In 1970, Orlando, Florida, was a quiet farming town, and now it is the most visited city in the entire state. Theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World, bring more than 25 million tourists to the city each year. Theme park tickets can be a bit expensive, but fortunately there are plenty of cheap things to do in Orlando.
Mini Golf at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort has two 36-hole miniature golf courses. Each 36-hole course is divided into two 18-hole courses. The Fantasia Gardens course was inspired by Disney's "Fantasia." The other course is the Winter Summerland course, which has a Santa Claus theme. As of October 2009, each course has a $12 fee for adults and a $10 fee for children. Each course is open daily from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course at Walt Disney World Resort is the closest 18-hole course to the mini golf courses.
Walt Disney World Resort
3111 World Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 827-4800
disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/miniature-golf/
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is located outside of the theme parks at Walt Disney World. It is home to more than 70 restaurants, shops and entertainment options. There is an AMC theater, Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, the DisneyQuest indoor theme park, the world's largest Disney character store, a Lego store and other restaurants and shops. While some of the attractions in Downtown Disney have a fee, such as DisneyQuest, it is free to park and walk around. There is a stage by the lake where free performances happen occasionally. Also, The Lego Store has a playground outside the store that is made entirely of Lego toys. Hawk's Landing Golf Club is the closest golf course to Downtown Disney. It's located less than a mile away.
Downtown Disney
1590 East Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 828-3800
disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/
Universal Studios City Walk
Universal Studios City Walk is a 30-acre entertainment complex located at Universal Orlando. It is free to visit Universal Studios City Walk, but you do have to pay to park in the parking garage. As of October 2009, the parking fee is $12, unless you arrive after 6 p.m. when the fee is only $3. At Universal Studios City Walk there is a movie theater, shops, restaurants and entertainment. Universal Orlando often has free entertainment at the City Walk. If you are looking to buy some memorabilia from Universal Orlando, some of the shops in City Walk carry it. The Orange Tree Golf Course is only a mile from the Universal Studios City Walk.
Universal Studios City Walk
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 224-4233
universalorlando.com/citywalk.html
Wonder Works
Wonder Works is the only upside-down attraction in Orlando as of October 2009. There are more than 100 interactive exhibits inside Wonder Works, including laser tag and a 5.3 earthquake simulation. Wonder Works also has a magic and comedy dinner show each night. As of October 2009, general admission is $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children. With general admission tickets you are given access to the exhibits only. If you just want to play laser tag, those tickets are $4.95 per game. The dinner show tickets are $24.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. The dinner is unlimited pizza, salad, popcorn, beer, wine, soda and desserts. A variety of combo tickets are available for savings and discount coupons are available on the Wonder Works website.
Wonder Works
9067 International Dr.
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 351-8800
wonderworksonline.com/html/
About The Author
Jamie Lisse has been writing professionally since 1997. She has published works with a number of online and print publishers. Her areas of expertise include finance and accounting, travel, entertainment, digital media and technology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English.
