Best Things to do in Orlando at Night

The Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks are an excellent place to start, but if you're ready to really explore, we've got some of the top things to do in Orlando at night. Check out our guide for live shows, unique attractions, and some great clubs and entertainment. Orlando lights up the Central Florida night scene, and you will not be disappointed. 

CityWalk is Universal Orlando Resort's dining, shopping, and entertainment complex. It comes alive at night with live entertainment and activity. Choose from a collection of themed and exciting dining venues like Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, or Hard Rock Cafe. 

If you're ready for an out of this world round of golf, check out Hollywood Drive-In Golf, where you'll play through two unique courses based on classic flicks, "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders From the "Planet Putt." You'll see monsters in a haunted house and aliens from a flying saucer.

If your inner rock star is calling, you won't want to miss Karaoke at CityWalk's Rising Star. Evenings from Tuesday through Sunday, you can take the stage and the mic when you perform with a live band and backup singers. Be prepared for your crowd to go wild!

Continue with some live music at Hard Rock Live and dance a set or two at tropical Red Coconut Club. The Universal nightlife options are open until 2 am. The parking after 6 is free, and so is the entrance to CityWalk.

Pro tip: Take a free water taxi ride over to the Universal Hotels and back. 

Travel back in time at Disney's Boardwalk. This quarter-mile promenade is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century coastal towns like Coney Island and Atlantic City. You can stroll the promenade or have diner at one of the fine restaurants like Flying Fish or Trattoria al Forno, play midway games or watch the evening street performers. The views are exquisite, and there is no admission fee required to enjoy the Boardwalk. 

When you're up for more Disney after the parks close, head over to Disney Springs. This walkable entertainment, dining, and shopping district has plenty of "after dark" fun on tap. Don't miss The Edison, a steampunk-influenced restaurant, bar, and hotspot with plenty of evening entertainment. You may even catch burlesque dancers on weekends. The restaurant looks like it was built inside a power plant, but it is full of surprises. Enjoy live entertainment, signature cocktails, and even burlesque. Downstairs visit Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant, a speakeasy with a semi-hidden entrance, Prohibition-era cocktails, and a great menu. Upstairs enjoy more at Maria & Enzo's Ristorante. 

Disney Springs has more celebrity chefs than any other spot in Orlando. Try the farm-to-table art of Art Smith's Homecomin' Florida Kitchen or a tasty sandwich or burger from Guy Fieri at Planet Hollywood. America's favorite, Chef Jose Andres, serves up his best at the first-ever brick-and-mortar food truck, JALEO.

Live entertainment continues at House of Blues, Paradiso 37, and other venues. For a vintage lounge experience that echos the silver screen, try out Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, based on the Indiana Jones movies. This is a family-friendly waterfront spot and a favorite for visitors liking lots of style and rare cocktails. You'll be immersed in the vintage aviation inspired by Indian Jones himself. Try the Snakebite Sliders or Nang Tao Spicy Popcorn Chicken. There are lots to see, taste, and sip at this spot as you watch the sunset. 

Some more obscure things to do in Orlando at night? Cover land, sea, and air.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, hop on an Amphicar. Think James Bond! This combination of a car and a boat travels on land and sea. Disney Springs Amphicar Tours are hosted by The Boathouse and will treat you to a 25-minute tour of Disney Springs. Amp it up with one of The Boathouse's Venezia Tours on a grand 40-foot Italian water taxi. 

Once you've covered land and sea, how about soaring in the air with Aerophile, an Aero30 helium balloon that takes you for a peaceful 400-foot ascent into the air. What a great way to see the fantastic Orlando views, including theme parks and the skyline.

Shop 'til you drop with one-of-kind retailers and some of your favorites. There are over 100 retailers at Disney Springs, covering just about every taste and style. Visit the Star Wars Trading Post, Super Hero Headquarters, and NBA Experience lets you live out your sports fantasy with 13 different activities that blend the best of NBA and Disney Magic, producing fun for the whole family. 

What better way to wrap up a spectacular day than with Disney's "Happily Ever After" fireworks extravaganza. They use lights, lasers, and special effects, and a great score of favorite Disney songs. This dazzling show makes Cinderella's Castle part of the show by transforming it into fireworks show that lasts 18 minutes.

"Epcot Forever" is an all-new nighttime spectacular that celebrates the past, present, and future of Epcot through fireworks, music, and laser lights. View this extraordinary and moving show from anywhere in the Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. 

Looking for lots of family-friendly things to do at night in Orlando?

How about a friendly indoor karting challenge at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Located adjacent to International Drive, this 150,000-square-foot facility has multi-level indoor karting, we lanes of boutique bowling, over 120 arcade and prize games, two-story laser tag and six virtual reality racing simulators, and lots more fun! Try your hand at the extreme ropes course and curved-rail zipline. One night at this spot won't be enough!!

The Escape Game Orlando offers a great challenge and lots of fun in an immersive, 60-minute adventure where you'll work to solve clues, overcome challenges and complete your mission. This attraction is located on International Drive.

iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving sure beats jumping out of a plane! You'll float on a cushion of air supplied by their wind-tunnel technology. A trained personal flight instructor will guide you. 

Follow the locals and head downtown for a great night out. This district is the core of the city of Orlando and is a local's favorite when it some to nightlife, dining, and culture. 

Church Street Station is home to some of downtown Orlando's most popular dining and nightlife. Dine at Artisan's Table for seasonally inspired food and beverage or Ember, with its vast outdoor terrace. Catch the weekly drag show at Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille. 

After dark, downtown comes alive. Wall St. Plaza comprises seven themed bars connected by a central, open-air courtyard and is a party every night of the week.

Some favorite hotspots are One80 Skytop Lounge or one of many speakeasies. Check out The Courtesy, Hanson's Shoe Repair, Mather's Social Gathering, or The Treehouse. You may need help finding them, but they are well worth the effort.  Visit here for more on Downtown Orlando.

Orlando has a reputation for offering some of the best live shows and interactive entertainment. 

Mango's Tropical Cafe has authentic flavors and spectacular entertainment at the Mango's Tropical Cafe Live Show. They are one of the newer and largest restaurants on International Drive. their award-winning show is exciting and family-friendly. From Brazilian Samba, Cuban conga, and other Latin beats to Hip-hop, the 80s, 90s, and today you'll be immersed in the excitement and energy of the music, dance, and costumes. 

If you like a show with your dinner, you're in luck in Orlando. Pirates Dinner Adventure will take you on a Spanish ship for a wild experience. The swashbuckling cast will entertain you with sword fights, songs, and more while you enjoy a captain's feast.

Join in the intrigue and mystery with Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Shows. Channel your inner Clouseau as you mingle with the characters, and become the detective who solves the crime through interrogation and lots of laughs. Dinner includes unlimited beer and wine. 

A family favorite for years is Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. It tells a story of a time when knights on horses fought it out by the sword. The fun takes place in a castle, and you'll be welcomed by a trumpeter who will call you into the Grand Ceremonial Arena. Serfs and wenches attend to your dining needs, and you'll see the stable of beautiful pure Spanish horses. Watch a jousting match and see a royal falcon take off. 

For an unsurpassed view of Orlando, grab the family or your significant other and head over to ICON Park. It's a popular dining and entertainment district on International Drive and is excellent to visit both day and night. And, they have convenient free parking. 

Take a night ride on the iconic Wheel at ICON Park. The Wheel is a stunning 400-foot tall Observation wheel that will give you unforgettable views of the lights and skyline of Orlando. The 18-minute ride in private, air-conditioned capsules is the brightest beacon in Orlando. It is equipped with 64,000 color-changing LEDs and provides a unique light show. From the top of the Wheel, you'll have a bird's eye view of all four Walt Disney World parks and the nightly fireworks. The entire Orlando skyline is in sight, and you'll see Universal Orlando Resort, including Hogwarts, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Volcano Bay. 

When you're back on the ground, stop by some of the other attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum for the ultimate selfie, have a bite at one of the many dining spots, or do some shopping. The complex has more than 40 shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

Whether you're traveling with the family, with your best buds, or your special someone, one thing is clear. There are hundreds of things to do in Orlando at night. Choose from exciting indoor kart racing, fun family challenges, soar above the parks, or hop on stage and rock out. You will not be disappointed with the quality and variety of things to do at night in Orlando. Our guide just scratches the surface of the Orlando area. 

Check out nearby Winter Park, stroll around Lake Eola, or catch a show at Phillips Center. You will never run out of things to do in Orlando at night. 

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