Shop ’til you drop, embark on a culinary adventure or enjoy an endless bounty of attractions along International Drive. Known locally as ‘I-Drive’, this 11-mile tourist strip is jam-packed with exciting things to do.
Spanning for miles along the western edge of Orlando, International Drive has enough shops, restaurants, bars and attractions to fill up a phonebook. Want to explore but not sure where to start? No problem. This extensive list of things to do on International Drive will ensure you find plenty to do, and that you’ll keep everyone entertained!
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Fun things to do on International Drive
The Wheel
Standing proudly in the heart of International Drive, it’s impossible to miss The Wheel. Measuring a whopping 400-foot tall, it’s the highest observation wheel on the US East Coast. Enjoy a smooth ride in a private capsule as you take in spellbinding views over the city. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll definitely want to snap a few shots while you’re up there. Orlando’s theme parks can be seen from the top, and on a clear day you’ll see Cape Canaveral in the distance.
The Wheel is located at Icon Park on International Drive. It’s opening hours vary throughout the week, but it is typically running between 12pm and 10pm. Regular tickets start at $28.99 per person with a discount available for Florida residents.
Wonderworks
Looking for an unusual thing to do on International Drive? Well, Wonderworks is the only place that’s upside down – yes that’s right, upside down! Styled as an experiment gone wrong, this quirky entertainment center is focussed on zany science exhibits that offer heaps of family fun. Be blown away by hurricane-force winds, touch 100,000 volts of electricity and feel a high-magnitude earthquake. Kids will also love the rope-climbing challenge and laser tag arena.
Wonderworks is open daily from 9am – 12am. General admission is $25.99 for kids and seniors, and $34.99 for adults. Kids age 3 and under go free.
Topgolf Orlando
Topping the list of International Drive attractions, this sprawling golf complex features a high-tech driving range complete with 100+ climate-controlled hitting bays. The aim of the game is to hit specially-microchipped balls, aiming for dartboard-like targets anywhere from 20 to 215 yards away. The harder the target is to hit, the more points you’ll score. Food from the full-service restaurant can be delivered directly to your hitting bay. You can also order soft drinks, beers, wines and cocktails from the bar. Once you’re done with practicing your swing, head up to the rooftop terrace and relax in front of the fire pit.
Hours of operation at Topgolf Orlando are 9am – 12 am, with a later closing on Saturdays and Sundays. Prices start at $30 per bay, per hour and bays can accommodate up to 6 players. There is also a one time fee of $5 per each player. If you’re interested in miniature golf courses around Orlando, check out this blog article giving you all the details you need.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Things to do on I-Drive don’t get much weirder than at Ripley’s Believe it or Not. The Odditorium is packed with extraordinary exhibits like real-life shrunken heads, rare animal skeletons and mind-boggling optical illusions. Visit in the daytime for a family outing, or visit at night for a spookier experience. This is one of the best things to do on International Drive, with something to capture the imagination of every family member of every age.
It’s open daily from 9am until midnight. Tickets cost $29.99 for adults and $18.99 for kids. Under 3s go free.
Aquatica
Visit Aquatica and ride popular slides like Dolphin Plunge which takes you plummeting through a dolphin-filled lagoon, or KareKare Curl, which sees you slide back and forth on a giant manmade wave. This 59-acre water park features all manner of exciting water attractions, as well as palm-fringed beaches, climate-controlled water and special kid friendly areas. Want to explore all the water parks in Orlando? Read our ultimate water park guide here.
Tickets prices start at $89.99, with discounts often available if you book online in advance.
Madame Tussauds Orlando
Snap selfies with celebrities, fight crime with your favourite superhero and pose with some of the most famous leaders and politicians of all time at Madame Tussauds. Located at Icon Park, it’s home to hundreds of realistic wax figures and detailed sets designed to put you in the picture. Expect to see the likes of Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Donald Trump and Albert Einstein, to name just a few! You’ll also spot Justice League characters such as Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman and The Flash.
Admission starts at $34.99 for an adult and $29.99 for children. Opening hours vary throughout the week, with a standard opening time of 11am, and closing at either 6pm, or 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Andretti Indoor Karting
If you’re looking for exciting things to do on International Drive, look no further than Andretti Indoor Karting. It features 3 high-tech, multi-level indoor kart courses, as well as 12 lanes of bowling, 120 arcade games and a laser tag arena. As if that isn’t enough, it also has six virtual reality racing simulators, an interactive motion theater, an extreme ropes course and a zip line.
Opening hours vary between 11am and 10am to 1am, 12am and 11pm.
America’s Escape Game
Break out of an asylum, secure the White House or stop a deadly virus from spreading to epic proportions – the choice is yours at America’s Escape Game. A fun activity for families or groups of friends, teams of up 10 players work together to solve puzzles, find clues and escape their uniquely-themed game room within a set time limit.
America’s Escape Game is open daily from 11am – 11pm, with extended hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Titanic – The Artifact Exhibition
Explore full-scale recreations of the Titanic’s most famous spaces including the grand staircase, the first-class parlour suite and the promenade deck. Costumed characters share stories of the ship’s passengers and crew during a guided journey of this Titanic-themed attraction. The multi-room exhibit also showcases an ‘iceberg’ which visitors can touch to experience the freezing temperatures of that fateful night.
Hours of operation are 10am – 7pm most days, with early closing on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets cost $21.95 for an adult and $15.75 for a child.
Fun Spot America
Fancy a break from Disney? Then Fun Spot America is the place to head. You’ll find great rides and games for kids and adults alike, including classics like bumper cars to thrills like Florida’s tallest wooden rollercoaster. The park is also home to Gator Spot, a 15,000 sq ft oasis with more than 100 alligators, exotic reptiles and birds.
A single day fun pass costs around $54.95 plus tax, and includes all-day riding and access to Gator Spot. Opening hours are 10am – midnight all week.
Orlando Starflyer
Icon Park’s Starflyer is easily one of the most fun things to do on International Drive. It measures a whopping 450 feet tall making it the world’s tallest swing ride. There’s no age limit, just a minimum height of 44 inches. Moving up and down and rotating around a giant tower at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, it’s a pretty exhilarating experience! Ride during the day and you’ll see the entire Orlando skyline. Ride at night and you’ll get to experience the amazing lighting system which features more than 240,000 LED lights.
It is open everyday from 10am to 2am.
Magical Midway
Calling all adrenaline junkies! At Magical Midway you’ll find heaps of heart pounding things to do. Its main attraction, Sling Shot catapults you into the air at a force of 3-5 Gs. You’ll experience total weightlessness as you rocket more than 390 feet above the ground on the world’s highest slingshot. Also at Magical Miday is a huge swing ride, 3 go-kart tracks, trampolines and a fun-packed arcade.
Attractions are individually priced. Hours are 12pm – 12am every day.
iFly Orlando
You’ll be blown away – literally, when you brave an indoor skydive at iFly Orlando. This incredible skydiving simulator is the perfect way to experience exactly how it feels to jump out of a plane. Whether you’re aged 3 to 103, and whether you’re flying solo or in a group there are a selection of packages to choose from.
First time flyers can get 2 flights per person from $64.99. That includes flight gear rental, pre-flight training, one-to-one instruction and a personalized flight certificate.
Best restaurants on International Drive
The Capital Grille
Treat yourself to an elegant dinner at the highly acclaimed Capital Grille. Located at Point Orlando, it serves dry-aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood, along with a choice of more than 400 wines. It’s open for lunch, dinner and take out. The Capital Grille has even made it on to our list of best restaurants in Orlando.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Artists paint as you eat at this quirky tapas spot which serves an extensive menu of tasty options. Located just half a mile from the Orange County Convention Center, it’s the perfect place to head with family, friends or colleagues. Themed as an artists loft, it hosts lively entertainment including belly dancing, flamenco, salsa and merengue shows, as well as live artists constantly creating new works.
Order an array of small plates to share, paired with craft beers, house cocktails and limited production wines.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Enjoy tasty Cuban bites and a vast selection of rum at this must-visit restaurant on International Drive. Soak up the tropical ambience in the open-air setting, and enjoy a delicious menu of classic and contemporary Cuban appetisers, entrees, cocktails and desserts. No visit is complete without trying the house-made sangria or classic cocktails like the signature mojito, available in 12 flavours.
Benihana
Less than one mile from Vineland Premium Outlets, Benihana offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. Guests are seated in groups at communal hibachi grill tables where a personal chef performs the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as your meal is sliced, diced and cooked right in front of you, whether you choose succulent steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi and sahimi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in signature sake and cocktails.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect place to get together with your friends, watch sports, drink beer and eat tasty wings. There are numerous venues along International Drive including one at Icon Park and two along the main tourist strip. Food includes a wings and tenders menu, bar snacks and a main menu. There are options for kids, as well as sides, extras, desserts and drinks.
Shopping on International Drive Florida
Pointe Orlando
Point Orlando is not your average shopping mall. Not only is it home to dozens of name-brand stores, it also has a 20-screen cinema, and an amazing selection of restaurants and bars. Among the towering palms that dot the landscaped walkways you’ll find more than 40 unique stores, plus great eateries like Magliano’s, The Capital Grille and Taverna Opa. As the sun goes down, turn up the fun with a comedy show, a cocktail or a movie at Regal Cinemas, the area’s only 4DX IMAX theater.
Pointe Orlando is open daily, 11am – 12am.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Shop for discounted designer brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Michael Kors and many more at this huge shopping mall on International Drive. Located just a stone’s throw from Fun Spot America, this open-air outlet spans across 77,000 square feet, making it Florida’s largest outlet shopping destination.
International Drive nightlife
Outta Control Dinner Show
With unlimited food, laughs and magic tricks, it’s no wonder the Outta Control Diner Show made the list of things to do on International Drive. Expect minds to be read, predictions to come true and audience members’ personal items to vanish and re-appear before your eyes. Unlike other shows, the audience plays a major part and there’s just 125 seats making it smaller and more intimate.
Spectators receive table-side service with unlimited pizza, salad, beer, wine, soda and dessert.
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show
Solve a crime while enjoying delicious eats at this quirky dinner show on International Drive. Watch out for clues while you enjoy a tasty 3-course meal, plus unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. There are numerous shows to choose from including Lord Manfield’s Fox Hunt Banquet, Roast ‘Em Toast’Em, The Reunion and Joshua’s Demise.
Shows take place nightly at 7.30pm. Prices start at around $29.95 for kids and $67.95 for adults.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe
Hailed as one of the best nightlife venues on International Drive, Mango’s hosts world-famous dinner and dance shows. Shows run continuously from 6pm – 9.45pm every night and feature all manner of dancing as well as tribute acts based on stars like Jennifer Lopez, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Elvis, Adele and Katy Perry. Entertainment is accompanied by a fantastic menu of delicious Latin cuisine.
Kids are also catered for here.
Blue Martini Lounge
Enjoy happy hour every night with special discounts on specialty martinis, craft cocktails and tempting tapas. Located at Pointe Orlando, Blue Martini is the perfect place to head for after-work drinks or a night out on the tiles. Go casual on the patio, be in front of entertainment on the stage, or go exclusive in the VIP lounge.
IceBar Orlando
Nightlife on International Drive doesn’t get much cooler than Icebar Orlando. The largest permanent ice bar in the world, it features a bar made of real ice where even the glasses are made of ice. If you get chilly, you can warm up in the Fire Lounge and enjoy music from Orlando’s top DJs.
Where to stay near International Drive
Some of the best places to stay near International Drive are offered by Top Villas. Book a stay with us and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service and access to a wide range of travel extras such as car hire, attraction tickets or help with arranging a special experience.
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream vacation home instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you. We hope you enjoyed our guide on things to do on International Drive, and have a fantastic vacation.
