20 Things To Do In Orlando At Night

Orlando, during the day, is a buzzing, vibrant city with hundreds of things to do, but did you know that there are just as many exciting things to do in Orlando at night for both kids and adults? After a day of adventures or day-tripping, getting stuck into Orlando’s nightlife is a perfect way to relax and get to know the city’s soul. From restaurants serving Florida’s best cuisine to outdoor cinemas, Disney extravaganzas and natural wonders, Orlando after dark will delight and surprise you. So, get ready to have fun until the early hours and discover some of the city’s hidden gems when most people are heading off to bed.

Orlando At Night

20 Things To Do In Orlando At Night

1- Ride the Orlando Eye

If you don’t quite have the stomach for a helicopter ride but still want to see the city from above, the Orlando Eye, otherwise known as The Wheel at ICON Park, is a fun night-time activity.

From the top of the wheel, you’ll have views stretching across the city from Disney World and Universal Studios to the distant landscapes outside the city.

Grab a booth with a loved one, family or friends for a memorable 20-minute ride; tickets are affordable but can also be combined with park tickets if it’s already on your itinerary.

While in ICON Park, you may also like visiting Madame Tussauds and having a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Orlando Eye is at 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.

2- Stroll Around Lake Eola Park

Most cities have a central water feature; in Orlando, it’s Lake Eola Park.

After enjoying a nice dinner or drinks downtown, stroll around the lake to let your food go down and enjoy a view across the water of the city skyline.

During the day, you can rent paddleboats, see the tropical birds that live there or visit a farmer’s market, and at night you’ll often be able to see a concert, movie or theatre show often hosted in the park’s Walt Disney Amphitheatre.

On special occasions, the park has a firework display over the lake, a magical end to an evening.

Lake Eola Park is at 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801.

3- Visit Disney Springs

Yet another excellent Disney venue with a little something for everyone is Disney Springs, the home of Planet Hollywood.

It’s usually packed during the day but at night, you’ll find a lesser-known area of the park which hosts a huge entertainment area with live shows and DJs.

You’ll also find a great range of pubs, clubs and bars.

There’s an excellent range of shows for adults, including the famous Cirque du Soleil, a bowling alley and a fun steam train for kids.

Disney Springs is at 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

4- Take To The Skies On A Helicopter Night Tour

If you’re stuck on things to do or it’s a special occasion, push the boat out by booking a night-time helicopter tour over Orlando.

Tours range from 15 to 40 minutes, and seeing the city from the air is an exhilarating experience.

You’ll see the city’s sparkling lights from above, including birds-eye views of all the Disney Parks.

At the right time, you’ll catch the incredible Disney Fireworks show or enjoy a spectacular sunset over the city just a little earlier. Find out more here.

5- Bop Till You Drop In The House of Blues

One of Orlando’s must-visit venues if you’re a Blues fan or love live music, the House of Blues hosts some of the biggest names in Blues night after night in their cosy courtyard.

Enjoy a freshly cooked dinner and a few drinks after the main show.

Once dinner is over, the musicians start ‘Blues Kitchen’, where they improvise and mix more excellent live music that’ll have you bopping in your seat.

Attend the popular Gospel Brunch on Sunday, where you’ll be served a range of hearty food while listening to some Southern soul music.

House of Blues is at 1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830.

6- Chip ‘n Dale Campfire Sing-a-long

If you’re in Orlando, there’s a good chance you have little ones with you, but don’t worry that there won’t be any nighttime events to keep them entertained.

The Chip n Dale Campfire is at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, and you don’t have to be a guest to attend.

Gather your favourite snacks to roast over the campfire and enjoy a classic Disney film under the stars.

Before you leave, and if the kids aren’t asleep, take a photo with Chip n Dale for a lasting memory of a fun family event in Orlando.

Chip ‘n Dale Campfire Sing-a-long is at Walt Disney World Resort.

7- Go Ghost Hunting With An Expert

Maybe you’re heading to Orlando over the spooky season, or perhaps you love a good ghost story?

Either way, a ghostly walking tour of the city is the perfect thing to do at night in Orlando, where you’ll head off searching for paranormal activity.

Armed with ghost-hunting equipment, your guide will take you to some of the most haunted spots in Orlando and tell you the ghoulish history of the area, including going inside some creepy haunted buildings to see if you can spot any of the undead locals.

Not for the faint-hearted, this is a unique and unusual activity if you have an evening free.

8- Stroll Along Universal City Walk

Although Universal Orlando Resort is packed during the day, it also comes alive at night with plenty of outdoor dining, shopping and live shows to keep you occupied all night long.

Not only will you get beautiful sunset views over the roller-coasters and lagoon if you head there early, but you can find every possible cuisine in the complex, from the Hot Dog Hall of Fame to a Bob Marley-themed Jamaican restaurant.

There’s also a cinema, drive-in golf range and loads of shopping where you can buy surf gear, Universal Studios merch or even get a tattoo!

Universal City Walk is at 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.

9- Smoke A Cigar At Corona Cigar Company

If you aren’t visiting with kids and are looking for somewhere to kick back and relax, the Corona Cigar Company in downtown Orlando will meet your requirements.

There’s no need to make a reservation, walk in and find a seat in the lounge before picking from their impressive menu of cigars and whiskey.

The company has one of the world’s biggest and rarest collections of cigars at extremely low prices.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a total newbie, it’s an iconic venue.

Corona Cigar Company is at 6450 Kingspointe Pkwy STE 8, Suite 8, Orlando, FL 32819.

10- Drink Organic Beer

One for beer lovers, the Orlando Brewing Company is the place in the city to get your fix of excellent, organically brewed beer.

The company is one of only 10 in the United States making pure beer using only the original ingredients of water, hops, yeast and barley.

During the day, they offer free tours until 6 pm, but if you want more, stay into the evening to enjoy a few glasses of their finest creations.

They also sometimes host fun events such as local food festivals and tasting sessions.

Orlando Brewing Company is at 1301 Atlanta Ave, Orlando, FL 32806.

11- Experience The Wonder Of A Bioluminescent Tour

Did you know Florida is home to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders?

On the shores of the sunshine state, if you’re lucky, you can see the world-famous bioluminescent plankton that glows on the beaches under the moonlight.

Join a tour led by specialists who know the best places to find the elusive plankton and they will take you to locations with no light pollution.

Some companies even offer the trip in glass-bottomed kayaks, a unique experience where you’ll see the water light up with creatures underneath your boat.

Recommended tour: Neon Night Glow Clear Paddleboard or Clear Kayak in Paradise Orlando.

12- Enjoy A Disney Character Dinner

It can easily be argued that Disney’s Character Dinners are as fun for kids as adults.

Disney offers a range of character dinners based on their best movies and stars, from Frozen to Mickey Mouse.

Each one is different and you’ll get an excellent three-course dinner made from local ingredients, most of which will have a fun Disney theme, such as melting Olaf cupcakes.

During your meal, you’ll get a surprise visit from all your favourite movie characters and the chance to say hi, take photos and get a souvenir to remember your special dinner.

13- Party At Wall Street Plaza

Wall Street Plaza is one of Orlando’s best party hubs, with the stretch of road home to eight different venues, such as cocktail bars and dance clubs.

The best time is undoubtedly on the weekend when all the venues open their doors, take the music outside and turn the plaza into one big street party.

The eight-venue block also hosts restaurants with outdoor dining, meaning after dinner, you can enjoy a full night of partying without walking more than a few steps between each bar.

They also host special events every week, on national holidays and during sporting events.

Wall Street Plaza is at 25 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801. You may also like to download this Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt.

14- Watch A Movie Under The Stars

Enjoying a classic movie and dinner in Orlando’s beautiful Leu Gardens will tick all the boxes if you feel like a relaxed or romantic evening.

Harry P. Leu donated the extensive botanical gardens to the city of Orlando, and it now hosts monthly open-air movie screenings under the stars.

Alcohol is allowed, so you can pack your blanket, cushions and a picnic dinner for a chilled evening watching a film in one of the city’s most loved locations.

Movie tickets are very cheap, and children are welcome, so it’s also a lovely place to spend an evening with family.

Harry P Leu Gardens is at 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803.

15- Have A Good Laugh At Orlando Comedy Club

For a night of great company and laughs, the Orlando Improv Comedy Club will not fail to put a smile on your face.

The club has launched the careers of some of America’s most well-known comedians for the past 40 years, with venues across the US.

Every night of the week, you can catch an up-and-coming stand-up comedian performing for a fun-filled evening.

Order some food and drinks from a classic American menu and while away the evening.

You can check out upcoming acts in advance online, and they also host open mic nights if you’re a budding comedian yourself.

Improv is at 9101 International Dr Suite 2310, Orlando, FL 32819.

16- Have Fun At Kings Bowl

For an evening activity perfect for a family night or a date, going bowling at King’s Bowl is a fun activity that might bring out your competitive streak.

Naturally, you won’t just find bowling here – you can make a whole night of it with indoor and outdoor dining options, billiards, foosball and shuffleboard, and a cocktail bar to toast your success or commiserate your loss.

They stay open into the evening and games last up to 75 minutes for four players at a very reasonable price.

Kings Bowl is at 8255 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.

17- Meet The Locals At Park Avenue

If you’re looking for a buzzing neighbourhood that sees more locals than tourists, then just 20 minutes from central Orlando, you’ll find Park Avenue in Winter Park.

There are loads of green outdoor spaces here perfect for an evening picnic, where they also have al fresco movie nights called Popcorn Flicks in the park.

Explore the lakes on a boat tour or check out the Charles Morse Museum of American Art before heading to one of the dozens of great eateries that line the area.

There are also lively bars and hundreds of shops, so you can easily while away an entire afternoon and evening in the area.

Recommended tour: Taste of Winter Park.

18- Go On A Moonlight Walking Tour

If you want to see Orlando from a different perspective to the hustle and bustle of the day, check out one of the city’s Moonlight Walking Tours.

Although this might sound romantic, it may get hair-raising as it’s held in the local Greenwood Cemetery.

The walking tour is a 4-mile (6.4km) hike through the 100 acres (40 ha) of gravesites, where you’ll learn about the history of the area and the hundreds of famous people buried there.

The walking tour is surprisingly popular, and tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is wise.

19- Watch A Show Or A Concert

Dr Phillips Center for Performing Arts is the city’s most famous event venue, hosting everyone from the Philharmonic Orchestra to world-famous singers.

Check out who will be performing while you’re in town and make a whole night of it, enjoying dinner and a drink nearby before heading to the Arts Centre for the main show.

You’ll even find touring performances of some of America’s favourite TV shows, such as the Masked Singer, musicals such as Chicago and artists like Alicia Keys. Book well in advance to avoid missing out.

Dr Phillips Center for Performing Arts is at 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801.

Recommended shows:

• Mango’s LIVE! – Dinner & Show Orlando
• The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando

20- Go To An Orlando Magic Game

Orlando Magic is the city’s much-loved basketball team, and more often than not, you’ll find them playing a game on their home turf in the city.

Whether you’re a basketball fan or not, soaking up the incredible atmosphere with thousands of other people in the stadium is a great way to experience the city’s soul.

Live the American dream and grab some popcorn, nachos or a drink while you cheer on the home team.

It’s an unforgettable way to spend an evening and is a hit for all ages.

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