10 Things to Do in Orlando at Night
Orlando is one of the entertainment capitals of the United States during the day, but its activity does not end at sunset. Here I tell you about the best alternatives you can discover in the city at night.
Orlando has some of the most famous theme parks in the world, a wide variety of entertainment shows and some of the largest shopping areas in the United States, making it a destination that not only offers alternatives during the day, but also at night.
Some of the best things to do in Orlando to make the most of its nightlife include discovering the panoramic views of the city from The Wheel in Icon Park, visiting CityWalk, attending an NBA game to see the Orlando Magic, enjoying a dinner show and following the popular Magic Kingdom fireworks show.
1. Discover Orlando's panoramic views from The Wheel at Icon Park
Discover Orlando's nighttime panoramas from The Wheel at Icon Park is an experience not to be missed as it is among the best things to do in the city. With a height of almost 122 meters, this Ferris wheel will allow you to appreciate the skyline with almost no restrictions.
From the gondolas of The Wheel you will be able to distinguish the lights of the theme parks, the skyscrapers and the attractions of the city, as well as the glow of the fireworks and the night shows that add a magical touch to this experience. Admission to this park is free, so your visit is usually included in the tours of the best tours in Orlando, and once there you can pay for the attractions you want.
In addition, during certain times of the year, you will be able to witness special events, such as the lights that adorn the city during the holiday season if you plan to visit Orlando during Christmas.
Another advantage of enjoying The Wheel at night is that you can avoid the crowds and high temperatures of the day. From the heights you can take some of the best pictures of your trip and then enjoy the restaurants and stores in the area.
2. Enjoy the nightlife at the CityWalk.
CityWalk is a complex located in Universal Orlando Resort that houses a large number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs and has become one of the absolute protagonists of the nightlife in Orlando, especially for its proximity to the Universal Studios Orlando theme park.
If you love live music, in CityWalk you can find live shows of various genres, from rock to Latin music and jazz. You can enjoy local bands and well-known artists in places like Hard Rock Live or Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom.
There you will also find themed bars, from some with tropical decor to more elegant whiskey and exotic drinks, so you can have options for all tastes. In addition, the nightclubs have dance floors with live DJ music, lights and a festive atmosphere.
At CityWalk you can also find themed restaurants, ranging from American and Italian cuisine to ethnic options such as sushi and Mexican food.
3. Attend an Orlando Magic NBA game
If you want to live a typical local experience you can't miss to get tickets for an NBA game in Orlando and watch the Magic play. An exciting experience for basketball lovers, but also for anyone who enjoys sports shows.
The Magic are one of the traditional NBA teams and play their home games at the Amway Center, a modern and vibrant arena located in the center of the city. The NBA regular season runs from October through April, and during these months you will have the opportunity to see the team play on their home floor in night games.
Among other franchises, the Magic share the Southeastern Division of the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat, which is one of the league's most successful teams, so you' ll get to see the NBA stars live. These games often feature additional entertainment, such as contests, halftime shows and the chance to see the team mascots in action.
Full-day excursions from Orlando are also available during your trip, and some of these options include seeing an NBA game in Miami or nearby cities.
4. Travel back in time at Old Town Kissimmee theme park.
If you want to live a different experience you can visit Old Town Kissimmee, which is one of the best theme parks in the Orlando area and is a unique experience that will transport you to the nostalgia of times gone by. This site recreates the atmosphere of a small historic town and offers a variety of fairground-style attractions and entertainment for all ages.
One of Old Town's main attractions is its classic roller coaster, an adrenaline-pumping ride with a vintage design. In addition, you can enjoy carousels, train rides, bumper cars and other traditional attractions that will make you feel as if you were in an amusement park of yesteryear.
The entertainment at Old Town Kissimmee is not limited to the rides. At night, the park comes alive with live music, street performers and special events. You can enjoy live bands, dance to a variety of music and immerse yourself in the festive and lively atmosphere that permeates every corner of the park, making it also one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando.
In addition to rides and entertainment, Old Town Kissimmee features themed stores and restaurants. You can explore the local stores that offer antique items, unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods.
5. Attend a dinner show
If you want to make the most of your visit to Orlando, you can't miss a dinner show, an experience that combines live entertainment with a unique culinary proposal. Undoubtedly, one of the most outstanding tourist services in the city. There are several options to choose from, from music and dance shows to themed presentations.
One of the best shows in Orlando takes place at Mango's Tropical Cafe. This venue will immerse you in the energy of Latin music, with live performances of salsa, merengue and other tropical genres. While you listen to the Caribbean rhythms, you can also enjoy dinner with dishes inspired by international cuisine.
If you prefer a more medieval experience, you can visit one of the themed shows that recreate tournaments and battles of the era. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament will transport you back to the time of knights and maidens, where you can enjoy a medieval banquet while witnessing exciting horseback combat and theatrical performances.
Another popular option is to attend the Pirates of the Caribbean shows. Pirates Dinner Adventure offers an interactive show where you can join a crew of pirates in search of treasure. As you embark on this adventure, you'll enjoy dinner and witness acrobatics, combat and comedy acts that will keep you entertained throughout the evening.
6. Experience a night of adrenaline at a go-kart race
If you are not satisfied with just the entertainment of the theme parks and shows in Orlando, you can opt for a go-kart driving experience that will make you live an exciting adventure in a closed circuit located in the heart of the city.
In this activity you will be able to show your driving skills driving fast electric go-karts, which you can use to compete against your family, friends or other drivers. The grid is made up of 12 cars, so a new race is constantly starting, which will save you from having to wait your turn for too long.
In addition, if you plan to visit Orlando in December or during Christmas, you can also enjoy other themed games at the resort, many of which are also available throughout the year.
The karting experiences are designed for the whole family, regardless of the driving level and age of the drivers, as everyone will be competing in different groups, making it one of the best activities to do with children in the city.
7. Tour Disney Springs
Touring Disney Springs in Orlando at night is a magical experience that will immerse you in a world of entertainment, shopping and delicious dining options. This vibrant resort, located at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences to enjoy.
One of the main attractions of Disney Springs is its themed stores and renowned boutiques. There you will find a variety of stores, from exclusive Disney brands to well-known fashion designers and collectibles. You can stroll the streets, explore the stores and find unique souvenirs of your visit.
In addition to the stores, Disney Springs has restaurants and bars offering everything from gourmet cuisine to casual dining. You can enjoy dinner at one of the renowned restaurants or sample themed dishes and snacks as you stroll through the resort.
At Disney Springs, you can also listen to live music and watch street performances, as well as tour theaters and cinemas, such as the AMC theater. It is an option you can't miss if you plan to visit the city with children, even if you only plan to stay for a few days. If that is your case, here are the best ideas to discover Orlando in 3 days.
8. Enjoy a fireworks show at Magic Kingdom
Enjoying a fireworks show at Magic Kingdom in Orlando at night is an experience you can't miss. This iconic Disney theme park is famous for its sky-lighting shows that will transport you to a world of fantasy and wonder.
The fireworks show at Magic Kingdom takes place every night and is known as Happily Ever After. This dazzling show combines lights, music, special effects and of course, a breathtaking fireworks display.
To enjoy the show you can find a strategic location in the park where you have a clear view of Cinderella's castle. This iconic Disney symbol becomes the center of attention during the show as fireworks explode around it, creating a magical and exciting atmosphere.
In addition to the fireworks, the show also features an exciting soundtrack that includes songs from classic Disney movies. The familiar tunes combine with the visual effects to create a multi-sensory experience that fully immerses you in the world of fantasy and magic.
9. Experience Orlando's nightlife at a local nightclub
Outside the circuit of theme parks and family entertainment activities, Orlando also offers an interesting circuit of nightclubs that promote the fame of the city's nightlife. In these places you can dance, enjoy live music and spend an unforgettable night.
One of the most popular clubs in the city is Tier Nightclub. Located in the heart of Orlando, Tier offers an elegant atmosphere with a large and modern dance floor. There you can enjoy music by renowned DJs and light shows, as well as themed parties, especially if you plan to visit Orlando in June or during the summer months, which is part of the high season.
Another highlight is Eve Orlando, a nightclub that combines live music, DJs and an electronic atmosphere. This avant-garde space proposes a unique experience with its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology. You can enjoy a range of musical genres and dance to the rhythm of the best local and international artists.
If you are looking for a more relaxed and tropical atmosphere, you can visit Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar. This nightclub fuses Latin music, Caribbean flavor and a lively dance floor. There you can sip tropical cocktails, listen to live music and take dance classes to learn the steps of salsa and bachata.
10. Attend a live concert at the Amway Center
If you are planning to visit Orlando, maybe the date of your trip coincides with some of the concerts and shows that frequently take place at the Amway Center, the famous stadium of the city that is known for being the site where Orlando Magic plays its games. If that's the case, you can catch shows by international artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.
The Amway Center has not only hosted concerts by pop and rock artists, but also hip-hop stars such as Jay-Z and Drake, as well as country stars Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. The diversity of musical genres presented at this venue ensures that there are options for all tastes.
In addition to concerts, the Amway Center has also been the venue for other musical events, such as awards shows and festivals. Also, in its varied calendar, it has hosted comedy shows and performances by local artists, so visiting its modern infrastructure and getting to know its quality acoustics is an interesting experience to do during the night.
As one of the most famous stadiums in the region, it is common for tourist service providers to organize tours for the most popular shows, many of which include tours in the city's tourist buses and even transfers from the Orlando airport.