Orlando after dark may lead you to live music, comedy clubs, fine dining, wine bars, soaring 400 feet above the skyline, or dancing till dawn in a high-energy dance club. Orlando is all grown up! And our Guide to Orlando Nightlife will let you in on all the hot spots and events. We'll explore walkable entertainment districts, buzzing nightclubs, and dining districts, fantastic dining opportunities, and unique attractions that are best kept for after dark.
The Parks After Dark
First, a few words about the theme parks. Most of the parks are open until 8 pm or 9 pm. (Animal Kingdom closes at 6 pm) Evenings can be a great time to visit the parks. There are some extra thrills to be had on the rides after dark, and it makes for a nice break from the peak crowds and the heat of daytime visits. There are also special ticketed events like Disney After Hours so check and see what is scheduled during your stay.
Disney Springs
After dark, the magic continues at Disney Springs, the Walt Disney World Resort entertainment, dining, and shopping district. You won't need to have a Disney ticket to enjoy this exciting area, there is no age requirement of 21 to enter, and self-parking is complimentary! What's not to love?
You'll find live music, shows, fantastic shopping, and fabulous dining in one convenient walking district. Here are some of our tops to the best Orlando nightlife. For a relaxed evening, try Wine Bar George and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the outdoor stage. You can catch live music at the House of Blues, Paradiso 37, and other venues. The Edison is a steampunk-influenced restaurant, bar, and hotspot with evening entertainment, including burlesque dancers on weekends.
You'll find an extensive range of dining venues ranging from quick-serve like the 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, Chicken Guy!, or AristoCrepes. If you're up for table service, try the BOATHOUSE at the Landing, Enzo's Hideaway, or Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'. For a "silver screen" lounge experience, head to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, based on the Indiana Jones movie.
There is lots to do in Disney Springs after dark. This is some of the best of Orlando nightlife. You may catch Drawn to Life by Cirque de Soleil and Disney (opens in November), try the Aerophile, a special balloon flight, Splitsville Luxury Lanes or take a ride in a vintage Amphicar.
Universal CityWalk
Another epic evening can be found at Universal CityWalk - aka "The Epicenter of Awesome." an entertainment complex filled with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment for every family member. The complex stretches around a beautiful lagoon and has gorgeous views of the skylines. They have an impressive selection of dining venues, shops, and vibrant nighttime entertainment.
The dining venues include cute and quirky quick options like Hot Dog Hall of Fame, featuring "Starting Line-Up 9," a series of nine different specialty hotdogs from ballparks around the country. And the stadium seating will make you feel right at home. Bend the Bao offers affordable Bao buns and sake to pair with it. And you won't want to miss Voodoo Doughnut for a wooden coffin filled with doughnuts and lots of other exciting options. There are nearly a dozen quick-service spots.
Full-service restaurants are equally unique and yummy, starting with The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar with virtual aquariums and many other interesting bits of decor. VIVO Italian Kitchen serves the real deal for authentic Italian, and don't miss Antojitos Authentic Mexican with the four-sided bar on the ground floor with lots of tasty drinks. Other favorites are Hard Rock Orlando, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom, Bubba Gump, Big Fire, and many more.
If it's the perfect cocktail you're after, check out Red Coconut Club, Lone Palm Airport, or Fat Tuesday Waterfront Kiosk.
When it's time to play, the entire family will love Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk, where you'll play two 18-hole courses themed after a B-grade horror and sci-fi film.
Dance a storm at "the groove", a multilevel dance club with a video wall of screens, and a balcony terrace that overlooks CityWalk. CityWalk's Rising Star is the place to release your inner rockstar. You'll perform with a live band and backup singers! Now that is karaoke! And be sure to try a "Karaoke Cocktail" before you get on stage for some liquid courage.
The shopping is equally eclectic with the Universal Studios Store, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company, Quiet Flight Surf Shop, and the Rock Shop in Hard Rock's lobby.
International Drive
Two walkable entertainment districts are at the heart of the tourism district - ICON Park and International Drive. International Drive is considered "The Las Vegas Strip" of Orlando and is famous for its many bars, restaurants, and other attractions. There is something for everyone on I-Drive. If bar hopping is on your itinerary, you're in luck.
You'll find authentic Irish and English pubs like The Pub, which offers a gastropub menu with British hospitality. The Lucky Leprechaun is the area's premier Irish pub and offers live music, pool tables, and traditional Irish food. Mango's Tropical Cafe offers Latin-themed food and entertainment with fantastic shows.
For something more unique, ICEBAR is the world's largest ice bar. You'll don thermal coats and gloves and have an exciting experience until you warm up on the dancefloor of the lounge next door.
For an active evening, stop by Kings Bowl, an upscale and retro bowling experience featuring 2 bars, billiards, and dining. Howl at the Moon is always lovely, and the dueling piano shows are super-fun.
Find live music at Tin Roof, which is part of ICON Park. ICON Park is a 20-acre walkable entertainment district featuring dozens of dining venues, shopping, and attractions. Their signature attraction, The Wheel at ICON Park, will take you soaring 400 feet above the city for a 20-minute ride in a capsule on this observation wheel. Other attractions include Madame Tussauds Orlando for the perfect selfie, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions, and for the adrenaline junkies, the Orlando StarFlyer, the nation's tallest swing ride. Dine at Blake Shelton's Ole Red Orlando and catch a hot country act, or stop by Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips or one of the many other dining venues. ICON Park is easily accessible, and the parking is free. This makes for a great night of entertainment. Check out these Top Restaurants on International Drive
Downtown Orlando Nightlife
Downtown Orlando is clearly the locals' favorite for exciting Orlando nightlife. It's always party time after dark, and the choices range from low-key and romantic to hot, hot, hot! The craft cocktail scene in Orlando is creative, and The Courtesy is dimly lit and provides an intimate and quiet experience. Orlando's only truly Tiki bar is The Robinson Room, with great craft cocktails.
Downtown is home to numerous speakeasies like Hanson's Shoe Repair, which offers live music and performances. You'll need the password to get in this one. Follow them on Twitter or text 407-476-9446 to get the inside scoop. Other famous speakeasies are Mathers Social Gathering, The Treehouse, and The Woods. For the Treehouse, look for the green door with the T-shaped handle to enter. Another favorite of these "hidden lounges" is The Geek Easy, located in the back of a comic shop. They offer snacks and regular events like weekly karaoke, trivia nights, and live music.
Church Street attracts the younger partiers, and the view is excellent from Skylounge at the Amway Center on the sixth floor. It has an eclectic mix of world-class dining, live entertainment, nightspots, and theater. Some great dining options are Artisan's Table, serving seasonally inspired food and cocktails. Check out Chillers and Latitudes for more entertainment and fun. Visit the Stardust Lounge and dance the night away.
One of the more popular things to do at night in Downtown Orlando is to visit Room 22. It is a show bar with scantily clad bartenders who also perform. EVE Orlando will give you the posh ultra-lounge experience, with themed events like Latin Night or Ladies' Night. The Beacham is a historic theatre that is very popular for concerts throughout the week and is one of the most popular clubs on weekends.
Whether you are traveling as a family or looking for an adult night out, you are sure to find the perfect diversion in Orlando. Choose the parks after dark, gourmet dining, or a night out in downtown Orlando at the clubs. Orlando nightlife fun awaits! Here are more Epic Things for Adults to Do in Orlando.