The Orange drops at midnight: New Year's in Orlando 2009

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Whether you're going to ring in 2009 at your local watering hole, that new, hot bar, or a great concert, there is more than enough celebration to be found in a city as large as Orlando. So, no matter your preference, here are a few ways "The City Beautiful" is helping you kiss 2008 goodbye!

Wall Street's New Year's Eve Street Party- What can $20 get for you this New Year's Eve? A lot of fun! This giant street party is going to be packed with live music, the DJ will be hovering 8 feet above the street, a live feed of Times Square, and plenty of bars to drink 2008 away and ring in the New Year!

WJRR's Big Friggin' Eve- Taking place at the House of Blues, Sevendust will perform songs from their latest album and rock you into the new year. Come early, grab a bite at the HOB restaurant, and enjoy live music on the front porch. The show starts at 830 (doors at 730). Tickets start at $35.

New Year's Eve Celebration at CityWalk- If you fun is what you're after and money is no object (tickets are $124.99), Citywalk's celebration is the place to be. The Doobie Brothers will take the main stage as you dance and drink the night away at one of the largest New Year's celebrations in Orlando. Each venue will also provide live entertainment. Guests will also be treated to unlimited gourmet food including filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more as the clock ticks away. At midnight, guests will celebrate the new year with party favors, confetti bursts and a champagne toast. The only thing this party doesn't provide is a kissing partner.

Rok Room- Formerly the location of Tryst in Downtown Orlando, this new hotspot opened its doors just in time to ring in 2009. A little something different for the avid downtowner who may be looking for something new this holiday, Rok Room is offering $55 (in advance) all you can drink and a complimentary champagne toast. With a sleek look, a rock inspiration, and tons of appeal, Rok Room offers a fresh, new way to ring in a fresh, New Year. (Note: the all white decor makes everyone look good in pictures, and I know you will be taking lots 'o pictures)

Pure Bliss New Year's Eve Party- Promising an upscale celebration, the folks at Bliss have cooked up three ways to welcome in the new year at this posh little ultralounge. Starting at $30 and ending at $500, each package offers a little something for everyone. The $30 ticket includes admission, party hats, party favors, noise makers, souvenir champagne glass, continental breakfast and a complimentary champagne toast when the ball drops. $50 includes all the perks of the less expensive package with an upgrade of premium open bar until midnight. $70 will get you all the perks of the last two packages but your open bar will last all night. And just in case you saved your allowance or you're just curious, the $500 package includes all the bells and whistles mentioned before for 4 people in addition to a few special goodies and the VIP treatment. No matter your preference, Bliss promises you will be good and "toasty" when that magic hour comes.

9th Annual Church Street New Year's Eve Street Party- The biggest event in Downtown Orlando is happening again this New Year's and you have to be there. Watch the fireworks display, enjoy the huge video wall and the confetti cannons, and the one tradition that no other party can touch- the Orange drop at midnight. With four ways to enjoy the evening and 5 venues to make (or break) resolutions and make bad decisions, Church Street gives you the option to make this celebration your very own. No matter the bills that fill your wallet, there is a little something for everyone at the city's largest party. $40 will get you in to all the venues and the street party. $55 gains you admission, unlimited well, domestic bottled beer, and frozen drinks. $70 gets you the before mentioned perks and unlimited wells and calls, domestic and imported bottled beer, shots, and frozen drinks. And lastly, if you're going all out for 2009, $99 will get you all the goodies of the other packages in addition to unlimited wells, calls, premium and ultra premium liquor, shots, Red Bull drinks, domestic and imported bottled beer, frozen drinks, and a $20 gift certificate. 5 venues to drink, 4 ways to party, and a hundred strangers to kiss at midnight, leave it  to Church Street to provide all the options.

 With all the choices this fabulous city gives you, I hope you have fun kissing 2008 goodbye! However you end up celebrating the New Year, be safe, have fun, dress well, and drink wisely.

(Note: If you never have, please listen to Death Cab For Cutie's "The New Year," it's just a great song)