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Close harmonies, aching fiddles, and no drums – welcome to the world of blue-grass. Savor the sounds of American folk performers such as The Ramblin’ Rose Band and The Osborne Brothers. Lawn chairs are encouraged and camping is available.

Every Friday night, cowboys (and girls) from all over the Southeast mosey over to Kissimmee for an evening of calf roping, bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Unusually for Orlando, this is not an attraction but a genuine rodeo competition, with cash prizes. The action is live, unrehearsed, and, for those who’ve never seen the real thing before, quite something. A cheap and eventful evening out.

Once upon a time, before it became a suburb of Disney World, Kissimmee was part of Florida’s important beef industry, and populated by cowboys (sometimes called Crackers because of the sound made by their whips). Quite a few remain in the area today, and this Friday night bash is where they celebrate the skills of Kissimmee’s original cowboys. Bear in mind, this is no tourist attraction – it’s a bonafide rodeo with cash prizes and real danger. Angry bulls have been known to crush the skull of an occasional unlucky cowboy.

This venue looks a bit like a submarine in 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea , with its porthole windows and distressed metal. An eclectic crowd – from models to business moguls – hang out around the circular bar listening to ambient tunes.

The DJs at this club-bar up the vibe without blowing anyone’s eardrums. The perfect place to chill between clubs.

Think pure speed as Poseidon’s mythological underwater beast breaks free and without warning pulls your 32-passenger train 151 ft (46 m) closer to heaven, then dives 144 ft (44 m) back toward hell at speeds of 65 mph (104 kmph)! If you survive, expect seven loops on a 4,177-ft (1,273-m) course. This may just be the longest 3 minutes, 39 seconds of your existence. (Sea World) .

An imaginative beef, poultry, and seafood dinner menu makes La Coquina the most acclaimed of the Hyatt Regency’s five eateries. The veal tenderloin with sake-glazed prawns, and the sugar cane-skewered scallops with rice grits and artichokes are two hits. Try the famous Sunday brunch, with its unlimited champagne and huge array of hot and cold dishes.

This choice, near the University of Central Florida, is for guests who want an east Orlando location. Rooms are comfortable, and rates include breakfast, local phone calls, and weekday newspapers.

Located just 2 miles (1km) from Disneyworld, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to many theme parks. There are also three restaurants and three pools within its 24 landscaped acres. Rooms are bright and spacious, offering good value for money.