For attendees of Evaluation 2009 we have created a condensed guide to some of the most well known and best reviewed attractions in Orlando and arranged for Nights Out on Thursday to explore and network.
Nights Out:
As part of the Thursday evening Nights Out program, attendees go out in small groups to get out of the hotel, network, and have fun. Some see a show, others go to dinner, some dance the night away. Each night out is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to sign up early. Click here to learn about the program, this year's nights out, and to sign up.
Getting to Orlando:
Flights: Over 30 airlines fly into Orlando International Airport (official abbreviation MCO). Occasionally, travel flights show more than one airport in Orlando, the others are either much smaller and mostly private or significantly farther from Orlando itself.
Driving: To find the main conference hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek, at which all sessions are being held, enter 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, into your GPS. They also have a great page with driving directions at http://rosenshinglecreek.com/location.asp.
Go Green! Sharing rides saves both
money and gas.
Getting from the Airport to the Hotel:
Shuttle: Mears Shuttle offers one way (US$18 as of August) or roundtrip (US$29) from the airport to the hotel. Learn more and reserve space on their shuttle information page at https://secure.mearstransportation.com/ShutSedan.asp
Taxis: Taxis from the airport to Rosen Shingle Creek are approximately $50.
Go Green! Share a cab!
Print out this page (use the back later
for notes), and hold it facing out while waiting for your luggage or in the
cab line at the airport. Look for others with their AEA logos showing as
well and know that you both are open for cab sharing and going in the same
direction.
Cultural Attractions
Performing Arts
The Orlando Philharmonic (No shows during conference week)
The
Plaza Theater
Orlando Opera Company
Museums/Art
The Orange County
Regional History Center
The Wells' Built Museum
Orlando Museum of Art
The Albin Polasek
Museum and Sculpture Gardens
Science
The Orlando Science Center
The Kennedy Space Center
Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Bok
Tower Gardens
Sports
Shingle Creek Golf Club
Orlando
Magic
World Bowling Center
Theme Parks
Walt
Disney World
Universal Orlando
Sea World
Dinner Shows
Sleuth's Dinner Theater
Capone's Dinner Show
Medieval
Times
Restaurants
A Land Remembered Steakhouse
Café Tu
Tu Tango
Capital
Grille
Cuba Libre
Emeril’s
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Ming Court Oriental Cuisine
Nelore Churrascaria
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Oishi Japanese Cuisine
Redrock Canyon Grill
Seasons 52
Taverna Opa
Vines Grille & Wine Bar
Cultural Attractions:
Visitors’ hoping for a theme-park-free experience can
discover museums & horticultural wonders, watch a performance or meet an
astronaut.
November 8: Orlando Jazz Orchestra
November 13: Bernard Allison
Address: 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32803
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek: 15 miles
Web Address:
http://www.theplazatheatre.com/index.asp
Orlando Opera Company:
Performing since 1958 the company performs three mainstage
productions each season and one secondstage production. The company performs
some operas in Italian, French or German but translations are projected
above the stage.
November 13: La Boheme: 8:00pm
November 15: La Boheme: 2:00pm
Address: 401 W Livingston Street, Orlando, FL, 32801
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek: 13 miles
Web Address:
http://www.orlandoopera.org/schedule.php?section_url=26
Museums/Art
The Orange County
Regional History Center: Home to the extensive collection of the
Historical Society of Central Florida. Museum Features: Guided tours,
evening lectures, children’s activities, permanent, temporary and traveling
exhibits.
Address: 65 E. Central Blvd.,
Orlando, FL, 32801
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
13 miles
Web Address:
http://www.thehistorycenter.org/home/
The
Wells’ Built Museum: Originally a hotel for African Americans
during segregation. Museum Features: office hotel documents, an original
Negro League baseball jersey, photographs, artifacts, multi-media exhibits,
slave records and other historical items.
Address: 511 W South St.,
Orlando, FL, 32805
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
13 miles
Web Address:
http://www.pastinc.org/
Orlando Museum of Art: Collections of American, African and
ancient American Art. Museum Features: gallery tours, discovery centers, art
appreciation lectures and a museum gift shop.
Address: 2416 N Mills Ave,
Orlando, FL, 32803
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
16 miles
Web Address:
http://www.omart.org/
The Albin Polasek
Museum and Sculpture Gardens: Visit Albin
Polasek’s residence and sculpture garden. Museum Includes:
Tour through 200-400 works attributed to Albin Polasek and other artists.
Address: 633 Osceola Ave,
Winter Park, FL, 32789
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
18 miles
Web Address: http://www.polasek.org/
Science
The Orlando Science Center:
Explore hands-on learning exhibits, experience one a
giant-screen film or planetarium show in the 8 story CineDome, visit
the largest refractor telescope in Florida or watch a live show. Exhibits
Include: Dr. Dare’s Lab, Dino Digs: Mysteries Unearthed, Science Park &
NatureWorks.
Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL, 32803
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
16 miles
Web Address: http://www.osc.org
The Kennedy Space Center: Get a chance to tour NASA’s launch and
landing facilities, experience interactive simulators, enjoy live shows and
meet a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps. Exhibits Include: IMAX films, U.S.
Astronaut Hall of Fame, Rocket Garden & Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Address: SR 405, Kennedy Space
Center, FL, 32899
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
58 miles
Web Address:
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
Gardens
Harry
P. Leu Gardens: Home to America’s largest Camellia collection
outside California, the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a tropical
stream garden, a bird garden and many other horticultural exhibits.
Address: 1920 N Forest Ave,
Orlando, FL, 32803
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
17 miles
Web Address:
http://www.leugardens.org/index.htm
Bok
Tower Gardens: Visitors can watch birds from the “Window By the
Pond”, see real lily pads able to hold the weight of a child, visit the
meandering garden from Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. or spend the day in one of
the many family-friendly garden areas.
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake
Wales, FL, 33853
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
62.5 Miles
Web Address: http://boksanctuary.org/index.html
Sports
Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club:
An innovative and challenging 18-hole,
par-72, 7,228-yard, golf course at the conference site, Rosen Shingle
Creek. Voted by Golfer's Digest Magazine as one of the best places to play
2008/2009.
At Rosen Shingle Creek
Web Address:
http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/golf.asp
Orlando Magic: Join in the
excitement of an NBA game featuring the winners of the 2008 Atlantic
Division the Orlando Magic. Game information will be posted as soon as it is
released. Tickets range from $20.00-$200.00.
November 11:
Orlando vs. Cleveland, 8 p.m., televised
on ESPN
November 13: Orlando vs. New Jersey, 7 p.m.
Address: 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd. Orlando, FL, 32810
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek: 21.3 Miles
Web Address: www.nba.com/magic
The Theme Parks
Orlando is universally known for its theme parks. For the
young and young at heart find excitement, laughs and thrills.
Walt
Disney World: The happiest place on earth has six major parks;
the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach
and Typhoon Lagoon- each with its own separate admission. In addition,
Downtown Disney & Disney Boardwalk each has shopping, restaurants and
evening entertainment (some with cover charge).
Address:
3020 Maingate Ln, Kissimmee, FL, 34747
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek to
Magic Kingdom: 8 miles
Web Address:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/
Insider Tip:
Get free admission on your birthday! More information can be found at:
Celebrations Overview Page.
Universal Orlando: Two theme parks –
Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida – each has
its own separate admission. In addition, Universal CityWalk is a separate
venue with restaurants and evening entertainment (some with cover charge).
Address: 1000 Universal
Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL, 32819
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
4 miles
Web Address:
http://www.universalorlando.com/index.html
Insider Tip:
Rosen Shingle Creek offers free daily shuttles for hotel guests on a
first-come, first-served basis. Shuttle space is very limited. Be sure to sign up for the shuttle
upon arrival if you wish to go to the Universal Parks.
Sea World:
An aquatic theme park with rides and shows. In
addition, there is a separate water park, Aquatica and Discovery Cove- an
all-inclusive experience that allows you to swim with dolphins-each has its
own admission
Address:
7004 Seaworld Dr, Orlando, FL, 32821
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
3 miles
Web Address:
http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/default.aspx
Insider Tip: Buy your tickets from Sea World's website to receive a discount and avoid the lines at the gate.
Dinner Shows:
Kitschy & fun - the dinner shows available in Orlando are
great for a captivating dinner.
Sleuth's Dinner Theater: Bring your investigative skills, your appetite, and be prepared to laugh your way through the evening at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. You'll be kept on the edge of your seat as you enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. Nightly performances feature one of 13 original comedy mysteries. All shows are 2-1/2 hours of scripted mystery, improvisation and audience participation. Cost: $54 including dinner, tax and gratuities. 8267 International Drive (2.5 mi.) 407-363-1985. www.sleuths/com
Capone’s Dinner Show:
A speakeasy and cabaret takes you back to 1930 Gangland Chicago.
Entertainment includes: singing, dancing, action, comedy and audience
participation. Ticket includes: All you can eat buffet & dessert, unlimited
Bud Light, Rum & Cola, Cape Codders, wines, soda, juice and coffee.
Reservations required.
Address:
4740 W Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, FL, 34746
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek:
11 miles
Web Address:
http://www.alcapones.com/
Insider Tip:
Visit the Capone's Dinner Show website to print a ½ off all tickets coupon.
Medieval
Times: Straight from the Middle Ages you will be treated like a
Lord or Lady. Entertainment includes: jousting, swordsmanship, hand-to-hand
combat, horsemanship, exhibits & audience participation. Ticket includes:
bread, soup, chicken, ribs, potatoes, pastry, coffee and two rounds of
select beverages. Full bar available. Also available, Vegetarian meal with
mushroom cap, skewer of vegetables and hummus. Reservations strongly
recommended.
Address:
4510 W Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, FL, 34746
Distance from Rosen Shingle Creek: 13 miles
Web address: http://www.medievaltimes.com/index.php
Restaurants:
There are more than
200 restaurants on International Drive, most located 2-4 miles from Rosen
Shingle Creek Resort and easily accessible by cab or the I-RIDE Trolley. For
your convenience, we’ve listed several along with contact information for
more specifics. Whatever your taste, there’s something nearby. Contact the
hotel concierge for advance reservations and courtesy discounts.
A Land Remembered Steakhouse: Want upscale dining but don’t want to travel? Shingle Creek’s own A Land Remembered is a fine dining steakhouse serving world-class Harris Ranch All-Natural Prime Black Angus Beef and is right in the Shingle Creek Clubhouse. With elegance and stunningly simple architecture, the restaurant named for Patrick Smith’s novel has made its name in Orlando. The menu has culinary masterpieces such as the Cheifland Porterhouse with Burgundy Mushrooms and Vidalia Onion Gravy, Cajun-Spiced Little Creek Frog Legs in Mango Rum, Chateaubriand and Land Remembered Surf and Turf. To finish off your meal they have a Dark Chocolate Filet, Banana Cream Pie and Strawberry Cheesecake among the desserts. Chef Slattery guarantees that the food and hospitality is “a recipe for an unforgettable event.” 9939 Universal Blvd. 407-996-3663. Entrees $35-$55. http://www.landrememberedrestaurant.com/default.asp
Café Tu Tu Tango: Lunch, dinner, full
appetizer menu and world famous sangria. Unlike any other dining experience,
Café Tu Tu Tango entertains you while you eat. The restaurant is an artist’s
lounge featuring unique and eclectic artists’ masterpieces, live music and
dancing while you enjoy Mediterranean inspired tapas. Entertainment ranges from
Flamenco dancers to balloon artists to roaming musicians, you could encounter
anyone and anything. The menu has a broad range of choices including Spanish
Antipasto, Black Bean Soup, Sesame Seared Tuna Sashimi, Cuban Grilled Steak
Skewers and Barcelona Stir Fry. 8625 International Drive. (2.31 mi)
407-248-2222. Menu items, $15-$20.
www.cafetututango.com
Capital Grille: For an elegant evening with an impressive menu, award-winning wine list and relaxing atmosphere - try The Capital Grille. The dark mahogany wood, white linens & plush leather booths will leave you feeling pampered as you enjoy all that the restaurant has to offer. The Capital Grille is most well known for their rich, juicy and aged steaks as well as their seafood entrees such as the Grilled Swordfish with Lemon Shallot Relish. 9101 International Drive, Suite 1000. (2.44 mi) 407-370-4392. Chef’s Suggestions, $40-$45. www.thecapitalgrille.com
Cuba Libre:
A pre-Castro Cuban
restaurant in a beautiful stained glass and iron setting.
The restaurant’s highly-themed environment recreates
the buildings and courtyards of Old Havana with one-of-a-kind millwork and
architectural salvage including unique doors, gates, cabinetry, furniture and
accessories. Unique elements such as authentic murals, exotic foliage, island
décor and guayabera uniforms transport guests to this storied island paradise in
a tropical, open-air, energetic atmostphere. Entrees include Suntanned Salmon,
Pescado de Oriente, Paella Nueva and Camarones con Cana. Entrees $20-$30.
9101 International Drive. (2.44 mi) 407-226-1600.
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/orlando.php
Emeril’s: “Bam!” For a taste of eclectic American, Cajun & Creole food try Emerils at
Universal Studios CityWalk from master chef Emeril Lagasse. Full of life and
flavor you will be in for a memorable experience. Emeril’s menu has new style
New Orleans food including Creole Marinated Calamari, Roasted Texas Redfish,
Double Cut Pork Chop with Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and an extensive desert
menu including Emeril’s Kicked up Strawberry Shortcake. After dinner you can
take in Universal’s City Walk for entertainment and shopping. 6000 Universal
Blvd., Suite 702. (5.61 mi) 407-224-2424. Dinner entrees $30-$40.
www.emerils.com/restaurant/6/Emerils-Orlando/
Maggiano’s Little
Italy: Very generous portions of Italian cuisine are available at
Maggiano’s Little Italy. The friendly atmosphere and large menu will make any
hungry guest happy. The perfect place to slow down; enjoy a great meal and
reconnect with friends and family. Pasta & Italian Cuisine - Eat In, Carry Out &
Delivery. Little Italy Favorites include Baked Ziti & Sausage, Lobster Ravioli,
Beef Braciole, and Chicken Francese. 9101 International Drive, Suite 2400. (2.44
mi) 407-241-8663. Specialty menu items, $12-$25.
www.maggianos.com
Ming Court Oriental Cuisine: Dim Sum, Sushi, Wok and Char-Grill
Cuisine. Innovative Oriental dining in a spectacular setting based on the
centuries-old architecture of the Ming Dynasty. Established in 1989 by the
Wu and Chen families, the Ming Court menu features more than 50 Wok & Grill
entrees that includes Asian and Pan Pacific cuisine including Cantonese,
Szechwan, Hunan, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Polynesian, Thai, and Indian.
Situated on two acres and surrounded by one of the most beautiful garden
settings. 9188 International Drive. (2.61 mi) 407-351-9988. Entrees,
$15-$25.
www.ming-court.com
Nelore Churrascaria:
For meat lovers. A
casual Brazilian steakhouse with gauchos serving every cut of meat you can
imagine off of huge skewers tableside. Steak, chicken, lamb and more. Nelore
Churrascaria offers continuous, all-you-can-eat tableside service where you can
select your favorite cuts of slow-roasted, seasoned meats all served with their
house specialty, oven-warmed cheese bread. Selections include Garlic Beef,
Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon, Parmesan Pork. 5350 International Drive. (4.6
mi) 407-345-4774. All entrees, $39.95.
www.nelorechurrascaria.com
Oceanaire Seafood
Room: Winner of the
2008 Foodie Award for “Best Seafood” by
The Orlando Sentinel. Seafood lovers will enjoy dining aboard a replica
1930’s ocean liner. Enhanced with cherrywood paneling and hardwood floors the
Oceanaire Seafood Room is the perfect place for those looking for the freshest
fish available. They have 25 varieties of fish but only use today’s catch to
ensure freshness. Waiters will de-bone the fish at the table for you and for
those eating Alaskan Crab Legs you no longer have to worry about your butter
getting cold as they keep it warm over candle flame. Also available is an oyster
bar with east coast and west coast selections. Considered the seafood restaurant
for people who love steakhouses. 9101 International Drive, Suite 1002. (2.44 mi)
407-363-4801. Entrees, $25-$40.
www.theoceanaire.com
Oishi Japanese Cuisine:
State of the art hibachi. Sushi entrees and hibachi meals. Oishi
Restaurant warmly welcomes you to the enjoy the ultimate in Japanese Cuisine. As
you enter, feel free to sit at their sparkling marble sushi bar, or venture
further into the warm wooded dining area with bamboo accented ceilings where
modern and classic combine to create a feast for the senses. Menu selections
include sushi and sashimi, handrolls, hibachi, tempura, katsu, noodles and
donburi. 11025 International Drive. (3.12 mi) 407-465-0088. Entrees, $15-$25.
www.restaurantoishiorlando.com
Redrock Canyon Grill: Full flavored, fresh American cuisine served in a casual, energetic
atmosphere. There’s nothing timid about their chicken. Or their meatloaf. Or the
hand cut hickory grilled sizzling steaks, line caught Ahi tuna or cornbread
baked in a skillet and fired up by fresh jalapeno and Serrano peppers. Menu
selections include Pork Chops, Wood-Fired Rotisserie Chicken, Crab Imperial
Topped Tilapia and Rib eye Steak.
9101 International Drive,
Suite 1220. (2.44 mi) 407-363-3933. Entrees, $10-$30.
www.rrcanyongrill.com
Seasons 52: For health conscious eaters with a gourmet palette. Seasons 52 is a grill and wine bar that serves meals using the best offerings from each season, with each dish having fewer than 475 calories. Seasons 52 uses natural cooking techniques, including no butter in the cooking. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with seating inside or out on the patio. The menu changes depending on the season but may include entrees such as Tamarind Glazed Salmon Salad, Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Lump Crab, Oak Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Chicken Breast Cabernet and Caramelized Sea Scallops. In addition to their incredibly healthy menu Seasons 52 has an award-winning wine list with 120 different types including 60 offered by the glass. 7700 Sand Lake Road. (5.34 mi) 407-354-5212. Entrees $12-27. http://www.seasons52.com/about_us.asp
Taverna Opa: Fire-eating belly dancers? Authentic Greek food? Festive entertainment? Taverna Opa has them all. Serving traditional Greek food such as tzatiki, spanakopita, kebabs and varieties of lamb, along with more American fare, this restaurant will keep your stomachs full and a smile on your face. Guests are invited to dance the Zorba and participate in Opa Time where the staff throws small paper napkins just like a traditional Greek celebration. 9101 International Drive. (2.44 mi) 407-351-8660. Entrees $15-$30. http://www.opaorlando.com/home.php
Vines Grille & Wine Bar: An independent, locally owned boutique restaurant offering exquisite dining in an intimate and chic atmosphere. Conveniently located in the heart of Orlando’s Restaurant Row. Top of the line menu of steak, seafood and chef-inspired specialties. Live music seven nights a week. 7533 W. Sand Lake Road. (4.76 mi) 407-351-1227. Entrees $25-$50 www.vinesgrille.com
World Bowling Center: A state-of-the-art center located in the heart of Orlando's tourism district. Features include 32 lanes, a fully automated scoring system, touch screen monitors and a snack bar with food and drink. Cost: $7 per game, includes shoe rental. 7540 Canada Ave. (3.2 mi.) 407-352-BOWL. http://www.worldbowlingcenter.com/v1/flash/