Things to do in Orlando??

[codeyf]

Going to be there next week for the Microsoft TechEd Conference. I only have a 4 modules I'm going to, along with the attendee party Thursday eve @ Universal. One of our receptionist's has a sister that works at Animal Kingdom, and I'm meeting up with her as she'll give me a pass to all the Disney parks. Doing that on Thursday.

But I don't know what I'm going to do all the other eves. I'm going solo, as my co-worker ended up having finals next week, and my boss procrastinated too long and the event was sold out by the time he decided to go.

Yes, this trip is all expenses paid by my employer. One of the perks for IT peeps is 1 industry conference per year. Will be fun eating for free too, $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch, and $40 for dinner

So anyway, I'm staying at the Wyndam on International Drive. From what I'm told, it's pretty much the touristy area.

Anyone got any tips/advice on things to do in the afternoon/evenings??

 

[globalcitizen]

My buddies went there for Spring Break and provided you are of age, the bars are fun too.

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: globalcitizen
My buddies went there for Spring Break and provided you are of age, the bars are fun too.

Yes, I am. However something about going to bars...alone.....just doesn't appeal to me.

 

[n7]

Isn't Florida's electronica scene pretty good?

Go rave it up for me

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

While you should have a little fun, try and spend the money a little bit like it's your own. Enjoying is fun, but don't waste money on useless items. I think too many people take advantage of the rules companies have for these types of conferences in terms of how much they can spend, if you abuse it then it'll come back to bite you later when rules tighten up!

That said, sounds awesome!

 

[aphex]

Universal CityWalk
Downtown Disney
Church Street Station

Also, lots of things to do on I-Drive (if you like the touristy stuff)

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
While you should have a little fun, try and spend the money a little bit like it's your own. Enjoying is fun, but don't waste money on useless items. I think too many people take advantage of the rules companies have for these types of conferences in terms of how much they can spend, if you abuse it then it'll come back to bite you later when rules tighten up!

That said, sounds awesome!

Well, it's a perk...but they don't pay for entertainment. I have my own spending money for that.

But, believe me, I plan on spending no less that $15 for breakfast...$20 for lunch...and $40 for dinner!!

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: aphex
Universal CityWalk
Downtown Disney
Church Street Station

Also, lots of things to do on I-Drive (if you like the touristy stuff)

Yeah, the Attendee party is at Universal. They close it down private-party style. Last year it was at Sea World (co-worker went). I guess they open up all the food/beverage places and rides etc and it's all free (gotta love MS's deep pockets).

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: codeyf

Originally posted by: aphex
Universal CityWalk
Downtown Disney
Church Street Station

Also, lots of things to do on I-Drive (if you like the touristy stuff)

Yeah, the Attendee party is at Universal. They close it down private-party style. Last year it was at Sea World (co-worker went). I guess they open up all the food/beverage places and rides etc and it's all free (gotta love MS's deep pockets).

Awesome, do you know if its IOA or Studios? Both are fun but i LOVE IOA....

 

[Megatomic]

OBT

 

[mcvickj]

Lots of things to do on International Drive. Race Rock was pretty cool.

 

[Megatomic]

You gotta go through OBT to get to I Drive.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
You gotta go through OBT to get to I Drive.

Orange Blossom Trail has nightlife now?

Ya know whats funny, is anything in orlando called by its original name anymore?

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: codeyf

Originally posted by: aphex
Universal CityWalk
Downtown Disney
Church Street Station

Also, lots of things to do on I-Drive (if you like the touristy stuff)

Yeah, the Attendee party is at Universal. They close it down private-party style. Last year it was at Sea World (co-worker went). I guess they open up all the food/beverage places and rides etc and it's all free (gotta love MS's deep pockets).

Awesome, do you know if its IOA or Studios? Both are fun but i LOVE IOA....

Here's the info on it, don't know if you can tell which it is:

Microsoft Tech·Ed 2005 Attendee Party
Thursday, June 9 7:30pm ? 11:00pm Universal Studios Orlando
Join us Thursday evening at 7:30pm at Universal Studios Orlando, where the park will be open exclusively for Tech·Ed attendees. You will receive VIP treatment as you are greeted on the red carpet by Hollywood characters and a strolling band. While at Universal, you will be able to experience attractions such as:

· Shrek 4D
· Revenge of the Mummy New!
· Twister...Ride it Out Thrill Ride
· Back to the Future...The Ride
· Men In Black Alien Attack
· JAWS!
· Earthquake: The Big One
· E.T.?s Adventure
· Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
· T2: Battle Across Time
· The All New Beetleguice?s Graveyard Revue!
· Blue Brothers Show
· Extreme Ghostbusters Street Show

But wait! There?s more fun to be had while playing Carnival Games, and dancing the night away to the tunes of Universal?s resident disc jockeys. Enjoy the many complimentary dining stations around the park. If you?d like to pick up a souvenir, don?t forget some extra spending money as various shops will be open offering a special 10% discount.

For admittance into the party, please be sure to wear your Tech·Ed attendee badge. It is required for entrance into the party. Attendee Party Guest Passes are available for $75.00 each. Guests of all ages are invited however if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, please be sure to bring proper ID. Guest pass fees are non-refundable and may be purchased at the finance kiosk at registration or at the entrance to the party. If you purchased guest passes during your conference registration, you may pick them up at the finance kiosk at registration. Shuttles depart from all Tech·Ed hotels beginning at 6:45pm; wait time between shuttles is approximately 15 minutes. If you drive to Universal Studios Orlando, parking is $16.00 for valet parking, and $8.00 in self-parking.

 

[monk3y]

Bars, Comedy clubs, concerts... They have a bunch of stuff going on all the time. You just have to be lucky on if it's a good show.

 

[Kelemvor]

There's a really cool Big Cat Rescue place over by Tampa.

We went there and it's really cool. They have lots of the old tiger from Barnum and Baily Circus and stuff like that. Great place to visit.

http://www.bigcatrescue.org/

 

[Kitkat13]

You could get on 528 (the beeline) and head east till you hit Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach and hit the beach! (45 mins to an hour drive, plus about 2.50 in tolls)

Wet -n- Wild is on I-Drive..... Lots of outlet malls on I-drive.... Beltz Factory Outlet is near Universal...... Basically, if you cant find something to do on I-drive.. your not trying too hard.

And I believe the only "nightlife" on OBT is walking on the street corners!

 

[MrMaster]

I liked the mall (women) at that Millenium Mall place. That was interesting.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: Megatomic
You gotta go through OBT to get to I Drive.

Orange Blossom Trail has nightlife now?

Ya know whats funny, is anything in orlando called by its original name anymore?

I don't know. The last time I was there was when I was stationed at Nuclear Power School back in 88-90. It was a fun place to be back then.

Oh, Church Street Station has a lot going on in the evenings codeyf.