It's New Year's Eve Every Night in Orlando
by Christina Tourigny



Glimmering like a Fourth of July sparkler, Orlando lights the night sky with laser light shows and fireworks. Couples from around the world discover fantasy is reality in O-Town.

The biggest drawing card is Disney World and the attractions and resorts it has spawned. It's impossible to squeeze it into a week or even two. Knowing that, here are the hippest, hottest and most exciting spots to visit.

If you're staying within the kingdom catch a shuttle day or night to get to all markets, shops and attractions. Evenings hop over to Pleasure Island nightclub complex and dance into the wee hours of the morning. At midnight, seven days a week, New Year's Eve is celebrated with confetti, streamers and dancing in the streets. After burning those calories, recharge your batteries at the Planet Hollywood in Pleasure Island or take a short stroll to the extravagantly designed Rainforest Cafe at Disney Marketplace. It's easy to find just look for a smoke-spewing volcano. Church Street Station, in downtown O-Town, is home to Rosie O' Grady's Goodtime Emporium. Kick up your heels with Red Hot Mama's Can-Can girls or for foot-stomping fun hop over to Dixeland Jazz.

Phineas Phogg's Discotheque is another club to boogie or wander on down Church Street to a bevy of eateries and other jumpin' nightspots within walking distance. Or, take an idyllic horse-drawn carriage ride around Lake Eola.

For an adrenaline rush Terror on Church Street frightens 5,000 victims per weekend with a 25-minute walk in a two-story darkened maze. "Chicken exits" are provided for those who push the panic button. Daytime pursuits include Disney World, Epcot, MGM Studio, Universal Studios and Sea World of Florida. Speed freaks find the ultimate at Pilots USA, flying a real F-16 at 300 mph. Accompanied by a certified pilot, miles above the planet, you'll participate in dogfights with other opponents. The rate for three hours is $750. It's not cheap, but you get rush and a video to share with folks back home. Orlando is not a small world after all. It provides non-stop recreational activities and accommodations to fit every budget with packages for couples celebrating their nuptials.

Within the realm of the "Big Cheeser" is Walt Disney World Village and mélange of lodging options. "Romantasy" packages at Lake Buena Vista Palace Resort and Spa include breakfast daily and Disney Dollars you can use to buy tickets to any of Disney's parks. The Villas of Grand Cypress provides a more intimate alternative in lodging. Hidden in natural surroundings with golf, tennis and an equestrian center the resort will customize individual packages.

Orlando? It's for couples who wish upon a star and have their dreams come true -- if only for a fragment of time.

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