The Performing Arts

While Disney occasionally hosts classical music acts, you'll usually have to go downtown to get a taste of the traditional arts.

Concert Halls & Auditoriums

The city continues to dream of getting financing for a multimillion-dollar world-class performing arts center. While you're holding your breath, there are two existing facilities, both of which fall under the wand of Orlando Centroplex.

First-Run Films

Orlando has a number of movie multiplexes in the mainstream tourist areas. Most theaters offer discounted ticket pricing for children younger than 12 and discounted matinees (though, really, who's going to sit in a movie theater instead of the theme parks?); some also offer discounts to students and seniors (bring ID).

Some of the top draws include: AMC 24 at Pleasure Island (tel. 407/298-4488); Cinemark 20 Festival Bay on North International Drive (tel. 407/352-1042; www.cinemark.com); Muvico Pointe 21 Theatres at Pointe Orlando on International Drive (tel. 407/926-6850; www.muvico.com), which also sports an IMAX screen; and Universal Cineplex 16 (tel. 407/354-5998; www.enjoytheshow.com) at CityWalk.

Dinner Theater

Outside the Disney zone, Orlando has an active dinner-theater scene, but keep in mind that the city is a family destination -- and the dinner shows are very reflective of that. You won't find sophisticated offerings such as those in major cultural centers such as New York, London, or Paris. Most of the local dinner shows focus on pleasing the kids, so if you're looking for fun, you'll find it; but if you want critically acclaimed entertainment, look elsewhere. You also won't find four-star food; but dinners are certainly palatable enough, with some a bit better than others. Attending a show is considered by many to be a quintessential Orlando experience, and if you arrive with the right attitude, you'll most likely have an enjoyable evening. Your children certainly will.

Note: Discount coupons to the dinner shows below can often be found inside the tourist magazines that are distributed in gas stations and tourist information centers; you'll also find them in many non-Disney hotel lobbies and sometimes on the listed websites.

Prime Rib & a Side of Murder -- Ever dream about being Sherlock Holmes? Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, 8267 International Dr. (tel. 800/393-1985 or 407/363-1985; www.sleuths.com), is an interactive dinner show staged in an intimate theater setting where guests play detective and try to solve a whodunit murder mystery.

A roster of suspects and impending victims (okay, they're really actors) interact with guests throughout the experience, which includes a preshow where you're introduced to the characters and served appetizers and a salad. When the actual performance begins, the actors both entrance and, at times, reduce you to hysterical laughter. Then it's time for dinner, which includes a choice of a Cornish game hen, prime rib (for $3 more), or lasagna. While eating, you discuss clues with the other detectives at your table (the round tables seat eight). Each table is given the opportunity to interrogate the suspects (which can get quite hilarious, depending on the amount of alcohol -- you get unlimited wine and beer -- people have consumed before they get to ask their questions). The suspects duly questioned, a mystery dessert is served, and then the murderer is revealed. It makes for a very entertaining yet relaxing evening out.

Twelve different productions (each is about 2 1/2-hr. long) are offered throughout the year so you can keep coming back for more. There are even two mystery shows designed specifically for kids. Admission costs $49 adults, $24 kids 3 to 11. For kids' performances, the cost is $28 adults, $16 kids 3 to 11. Reservations are recommended.

To get here, from I-4 West take exit 75A, at the light turn right onto Universal Blvd., follow 1 mile to Gooding's Plaza on the right. Parking is free.