Central Florida is best known for its amazing array of family-friendly theme parks and attractions, but a vacation to the area isn’t just for kids. Here are the best spots for adult-oriented eats and entertainment in the Orlando area.
Disney After Dark
When you vacation in Central Florida you’ll quickly learn that Disney offers fun in many forms, extending beyond just theme parks. Over at Disney Springs, you can enjoy shopping, dining, and adult offerings like upscale, in-theater dining at AMC Dine-In or cocktails and contortionists inspired by the roaring twenties at The Edison. You can also catch an ever-expanding lineup of live music at House of Blues Orlando or take in some song, dance, and brews at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. And if staying up late isn’t your thing, you can still engage in plenty of 21+ fun during the day at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, where you can sample beverages and bites as you make your way around the world.Walk on the Wild Side
Universal CityWalk is located next to the Universal Studios theme park and offers a unique collection of clubs, restaurants, and bars. Here, you can kick up your flip-flops at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, try the luck of the Irish at Pat O’Brien’s Orlando, or vibe at Bob Marley– A Tribute to Freedom. Entertainment venues at the walk also include Hollywood Drive-In Golf, offering a circa-1950s cinematic mini-golf experience, CityWalk’s Rising Star for karaoke fun, or Hard Rock Live Orlando for chart-topping live music acts. The fun can keep going late into the night since the clubs and bars at CityWalk stay open well past kiddos’ bedtimes–until 2 a.m.International Delights
For something outside of the theme park box, head to Orlando’s famed International Drive. Lined with a variety of delightfully themed bars and restaurants, here you can sample everything from martinis to Mexican fare, Thai food to tapas. Planning an adults-only evening as casual or upscale as you desire is a snap with so many one-of-a-kind venues to choose from. For an extra-cool outing, don’t miss ICEBAR Orlando, the largest permanent ice bar in the world constructed with 70+ tons of hand-carved ice, or get cozy with friends and belly dancers while enjoying authentic Greek plates at Taverna Opa Orlando.
With so many amazing nightlife options, it’s hard to imagine you’ll ever want to take time out to sleep during your Central Florida stay. When it’s finally time to hit the hay, head to Aloft Orlando International Drive, Comfort Inn International, Element Orlando International Drive, or Best Western International Drive, all near International Drive, or check out Disney-centric options, Crowne Plaza Lake Buena Vista, or the Fairfield Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Other great choices include Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration, Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc, and Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport.