For a lot of students at UCF, a typical Friday night consists of Happy Hour at Library, a quick bite to eat combined with a margarita at Habs, and then a drunken night of dancing and beer pong at Pub. As fun as stumbling from bar to bar is, there are always those of us who would prefer to remember the night.
Here are 10 cheap things to do in Orlando — that do NOT involve Disney — if you’re not into the bar scene, or even if you just need to give your liver a break.
1- Magic games. If you're into sports, you can get nosebleed tickets for the Orlando Magic basketball games at the Amway Center for as little as $15 bucks! And if you want to go on a Friday night, they offer a ticket and meal deal for only $25! Who doesn't love watching the game with a burger, fries, and a beer?
2- The Enzian. This little movie theater/restaurant is a hidden gem. About 30 minutes away in Maitland, you can watch classic movies from the comfort of a soft couch and enjoy a meal brought to your table. Go on Wednesdays at 7:30 and you can spread out on the lawn, watch a free movie, answer trivia, and snack on offerings from the Eden Bar and Grill.
3- Austin’s Coffee. For your inner hipster! This hole in the wall coffee shop in Winter Park hosts local bands, poets, and singers every day. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry, and play some board games while listening to the local talent.
4- Firkin and Kegler. This is a fun hangout or a cute date night spot. Grab some dinner and then venture upstairs for a game of pool. It's charged by the half-hour, so you can stay as long or short as you’d like. Or stay downstairs for a round or two of bowling! There are specials every day of the week and DJs pop in every Friday!
5- Old Town. Shops, restaurants, vendors, and rides create a carnival like atmosphere at this Kissimmee attraction. This is a cheap excursion sure to thrill. Admission is free, you just gotta pay parking. If you go on a Saturday, you're bound to see some live music and at least 300 classic cars.
6- CityWalk. The excitement of Universal without the price tag. People watch the tourists exploring and snapping pictures, eat at one of the many restaurants available, play a round of light-up mini-golf, or shop in the boutiques. The CityWalk movie theater offers a dinner deal where you can see a movie and eat somewhere on the strip for just under $22! Plus, parking is free for Florida residents after 6 p.m.!
7- Black Hammock. You can get a little wild here, and no one will judge. You can find this laid back hangout right off Lake Jessup. Here, you can lay back and get a tan, chow down on some fried gator tail under a bamboo umbrella, take an airboat ride, or even hold a live gator!
8- Lake Eola. No, you can’t take a swim here! But you CAN feed the birds, rent a paddleboat, watch a movie or concert, explore the farmers market, take a yoga class, or have a picnic! It all depends on when you go; there’s something going on every day at this Orlando hotspot. Be careful of the swans though ... they bite. Hard.
9- Rebounderz. Trampolines. Everywhere. Enough said.
10- Orlando Grand Prix. For $12 you can race go-karts around a 70,000 square foot arena at 50 mph as much as your heart desires.
