For some, Orlando is simply a factory town, and the factories just happen to be theme parks. To others, it's a backwater burg that lacks sophistication and culture. Then there are the preteen girls who see it as the breeding ground for synthetic bubblegum boy groups like 'N Sync, the Backstreet Boys, and O-Town. Orlando might be all of this, but it is an entertainment capital and as such is obligated to provide evening diversions to everyone who visits.

If you're here for at least two nights and don't mind losing some sleep, reserve one evening for Downtown Disney and the next for CityWalk. They are both well worth seeing. If you want a one-night blowout, however, head to Disney -- believe it or not. By virtue of Disney's status as essentially a separate governmental entity, clubs on Disney property are allowed to stay open later than bars elsewhere; you can get served here until 2 AM if you have the energy for it.

When you enter the fiefdom known as Walt Disney World, you're likely to see as many watering holes as cartoon characters. After beating your feet around a theme park all day, there are lounges, bars, speakeasies, pubs, sports bars, and microbreweries where you can settle down with a soothing libation. Your choice of nightlife can be found at various Disney shopping and entertainment complexes -- from the casual down-by-the-shore BoardWalk to the much larger multi-area Downtown Disney, which comprises the Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and West Side. Everywhere you look, jazz trios and bluesmen, DJs, and rockers are tuning up and turning on their amps after dinner's done. Plus, two long-running dinner shows provide an evening of song, dance, and dining, all for a single price.

Of course, after a hot day of walking, thousands of vacationing families prefer to take it easy with a refreshing splash in the hotel's themed pool or by ducking into an old-fashioned ice cream parlor (or poolside bar) for an inexpensive evening together. Even if you head back to your hotel for an afternoon nap or swim, remember that you can always return to a theme park and catch a wealth of free shows performed at Epcot's pavilions and stages at the Magic Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios. Get information on WDW nightlife from the Walt Disney World information hot line (tel. 407/824-2222 or 407/824-4500) or check on-line at www.disney.com. Disney nightspots accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. And cash. Lots of it.

Disney's West Side is a pleasantly hip outdoor complex of shopping, dining, and entertainment with the main venues being the House of Blues, DisneyQuest, and Cirque du Soleil. Aside from this trio, there are no cover charges. Whether you're club hopping or not, the West Side is worth a visit for its laid-back attitude, waterside location, wide promenade, and diverse shopping and dining. Opening time is 11 AM, closing time around 2 AM; crowds vary with the season, but weeknights tend to be less busy. For entertainment times and more information, call 407/824-4500 or 407/824-2222.

Now that Walt Disney World has about a dozen resort hotels to accommodate visitors who once spent their nights off-property, hotel lounges have become surprisingly active. Depending on whether the resort is geared toward business or romance, the lounges can be soothing or boisterous -- or both. To reach any of these hotel bars directly, you can call the Disney operator at 407/824-4500 or 407/824-2222.

Both in the theme parks and around the hotel-side waterways, Walt Disney World offers up a wealth of fabulous sound-and-light shows after the sun goes down. In fact, WDW is one of the earth's largest single consumers of fireworks -- perhaps even rivaling mainland China. Traditionally, sensational short shows have been held at the Magic Kingdom at 10. Times vary during the year, so check with Guest Services just to be certain. You can also find fireworks at Pleasure Island as part of the every-night-is-New Year's Eve celebrations -- an event that's worth the wait into the wee hours. For a great, unobstructed view of the fireworks above Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, head to the second floor of the Main Street Train Station -- but get there early.

Don't forget that Epcot hosts visiting shows that are free with admission. Epcot has welcomed Lords of the Dance as well as Broadway's Blast! to perform abbreviated, albeit highly energetic, samples of their shows. Regular performers include a Beatles sound-alike group in the United Kingdom, acrobats in China, mimes in France, musicians in a smaller African kiosk, and rock and roll bagpipers in Canada. Catching any of these parades and/or performances easily soothes the sting of what you may feel is an overpriced admission.

In Friday's Orlando Sentinel (www.orlandosentinel.com), the "Calendar" section carries reviews of plays, nightclubs, live music venues, restaurants, and attractions.

When the fantasy starts wearing thin, check out the Orlando arts scene in the Orlando Weekly (www.orlandoweekly.com) a local entertainment and opinion newspaper that accurately tracks Orlando culture, lifestyles, and nightlife.

For information on events call the BoardWalk entertainment hotline (PHONE: 407/939-3492 or 407/939-2444).