My sister and I, and our two 17-year olds (one male, one female) will arrive in Orlando (mid-August) around noon and pick up our rental car. How should we spend our afternoon and evening? The next day will be spent at Islands of Adventure and the day after that we head out on a 3 night cruise. Thanks in advance for your help.

You might want to consider Downtown Disney. The two teens (or all 4 of you) could go to DisneyQuest for a few hours. Plenty of restaurants and shops to occupy your time.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/des...ve-theme-park/

The best time to go to DisneyQuest is when the weather is nice as far fewer people want to be inside.

or you could go to Aquatica, a waterpark, it is really nice in the evening, too!

A perfect and utterly fantasic experience for people of all ages would be to go see La Nouba at Downtown Disney. It is an amazing theatrical performance. I am not sure how one can describe this show but simply breathtaking at what these people can do. It is worth every penny and at the end of the show your jaws will be to the floor in awe.

I second La Nouba -- it appeals to all ages and could well be the highlight of your trip. I used to be skeptical but am a total convert now!

If there an entrance fee for Downtown Disney? I couldn't find a clear answer on the internet.

Best of all - there is no entrance fee to Downtown Disney. AJ - I believe travelzoo is doing a very big special on La Nouba right now. Check out travelzoo's website. You could go to dinner beforehand and even afterwards you could stroll around. It would really be the perfect evening. I am getting the urge to go myself!

Downtown Disney shopping arcade and restaurants are free access and parking. La Nouba requires tickets. Downtown Disney has a movie theatre as well.

An airboat ride is a typical Florida experience and one close to Orlando is Boggy Creek Airboat Rides http://www.bcairboats.com . If you want to see an alligator, your best chances will at sunset, not during the middle (and heat) of the day

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie