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It all began in the 1930s when a couple of inebriated sportsmen returning from a weekend hunting trip thought it would be funny to put live ducks in the Peabody Hotel’s lobby fountain. The joke stuck and now the original ducks’ descendants are local celebrities. They march down from their penthouse at 11am, via the elevator, and return at 5pm.

The main room at House of Blues is one of the best spots in town to catch big-name acts (see Blues Bar at House of Blues, House of Blues). But the HOB Blues Bar, next door, is an intimate stage for small-scale blues bands that are generally unknown but excellent. Guests ordering dinner get priority for table seating.

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.

With three parts – Westside, Pleasure Island, and Marketplace – glittering Downtown Disney has become the epicenter of nightlife at “the Mouse”. Although Pleasure Island and its nightclubs boast the most obvious party appeal, both Westside and Marketplace are also packed day and night. Hordes of guests (especially families) stroll among the area’s shops and restaurants – it’s bustling, fun, and costs little to enjoy. Kids in particular like the LEGO Store’s (see LEGO Imagination Center) outdoor work stations.

Almost an accidental attraction, this is a re-creation of a 1940s seaside resort, complete with street performers, carnival games, great restaurants and bars. The ESPN Club is the perfect spot to draw on a beer and catch a major-league game on big-screen TVs.

Founded by the Florida Audubon Society, and off the beaten tourist track, this center’s primary function is to rescue and rehabilitate wounded and orphaned raptors. Birds of prey that can’t be released back into the wild, however, are kept and used to educate the public about wild-life conservation. With knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to stand close to birds such as eagles and vultures, the center is a captivating treat for a handful of dollars. (see Audubon National Center for Birds of Prey).

By day, visitors stroll through this area of restaurants and shops on their way to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. In the evening, CityWalk becomes it’s own sparkling destination, a swinging Downtown with outdoor entertainment and pulsating crowds to rival Disney’s BoardWalk. For 15 minutes of quiet romance, take the free boat ride (which runs until 2am) between CityWalk and the Portofino Bay Hotel. In the moonlight, the Portofino’s faux Italian paint job looks even more convincing.

Tucked under the blossoming skyline of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a charming city oasis (see Lake Eola Park). Those seeking some (inexpensive) time alone can rent a two-person Swan Boat (propelled by pedal power) and cruise about on the lake. (see Lake Eola Park).

For kids who want to ride a pony (for a small charge) or get to pet miniature donkeys, goats, and other farmyard creatures, this splendid little park can’t be beaten.

This racetrack, 17 miles (30 km) east of Orlando, sees eight divisions of highly modified stock cars race each week. However, the most entertaining evenings are those with destructive, madcap races like Schoolbus Demolition Derbys, and Boat and Trailer Races. The price depends on what’s on, but it’s always a cheap night out.