kind of in the mid-range food-wise, but let’s be honest – the real reason to go to BB King’s is the music.

The wrap-up

Getting down to brass tacks, BB King’s Blues Club is a perfect place to see a show. My husband and I did just that a couple of years ago, and it was fantastic – perfect for a date night, or just going out with friends (stay tuned to hear about ladies’ night, every Thursday!). There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the venue pulls in not only excellent local acts, but also national blues performers, as well. (Some concerts do require separate tickets or reservations, so be sure and check before you go.)

Sunday through Thursday, you’ll be treated to one show per night, usually starting at 7:00 pm; every Friday and Saturday, however, you’ll get a chance to catch two performances, usually including the BB King’s Blues Club All-Star Band. And, as I mentioned before, Thursday is ladies’ night, which kicks off at 7:00 pm and has a $2 cover charge for the gals all night long – plus tons of drink specials, including $3 well liquors, $4 drafts, and more.

Every last Friday of the month, there’s also an All-Star After Party at the Blues Garden, from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am, with a DJ spinning R&B and dance hits from the ’90s.

Bonus tips

• Besides great blues acts, ladies’ night, and dance parties, BB King’s also has regular happy-hour specials from Sunday through Thursday, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• They will not validate parking if you park at the garage, but…
• If you show your ticket from any theme park in Orlando, you can get a free beer with the purchase of another beer (of equal or lesser value, up to $6), or a free app with the purchase of two entrees.
• If you’re a local, or live near any of the five locations across the country, be sure and sign up for their e-club, where you’ll get word about upcoming events, specials, etc.
• Hours are Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 pm – 12:00 am, and Friday and Saturday, 4:00 pm – 1:00 am.

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This small country eatery and store is relatively close to Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando’s other attractions, yet a trip to Yellow Dog will transport you to an entirely different place and time. No longer will you find yourself devoured by the chain restaurants of International Drive and the conveyor-belt quick-service food at the theme parks – Yellow Dog Eats overflows with charm and impresses with incredible, imaginative food.

Yellow Dog Eats – a hidden gem

Yellow Dog Eats (the Windemere location, anyway) isn’t the type of place you’re just going to bump into; when my family and I drove out, we wound through the sleepy-but-charming neighborhood it’s located in, wondering if we were heading to the right place. The restaurant is located in a historic building, which was originally a residence called The Brockman House, built in 1910. There’s not a lot of parking around the building itself, but there is an overflow lot across the street.

When we went, we did, in fact, use that overflow lot, and once we got inside, it was no mystery as to why – the place was packed, but with it being a Saturday, that was to be expected. You place your order at the counter and then go find a seat, and they call you up when it’s ready. For as many people and as small a space as the front room is, I have to say it was surprisingly un-chaotic. Orders were taken quickly, the staff and other customers were friendly about sharing menus, and – hey – you can grab a drink at the bar while you wait!

(Speaking of the bar, it features a good selection of beers, wines, and soda. Many of the beers are from local breweries, but you can also find the usual suspects – which is the same for the wine. You can enjoy your beverage at the bar, or they will bring it to your table.)

Once we placed our orders, we got a seat and took in the ambiance. The restaurant’s interior walls are covered with pictures of dogs and different dog memorabilia. They also sell their own line of t-shirts, hats, and, even, their own sauces and jams. You can also buy wine by the bottle to enjoy there or take home. The overall vibe of the place is quaint-family-country store/deli, and it’s no wonder why, since we were served our food by the owner and head chef himself, Fish Morgan, who is the type of guy you can tell “never met a stranger” – even though we’d never been there, we felt like we were being greeted by a friend.

Yellow Dog Eats – the food

I admit, I was curious to try the place, but when one thinks of sandwiches, it can be kind of hard to get super excited. Let’s just put it this way – even though it’s about a 30- to 45-minute drive from my house to Windemere, I will be visiting again, and a packed house on a Saturday won’t stand in my way.

My husband ordered the What the Fig?, which features pulled pork and is stacked with fried onions, bacon, and goat cheese, then drizzled with homemade jalapeno-fig sauce and served on ciabatta. He enjoyed it a lot. My daughter ordered a seasonal special, El Cubano, which is their version of the Cuban sandwich with pulled pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, homemade tomato chutney, pickled onions, jalapenos, and creole mustard, served on Cuban bread; the Cuban is one of my daughter’s go-tos, and she said this ranked pretty high for her on her list of favorites.

I ordered the Retriever’s Roast. The menu lists it as a “great fetch,” and they weren’t wrong – the sandwich has mid-rare roast beef, tomatoes, smoked gouda cheese, caramelized onions, and watercress, and is served on a lovely multigrain bread and spread with sweet-smoky-champagne-mustard and a cranberry horseradish-jalapeno mayo. There are a lot of flavors going on here, but I wasn’t complaining! Admittedly, a good roast beef sandwich is hard to mess up, but the Retriever’s Roast was beyond good – it was excellent.

Each of our meals was served with a bag of chips and Yellow Dog’s homemade slaw, which was more tangy than your average mayonnaise-based slaw, but we all liked it quite a bit. Speaking of homemade – as you see from the sandwiches, most of the sauces are homemade, and the bacon, pork, and other meats are smoked on-site over apple and other types of wood. They also locally source 15 varieties of baby greens, so it doesn’t get much fresher than that.

If sandwiches aren’t your thing, there are also wraps, tacos, and salads on hand, including the Thin Elvis, which is a pulled pork lettuce wrap with sunflower sprouts and which is served with a side of tomato and cucumber salad. The other menu item of note here is the Hoke Poke Tacos, which is three flour tortillas layered with guava-cream-cheese spread, a sesame-Napa-cabbage-bok-choy slaw, sunflower sprouts, and poke tuna, then drizzled with Fish’s Poke Sauce and Cusabi Ranch dressing.

They also have an astounding array of sides, if chips and slaw don’t quite do it for you, including avocado hummus, oven-roasted potatoes, and Greek Orzo Salad. You can also order the sides to take home for a picnic or other gathering, or just to have all to yourself. (I see myself doing that with the Greek Orzo Salad in the not-too-distant future!)

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, they also have you covered with a creative and varied menu, featuring seven different items – and, no, they are not just salads. A couple of the more unique selections are the Jackfruit Tacos (two flour tortillas filled with smoked jackfruit, avocado slaw, sprouts, vegan chipotle, and mango aioli) and their spin on avocado toast with the fun name of Doing Yoga with Goat Toast (open-faced multigrain toast with avocado, herbs de Provence-seasoned goat cheese, arugula, pickled red onion and jalapenos, medjool dates, sunflower sprouts, fig sauce, and honey drizzle). As the menu says, namaste!

Last but not least, they have desserts! We didn’t have any this time, but I definitely need to try a few of those brownies and the Motherfudgin’ Chocolate Cake at some point.

Yellow Dog Eats – the takeaway

Long story short, we’ll be back. Fortunately – and unfortunately! – Yellow Dog Eats isn’t close enough for my family to become regulars, but it’s the type of place I’ll bring out-of-town visitors to, and just go back to try different things myself if I have a little time on my hands.

The only reason I say “fortunately” is for my waistline and also my wallet; the sandwiches, while amazing, aren’t necessarily the cheapest in the area. It cost our trio $40+ for lunch, not including the glass of beer for my husband and the glass of wine for me. Most of the entrees are in the $11 to $13 range, with the additional sides (aka “Yummy Scooby Snacks”) averaging about $3.50 for a small and $6.99 for a large.

Still, if you’re looking for good food from a local family business, in a not-so-touristy part of town, definitely give Yellow Dog Eats a try.

Yellow Dog Eats – bonus tips

• If you’re local, Yellow Dog Eats offers catering services.
• They also have a location in New Smyrna Beach.
• Their hours are 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday to Wednesday, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday.
• Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• They also have live music from Thursday through Saturday nights, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.
• You can find Yellow Dog Eats’s website here and Twitter handle here.

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Why? For starters, it’s located within the Pointe Orlando shopping and entertainment complex. While this makes it convenient to the other International Drive attractions (such as WonderWorks), it also has its own plethora of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. This makes it easy to see a movie and enjoy the rest of the day or night out with friends and loved ones.

While there is a fee-to-use Pointe Orlando parking garage, the theater will validate it at one of their self-serve kiosks when you see one of their movies (pro tip: park on the third level for the most convenient path to the theater). A great feature when purchasing your movie tickets is the choice of either selecting the specific seats you’d like within the auditorium or simply leaving it to the system to choose from the “best available” options.

But my favorite draw about Regal Pointe Orlando is, given the aforementioned location, there are rarely ever any crowds. For instance, I recently attended a 6:00 pm showing of Aquaman, which normally spells disaster in the form of a packed theater (this being a major new release and all). To our delight, when my fiance and I entered the auditorium, we noticed there were only three other couples at that showing. This was essentially the same for every other movie there, and it made it seem like it was our own private viewing of the feature!

An additional fact about Regal is that it’s a traditional Imax theater. I use the term “traditional” here because, as opposed to other theaters in one way or another claiming the Imax name in the past, the two Regal theaters in Orlando hold the city’s two full-size, true Imax screens – a fact which not only sets them apart, but which can be verified on the Imax website. Let me tell you, these suckers are huge.

But, at the same time, it’s worth noting the industry’s progress since Imax stepped to the forefront of the movie-going experience; over time, there have been improvements made in both film production and projector quality that is causing many theaters to move away from the Imax brand (like what we see with Cinemark’s XD technology). So, what would the next step in cinematic immersion be? This, faithful readers, is where the 4DX theater, Regal Pointe Orlando’s newest addition, comes in and what allows it to stand above the rest!

Keeping it simple, 4DX combines simulation technologies similar to Shrek 4D or It’s Tough to Be a Bug with mainstream movies. Each state-of-the-art theater is outfitted with elemental additions (such as wind, snow, lightning flashes, and, even, rainstorms), and the seats themselves are also equipped with their own special effects (including air jets, hydraulics, motion technology, and leg ticklers), all of which interact wonderfully with the film – and which we’ll get to in just a moment.

Before I move onto the actual 4DX movie experience, though, it should just be clarified that, as a comic geek, I’ve never been a fan of Aquaman; I only went because the fiance and I wanted to see what a 4DX movie was like. Believe me when I tell you that, my opinion on the flick itself aside, I am sold on 4DX as part of the experience! Allow me to paint you a picture as to why.

Imagine, if you will, feeling the impact from every exchanged blow between your hero and his several adversaries, as if you were fighting right there alongside him. Suddenly, there’s a quake mid-battle from an explosion as another enemy barrels into the fray. Picture feeling the force of Aquaman propel himself through the water while your seat allows you to flow deftly through each scene with him. During a part of the film in which the characters are lost at sea and caught in an insane thunderstorm, it is as if you’re with them in the thick of it as you feel the waves crashing into the boat, the fury of the wind whipping through your hair, and the rain falling in the theater! The 4DX theater allows you to experience everything even more acutely, whether they be intense scenes, like the ones I just described, or gentle ones, such as the snow globe sequence you may know from the trailer (which causes “snow” to actually fall on you).

Words can only do so much justice for this experience that is well worth the $26 price. If it seems like I’m describing a theme-park simulator, just minus the $100 ticket and placed inside your local theater, that is exactly the point! This is why I am a fan of the 4DX technology. I used Aquaman to convey my experience, but imagine what this tech could bring to other movies – instead of smelling the salt of the ocean, the audience could take in the scent of the earth and the foliage of a fantastic forest. Fans of car chases and shootouts, such as the Fast & Furious franchise, would have a blast feeling every drifting car twist, the powerful rumble of the engines, and bursting torrents of bullets whizzing by your head. I dare even say, this is the difference between a “movie experience” and “experiencing the movies.”

Regal Cinemas Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 & Imax has shown me the future of cinema, and I cannot experience it any other way. 

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Orlando’s first installment of this popular adult-oriented entertainment center has more than 40,200 square feet of gaming and dining fun. There’s the full-service restaurant with contemporary American cuisine, a large bar with numerous flat-screen TVs, and, of course, the gaming area with more than 170 games.

Dave & Buster’s food and drinks

When you first walk in, if you choose to eat and not head straight for the games, you’ll be seated in the dining area, which is all booths, with many of them big enough to accommodate a party of eight-plus people. Don’t worry – they have smaller booths, as well, for smaller parties, dates, etc. There are also tables in the bar area, or you can just sit at the bar and watch one of the many flat-screen TVs, which usually feature whatever sports are playing that day. There’s also a mural of different Orlando attractions on the back wall, capping off a pretty open space.

I’ve visited before with my entire family, but on this particular trip, I just went with my 14-year-old daughter, and we decided to splurge on the Dip Trio appetizer, which includes tortilla chips, guacamole dip, black bean dip, and queso dip, topped with pulled pork. The chip-to-dip ratio for the guacamole and black-bean dip worked well overall, but the long tray of the queso was way too much – it tasted great, but there was just more queso there than we could eat. This would be an ideal appetizer for a larger party, though.

For lunch, I had the Fire-Grilled Steak Salad, featuring fresh greens, tomatoes, bleu cheese, candied pecans, and balsamic herb vinaigrette. My daughter opted for the Dave’s Double Cheeseburger. Neither of us was disappointed. While it’s standard fare for an establishment like this, the food has – in my experience, across many visits – been very good. Also, they change up their menu regularly, so if you go frequently, you’ll get the opportunity to repeatedly try something new.

The rest of the menu features a variety of favorite American foods, such as Buffalo Wings, Sliders, and Dynamite Fried Shrimp, as well as vegetarian options. For anybody with food allergies, Dave & Buster’s takes that very seriously – they have allergen menus, so just ask your waitstaff, and they’ll be happy to provide you with the specialized information.

They also offer seasonal deals. For instance, on game days throughout the football season (that’s every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday for you casual or non-fans), they offer unlimited wings plus unlimited games for only $21.99. Your waitstaff will likely mention whatever deal they have going on at the time, and there should also be a special insert in the menu.

The bar itself is full-service, including a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, all of the classic drinks, and some new twists, like the Strawberry Watermelon Margarita, which consists features Sauza Blue Tequila and strawberry-flavored ice cubes. For a nice cool-down, try the Adult Snow Cones: the “original” option features DeKuyper Watermelon Pucker, Malibu Coconut Rum, Sprite, and pomegranate syrup. They also have a good selection of draft beers and bottled wine, but that probably goes without saying.

You can start a tab there while you play games, but keep in mind they will keep your card, so don’t forget to pay up and get your card back on the way out!

Dave & Buster’s games

Speaking of games, once you’re done eating, head on over to the game area. If you didn’t already get your Power Card from an Eat & Play Combo while you were dining, you can get one at the counter to the left of the big staircase, or from one of the many kiosks located across from the counter. Definitely sign up for the rewards program, as that will get you an extra $10 of Game Play when you purchase the first $10. The rewards program also includes monthly savings sent to you via email, as well as protection for lost or stolen Power Cards (if you register them online). Signing up only requires an email, so it’s really easy to join.

But enough of that – let’s get to the games themselves.

The game section, adjacent to the dining area, can be a bit overwhelming when you first walk in. If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you’ll notice that it feels a bit like a casino – it’s kind of dark, there are no clocks, and there are a lot of noises coming from the games themselves to entice you to come and play.

The variety of the games is quite impressive. Their newest addition is Jurassic World: VR Expedition, where you can immerse yourself in Jurassic World – you’ll run with raptors and fight a T-Rex while experiencing 360-degree vision and sound. My daughter and I didn’t give this a go, because she didn’t feel like waiting in line, but the people who were getting off of the “ride” looked like they had a great time.

We did, however, play one of the other more-immersive games, Dark Escape 4D, which has you fighting zombies while little puffs of air blast you in the face, your seat vibrates, and the handles measure your heart rate. It was a lot of fun, but it wasn’t for the faint of heart – I’m a horror fan, but I still got a little jump every time that blast of air hit me!

If immersive games aren’t for you, Dave & Buster’s has tons of other games to enjoy, such as updated versions of the classics, like Space Invaders Frenzy (a giant version of the original) and the world’s largest Pac-Man. You can also find new(er) arcade favorites, like Crossy Road, Deal or No Deal, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, and Mario Kart. And if old-school midway-esque gaming is your thing, don’t worry – they have you covered. Check out Skee-Ball (one of my personal favorites), air hockey, and carnival classics like Milk Jug Toss and Down the Clown.

For smaller kids, there are many options, as well, such as the rubber ducky claw game (winner every time), and Fish Bowl Frenzy, where players try to drop a ball into a fishbowl to win tickets to spend on prizes.

Speaking of which…

Dave & Buster’s prizes

Once you’re done with the games, take your Power Card and head over to the prize area, where you can trade in your “tickets.” A vast improvement from when Dave & Buster’s first opened, your tickets are now all included on your card, so there’s no need to wait for the games to spit them out or carry them around in a huge bundle. There’s a kiosk on the outside of this area, so you can check and see how many tickets you have before heading into the chaos that is the prize section proper.

The prizes themselves include everything from candy to a Microsoft Xbox One, and if you are planning on heading back later rather than sooner, you can keep your Power Card and save up your tickets for next time. (You can also check your balance on the Dave & Buster’s website at any time – just enter your card number and pin.)

Dave & Buster’s additional info and tips

Even though Dave & Buster’s is targeted more toward adults than, say, Chuck E. Cheese is, it’s still a good place for families during the day; there are plenty of games that even smaller kids can enjoy, as mentioned above. But in the evenings, it definitely draws a more grown-up crowd. Teenagers will probably be fine, but I’d keep the smaller ones at home, as it can get loud and potentially overwhelming.

If kids aren’t in the picture, it’s a great place to go by yourself or with friends to hang out and play games. Weekends and summers are busiest, of course, but they have ample parking – including a free parking garage – which makes getting in and out pretty easy. And if you’re a tourist, the restaurant is in walking distance from almost every hotel on I-Drive (depending on how far you feel like walking, of course).

Dave & Buster’s also has many rooms for private birthday parties and corporate events, team-building activities, and holiday parties.

Final tip: if you happen to have a City Saver Coupon book or app, you can get an extra $20 of Game Play credits when you buy $20. Just show your coupon to the person at the Power Card counter, and he’ll redeem it for you.

Dave & Buster’s address and hours

8986 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

Open Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 – to 1:00 am
Friday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 am

Phone number: 407-541-3000

Website

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Connect with each other… and with the animals!

SeaWorld offers the unique opportunity to connect with a number of animals including dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and more! If your sweetheart is a dolphin lover, surprise him or her by bringing them to a Dolphin Feeding in the Key West area of the park! A tray of fish is only $7, and guests are invited to touch the dolphins as they come by for their favorite snack. This experience is inexpensive, has the potential to be a lifetime memory, and will delight any animal lover. If you want to remember the moment forever, you’re in luck; SeaWorld photographers capture the interactions!

Secret spots at SeaWorld

SeaWorld has an impressive number of almost “secret spots” that guests rarely frequent. On romantic evenings, my boyfriend and I often make our way to one of these spots just to talk, to enjoy the cool night air or to watch the fireworks. These spots are also great for resting your feet if you’ve been in the park all day, or eating dinner if you’ve purchased food from one of the quick-service restaurants. My top three “secret spots” at SeaWorld, all of which have beautiful views of the park’s fountain shows and fireworks, are the patio behind Fins (the gift shop across from the Shark Encounter), the dining area that wraps behind Mango Joe’s, and the patio directly beneath the Sky Tower, known as the “Sand Bar.”

Be sure to try and find at least one of these spots the next time you visit the park; it’s always good to have a place to catch a break from your vacation!

A romantic dinner

No date is complete without a nice dinner! While “nice” varies depending on one’s definition, SeaWorld’s signature restaurant, Sharks Underwater Grill, is breathtaking. Guests dine next to an aquarium full of sharks and other marine life, or can enjoy a drink at an aquarium bar that is home to colorful fish. This is the best restaurant in the park for a quiet dinner, an adult beverage or a decadent dessert. It has limited seating, and is far less crowded than the other restaurants in the park. While this ensures a more relaxed atmosphere, it can spell trouble for the unprepared visitor; if you’re hoping to have a meal at the restaurant, be sure to stop by earlier in the day for a reservation. That being said, the bar is open seating and there are a few tables in that area that are first-come first-serve, so be sure to stop in even if you haven’t been able to make a reservation.

Updated this summer, here’s a look at the Sharks Underwater Grill menu:

Appetizers

• Potato Gnocchi Casserole
• Braised Beef Short Rib Ravioli
• Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
• Heirloom Tomato and Spinach Salad

Entrees

• Grilled Chicken Risotto
• Pork Osso Bucco
• New York Strip Steak
• Pasta Purse
• Tempura Shrimp

Desserts

• Fresh Fruit Tart
• Tiramisu
• Loaded Brownie Sundae
• Chocolate Marquise
• Banana Crem Brulee

And as always, the Children’s Menu is filled with foods they love:

• Pasta Marinara
• Jumbo Grilled Hot Dog
• Shark’s Chicken Tenders
• Mac and Cheese
• Kid’s Steak Kabob

End the night with a bang

Through August 11, 2013, SeaWorld’s Summer Nights keeps the park open later (typically until 11 p.m.). In addition, more shows are offered like Shamu Rocks (see the video below), and nightly fireworks put the finishing touch on each day. SeaWorld’s fireworks, while less flashy than those offered at other parks, are well done and the perfect complement to a romantic evening. Even if you’re over fireworks, be sure to stay for the fountains; they are an integral part of the show, and are absolutely dazzling. You can even make a competition out of it by challenging your sweetheart to spot the whale tail-shaped firework before you do!

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I love SeaWorld for date nights because of the park’s relaxing atmosphere and its attractions and offerings that can be enjoyed by all ages. While some may claim that other theme parks in the Orlando area are a more traditional spot for the perfect date, SeaWorld has my vote for the best date spot theme park in Central Florida.

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The post A date night guide to SeaWorld Orlando: Making connections & sharing secrets appeared first on Orlando Informer.

You may be asking yourself, what is DRIP? In a nutshell DRIP is an alternative arts entertainment company. It sounds avant garde and modern, yes, but DRIP is much more than that. Dancers, actors and musicians at DRIP combine visual, aural and performing arts together to create a full-on sensory show that ignites audiences. Performances at DRIP involve improv dancers and performers moving to the solid sounds of the house rock band with music composed by David Traver, a music director for the Blue Man Group. They use paint, water, sand and other materials as part of their shows, and you never know what they’re going to do with it! The space is intimate — only 100 people maximum per show — and audience members are encouraged to move around as the performers interact, connect and tell stories through motion.

Concept designer and CEO of DRIP, Jessica Mariko, says the idea got started some years ago when she decided to do a dance performance that experimented with dripping water and paint as part of the dance. Mariko loved the connection the materials made with her dancing, and she began to conceptualize DRIP. She says it took her and her staff and many volunteers quite a while to get the space now known as DRIP up to code and ready for audiences. “It was a combined effort with everyone working really hard to get this place going,” Mariko said. “The people here believe in this and are excited to be a part of this kind of performance and experience.”

My personal experience at DRIP was one that went through phases. Before I got there I did not know what to expect, and I thought the idea of the place was a bit absurd and possibly a little too far out of my comfort zone. Once the show began I soon realized that was the point of DRIP. It is meant to pull us from our norms and toss us into a new mix of vibrant self-expression. What audience members experience at DRIP is an entirely individual thing, but it is supposed to make you want to step outside of the box, and step out I did. From start to finish the talented performers at DRIP set up scenes, situations and dance numbers that rocked the house and definitely gave me a new approach to live performance. I found myself thoroughly enthralled with the performance, the atmosphere and the performers themselves. It was a new experience I’m very glad I was able to have.

DRIP is definitely for the open-minded. You might get wet. You might get sandy. There is a definite possibility that paint will be flung in your general direction. If this sounds like a blast to you or even if it sounds like something you might like to try then I suggest spending a well-worth-it evening at DRIP Orlando. It’s an industrial dive bar meets underground rock concert meets alternative performance and so much more. It is the kind of place you either totally enjoy and love and want to go back many times to or it is something you try and don’t do again. Extremes are the norm at DRIP and you definitely won’t forget a single minute of your visit. So dress down and rock out at DRIP!

DRIP Orlando is located in the heart of I-Drive in the same building as Senor Frogs (see my review of Senor Frogs). Go around the side of the building where Denny’s is, follow the parking lot straight back and you’ll find DRIP. If you’re planning a visit bear in mind that the shows use loud music and strobe lights. Persons with visual and aural sensitivities as well as those prone to seizures and fainting should NOT attend. You must be 21 and older with a valid ID to enter. A beer and wine bar (cash or credit) is available for your enjoyment. The shows average about 50 minutes in length and tickets are $35 at the door, $29 if purchased early online. For more information, events and show times visit http://www.ilovedrip.com. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Map to Senor Frog’s (next to DRIP)

Click any marker to display the attraction or venue name. To scroll or zoom, use the controls on the top-left of the map. You may also switch to different map views by using the buttons on the top-right of the map.

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