International Drive, Orlando: The Globehunters Guide

International Drive is the centre of Orlando’s tourist district and is a very popular place to stay. As well as offering great access to some of the major parks like Universal Studios and Seaworld, Universal Drive has its own thriving nightlife, dazzling dinner shows and varied accommodation to keep you entertained when you’re not enjoying the theme parks.

Nightlife

As such a family-orientated destination, Orlando’s nightlife is somewhat overlooked. However, there are tonnes of places to unwind in the evenings.

It may not be the cheapest but a visit to ICEBAR Orlando is certainly memorable. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance to drink in a bar made entirely of ice. One of only two icebars in the US, ICEBAR Orlando requires you to wrap up warm with special jackets and stays are limited to 45 minutes. Afterwards, warm up in the adjacent Fire Lounge nightclub which is open till late.

If that sounds a bit too chilly, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is a great spot to enjoy contemporary Cuban cuisine whilst watching professional salsa floorshows. The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery is popular with UK tourists from north of the border; it combines a festive atmosphere and tasty pub grub. If you’re keen to catch up on some sport or play some pool, head to Cheers Sports Bar which is open till 2 am.

Parrots Perch at Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort

Accommodation

Staying so close to some of the major theme parks certainly has its benefits, especially in summer when one of our tips is to take a break and head back to your hotel or villa in the afternoon.

Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort is found right on International Drive itself and offers a free shuttle service to the nearby parks. There are an amazing 14 water slides and 4 swimming pools to enjoy when you’re not enjoying the roller coasters.

If you prefer self-catering accommodation, Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is within walking distance of International Drive and just a 15 minute drive to Universal Studios. The resort has its own bars and restaurants as well as multiple pools and tennis courts.

Dinner Shows

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show features the multi-talented Tony Brent as a one man cast of countless different characters. Expect an impressive combination of magic and improvisational comedy including mind-reading, not to mention the temporary disappearance of personal items that defies logic! All the entertainment comes with unlimited pizza and drinks and is £15 for adults, £10 for kids.

Budding sleuths can get their detective hats on at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. Guests can enjoy Honey Glazed Cornish Hen, Cheese Lasagne or Prime Rib as well as unlimited wine and soft drinks. Each show features outrageous characters and long list of suspects to ‘interrogate’. £34 for adults, £14 for kids (plus tax).

Sports

Bowling, golf, adventure playgrounds, heated pools – International Drive has plenty of sporting activities to keep you active on holiday.

Monkey Joe’s is an awesome adventure playground for kids with lots of fun inflatables to keep the kids entertained. The World Bowling Centre is a state-of-the-art 32 lane bowling centre that costs just £2.40 per adult and £1.80 for kids.

If you’re looking for a kid-free evening of strikes, the adults only Kings Bowl Orlando provides ‘upscale bowling’, billiards and shuffleboard. Alternatively, there are some fine golf courses for adults to unwind on including: Shingle Creek Golf Club and Marriot’s Grande Vista Resort.

Globehunters provides cheap flights to Orlando throughout the year. Book with us online or call 020 3384 6000.