Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Attraction in Orlando

The venue was approved along with a new Amway Center (which replaced the Amway Arena) and improvements to the Camping World Stadium after a series of hearings and votes, culminating in final votes in the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on July 26, 2007, and the Orlando City Council on August 6, 2007.

The design for the new venue was revealed on August 21, 2008. The venue features a 2,700-seat amplified hall, Walt Disney Theater, for Broadway musicals and multi-genre concerts as well as a 300-seat venue, Alexis & Pugh Theater, for smaller shows and events.[3] The third theater, Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat multiform theater achieves an N1 sound rating–the highest possible acoustical rating. The acoustically remarkable Steinmetz Hall can transform into three different theater styles (symphony concert hall, proscenium hall, and banquet hall) to accommodate multiple events and performances. Construction for Steinmetz Hall began on March 6, 2017 and officially opened on January 14, 2022. The final performance space to complete the arts center is Judson's, a dynamic music room with cabaret-style seating to host intimate events and live entertainment. Judson's is slated to open in 2023.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Dr. Phillips Center came up with a concept for an outdoor, socially distanced venue to continue offering performances in a time when so much of the world had shut down. In May of 2020, the idea for creating the Frontyard Festival™, presented by AdventHealth began and officially launched on December 5, 2020 with its first show. Located on the front lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center, the Seneff Arts Plaza, the Frontyard Festival™ offered socially distant boxes that could seat up to six people. Food and drinks were delivered from on-site restaurants while performances and events were put on a stage at the front of the venue. The series was meant to run until June 2020, but was extended another six months and had its final event on December 13, 2021. The Frontyard Festival™ won the Silver Stevie® Award for “Most Valuable Non-Profit Response to COVID-19” from The American Business Awards and the Golden Brick Award for “Innovation” from Downtown Orlando Partnership.

The venue costs US$613 million, with the completion of Steinmetz Hall. Two-thirds of the funding comes from public funds, largely from the Orange County tourist development tax. The other one-third comes from private donations, including a large grant from the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, the philanthropic organization funded through the estate of Philip Phillips.

A slow-down in the tourist development tax and other economic conditions forced the plans to become phased into two stages of construction. Walt Disney Theater and Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater were part of Phase I. Phase II included Steinmetz Hall and Judson's. Groundbreaking took place in June 2011.

The center occupies two city blocks. Some of the existing structures demolished to clear room for the center include Orlando Fire Department Station #1 (which moved to Central Blvd.); an annex building of First United Methodist Church of Orlando; and the round American Federal Building, constructed in the 1960s. The center is bordered by Orange Ave. to the west, South St. to the north, Rosalind Ave. to the east, and Anderson St. to the south. Magnolia Ave. bisects the property.

The first Broadway production to play the Walt Disney Theater was Cameron Mackintosh's new, non-replica production of The Phantom...

Seriously, a beautiful venue. Had never been to the DPCPA and it was such a special experience. The building's architecture, design, music, lighting, all of it. Super cool vibe! It feels fancy. Watched Justin Willman's Illusionati show with family. It was in the Steinmenz Hall. We sat on the Grand Tier Level balcony row A (seats 128-131) and they were great! Basically, front and center to the stage, on the 2nd level. The hall was a comfortable size that fit a ton of people, but still felt "cozy". Perfect for his show, as he would walk into the crowd for audience participation. Got there around 1.5 hours before the show and drove up to the front for the prepaid special VIP parking I purchased (too hot IMO to be walking far for parking and you just never know if it's gonna be pouring the day of... it's summer!). There were an array of yummy snacks available at the bar while we waited for the doors of the hall to open for seating (30 minutes prior). And plenty of high top tables, low top tables, general cushioned seats, couches, etc. on the different common levels that you could sit at and wait comfortably and chat before heading in. Snacks I remember seeing included popcorn, gummy bears, sour gummy worms, chocolate covered pretzels, trail mix, large cookies, and a Charcuterie plate. Most in plastic tub style containers. Really, a nice variety IMO. And soft drinks, water, juice, alcoholic beverages, cocktails, etc. to drink. To give you an idea on price, we got the Charcuterie plate (crackers, 2 types of cheese, salami, pepperoni, green grapes, raspberry jam, wooden fork/knife tool), a big chocolate chip cookie and a 20 oz bottle of water. Tipped 15% and it came out to just over $26. We all enjoyed our snacks. I would say just be mindful of how many drinks and snacks you buy to carry around because although you can take them into the auditorium, at least in Steinmenz Hall, there are no cup holders or anything to place things at your seat. So you're left holding it or putting it at your feet. If other guests have to walk by your seat for any reason, then you have to pick it up and... you know the drill. There were plenty of very friendly and helpful staff around all over wearing orange vests. Unbeknownst to me, when it was time to head home, got into the Valet pickup line and turns out if you had a white ticket from purchasing the special VIP parking pass, you got bumped to a separate line, which for me meant front of the line. Definitely worth it and will purchase again if I ever come back for another show. (I think I pre-paid $30 for it. Unsure if that price changes depending on the show. ) Lovely place and had a fabulous time! JW...

My child was extremely excited to go on a field trip here with his classmates (4th and 5th grade) until the excitement became SHOCK at how the ushers and staff treated the teachers and students in such a manner of COMPLETE DISRESPECT. The children LOVED the performance and the theatre but all said that the customer service experience should get 0 stars. Most of the staff were so kind, and very polite and welcoming to the children- but it only takes a few bad apples to ruin the bunch.

Teachers have enough on their plate to keep all of these kids at bay and together and respectful to the theatre, let alone dealing with this extra layer.

They were all in dismay at how certain members of the staff were literally yelling at the students and teachers in a such a rude and harsh way. Way to set an example. The ushers were rude, got in teachers faces, and literally were putting their hands on children pushing them to move forward to their seats. They were so rude, touchy and pushy with many of the students which in NO WAY is appropriate.

The ushers split up the school students on each side of the theatre- and the teacher tried to explain the two different grade levels got split up but they needed to all sit together (per school code and compliance rules for field trips and number of chaperones) and the usher said he DIDNT CARE. Then began to talk behind the teachers back to the other ushers (upon which all the students heard).

Based on the complaint threads I'm reading below it seems the same ushers have been doing this, with complaints, and yet the center still has them staffed and is making what should be an incredible experience for all....one that is not to be forgotten in a negative manner.

For such a well known, well respected, beautiful venue, with really a wonderful message to tell in it's performace- how can you let all of your performers down by allowing this type of negligent behavior for some of your staff?

What are you planning on doing about this staff...