Orlando Nightlife and Clubs--Universal City Walk

Orlando is famous as a tourist destination, but did you know that there is actually a great local nightlife as well.  Although Disney is a tourist Mecca, I find that Universal City Walk caters to tourists and locals when it comes to nightlife, clubs, and entertainment.  Universal City Walk has it all--restaurants, clubs, karaoke, and oftentimes outside entertainment for passersby. 

The clubs span all genres from reggae at Bob Marley's to Latin rhythms at the Latin Quarters. Most people will be able to find a club or bar that they can be themselves, have a good time and enjoy themselves.  However, Bob Marley's is a must, whether you like reggae or not.  It is an open air club that actually reminds you of the islands and is quite enjoyable and usually they have a live band performing reggae, soca, and island rhythms to keep you moving all night.  Universal City Walk also has a cinema multiplex for those that are not into clubs and that has the latest movies for patrons viewing pleasure. 

All of this great entertainment is in one location at a great price.  Visitors can come to Universal City Walk for free (after paying parking), however, each club has its own cover charge.  My suggestion is to get the club hopper pass from customer relations that will gain you admission to most of the clubs for less than $15.00.  City Walk is definitely a place you can spend all evening and really have a good time!

Amway Arena Offers More Than Basketball

The Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida is by far the best athletic complex in the United States.  However, surprisingly, it is also a state of the art entertainment complex.  This arena surpassed all of my expectations with its design and the multi-purpose use.  From basketball (Go Magic!), to concerts, to hosting corporate events--this arena does it all in style!  Orlando could not have gotten a better entertainment complex to complement the growth in downtown and industry.

The design of the Amway is amazing.  The seating in the Amway allows for even the upper level seats to have great views of the court. Not only are there great views inside, but outside as well.  The Amway has two outside pavilions that are open to fans on game nights before and after the game.  With great weather, a beautiful skyline, you can have a happy hour with friends before actually going in to the game, which makes your ticket a two for one deal.  The upstairs lounge is named the Grey Goose Lounge and has a full service bar and DJ to keep the electric atmosphere going on after the game has ended. 

The Amway also has several eating areas with views of the game, where patrons can eat various types of food and enjoy a drink, all while watching the game live or looking at one of the many flat screens for viewing pleasure.  The Magic Team has also taken the liberty to entertain fans from beginning to end with bands and vendors prior to entry and a team of hype people to keep the fans involved throughout the game, not to mention Stuff, the Mascot.

Tickets to the Magic are no longer just to see a basketball game (Go Magic!), but the Amway offers an experience.  One can begin the night enjoying the terrace outside, have dinner while watching the game, and end the night enjoying the sounds of house, hip-hop, and rhythmic notes in the Grey Goose Lounge.  In plain terms, the Amway is awesome!!