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 doesn't end when the sun goes down. Here are some of the best things to do and see in the city at night.
With some of the world's most famous theme parks, a wide variety of entertainment shows and some of the largest shopping areas in the United States, Orlando is a destination that not only offers daytime options, but also nightlife.
Some of the best things to do in Orlando to make the most of its nightlife include discovering the city's panoramic views from The Wheel in Icon Park, visiting CityWalk, catching 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 one of the best things to do in the city. At almost 122 metres high, this Ferris wheel allows you to see the skyline with almost no restrictions.
From the gondolas of The Wheel you can see the lights of the city's theme parks, skyscrapers and attractions, as well as the glow of fireworks and nightly shows that add a magical touch to the experience. Admission to the park is free, so a visit is usually included in the best Orlando tours, and once there you can pay for the rides you want.
Also, during certain times of the year, you will be able to witness special events, such as the lights that decorate the city during the festive season if you are planning 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 enjoy the restaurants and shops in the area afterwards.
2. Enjoy the nightlife on the CityWalk.
CityWalk is a complex located at Universal Orlando Resort that is home to a host of bars, restaurants and nightclubs and has become one of Orlando's nightlife hotspots, especially due to its proximity to Universal Studios Orlando theme park.
If you're a live music lover, CityWalk is home to live entertainment ranging from rock to Latin to jazz. You can enjoy local bands and well-known artists at venues such as Hard Rock Live or Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom.
There are also themed bars, ranging from tropical décor to more elegant whisky and exotic drinks, so there's something for everyone. 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. Catch an Orlando Magic NBA game
If you want to live a typical local experience you can't miss out on getting tickets to an NBA game in Orlando and watch the Magic play. A thrilling experience for basketball fans, but also for anyone who enjoys sporting spectacles.
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 centre of the city. The NBA regular season runs from October to April, and during these months you'll have the opportunity to see the team play on their home court in night games.
Among other franchises, the Magic share the Southeastern Division of the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat, who are 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, half-time 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.
For 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 like you're 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 one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando.
In addition to the rides and entertainment, Old Town Kissimmee has themed shops and restaurants. Explore the local shops offering antique items, unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods.
5. Take in 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, ranging 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 period. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament will transport you back to the time of knights and maidens, where you can enjoy a medieval banquet while witnessing thrilling 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 an adrenaline-fuelled night of go-kart racing
If you're not satisfied with just the entertainment at Orlando's theme parks and shows, you can opt for a go-kart driving experience that will give you a thrilling adventure on a closed circuit located in the heart of the city.
In this activity you will be able to demonstrate your driving skills by 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 starting all the time, so you won't have to wait too long for your turn.
In addition, if you are planning to visit Orlando in December or during Christmas, you can also enjoy other themed rides at the resort, many of which are also available all year round.
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 things 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 shops and renowned boutiques. There you will find a variety of shops, from exclusive Disney brands to well-known fashion designers and collectibles. You can wander the streets, explore the shops and find unique souvenirs of your visit.
In addition to the shops, 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 theatres and cinemas, such as AMC. It's a must-visit option if you plan to visit the city with children, even if you only plan to stay for a few days. If that's 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 the 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 spot in the park where you have a clear view of Cinderella's castle. This iconic Disney landmark takes centre stage 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 including songs from classic Disney films. The familiar tunes combine with the visual effects to create a multi-sensory experience that immerses you completely in the world of fantasy and magic.
9. Experience Orlando's nightlife at a local nightclub
Outside of the theme park and family entertainment circuit, Orlando also offers an exciting nightclub circuit that promotes the city's nightlife reputation. Here you can dance, enjoy live music and have an unforgettable night out.
One of the city's most popular clubs is Tier Nightclub. Located in the heart of Orlando, Tier offers an elegant atmosphere with a large, modern dance floor. There you can enjoy music from 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 peak season.
Another highlight is Eve Orlando, a nightclub that combines live music, DJs and an electronic atmosphere. This avant-garde venue offers a unique experience with its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology. You can enjoy a range of music 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 flavour and a lively dance floor. Here 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 Amway Center
If you are planning to visit Orlando, perhaps your travel dates coincide with some of the concerts and shows that frequently take place at the Amway Center, the city's famous stadium that is known for being the site of the Orlando Magic's home 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 has also played host to hip-hop stars such as Jay-Z and Drake, as well as country stars Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. The diversity of musical genres performed at this venue ensures that there is something for everyone.
In addition to concerts, the Amway Center has also been the venue for other musical events, such as awards shows and festivals. It has also hosted comedy shows and performances by local artists in its varied calendar, so visiting its modern infrastructure and experiencing its quality acoustics is an interesting experience to do during the evening.
As one of the most famous stadiums in the region, it is common for tour service providers to organise tours for the most popular shows, many of which include tours on the city's tour buses and even transfers from Orlando airport.