Orlando is best known for it’s theme parks but there is plenty of activity after the parks close. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions.
Disney Springs: Uncover an array of unique shops, world-class eateries and eclectic entertainment inside Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney), where there’s no admission fee to enter. One of the key places to visit is the House of Blues, where you can enjoy some live music while dining on some southern cuisine. Also located here are the Wolfgang Puck Café and Bongos Cuban Café, which was created by Gloria Estefan herself. You can also enjoy shopping, movies, and the must-see Cirque du Soleil- La Nouba live entertainment show.
Universal Orlando CityWalk: With live entertainment and so much more throughout many of its clubs, restaurants and concert venues, the excitement never ends at Universal CityWalk®….. Enjoy dancing and dining options galore, including the world’s largest Hard Rock Café. CityJazz’snightly live music includes funk, R&B, soul and rock. And the ParrotHeads like to ‘flock’ to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Also located here are Pat O’Brien’s, the Red Coconut Club, the Groove, Latin Quarter, and CitiWalk’s Rising Star. Reggae at Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom, and much more! There are also shopping opportunities, movies, and the world-renowned Blue Man Group.
Pointe Orlando: A place where you can elevate your dining experience at restaurants offering everything from casual fare to fine dining. You can discover a diverse collection of specialty shops. And when the sun sets, you will find pulsing energy, music & live entertainment. If you like blues, don’t miss B.B. King’s Blues Club. Or check out two premier entertainment venues under one roof at the hilarious Improv Comedy Club and Fat Fish Blue, which features live music five nights a week as well as classic American food. Visit the Copper Canyon Grill for a high-energy atmosphere and straightforward American cooking in a high-energy featuring a bold menu that includes a wood-burning rotisserie and a dramatic exhibition kitchen, atmosphere. For award-wining Latin cuisine, visit Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, featuring dancing, floorshows and a selection of over 70 rums! There are many other places to eat and drink at this entertainment complex at 910
1 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. Not far from Point Orlando, there are many interesting values. ICEBAR Orlando features over 70 tons of hand crafted ice making it the Coolest Bar in Orlando. The I-RIDE Trolley is a great transportation option for the International Drive Resort Area, and stops at Pointe Orlando approximately every 30 minutes. Pointe Orlando is also easily accessible from the surrounding area by Orlando’s LYNX bus system as well.
Downtown Orlando: In downtown Orlando, you can check out many, many clubs including Lizzy McCormack’s Irish Pub, Eye Spy, The Social , and Club Firestone, rated by Billboard as one of the top five venues in the world. The revitalized Church Street Station continues this tradition, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, retail and business for locals and tourists alike And, all in 1 building, you’ll find Chillers on the first floor, Big Belly sports bar on the 2nd floor, and Latitudes rooftop bar, right on Church Street, with a great view of downtown. Most of the bars and clubs are walking distance. Approximately 12 miles from the Orlando Theme Parks.
Old Town: Old Town is exactly that – a place that brings back a 60s vibe, the days of rock n roll and ‘cruising’. This unique Kissimmee-area attraction has plenty to offer – rides, dining, and shopping. They have live bands on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights playing your favorite oldies music for FREE while you enjoy the weekly cruise nights. Locals and tourists alike love to come out to see the beautiful classic cars, hot rods, and antiques. This kid-friendly attraction includes amusement rides such as a Ferris wheel, go-kart track, merry-go-round, tea cups, and more. They also have more adventurous rides such as the Windstorm Roller Coaster, and the Super Shot which inches you up to 150 feet in the air, and then drops suddenly. (You may not want to eat before going on that ride, lol.) Located at: 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL. Approximately 13 miles from the Orlando area.
Around town: There are many other ‘hot spots’ around the Central Florida area to have a good time. Several local favorites scattered around town include The Blue Martini, famous for having over 42 martini drinks. With stunning décor and live entertainment to listen or dance to, you’re sure to have a great time here.
Considered the best dive bar by Orlando Weekly (2009), Wally’s Mills Ave Liquors is an Orlando staple. It was here before Disney World, back when nothing much else was around. They still have their famous ‘strong pour’ and drink specials throughout the week.
With live entertainment, dancing, drink specials, and something going on every night of the week, The Roxy has been voted #1 nightclub in Orlando by Orlando Weekly.
The Parliament House is the world’s largest all gay resort and entertainment complex. This 10,000 square foot entertainment complex celebrated its 35th anniversary in July, 2010. With colorful characters, the most bars under one roof, and an eclectic mix of drag shows, theme parties, plays, contests, karaoke, cabaret, dance performances, and even bingo, you are sure to be entertained. The on-site hotel has also recently remodeled 130 guest rooms.
The Barn in Sanford is Orlando’s best country music night club. With over 16,000 square feet, The Barn has 34 TVs and 7 full bars including a sports bar and a 2nd floor bar that overlooks the main dance floor. They feature some of country music’s best artists as well as line dance lessons and karaoke Wednesdays.