10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Orlando
Where to Go in Orlando at Night?
Nightlife in Orlando may not be the biggest priority for most visitors, but the city – along with its several big-name theme parks – is home to an awesome range of restaurants, bars, clubs, and live shows. You’ll certainly not be lacking for choice.
Both Disney and Universal promise plenty in the way of things to do after dark, including whole zones dedicated to nightlife, such as the popular CityWalk™ or the famous nightly light and firework shows over Cinderella’s Castle. Orlando’s quaint downtown area also comes alive in the evening, with a solid mix of local-style taverns, modern bars, rooftop haunts, and live theatre. There’s a good selection of mega nightclubs dotted around town too, hosting everything from live rock bands to globetrotting EDM DJs.
What are the best things to do after dinner in Orlando?
1. Orlando fireworks shows
Brilliant skies over the city
Good for: Families, Nightlife, Photo
Fireworks shows only occur on special occasions in most towns and cities, but in magical Orlando, all days are unique, and dazzling fireworks displays can be seen cascading through the skies nightly. World-class theme parks such as Universal Orlando and the Magic Kingdom stage spectacular displays that light up night skies with bursts of sparkling color.
Of course, on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, you’ll have many opportunities to see the Orlando night sky illuminated lavishly, with many venues featuring family-friendly activities, on-site vendors serving food and drink, and synchronized audio or live music.
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
2. Orlando live shows
Memorable performances for all ages
Good for: Families, Group, Nightlife
At any given time in Orlando, you’ll find numerous live performances that entertain, awe, and inspire. Known as an American tourism capital with its world-class theme parks, Orlando attracts a broad range of intriguing talents from all over the globe. From live music to the latest technologically advanced light and sound shows, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy innovative, high-quality acts.
If you are sitting on the fence about whether a live show is worth the splurge, think about this—when we are part of an audience, we are part of a shared experience, making every moment memorable. Live shows are almost always special for everyone, even when we least expect it, and that’s why they’re always worth attending.
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
3. Wall Street Plaza
Downtown Orlando
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Even though many of the bars here get packed-out with day-trippers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and international tourists, Wall Street Plaza - right in the heart of Downtown – still offers a more ‘local’ experience compared to other nightlife areas in Orlando. This buzzing entertainment complex promises a fun mix of laidback restaurants, lively bars, and all-out nightclubs. Don’t miss the weekend block party!
Head to Monkey Bar for cheap and delicious martinis, The Henhouse for vintage decor and moonshine shots, and Fixtion for its delicious scratch kitchen dishes, before ending your night at Shine, a kitschy yet hugely popular nightclub. Read more
Location: 25 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Tuesday–Wednesday from 7 pm to 2 am, Thursday from 6 pm to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am, Sunday from 1 pm to 12 am
Phone: +1 407-917-1999
Wall Street Plaza
4. Pointe Orlando
Pedestrian-friendly mall with shops, restaurants, and a cinema
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Pointe Orlando is an all-in-one dining, nightlife, and retail complex situated on the hugely popular International Drive. Alongside all of its watering holes, you’ll find a multi-screen movie theater, a dozen or so shops, and several lively restaurants including Dick’s Last Resort, Kavas Tacos and Tequila, and Maggiano’s Little Italy.
As for drinks, head to Blue Martini for ritzy bevvies in an upscale atmosphere, Palm Tree Club Rooftop for handcrafted cocktails, or PBR Cowboy Bar for VIP tables with bottle service, world-class sound and lighting, late night dancing, a mechanical bull. Read more
Location: 9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to midnight
Phone: +1 610-215-7939
Pointe Orlando
5. Universal CityWalk
Lively after-dark haunt that teems with revellers
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Though its theme parks close mid-evening, that doesn’t stop Universal from drawing throngs of eager visitors with its range of nightlife options, most of which can be found in and around the popular CityWalk™. Dubbed as Universal Orlando’s ‘entertainment hotspot’, many of the bars, restaurants and shows here keep going well past midnight.
Of course, the iconic Hard Rock Cafe® is always a safe bet when it comes to good, honest food and sing-along rock anthems, while other top dining spots include The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar and Bigfire grill. There’s also a movie theater, mini-golf course, and nightly dancing at the Red Coconut Club. Don’t forget to try a naughty sugar ring at the excellent Voodoo Doughnut. Read more
Location: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 8 am to 2 am, Monday–Tuesday from 8 am to 12 am
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
Universal CityWalk
6. The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant
For gut-busting laughter
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Found inside the popular Pointe Orlando shopping mall, the Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant stands out as the most original of nightspots, promising an evening of adults-only laughs. Funny Bone has been heralded as a launchpad for the careers of dozens of famous comedians, once welcoming talents such as Robin Williams, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, and Drew Carey to the stage.
In terms of the food, Funny Bone features an inviting menu of finger-licking American dishes including juicy burgers, golden fried chicken, and summery salads. Top it all off with a slice of NY cheesecake and a round of chocolate martinis which are blended with vanilla vodka and creme de cacao. Read more
Location: 9101 International Dr Suite 2310, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 6 pm to 8.30, Friday from 6 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 10.15 pm, Sunday from 3 pm to 7.30 pm
Phone: +1 407-480-5233
The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant
7. House of Blues
Iconic music venue with tasty eats
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
No venue does live music quite like the House of Blues. This American institution features homegrown and international names on a regular basis, spanning genres as eclectic as rock, EDM, folk, pop, hip-hop, and thrash metal.
This sprawling music joint features several key zones including the main performance stage, a social bar area, and a buzzy feel-good dining room. When you’re not listening to a band or singer belt out their latest hits, feast on buffalo wings, Bluesville hot chicken, and four cheese BBQ nachos. Read more
Location: Disney Springs, 1490 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday from 11 am to 11.30 am, Saturday from 10 am to 11.30 pm
Phone: +1 407-934-2583
House of Blues
8. Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Rock ’n’ roll-themed restaurant serving American classics
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
This old favorite might not be the most original place to spend the evening, but after a busy day chasing the kids around the theme parks, Hard Rock Cafe® feels like a second home with its comforting grub, rousing rock anthems, and familiar surroundings.
Located along Universal’s effervescent CityWalk™, Hard Rock prides itself on its service with a genuine smile and tasty dishes the whole family will love. Treat yourself to a Legendary® Steak Burger, a cowboy ribeye, and a homemade apple cobbler served with creamy vanilla ice cream. For parents, there’s a fabulous signature cocktail menu featuring Caribbean Mojitos and Passionfruit Mai Tais. Read more
Location: Universal Orlando Resort, 6050 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to midnight
Phone: +1 407-351-7625
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
9. Kings Dining & Entertainment
Billiards and bowling in a nostalgic setting
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
Bowling, billiards, and a duo of lively bars all under one roof makes Kings Dining & Entertainment among the top things to do at night in Orlando. Located on International Drive, right by Universal, this retro-chic haunt is super-easy to reach if you’re staying at one of the nearby resorts.
There are 22 tenpin bowling lanes in total, alongside plenty of other games such as pool, table tennis, foosball, and bocce. Food-wise, expect wings, burgers and pizzas. The drinks menu also throws out some surprises such as craft ales and signature cocktails for under $10. Bargain! Read more
Location: 8255 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 3 pm to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 11.30 am to 1 am, Sundays from 11.30 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 407-363-0200
Kings Dining & Entertainment
10. Downtown Orlando nightclubs
Lake Eola
Good for: Nightlife
Nightclubs in Orlando – particularly the ones found in the lively downtown area around Lake Eola Park – see international DJs packing out venues on a weekly basis. Venture into the world of lasers, lights and shiny surfaces in the highly-rated Tier Nightclub. The Beacham provides a huge space set in a converted old warehouse and hosts great one-off events and themed parties. Parliament House is one of the best places to check out Orlando’s thriving LGBT scene. Read more
Downtown Orlando nightclubs
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