Sometimes, you need a little break from the Florida sunshine. Or, perhaps, during your Orlando vacation, you encounter a rainy day in which the Sunshine State is not living up to its name. Either way, it’s a good idea to look at some of the City Beautiful’s best indoor attractions and consider adding them to your itinerary.
(Please note that some of these locations may not be fully up to operational standards, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to check with them directly first, and if they’re not fully open, bookmark this article and read up again before your next outing.)
Indoor attractions near Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort is near International Drive. In this attractions area, you can find endless ways to have fun.
Two of the most well-known experiences here are Ripley’s Believe It or Not and WonderWorks. Both venues offer lots of interactive exhibits that are loads of fun. You might even learn something interesting, too!
Further down I-Drive is ICON Park, which is an outdoor shopping and dining area and which is itself home to two fun indoor attractions. Madame Tussauds Orlando is the go-to spot if you want tons of awesome photo opportunities with unbelievable life-like wax figures of celebrities. And in the same building is Sea Life Aquarium, which allows you to explore the underwater world in a variety of ways (this is an especially great time for younger kids).
Additionally, you can crank up the adrenaline at two different indoor go-kart tracks: both K1 Speed and Andretti Indoor Karting give you a pulse-pounding experience of racing premium go-karts on expertly designed indoor courses. Andretti also has an arcade, bowling, laser tag, a ropes course, and more, which you can read all about in our write-up.
Cap off your exploration of International Drive’s indoor experiences with a visit to ICEBAR Orlando, the world’s largest permanent bar made of ice. Check out the amazing ice sculptures that double as fantastic photo ops, and then try the equally good food and drinks. And then, when you’re done, warm back up inside Fire Lounge, which has an extensive food and beverage menu. (Before 9:00 pm, families with kids ages eight and older are welcome to visit.)
Indoor attractions near Walt Disney World
On Walt Disney World Resort property is Disney Springs, a haven for shopping and dining that is beloved by visitors and locals alike. There are three indoor attractions here that are a great way to escape the brutal heat or intense Florida storms. The NBA Experience is a must-do for any sports fan – there are countless hands-on activities that test your athletic ability and give you some really cool sports knowledge to impress your friends with later.
Then there’s the virtual-reality experience that elevates all VR standards. The VOID at Disney Springs puts you in the middle of some of your most beloved Disney movies – like Ralph Breaks VR or the previous entry, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. No matter what’s on tap when you arrive, your mind will be blown by the immersion and effects.
And although bowling alleys aren’t usually considered major attractions, you’ll find one at Disney Springs that is far from ordinary. Splitsville Luxury Lanes is an upgraded bowling experience. You can do far more than just bowl at this two-story entertainment venue – there’s billiards, live music at night, and great food and drinks.
Near Disney World, in Kissimmee, is Margaritaville Resort Orlando. At this tropical-themed getaway is Sunset Walk, an outdoor dining and shopping area that is open to anyone and features free parking. Look for GameTime here, a robust indoor activity center that has 24,000 square feet of fun – there are new and retro videogames, prize machines, and other interactive games, plus food, drinks, and TVs everywhere. (Read more about Margaritaville Resort here.)
Finally, Old Town Kissimmee is just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World, providing classic American fun. Old Town is free to walk around, with shops and dining, plus there are two indoor stops here: the Great Magic Hall and Mortem Manor, both of which have a nostalgic, roadside-attraction feel. Fans of horror and other scary stuff are sure to love Mortem Manor; it was created by Extreme Fear Design & Production, which has designed various experiences around the world. The Great Magic Hall, meanwhile, has live magic shows at 3:00, 7:00, and 9:00 pm.
Local Orlando-area indoor attractions
Inside The Florida Mall is a kid-focused attraction that is worth the trip. The Crayola Experience is as colorful as you’d imagine it to be. It maintains a great balance between artistic activities and science-driven interaction – and many of the experiences result in a take-home creation, leaving you with a little memento of your trip. (It’s just one reason to visit The Florida Mall!)
Near Downtown Orlando, you can explore the beloved Orlando Science Center, which is home to hundreds of fascinating exhibits, including the multi-level one in the atrium that showcases Florida’s natural wetland habitat. You can marvel at an impressive IMAX theater, which often plays fascinating science films. Plus, the Orlando Science Center is located at Loch Haven Park, which is part of Orlando’s corridor of museums, theaters, and beautiful parks.
(And speaking of museums, there are lots of incredible ones around Central Florida – another great way to spend time indoors!)
Orlando’s indoor attractions – other information
Some indoor attractions have limited hours. Many are open seven days a week, but only in the evenings – be sure to review the hours as you plan your trip. Also, many have discounted tickets if you purchase in advance. Some locations crank up the air conditioning in the summer, so if anyone in your party gets chilly easily, he or she may want to have a light sweater to put on once inside.
Have fun, and be ready for lots of photo opportunities!
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