I suppose we could all make an argument for the artistic side of the theme parks, and anyone who has ever spent time looking at high-end collectibles and sericels knows the art value that comes from entertainment and cartoons. But Orlando has a significant Arts scene as well, beyond the confines of International Drive and the gates of the parks.

The first and most obvious place to take a break from the noise and get a little culture (and perhaps some extra credit for the kids) is the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA). Admission ($8 for adults and $5 for kids) is a lot easier on the wallet than one of the parks, or even a trip to the movies. While a trip to the art museum may not be as hair-raising as a roller coaster, it is definitely a different experience that will keep the family talking and maybe even debating the meaning of art.

OMA has an excellent permanent collection of American artists, some well known, and others who should be. The collection ranges from the 18 century to the present and includes some very interesting Modern and Post-Modern works, as well and photography and sculpture. Also as a part of the permanent collection of the OMA are galleries dedicated to both the Ancient Americas and Africa, including fascinating textile work from Africa. The OMA web site lists the traveling exhibits, so you can see what will be available for your trip.
http://www.omart.org/

If your love of art tends to be more toward the modern side of the scale, contemporary art gallery Comma offers a smaller and more intimate setting. Their collection includes works in ceramic and glass as well as painting photography and mixed media. If you’d like to rub elbows with other art lovers, the gallery hosts receptions on the second Tuesday of the month.
http://www.commagallery.com/

If you like your art on the go, or want a bit of caffeine while you soak in the local color of art, there’s Roho Art and Coffee. It features the works of up and coming local Hispanic artists in a coffeehouse setting, which I feel can make a work a bit more approachable (no pun intended). If you want to sit and appreciate the art a little longer, they offer a full menu with an emphasis on Cuban cuisine.
http://rohoartandcoffee.com/

If you’d like a gallery with a focus on Florida artists, there’s the lovely Gallery at Avalon Island. Like the Comma, it’s a very intimate space. Since the Gallery features different monthly exhibits, it’s a new experience every time you visit. The café next door is a perfect spot to stop and rest, discussing the art and the architecture of the historic district.
http://www.galleryatavalonisland.com/index.html

Art isn’t always about painting and photography. If, like me, you love to watch the shows at the parks, there is the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. During the regular season which runs from September through April, they have staged some of the Bard’s greatest works as well as the plays of other famous playwrights. They offer a more family friendly fare during the summer months, the holidays and spring break, and what better way to introduce kids to a real theater-going experience? The Orlando Shakespeare Theater also has a really cool program called “$20 Under 30”. They offer discounted tickets and happy hour to 20-somethings before certain shows. It’s a different and interesting way to meet other young people in Orlando.
http://www.orlandoshakes.org/

Watching a show is a lot of fun, but sometimes I want to really be a part of it! I have had a great time participating in murder mystery dinners at Sleuths. Not for wall flowers and shy violets, the actors mix and mingle with the guests, and you have just as important a role in solving the crime as the actors do laying out the scene. There is the added benefit of the improv styling, which keeps the shows fresh and the outcomes unexpected. While I can say I have always guessed whodunit, I have always had a lot of fun trying to figure it out. It may not be high art, but it certainly makes for an interesting evening and a great memory of a visit to Orlando (that isn’t necessarily theme park related!)
http://www.sleuths.com/

Gas prices are up, food prices are up, airfare is soaring. It seems we are paying more for everything, and now you are left wondering how you can afford an Orlando vacation this summer. Well, we have good news for you!

DWTickets.com offers the best discounts on Orlando theme park tickets, and we also dish up great advice on how to spend your time – and money – once your Orlando vacation begins. If you want to visit Disney, we have the Disney tickets you need. If SeaWorld is your goal, we have the Sea World tickets you need. And if you can’t wait to check out the new Simpsons Ride at the Universal Orlando Resort, we have Universal tickets for you too!

Save Time and Money on Your Orlando Vacation
There’s no better way to save time when planning your Orlando vacation than to buy all of your Orlando theme park tickets in one place. DWTickets.com has all of the Disney tickets, SeaWorld tickets and Universal tickets you need for a great Orlando vacation.

Where to Stay and Save During Your Orlando Vacation
There are literally thousands of hotels to choose from when planning an Orlando vacation. Since money may be tight this year, you might be looking for a good deal on your hotel accommodations. Surprisingly, you may just find that deal right at the Walt Disney World Resort.

During Disney’s “Value Season,” staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort can cost as little as $82 during the value season, and a night at a Disney Moderate Resort starts at $149. Value Season dates are August 30-October 1 and November 30-December 18.
During the upcoming “Summer Season” – May 22-August 2 – Disney Value Resorts start at $109 per night and Disney Moderate Resorts go for $179 per night.

Another way to save money on Orlando vacation accommodations is to stay in a villa or suite hotel. There are some villa resorts in Lake Buena Vista where you can sleep 8-10 people for around $150 a night. There are also many time-share resorts that offer great rates and plenty of space, not to mention a kitchen so you save money on dining out.

No matter where you stay on your Orlando vacation, you will always save money if you get all of your Orlando theme park tickets at DWTickets.com!

Planning an Orlando vacation can be more stressful than the job you need a break from. We’re here to ease that tension with our discount Orlando attraction tickets and helpful hotel tips.

Orlando is jam packed with hotels, motels and resorts, and you may be surprised by the options. Most importantly, get all of your Orlando theme park tickets here at your one-stop Orlando attraction ticket shop. Then ask yourself these questions as you choose a home base for your Orlando trip:

How long will you be in Orlando?
If you answer more than a week, consider renting a vacation home, or staying in a time share resort or suite hotel. Accommodations with even efficiency kitchens can save both money and time. Simply eating breakfast before you set out in the morning can save a family of four up to $50 a day (that turns into $350 over the course of a week).

Where will you be spending most of your Orlando vacation?
If you are only visiting Walt Disney World, then try a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Disney resorts offer the convenience of free Disney transportation for pretty much your entire Orlando vacation.

Disney buses take you all over Walt Disney World, and they even go to the Orlando International Airport. If you choose to stay at a Disney hotel, you can still get all of your discount Disney tickets right here.

Will you have a car during your Orlando vacation?
If you won’t have a car while you’re in Orlando, consider staying at the Universal Orlando Resort or in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Both resorts have beautiful hotels that provide transportation to their theme parks.

Many area hotels also offer shuttle service to all of the Orlando attractions. Ask about this before making your hotel reservations.

How many people are you making plans for?
Here again, suite hotels, vacation home rentals and time shares often have more room and work great if you are traveling to Orlando with a large group of people.
Regardless of where you stay on your Orlando vacation, the first thing to remember is to get all of your Orlando attraction tickets right here at DWTickets.com!