Next time you’re in Orlando and want something different to do or take the kids to, check out the Festival Bay Mall on International Drive. There may be a lot of empty storefronts, but some of the ones that are there are really cool, and offer many activities.

Monkey Joes.

One of the newest is a place called Monkey Joe’s. I guess they have these all around the U.S. but this is the first one I’ve seen. My 8-year-old son had a blast there for about an hour yesterday. Basicly it’s a huge place with lots of blow-up bounce houses and slides. There are also some comfy chairs for the adults to watch TV from while the kids play. But if you don’t feel like relaxing, adults can play also for just $5. Kids cost about $8 for unlimited play.

Vans Skatepark.

Just across the hall is Vans Skatepark. It’s a huge place with lots of ramps for skateboarders, roller-bladers, etc. It’s fun to just go in and watch.

Model of Ron Jon’s new surf area.

Right now Ron Jon Surf Shop is just a store, but by summer 2008, they are supposed to have a huge (huge seems to be the key word at this mall) surf area with a full-size wave pool and two smaller ones. There’s even a small lazy river that brings you back to the start after you’ve surfed to “shore”.

In addition to the stores and restaurants that are open at the mall there’s also glow-in-the-dark miniture golf, an arcade, a movie theater and a “huge” Bass Pro Shops (Check out the shooting gallery).