Spending the day park hopping between Walt Disney World and SeaWorld is a no-brainer, but an array of sophisticated hotels with easy access to first rate restaurants and performance venues make nighttime in the city a beautiful attraction in itself. Reserve your spot and get ready to applaud Orlando’s evening entertainments, all without hailing an Uber.
Related Content: Florida Hotels That Go Beyond the Basics
Downtown
image: grand bohemian hotel
Comprised of a year-round roster of shows from ballet to Broadway, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents world-class performance in the heart of downtown Orlando. The views of the stage are fantastic and it’s a short walk across the Center’s lawn to the art-filled Grand Bohemian Hotel. The hotel’s Bösendorfer Lounge is a favorite with locals for pre-or post-theater cocktails and noshes, and overnight guests can enjoy spectacular views from the gracious rooms or the heated rooftop pool.
Universal CityWalk
image: loews portofino bay hotel
The tropical Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the newest on-site hotel at Universal Orlando, and its Strong Water Tavern boasts a mile-long list of rums. Ask the rum captain to curate the perfect flight to accompany small plates of authentic Caribbean ceviche, curry or pelau, then traipse downstairs and hop on the water taxi for the short ride to CityWalk and the 3,000-seat Hard Rock Live. Each month this tricked-out venue hosts a bevy of celebrated acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Bryan Ferry and more. For live music on a smaller scale, other on-site resorts in this easily-accessed cluster offer monthly special events. Harbor Nights at the Harbor Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel feature culinary stations and wine pairings from each of the hotel’s restaurants. Rock fans flock to Velvet Sessions, a cocktail party with live rock music and finger foods in the Velvet Bar and Lobby Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Disney Springs
image: walt disney world
Travelers may have seen Cirque du Soleil on Broadway, but they’ll only see La Nouba in Orlando, where they can enjoy the world-famous acrobats and aerialists in a theater designed especially for the show. Featuring more than 25 live entertainment options available every evening at Disney Springs, visitors may feel compelled to skip dinner. But never fear: Raglan Road features live Irish music and dancing every night of the week and plenty of restaurants, including Morimoto Asia, are open till midnight or later. At just a short walk or boat ride away, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort gives guests a taste of upstate New York.