If you’re visiting central Florida and are looking for the best things to do in Orlando at night, then you’re in luck!
Although most well known for its theme parks, Orlando also has great nightlife that is just waiting to be explored on your vacation.
As the sun sets, Orlando comes alive with a variety of activities and attractions, and there’s something for everyone!
You can still enjoy the fun theme parks, wander through the vibrant bars, watch a show at one of the theaters, and more.
In this post, we’ll go over all of the best ways to enjoy Orlando after dark!
Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night
Universal CityWalk
Universal Studios, one of Orlando’s top theme parks, isn’t just bustling during the day! The Universal CityWalk is open late into the night and makes for a great place to shop, eat, and have fun.
This vibrant area is filled with popular restaurants like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and Hard Rock Cafe.
Along with these full-service restaurants, there are also fast-food options and places to grab treats like ice cream or donuts.
After you’ve had enough to eat, check out the fun entertainment like the Cinemark movie theater, mini golf, and a unique karaoke experience where you get to be the star.
Shopping is also available, and you can even get a tattoo at CityWalk!
There is no cost to visit CityWalk, aside from the parking fees, and you don’t need a park ticket to enter.
Icon Park
Icon Park is similar to Universal CityWalk being that it has plenty of great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment to keep you busy after dark!
One of the park’s main attractions is The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of the Orlando skyline. The Wheel is especially amazing at night when the city is lit up, and the wheel glows as well.
Other fun attractions include Madame Tussauds wax museum, Sea Life Aquarium, and a large entertainment complex with virtual reality, axe throwing, escape rooms, and more.
Icon Park also boasts over 50 shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a one-stop destination for entertainment after dark!
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show
Have you ever wanted to become a detective and solve your own murder mystery? Well, at Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show, you can!
Sit back and watch a funny comedy mystery, and be sure to pay attention to all of the clues that you’ll need to solve the crime!
You’ll then get to enjoy a three-course meal before getting into the interrogation, where you’ll get to improvise and ask questions to crack the code of who committed the crime.
Lake Eola Park
Eola Park is a nice area in central Orlando that allows you to escape some of the busyness of the city.
There’s a small lake in the middle of the park with an almost 1-mile loop that surrounds the lake. Wandering around this path is a great way to spend an evening.
From the trail, you can admire views of the Orlando skyline lit up against the night sky. The fountain in the middle of the lake also glows a bright color after dark.
There are even sometimes movies or live music being played in the Walt Disney Amphitheater after dark!
Fun Spot America
While Orlando is well known for Disney World and Universal Studios, a lesser-known amusement park is Fun Spot America.
With locations in Orlando and Kissimmee, at Fun Spot America, you can enjoy thrilling roller coasters, play fun arcade games, or try your hand at go-karts.
Also be sure to enjoy some amusement park food, including things like ice cream, popcorn, and more.
The entire family can have fun playing at the park, even after dark, as it’s open until midnight every night!
And since this isn’t one of the top theme parks in the area, it’s usually less crowded than Disney and Universal.
Catch Fireworks at Disney
Disney World has its own magical nightlife to enjoy to finish off your day at the popular theme park. Every night, watch the beautiful fireworks show take place over Cinderella’s castle in Magic Kingdom.
With music synced to the show, lights, lasers, and special appearances from Disney characters, this performance is fun for the entire family. Don’t forget to wear your best Disney family shirts!
Two of the other parks, Hollywood Studios and Epcot also have their own versions of the fireworks extravaganzas.
The show usually starts just after dark, so the start time changes with the seasons.
You can also wander through Disney Springs, which has free admission and offers shopping and restaurants.
Enjoy the Bars and Nightlife in Downtown
If you’re an adult looking for some fun things to do in Orlando at night, then be sure to check out all of the great bars around the Downtown area!
From comedy clubs to vibrant bars and live entertainment and music, there’s something for everyone, no matter your taste.
SAK Comedy Lab is a popular place for improv comedy, Motorworks Brewing is a local brewery, and Wall Street Plaza has 7 themed bars connected in one place.
There are also nightclubs throughout Downtown Orlando where you can grab a drink and dance at!
Indoor Go Karts
Go-karts is a fun and thrilling way to bring out your competitive side and race your friends and family around a track!
There are several places to race around on indoor go-karts in Orlando.
At Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, you can experience the adrenaline rush of flying around the course on a go-kart. There are even mini-karts for younger kids.
Dezerland Park is another place to try out go-karting on Florida’s longest and fastest indoor track.
Congo River Golf
At Congo River Golf, you’ll find more than just an award-winning mini golf course.
Feed live alligators, wander through caves and tunnels, and hit a hole-in-one through trickling waterfalls.
The whole family can get in on this one, whether it be during the day or after dark in Orlando. The park is open late, so no need to call it a day once the sun goes down!
You’ll get to play outdoors, so you can soak up that Florida sun as you play a few rounds of fun mini-golf!
King’s Bowling Alley
Bowling is always a great way to keep the night alive after dark, and at King’s Bowling Alley, you can do just that!
Play a few rounds of bowling and see who can knock down the most pins. Or, check out all the other attractions available.
From foosball tables to a game of pool, or heading outside for a round of outdoor bocce ball, there’s plenty to do.
You can even grab a bite to eat and choose to dine either outside on their patio or hang out indoors and enjoy your food and drinks.
Comedy Show at the Improv
Visiting a comedy club is always a great way to spend the night out in Orlando, and at the Improv, you can either see a show or join in on the action yourself.
This is the perfect place to let loose and forget about your troubles, all while enjoying some funny comedians.
Comedy shows are happening nearly every night, so you can attend and laugh your heart out.
Open mic nights also take place several nights a month, and any age is able to test their comedic skills for free at the Improv. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you’re welcome to sign up! You’re also welcome to just watch and get in a good laugh!
Old Town
Old Town is a family-friendly entertainment district that looks similar to an old-time classic Florida town. It’s been recreated to look the part!
Here you’ll find several restaurants, shops, and free weekly events, making for one of the best things to do in Orlando at night.
You can also take a ride on Old Town’s Ferris wheel, wander your way through a year-round haunted house, see classic cars every weekend, and catch a magic show at The Great Magic Hall.
A few rides are available to get your fill of thrill and enjoy this nice family-friendly venue.
Performing Arts Center
Looking for a relaxing way to spend an evening in Orlando? Check out the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
This large theater venue has a stage where you can watch all sorts of shows, from Broadway musicals to concerts and children’s theater.
The popular Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra even has shows here once in a while, which is really a treat to see.
Check out the events calendar and see what kind of shows are happening during your visit. You might be surprised at all of the great fun here!
Axecelsior Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has become an increasingly popular activity that you can try out, whether you’ve got a good arm or not!
Axecelsior Axe Throwing is located within Dezerland Park in Orlando, and gives you the chance to try throwing a heavy axe into a target across the room.
The staff will help make sure that you know what’s going on and will help you have fun during your visit!
There’s even a kids zone, so little ones can have a try at axe throwing as well, in a bit milder way.
Visit Pharos Lighthouse at Universal
Pharos Lighthouse is located within Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios. It’s the first thing you’ll see as you enter this area of the park!
At night, the lighthouse actually works and guides you to the entrance of Islands of Adventure.
Seeing this unique structure is a great way to start your entrance into the theme park! And after you’ve seen it, head on in and get your adrenaline pumping on the roller coasters!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is There to Do in Orlando at Night?
Orlando is filled with nightlife, whether you’re in the amusement parks or just wandering around Downtown. A few of the best attractions are riding the Orlando Eye, watching the fireworks at Walt Disney World, going bar hopping in Downtown Orlando, and strolling through Universal’s CityWalk.
Does Orlando Have Good Nightlife?
Orlando has a great nightlife with plenty to do after dark. From theme parks to bar hopping, there’s enough to keep everyone busy, no matter your age.
What is There to Do After 12 in Orlando?
Most things to start to close down after midnight in Orlando, but there are some things that remain open, such as bars and nightclubs. These are typically only open to 18 or 21+ after this point. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do after dark in Orlando, then be sure to try before it gets too late.
What Should I Do My First Night in Orlando?
If you’re vacationing in Orlando, a few of the best things to do for your first night in the city include wandering around Downtown, visiting free areas of the theme parks like Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk, or taking a short stroll around Eola Park to see the city’s skyline.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Orlando at Night
If you’re visiting Orlando, you may want to make the most of your time there, and that means not calling it a night just because the sun went down!
There are still plenty of things to do in Orlando at night, from theme parks to downtown to arcades, there’s something for the entire family.
Don’t let nightfall stop you from having fun on your central Florida vacation!
About the Author: Wayne Kask
Wayne is the creator of Always On The Shore. He’s a travel blogger who loves to write about the best attractions, restaurants, and resorts in Florida and the southeastern U.S. When he is not writing, he is running outdoors, spending time with family, or planning his next trip.
