Church Street Station keeps downtown hopping
Church
Street Station is an entertainment complex similar to Universal’s CityWalk and Downtown
Disney.
It was constructed around Orlando’s original train station
in downtown Orlando. The restored station along with old-fashioned bars like Rosie
O’Grady’s Good Time Emporium swelled in popularity until eventually a whole complex
of restored buildings was created.
Like the major theme parks, the designers paid a lot of attention to detail and
historical accuracy. The Train Depot is listed in the National Registry of Historic
Places and contains numerous historical artifacts. The most impressive artifact
is "Old Duke," a steam locomotive that was in the movie "Wings of
Eagles" with John Wayne.
You pay a fee at the entrance to the complex and you are admitted to all the shows.
Food and drinks are not included.
Besides bars, Church Street Station offers live entertainment, fine dining and the
Church Street Exchange Shopping Emporium -- a three-story complex that has over
50 shops, restaurants and midway games.
Some of Church Street Station’s more popular attractions:
Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Emporium -- Church Street Station’s original
bar. It evokes the feel of turn of the century San Francisco with a dark wood bar
and brass fixtures. The two real draws at Rosie’s are the Dixieland Jazz Revue (complete
with bartop Can-Can girls) and a specialty drink called the Flaming Hurricane.
Phineas Phogg’s Balloon Works -- This is where the 20- and 30-something tourist
should go to dance the night away. Weekend nights are crowded with a good mixture
of tourists and locals.
Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House -- This immense building is one of the staples
of Church Street Station. Built inside a former opera house, the Cheyenne Saloon
attracts a large crowd almost every night. It is spread out over three levels and
is decorated with tons of Old West memorabilia.
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