COLLEGE MUSIC SOCIETY SOUTHERN CHAPTER MEETING University of Central Florida 28 February - 2 March 2019

Greetings from the University of Central Florida's School of Performing Arts (Department of Music)! We welcome you to Orlando, Florida, and the main campus of UCF, where we are pleased to be hosting the College Music Society-Southern Chapter's 2019 meeting. This year is the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the CMS-Southern Chapter at UCF, and as is now traditional, the Chapter returns every ten years to its "home."

For those who attended one of the previous chapter meetings at UCF, you may be pleasantly surprised to see a (relatively) new Music Building, which was opened in the Fall of 2010 as part of the Performing Arts Center on the west side of the campus. This dedicated teaching building has state-of-the-art classrooms, multiple rehearsal spaces, teaching studios, faculty offices, practice rooms, and both the SPA and Music Department offices. Many CMS-S activities will take place in or near the "PAC M."

In addition to our new Music Building, you will also see many other newly built structures on the main campus of the second largest university in the United States. UCF's current enrollment is well over 66,000 students (not all on this main campus!), and the surrounding off-campus boulevards have grown into a vibrant commercial area that supports this large student body and campus visitors. We hope that you will take some time to enjoy some of the many amentities both on and off campus during your visit to UCF.

Local arrangements for this CMS-Southern meeting are being handled by Professor Keith Koons, Associate Professor Scott Warfield, and other SPA personnel. Please feel free to contact either of us (see email and phone information on our faculty pages), if you have any questions.

• On-campus facilities, presentation rooms, rehearsal space, etc.: Keith Koons


• Travel, housing, and other off-campus concerns: Scott Warfield

HOTELS

Remember that the UCF campus is a large and active community, with many, many different conferences, sporting events, and other activities that often fill up most of the nearby hotels. You are encouraged to make your housing arrangements sooner rather than later to ensure that you find the facilities that you want.

We have made arrangements with two nearby hotels to reserve blocks of rooms at special conference rates. [Both will be available until 8 February 2019] They are:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area (12125 High Tech Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32817) - This hotel, the closest to the UCF campus (and Music Building), is a full-service facility with free parking, a full service restaurant and bar on the property, room service, a pool, wi-fi, and other amenities. Please note that breakfast is not included in the room rate, but a full breakfast buffet is available in the morning (c. $ 12-15). To reserve a room at the CMS-S rate ($ 132/night, plus taxes), use this link: http://group.doubletree.com/CollegeMusicSocSouthern. If you choose to contact the hotel directly, remember to mention that you are with: College Music Society-Southern Chapter.


• TownePlace Suites Orlando East/UCF Area (11801 High Tech Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32817) - This hotel, also fairly close to the UCF campus (and Music Building), offers free parking, a continental "grab and go" breakfast, in-room kitchens, and free internet, among other amenities. To reserve a room at the CMS-S rate ($ 99/night, plus taxes), use this link: Book your group rate for College Music Society-Southen Chapter Mtg. If you choose to contact the hotel directly, remember to mention that you are with: College Music Society-Southern Chapter.

The areas immediately to the west and south of the main UCF campus have many other properties with a variety of amenities and prices. If you have a particular brand preference or are collecting "loyalty" points, see the lists below for the names of all hotels near campus, which you may contact on your own.

Heading west from the main entrance of UCF on University Boulevard are the following properties, generally located on the north side of University Blvd behind various restaurants and other businesses. All are within about one mile of the PAC M Music Building, and there are many different restaurants within walking distance of any of these hotels.

• Doubletree by Hilton (see above for meeting rate)
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Towneplace Suites by Marriott (see above for meeting rate)
• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Residence Inn by Marriott
• Intown Suites
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Heading south from the main entrance of UCF on Alafaya Boulevard (FL 434) are the following properties, all of which are from one to two-and-a-half miles from campus. There are fewer restaurants along the way, until one reaches East Colonial Road (FL 50), and in the Waterford Lakes Shopping area (about 0.5 miles below East Colonial).

• La Quinta
• Homewood Suites
• Comfort Suites
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Holiday Inn East
• Holiday Inn Express (East of Alafaya on Colonial)
• Crossland Economy Studios (East of Alafaya on Colonial)

TRANSPORTATION, PARKING, & MAPS

Travel

The University of Central Florida is located on the east side of the greater Orlando area, a region of over 2.8 million residents, well known for its theme parks and other recreational opportunities. The main UCF campus is just over 13 miles from downtown Orlando, about 20 miles from the Orlando International Airport, and over 30 miles to the "Attractions" (I-Drive, Disney, and other theme parks) on the southwest side of the region. The Atlantic coast is just under one hour to the east. See Google Maps (UCF) for a general view of the region.

Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Orlando has several travel options, which you may wish to consider. These include:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) ranks as the eleventh busiest airport in the United States, with numerous flights available from many different carriers.


• Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB), located about 20 miles north of UCF in Sanford, FL, occasionally offers a lower cost alternative to flying in and out of major airports.


• For train enthusiasts, Amtrak makes regular stops in Orlando, Winter Park, and Sanford.


• Greyhound offers regular intercity bus service to downtown Orlando.

For those driving personal automobiles, the primary North-South highways into the Central Florida/Orlando region are:

• I-75 on the western (Gulf) side of the Florida penninsula (heading south from Macon, GA), but make sure you take the Florida Turnpike [toll] (after mile marker 330 Southbound; just past FL 44) or you will end up in Tampa! Follow the FL 408 [toll] "East-West Expressway" across Orlando to FL 417 [toll] North. Exit eastbound onto University Blvd, and you will reach the UCF campus in about two miles.


• I-95 on the eastern (Atlantic) side of the penninsula (heading south from Jacksonville and points north), exits westbound onto I-4, just south of Daytona Beach (around mile marker 260). Around I-4's mile marker 101, exit onto the "Central Florida Greenway" / FL 417 [toll] About 6-7 miles after crossing Lake Jessup (large body of water) look for University Blvd, and exit eastbound. UCF campus is about two miles ahead.


• Anyone heading from the southwestern side of the Chapter, might consider following I-10 until it meets I-75, and from that point, follow the I-75 directions above.


• FRIENDLY WARNING: I-4 through downtown Orlando is currently undergoing a major reconstruction, which has made that stretch of highway currently perhaps the worst and most dangerous interstate in the United States. Avoid at all costs. Pay the tolls and go around!


• Anyone looking for the UCF campus on your various devices should hunt for: University of Central Florida / 4000 Central Florida Blvd / Orlando, FL 32816.

Local Transportation

As a major vacation destination, Orlando offers a good array of transportation options from a wide number of services at a variety of prices. For those arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) or anyone interested in travel in the Orlando area, see the MCO "Parking & Transportation" web page for options and prices. Among your choices for transportation to and from MCO and the UCF area are:

• Taxis (meet at the Arrivals Level 2 of both "A" and "B" sides of the main terminal) - At least a half-dozen regulated companies serve the area, and all fares are metered. UCF is roughly 22 miles from the airport, and one-way fares can reach $ 50 or more.


• Ridesharing (meet at the Arrivals Level 2 of both "A" and "B" sides of the main terminal) - Uber, Lyft, and Wingz operate in the Orlando area, including MCO. Fares vary, of course, and may be less expensive than taxis, depending upon time of day, traffic, etc.


• Lynx (meet at Level 1 of the "A" side of the main terminal only) - Orlando's City Bus system (see the Lynx website for maps, fares, trip planning, etc.) offers the cheapest transportion from MCO to the UCF campus ($ 2.00 one way), but is also by far the slowest, with a total trip time in excess of two hours. Take either Lynx bus 11 or bus 51 from MCO to the Lynx Central Station (LCS), and transfer to Lynx bus 13, which serves the UCF campus. (NB. you will still need to get from the UCF stop to your hotel.)


• Rental Cars - Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world, with virtually every major brand (and innumerable smaller companies) represented. Competitive pricing may make a 3- or 4-day rental a good option, especially for those who intend to explore the region during or after the CMS-S meeting. See the MCO Rental Cars web page for a listing of brands available, both on- and off-site.


• Anyone arriving at Orlando-Sanford International Airport should check the links under "ground transportation" on their web page for taxis and rental options. (UCF is roughly 17 miles from SFB.)

Parking

Parking on the UCF campus can be challenging, but not impossible, with the many commuting students, staff, and faculty competing for parking spaces throughout the entire day. The Music Building is bordered by many spaces and one parking deck, and a limited number of spaces should be available, especially early in the morning (before 9:00 am). Please note the following before driving on the UCF campus.

• All vehicles parked on campus must display either a current valid UCF parking sticker or hang tag, or purchase a daily visitor permit ($ 5.00 per day / $ 3.00 after 5: 30 pm). Most lots are checked at least twice daily, and cars without permits are ticketed. See Visitor Parking for more information.


• Visitors may park in the GREEN "D" lots (student spaces) only. Do not park in the RED (faculty) or BLUE (staff) lots and spaces. Beware, especially, that some lots are divided into separate green and red/blue sections. Look at the signage to be certain that you are in a GREEN area.


• Visitors should purchase a daily pass at one of the pay stations, generally located along the edges of most lots. These machines accept cash (no change given) or credit/debit cards. Do remember to display your daily permit on the driver's side of your car's dashboard, making sure that the date is visible. NB. Self-service machines for purchasing one-day permits may be found on the west side (closest to Alafaya Trail) of Lot H4 (next to the Theatre Building), and also in the "I" Parking Deck at 1-2 corners on each level. There is a machine at the back entrance/exit of the "I" Deck's ground level, where it meets the H3 lot (next to the Music Building).


• CMS-S participants should try to park in the H3 and H4 lots, or in the "I" Parking Garage, all located on the west side of the Music and Theatre Buildings. Enter the UCF campus in either of two ways:
  1. Eastbound on University Blvd, cross Alafaya Trail at the traffic light and enter the UCF campus. Stay in either of the two left lanes, and turn left onto Gemini Blvd at light. Move to the right lane, and either enter the "I" Parking Garage (after the bus turnaround), or continue to next light (Centaurus Blvd). Turn right into the PAC parking lots (H3 and H4).
  2. On Alafaya Trail, from the south (University Blvd) turn right or from the north (above campus) turn left onto the UCF campus at the Centaurus Blvd light. Go straight through the next light (Gemini Blvd) into the H3 and H4 lots. There is an entrance to the "I" Parking Garage from the H4 lot on the right side of the Music Building.


• If you are unable to find a space in the H3 & H4 lots, or in the "I" Parking Garage (especially on Thursday), there should be spaces in the H4A (overflow) lot, which is visible looking from the Music Building across Gemini Blvd. Exit the H3/H4 lots via the same road as you entered, turning right immediately at the first light onto Gemini Blvd and moving into the far left lane. At the four-way stop signs, turn left into H4A. Beware that there is no pay station in the H4A lot, so you will want to purchase your daily permit in the H3/H4 lot before driving to H4A.


• On Saturday, parking regulations are relaxed, and visitors may park at no charge in the campus lots.


• Anyone with a valid Disabled/Handicapped permit (license plate, placard, or hangtag) issued by any state may park in any "Disabled" space on the UCF campus. You must, however, also have a valid UCF permit or day pass displayed, in addition to your own "Disabled/Handicapped" permit. See Disability Permits for additional information.


• Finally, given the sometime crowded conditions in UCF parking lots, consider ride-sharing from your hotels to the campus to save on parking fees and the time spent hunting for spaces.

Walking On and Near the UCF Campus

On-Campus

• Once on the UCF campus, walking will be your main form of locomotion, and the inner portion of the campus is designed for pedestrians, with plenty of walkways and almost no interactions with vehicular traffic.


• The main campus is circular in design, with the Student Union at its center. Three concentric pedestrian walkways (Pegasus Circle, Mercury Circle, and Apollo Circle) and the irregularly shaped road, Gemini Blvd, encircle the Union.


• The Music Building [PAC M 119] is located on the western side of the campus, inside Gemini Blvd, with Apollo Circle at its "back door." Other nearby buildings on that back side, include the brand new Trevor Colburn Hall [TCH], Rehearsal Hall [RH], and the Visual Arts Building [VAB]. Most CMS-S presentations and activities will take place in these four buildings [PAC M, TCH, RH, and VAB].


• Those interested in seeing the campus may want to follow Apollo Circle (turn right out the back door of the Music Building) to Millican Hall [MH], the main adminstration building, which overlooks the Reflecting Pool and also faces the John C. Hitt Library [LIB]. This locale is one of the most iconic on campus, and a pleasant spot simply to relax.


• Continuing further south on Apollo Circle after Millican, veer to the right as you pass some low (two story) dorms, and you will find yourself at Ferrell Commons [FC], where "'63 South," a full-service dining hall, is located.


• For those who are mobility-challenged or might need some assistance moving about campus, we should be able to provide "people-movers" (similar to golf carts). Please contact us in advance, if possible, so that we may take care of your needs.



Off-Campus

• While the short distance to campus from either the Doubletree or the Towneplace may tempt athletic types to walk to the UCF campus, we strongly discourage you from attempting to cross Alafaya Trail on foot. While there are traffic lights at University Blvd, Strategy Blvd, and Centarus Drive, Alafaya is an exceptionally wide road, and traffic controls may not allow much time for crossing. Moreover, drivers in the area are not always attentive, and accidents involving pedestrians are not uncommon. In short, drive to campus.


• The area along University Blvd, heading west from the campus at Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road (a distance of about 1 mile) is lined with many restaurants, bars, and similar establishments, and most are within a reasonable walking distance from the hotels. If you are interested in exploring the area on foot, there are sidewalks along University Blvd and many of the side streets. Even so, traffic can be heavy. Do be alert when crossing entranceways and parking lots, and cross University Blvd only at the few traffic lights along the road.

Maps

Use the following interactive maps to locate buildings on the UCF campus and off-campus locations:

RESTAURANTS & OTHER AMENITIES

Restaurants, Bars & Taverns, etc.

As with any college or university campus, there are innumerable establishments, ranging from the most modest to the most elegant, waiting to serve students, faculty, and visitors. UCF is no different, and there is such a vast number of restaurants, bars, pizza, burger joints, ethnic foods, fast food, take-out, etc., that it would be nearly impossible to list them all here. Nevertheless, these names will get you started in finding something good and (possibly) interesting to eat!

UCF Campus

All within walking distance of the PAC M (Music Building)

Washington Center - About 2 minutes' walk; actually a covered walkway between Trevor Colburn Hall and the Student Union

• UCF Bookstore - coffee, pre-made sandwiches, and a few grab & go items
• Chick-Fil-A
• Domino's Pizza

Student Union - About 5 minutes' walk (continue through or past the Washington Center); mostly fast food aimed at students,
with casual seating throughout the Union lobby and second floor; Best for lunch, as most close around 5:00 pm

• Which Wich - subs and sandwiches made to order
• Huey Magoo's - chicken tenders, etc.
• Panda Express - Chinese
• Qdoba - Mexican
• Steak 'n Shake - burgers & fries, etc.
• Cafe Bustello - actually a small stand for coffee and rolls
• Pita Spot - wraps, falafel, humus, pretzels
• Knightstop & Sushi - convenience store w/ lots of grab & go items, and raw fish
• Chili's - the chain restaurant, with its own tables (open 11 am - 7 pm)

Ferrell Commons - About 5-7 minutes' walk on Apollo Circle past Millican Hall and the Reflecting Pond, then to the right

• '63 South - A full-service cafeteria dining hall (fixed price admission under $ 10 - all-you-care-to-eat), with multiple options at all meals, usually including salad bar, custom-made sandwiches, pizza, Asian, Italian, traditional entree, desserts, etc.

CFE Arena - About 10-12 minutes' walk across campus (past the Student Union and down the Memory Mall to the UCF basketball arena); shops on either side of the arena.

• Dunkin' Donuts
• Subway
• Domino's
• Gringoslocos - Tacos and Burritos
• Knightro's - identical menu to the " '63 South" (UCF dining services, one price, all-you-care-to-eat)
• Burger U - sportspub
• Jimmy John's - made-to-order subs
• Starbucks

Off-Campus

All relatively close to campus, but best accessed by car or possibly on-foot from a nearby hotel

Plaza on University - On the northwest corner of University Blvd. and Alafaya Trail (UCF's "front door"), on the street level of an up-scale apartment complex.

Along the Alafaya Trail side (starting at the north end - closer to the UCF PAC M Bldg)

• McDonald's
• Omelet Bar - breakfast and lunch
• Bento - Asian and Sushi
• Menchie's Frozen Yoghurt
• Blaze Pizza
• Burger Fi

On the corner

• Bar Louie - upscale tavern and grill

Along the University Blvd side (starting at the east end - next to Bar Louie)

• Taco Bell
• Jamba Juice
• Spoleto : My Italian Kitchen
• Insomnia Cookies - warm, fresh-baked cookies until 3:00 am!

University Boulevard - The main road heading directly into campus from the west (from the campus to the traffic light at Rouse Road [one mile from UCF entrance]), is filled with numerous establishments, including modest "hole-in-the-wall" joints, student-oriented bars, a number of well-known mid-scale casual chain restaurants, and more.

North on Alafaya to traffic light at Gemini/Corporate Blvd (about 0.4 miles above Centaurus, traffic light near PAC M)

Shopping Plaza - On the southwest corner of Alafaya Trail and Corporate Blvd; a mix of student-oriented cheap eats and a few interesting choices

• Flipper's Pizzeria - gourmet
• Frozen - Nitrogen Ice Cream - high tech frozen desserts
• Sushi
• Spice Island Girl
• Luga Chinese
• Sno Tea Cafe
• McAlister's Deli
• Tenders - chicken
• Valkyrie - doughnuts

Across Corporate Blvd. (to Northwest corner)

• Moe's Southwest
• Starbucks
• Subway

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT

Orlando

For a general introduction to the greater Orlando area, including downtown, museums, the arts, theme parks, etc., see: Visit Orlando.

Winter Park

Located about nine miles west of UCF, Winter Park offers several of the region's best restaurants, upscale shopping, the Morse Museum, and other amenities. See the City of Winter Park Visitor's Guide and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Guide for information.

The "Attractions" and the "I-Drive"

For those interested in classic tourism at any of Orlando's iconic theme parks, the many "tourist attractions" along International Drive, lots of restaurants, and even a 400' Observation Wheel--all located about 25 miles from UCF on Orlando's southwest side--see the International Drive Resort Guide.

The Space Coast

For those interested in the beaches closest to Orlando and UCF (about 45 minutes travel), head to the "Space Coast," home of the Kennedy Space Center and much more. See the Florida's Space Coast Guide.

Daytona Beach

Among the most famous beaches in the world, and located less than an hour north/northeast of UCF is Daytona Beach. See the Daytona Beach Visitor's Guide for information.

Last Updated: 24 January 2019 (sw)