The Other Orlando

With 50 million visitors annually and an economic impact of $29.6 billion, Orlando has earned its honor as “vacation capital of the world.” A land of toppled, gaudy gift shops, oversized outlets, competing theme parks, suburban sprawl, flashy shopping malls, and bizarre attractions, Orlando has somehow become the epitome of the American Dream. It’s the very gluttonous portions, gargantuan rides, recognizable brands, and envy that lure droves of visitors to the most visited place on Earth.

Fortunately, the fantasy and imagination of Orlando has always attracted a large LGBT adult population and provided countless jobs for aspiring entertainers and service industry novices and professionals. Disney’s progressive domestic partner benefits took root long before it was politically correct or socially forced. It’s no surprise that Orlando now boasts a huge gay scene, with favorites like Parliament House consistently expanding its dance floors since 1975, and the be all and end all of the LGBT calendar– GAY DAYS- congregating nearly 150,000 horny homos each June.

While visiting the theme parks and going crazy at Gay Days are essential elements for a charmed life, Orlando’s daily grind and off the beaten path attractions often get lost in the shuffle. Believe it or not, life goes on before and after your childhood trip to the Magic Kingdom or your adult hedonistic indulgences the first week of June. Indeed, another Orlando exists year-round, robust with nature encounters, world-class hotels, fabulous restaurants, esoteric establishments, beautiful high-rises, a historic downtown and some of the wildest gay nightlife in the United States.

Awesome Nature

Contrary to the limited mobility of the shallow southern Everglades, the barrier regions of the Central Florida Everglades include large lakes, allowing airboats to easily reach speeds of 45 m.p.h. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides allow you to get up close and personal with your Everglades favorites, such as the American alligator, while possibly seeing more elusive species such as the protected Sandhill Crane. Most importantly, Boggy Creek encompasses an area that houses the second largest population of bald eagles in the U.S. (Alaska is number one). Forty-five nesting pairs have been documented on Lake Tohopekaliga, where your airboat experience takes place! 2001 E. Southport Road, Kissimmee, www.bcairboats.com

Spread over 4700 acres of private wilderness and over three different ecosystems, Florida Eco-Safari takes visitors on a journey through some of Orlando’s greatest patches of remaining forest. Most recently, they have introduced the first and only flat-line zip-line course in the US. Gliding 55 feet above the forest via seven zip lines, nine observation platforms, and two sky bridges, the Florida Eco-Safari provides an exhilarating birds-eye view of the Orlando forest canopy. 4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud, www.floridaecosafaris.com

Hotel Magic

The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes christens a new wave of luxe in the greater Orlando area. The property, tucked away in serene wilderness, feels miles away from the calamity and chaos of mainstream Orlando, with world-class golfing, nature trails, and outdoor activities (like kayaking in adjacent streams).   The views from floors 5 and up reveal spectacular panoramas of wilderness and Orlando’s famed attractions. The resplendent lobby is everything you would expect from of a traditional Ritz while the hotel vibe is undeniably Florida casual.

The world famous Spa raises the bar for vanguard treatments and the re-invention of spa classics. Measuring a 40,000 square feet, the colossal pampering palace features the prowess of over fifty therapists. One of the spa’s latest inventions, the Eco-Rooftop Hammock Experience, utilizes techniques of traditional Thai and shiatsu massage and reflexology. As you sway back and forth, cradled in your open air, rooftop hammock, your massage therapist lies underneath your chrysalis releasing kinks, tension, and stress using primarily foot strength, bringing you to a calm, reflective place, a momentary mental and physical Zen. (4012 Central Florida Parkway, (407) 206-2400, ritzcarlton.com).

Local Favorites

Removed from the ostentatious settings of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee, Shari Sushi Lounge is tucked into a small corner of historic downtown Orlando among historical homes. One of the hottest and sexiest restaurants in Orlando, Shari draws a young and fabulous clientele with its sushi rolls and sashimi specialties, both masterpieces of taste and sight. The enormous menu is a bit overwhelming, but the original Shari Roll is still the best. 621 East Central Boulevard, www.sharisushilounge.com

The contortions, acrobatics, special effects, and visual splendor of Cirque du Soleil resides permanently in Downtown Disney West Side in a custom-designed, 1,500 plus-seat theater. Roughly the same price as a theme park, but more rewarding and awe-inspiring, Cirque Du Soleil: La Nouba defies boundaries of body and gravity in a stunning display of magnificence. While commercialization of the Cirque brand has watered down the quality of new performances in Vegas, La Nouba still showcases the raw talent that first made Cirque Du Soleil famous. 1478 E. Buena Vista Drive, cirquedusoleil.com

For those who cannot make it to the original Ice Bar and Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, IceBar Orlando presents a frozen piece of paradise in Central Florida. The frozen assembly of 15,000 gallons of purified water unveils ice walls, ice sculptures carved by an Olympic gold medalist, and delicious cocktails served in glasses made of ice. There are 6 ICEBAR entry times per evening: 7:15 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:15 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. for your 30-minute bar freeze. And don’t worry about being too cold — there’s a warm lounge adjacent. 8967 International Drive, www.icebarorlando.com

O-town Par-tay

Parliament House  or “P” House originally opened its doors in 1975 and has evolved into Florida’s largest gay institution. A monstrous complex set deep in the heart of the ghetto, it boasts six bars/ clubs under one roof as well as a restaurant, a dodgy hotel, an enormous outdoor patio, and a quaint little theater which showcases some very smart theater. Parliament House is no-frills guaranteed fun with big crowds, live DJs, drag shows, and dancers. Watching a performance by Darcel Stevens is a highlight of any trip to Orlando! The Sunday Tea Dance cannot be missed!

Orlando’s most upscale option, Pulse, attracts a good mix of young gays and lesbians to its newly remodeled lounge/dance floor (The Jewel Box) and strip bar (Adonis), where strippers swing from the ceiling and plant their crotches smack in your face. The venue remains busy Monday through Saturday, most notably for College Night on Wednesday, Platinum Fridays, and Pulsate Saturdays.

Theme Park Additions

If it has been a few years since you last visited Orlando and you are a theme park junkie, there is a bit of good news. Though new attractions have been announced and completed at a slower pace since the economy turned sour, some amazing recent additions and renovations are well worth experiencing.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort – The most hyped addition to the Orlando playground has been delayed for two years already. However, the wait is almost over! Universal Orlando has finally announced that Harry’s World will open to the public before the end of May 2010. While there are no plans for nude horse rides with our favorite circumcised Brit, Daniel Radcliffe, fans of J.K. Rowling’s young wizard and his magical posse can enter the bewitching world of Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade Village, and the Forbidden Forest in the latest addition to the Lost Continent at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure.

Manta, Sea World Resort – The demands of modern society have forced Sea World to complement the sea life experience and marine show spectaculars with first class rides. In Sea World’s largest investment yet, the flying roller coaster, Manta, feigns the gliding movement of manta rays through an adventure of mind and sea focused on these graceful giants of the sea.  Manta will easily be the talk of the trip, but be prepared to wait between one and two hours for your aerial flight!

Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom – The classic retro roller coaster, Space Mountain, begins to resemble a more modern attraction than a cheesy 1982 science project. Don’t get too excited; it’s pretty much the same ride, just with some fresh paint, improved lighting, better sound effects, and a refreshed waiting area. Nevertheless, nobody ever gets tired of Space Mountain, the Magic Kingdom’s scariest ride!

Select portions of this guide were originally published in the award winning, The Out Traveler: South Florida, copyright Alyson Books and Paul Rubio, available on amazon.com