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Entertainment Overview

About a decade ago, there was little to do after dark. Then, when Disney saw a flood of their guests heading off to a downtown Orlando entertainment complex, they wised up. They re-tooled their after-dark options to include Pleasure Island and later West Side, now both part of the Downtown Disney entertainment complex. In response, Universal Orlando opened CityWalk to siphon off from Disney what Disney had siphoned off from downtown Orlando, which itself is still searching for new ways to compete for the after-dark crowd.

If you're here for at least two nights and don't mind losing some sleep, reserve one evening for Downtown Disney and the next for CityWalk. They are both well worth seeing. If you want a one-night blowout, however, head to Disney -- believe it or not! By virtue of Disney's status as what amounts to a separate governmental entity -- kind of like a Native American reservation -- clubs on Disney property tend to stay open later than bars elsewhere. While most bars in Orange County close around 1 AM, Disney clubs usually stay open until 2. Keep in mind that smoking is not permitted in any Florida restaurants and bars that serve food. If you want to smoke inside, you'll have to find a drinks-only bar.