Top Things to Do in Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks
Orlando is more than Disney and Universal. The region around the parks has natural springs, dinner theater, entertainment districts, golf courses and large outlet malls that can fill several days on their own. Where you stay affects how easy it is to reach these attractions, since the area stretches across International Drive, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Celebration and Winter Garden.
Springs and Nature Escapes
Central Florida sits on top of a network of freshwater springs, and several are within driving distance of the tourist corridor. These spots offer a break from crowds and air conditioning, with clear, cool water year-round and opportunities for swimming, kayaking or just walking shaded trails. Most require a car, as they are not served by hotel shuttles.
Staying in Winter Garden puts you closer to some of these natural areas and to the West Orange Trail, a paved path popular with cyclists and walkers. The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS Town Center is a practical base here if you want easy access to nature alongside proximity to the parks.
If you'd rather stay central and make day trips, International Drive hotels such as Aloft Orlando International Drive or Avanti International Resort keep you close to highways that lead out to the springs in under an hour.
Dinner Shows and Evening Entertainment
Orlando has a long-running dinner show scene, with venues offering themed meals paired with live performances ranging from jousting tournaments to pirate adventures to murder-mystery dinners. These shows are typically booked in advance and run on fixed nightly schedules, so check showtimes before planning your evening.
Most dinner theaters cluster along International Drive and near Kissimmee, making hotels in those areas convenient without needing a long drive after a late show. Baymont by Wyndham Orlando Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee or Baymont by Wyndham Orlando/International Dr/Universal Blvd both sit within easy reach of this entertainment corridor.
Book dinner shows for early or mid-week evenings if you want to avoid weekend crowds, and confirm whether alcohol or gratuity is included, since policies vary by venue.
ICON Park and the International Drive Corridor
ICON Park is the anchor of a large entertainment complex on International Drive, home to an observation wheel, an aquarium, a wax museum and a cluster of restaurants and bars. It works well as a half-day or evening outing, particularly after a day at the parks, since it does not require advance theme-park-level planning.
International Drive itself is dense with hotels, so staying here means you can walk or take a short rideshare to ICON Park rather than drive. Aloft Orlando Downtown, AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown, and Baymont by Wyndham Orlando North Millenia are all positioned within this corridor.
The stretch of I-Drive near ICON Park also has outlet shopping and standalone restaurants, so it's a reasonable area to base yourself if you want variety without constant driving.
Shopping Beyond the Parks
Orlando has several large outlet and retail centers outside the parks, drawing shoppers looking for name-brand discounts alongside the theme park gift shops. These centers are typically open late and are a good option for an evening or rainy-day activity.
Lake Buena Vista, close to Walt Disney World property, has retail clusters within a short drive of resort hotels. Disney's All Star Sports Resort and Disney's All-Star Movies Resort in this area put you near both the parks and nearby shopping without needing to leave the Disney bubble entirely.
Kissimmee also has outlet shopping along its main corridors, convenient for travelers staying at properties like Alhambra Villas by Diamond Resorts or Barefoot N Resort by Diamond Resorts.
Golf in the Orlando Area
Orlando's year-round warm climate supports an extensive golf scene, with courses ranging from resort-style layouts to championship venues that host professional events. Many golfers plan a trip specifically around tee times at well-known courses in the area.
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge on International Drive is directly tied to one of the area's most recognized golf venues and is a logical choice if golf is a primary reason for your visit.
If golf is a secondary activity, resort properties like Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa in Celebration also provide access to courses nearby, letting you split time between golf and other park or spring activities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to see things beyond the theme parks?
Yes, in most cases. While International Drive and Lake Buena Vista have walkable pockets, springs, golf courses, and some outlet centers are easier to reach with your own transportation.
How much time should I set aside for non-park activities?
A half-day to a full day each for springs, dinner shows, and ICON Park is reasonable. Golf typically takes most of a morning or afternoon depending on the course.
Are dinner shows suitable for all ages?
Most mainstream dinner shows in the area are designed for families and mixed age groups, but check individual show descriptions for content and seating style before booking.
Which area is best for staying near ICON Park?
International Drive hotels are closest, often within walking distance or a short rideshare, making this corridor convenient if ICON Park is a priority.
Can I combine golf with a Disney-area stay?
Yes. Resorts like Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa in Celebration are near golf courses, so you can alternate between park days and golf without major relocation.