Ultimate Guide to International Drive Orlando Attractions
Your Guide to International Drive Orlando Attractions
“Orlando boasts some of the most beloved vacation destinations in the world, and International Drive is ground zero when it comes to hot spots.” – USA Today
Looking for a guide on things to do in Orlando on International Drive? Known affectionately as Orlando’s “Main Street,” world-famous International Drive is an immensely popular, 11-mile stretch of family-friendly eateries, the best Orlando breweries, specialty shops, trendy nightlife and eclectic tourist attractions, including amusement parks, offbeat museums and science centers, thrill rides, aquariums, indoor skydiving, helicopter tours, celebrity wax attractions, water parks, chocolate factories, video arcades, virtual reality centers, escape rooms and even the largest observation wheel on the East Coast. Many I-Drive attractions are centered around immense entertainment, dining and shopping complexes such as ICON Park and Pointe Orlando. If you're looking for the top things to do in Orlando, take an insider’s tour of International Drive and then make plans to explore everything this bustling Orlando tourist district has to offer!
I-Drive Amusement Parks & Thrill Rides
With everything from kid-friendly attractions to high-flying thrill rides, International Drive has something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular Orlando thrill rides and amusement parks located on I-Drive:
Fun Spot America: First opened on International Drive in 1979 as Fun N Wheels, Fun Spot America has evolved greatly over the years and now boasts multi-level go-kart tracks, thrill rides such as the Skycoaster and Freedom Flyer steel suspended inverted coaster, kiddie rides, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and boats, midway games, Gator Spot exhibit and the White Lightning, Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster. WHERE: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 363-3867 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
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Magical Midway: In addition to two elevated go-kart tracks, a fast track and family-friendly rides like a carousel and bumper cars, “I-Drive’s Premier Thrill Park” boasts the “world’s largest” Slingshot and Starflyer (230-foot-tall swing ride), as well as a video arcade, New York-style pizza joint and ice cream parlor. WHERE: 7001 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 370-5353
The Wheel at ICON Park: A 400-foot observation wheel formerly known as the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, The Wheel allows you spectacular views of International Drive and nearby theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the surrounding Orlando area and even Florida’s Space Coast on clear days. WHERE: ICON Park, 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 601-7907
Orlando Starflyer: Billed as the “world’s tallest swing ride,” Orlando StarFlyer rises 450 feet over I-Drive and rotates at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. The premises are also home to the I-Drive Star Bar where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail after enjoying your thrilling Orlando Starflyer adventure. WHERE: 8265 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 640-7009 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving: Experience the thrill of freefall without having to parachute out of an airplane at iFLY, an amazing indoor skydiving wind tunnel. WHERE: 8969 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 337-4359 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Aquariums, Science Centers & Museums
For a fun-filled and educational experience during your Orlando vacation getaway, nothing beats the slew of unique museums, aquariums and science centers that populate the International Drive strip. Here are some must-see I-Drive attractions where you and your family can expect a generous dose of science and/or history:
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!: View a slew of oddities and weird exhibits at Ripley’s Orlando “odditorium” such as shrunken heads, Egyptian mummy, Mona Lisa made out of toast, two-headed calf, vampire killing kit and Van Gogh portrait created out of 3,000 postcards. By the way, the building that houses Ripley’s appears like it’s being devoured by a huge sinkhole! WHERE: 8201 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 345-0501 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition: Take an incredible tour of this fascinating 20,000-square-foot museum that walks you through full-scale replicas of some of Titanic’s most famous features such as the Grand Staircase, Promenade Deck, Veranda Café, Parlor Suite and Boiler Room. In addition, view more than 200 original artifacts from the wreckage of the Titanic, which tragically sunk after striking an iceberg in the early morning of April 15, 1912. WHERE: 7324 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 248-1166 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
WonderWorks Orlando: The famous “upside-down” building at Pointe Orlando on International Drive houses this “amusement park for the mind” that offers 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” in the form of more than 100 interactive exhibits, including the Tesla Coil, Earthquake Café, Giant Piano, Mercury Capsule, Astronaut Training Challenge, Alien Stomper and Bed of Nails, as well as a laser tag arena, hurricane simulator, indoor ropes course and much more. WHERE: Pointe Orlando, 9067 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 351-8800 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: A state-of-the-art aquarium, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, stingrays, seahorses, eels and sharks, as well as Florida’s only 360-degree underwater tunnel, Jellyfish Wall Exhibit, interactive rock pools and daily dive shows. WHERE: 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (855) 450-0680 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Madame Tussauds Orlando: The perfect International Drive spot to take selfies with your favorite celebrities, Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attraction features spectacular, lifelike wax figures depicting everyone from Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein to Ariana Grande and Pitbull, as well as DC superheroes at the new Justice League: A Call for Heroes exhibit. WHERE: 8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (855) 450-0581 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology: A highly entertaining and educational experience for all ages, SKELETONS is Orlando’s newest science museum and houses 40 fascinating exhibits with more than 450 animal skeletons in colorful dioramas, including a fascinating Florida Wildlife exhibit. Highlights include tigers, monkeys, dolphins, bears, hippos, elephants, llamas, wolves, bats, alligators, penguins and just about everything else (except dinosaur fossils). WHERE: ICON Park, 8441 International Drive, Suite 250, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 203-6999 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Water Parks
Nothing beats cooling off at one of Orlando’s state-of-the-art water parks, several of which are located in the International Drive area:
Universal’s Volcano Bay: Opened in 2017, Volcano Bay “water theme park” became the third theme park at Universal Orlando Resort after Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It's fair to say that this attraction can't be fully covered in a bullet point, but as a quick rundown, Volcano Bay water park highlights include Ko’ okiri Body Plunge, Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides, TeAwa The Fearless River, Waturi Beach, Punga Racers, Tonga of Taniwaha Tubes, Runamukka Reef, Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides, and Kopiko Wai Winding River. WHERE: Universal Orlando Resort, 6300 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 363-8000 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Aquatica Orlando: The award-winning Aquatica Orlando by SeaWorld boasts everything from thrilling waterslides like Ihu’s Breakway Falls, Omaka Rocka, Dolphin Plunge and huge wave pools such as Big Surf Shores to laid-back beaches and lazy river rides. If you're in the mood for wet, wild thrills, check in to any of our nearby family hotels in Orlando! WHERE: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | WHO: (407) 545-5550 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Shipwreck Island Water Park: Splash around at the incredible, two-level, pirate-themed water park in Kissimmee located at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort & Spa. With wet and wild fun for all ages, Shipwreck Island Water Park features Black Beard’s Pirate Ship water playground, Cannon Ball Falls dual enclosed tube slides, a flow-as-you-go Lazy River, a retreat for little ones at Paradise Cove kiddie water playground, and the infamous Pirate’s Plunge Drop Slide, making this Orlando water park resort one of the wettest, wildest water park hotels in Florida! WHERE: 7700 Westgate Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | WHO: (407) 239-0510 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Mini Golf Courses
With half a dozen mini golf courses, International Drive gives Myrtle Beach a run for its money when it comes to the title of “Miniature Golf Capital of the World.” Choose from these I-Drive miniature golf courses:
Congo River Golf: Set off on an adventure-themed mini-golf course featuring waterfalls, gator feedings, sweet scavenger hunts & arcade games all as part of the experience. WHERE: 5901 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 248-9181 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Gator Golf & Adventure Park: This cool, outdoor mini-golf course with a straightforward design also features on-site alligator shows so you can get your chills and thrills in the same place! WHERE: 6586 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 363-2001 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Hollywood Drive-In Golf, Universal CityWalk: Funny, fanciful putt-putt golf courses with vintage sci-fi & horror movie themes, plus late-night play for those who like to keep the party going! WHERE: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 802-4848 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Lost Caverns Adventure Golf: Chart your own, personal golf adventure through a lush tropical landscape, as you golf your way through mountain trails, lost cities and mysterious caves never before explored! Search for amazing artifacts and golf for the golden idol along the way! WHERE: 6306 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 264-0560 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: A swashbuckling good time with pirate-themed mini-golf on an 18-hole, landscaped course set among waterfalls & caves. WHERE: 8501 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 352-7378 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Putting Edge: Get neon retro with this black-light, 18-hole mini-golf course featuring themes including the ocean, jungle & outer space. WHERE: 5250 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 248-0700 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Foodie Attractions
Searching out places to eat on International Drive? Home to not one but TWO chocolate attractions, the International Drive area has become an improbable paradise for chocolate lovers from around the world! Chocoholics will want to definitely add these I-Drive destinations to their itinerary:
Chocolate Kingdom Interactive Factory Adventure Tour: Take an interactive, 45-minute culinary journey at Chocolate Kingdom that encompasses a Cacao Tree Greenhouse, Mystical River of Chocolate, Micro Batch Bean-to-the-Bar Factory and Chocolate Museum. WHERE: 9901 Hawaiian Court, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 705-3475 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Chocolate Museum & Cafe: Billed as “Orlando’s sweetest attraction,” the award-winning Chocolate Museum & Café explores the fascinating history of chocolate, displays a collection of chocolate sculptures, offers chocolate-making workshops and features complimentary tasting of gourmet chocolates from around the world. WHERE: 11701 International Drive, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32821 | WHO: (407) 778-4871 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Bowling Alleys, Go-Karting & Video Arcades
Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, go-kart aficionado, bowling enthusiast or amateur golfer seeking a high-tech driving range to practice your swing, International Drive has you covered. Check out these entertainment hotspots on I-Drive:
7D Dark Ride Adventure: A state-of-the-art interactive shooting gallery with seven dimensions (including movement, sound, lights and wind), 7D Dark Ride Adventure allows you to fight off bloodthirsty zombies while you compete for the highest score against friends and family members. WHERE: ICON Park, 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 675-3166 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando: One of Orlando’s newest entertainment complexes, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games offers high-speed go-kart racing, as well as bowling, video arcade, laser tag, 7-D ride, full-service restaurant, two bars and more. WHERE: 9299 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 610-5020 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Arcade City Orlando: From Skeeball and Foosball to today’s hottest video games, Arcade City at ICON Park has it all! Take the Arcade City challenge for your chance to win “mind-blowing prizes.” WHERE: ICON Park, 8371 International Drive #50, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 233-3501 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Dave & Buster’s: Play hundreds of state-of-the-art video games, earn prizes, watch your favorite sporting event and enjoy a delicious meal along with your favorite cocktail at Dave & Buster’s. WHERE: 8986 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 541-3300 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive NASCAR: In addition to high-speed go-karts, I-Drive NASCAR features a video arcade, bowling, billiards, a full-service restaurant and bar. WHERE: 5228 Vanguard Street, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 581-9644 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Kings Dining & Entertainment: An upscale bowling alley across the street from ICON Park, Kings also offers billiards, ping pong, outdoor bocce ball court and shuffleboard, as well as a full-service restaurant and two bars. WHERE: 8255 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 363-0200 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Nomadic: For an amazing virtual reality experience on International Drive, check out Nomadic, which immerses you within a zombie apocalypse. WHERE: 9101 International Drive, Suite 135, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 574-4565 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Topgolf Orlando: A high-tech driving range, three-story Topgolf Orlando features more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, along with a high-tech scoring system, Toptracer shot tracker, rooftop terrace with fire pit, full-service restaurant and bars. WHERE: 9295 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 218-7714 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
VR Territory Orlando: A fully immersive virtual reality game arcade, VR Territory Orlando offers more than 30 challenging multiplayer games. WHERE: 7219 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 964-3322 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
WhirlyDome: Lacrosse meets basketball in the fun-filled game of Whirly Ball at the WhirlyDome, which is also home to a F1 Simulator, video arcade, laser tag and full-service restaurant. WHERE: 6464 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 212-3030 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s & PlayPlace: Just off International Drive lies this immense, three-story McDonald’s, which is open 24 hours and boasts more than 100 arcade games, as well as a treehouse play area. WHERE: 6875 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 351-2185VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Escape Rooms
More than 2,500 escape rooms are located throughout the United States and International Drive is definitely on top of the trend, boasting the highest concentration of escape rooms in Central Florida. Sharpen your puzzle-solving skills and choose from one of these six amazing Orlando escape rooms located along I-Drive:
America’s Escape Game Orlando: America’s Escape Game offers the hottest new concept escape room games in Orlando featuring challenging new escape games attractions! WHERE: 8723 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 412-5585 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Breakout Escape Rooms: Beyond the average escape outing, Breakout is for those who would rather solve the mysteries in different rooms that follow unique storylines. You get 60 minutes to escape by cracking codes, solving puzzles and following clues. Part problem solving, part adrenaline, all fun. WHERE: 8155 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821 | WHO: (407) 778-4562 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
The Escape Effect: An escape room for everyone, that brings together the best in curated adventures for those who like to push themselves! WHERE: 11701 International Dr., #420, Orlando, FL 32821 | WHO: (855) 426-3372 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
The Escape Game Orlando: These adventures bring epic stories to life in a one-of-a-kind tactile experience. With real games, existing in the physical space, these puzzles require mind, body and all five senses to work together in a social, immersive, and challenging activity for all ages. WHERE: 8145 International Dr., Ste. 511, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 501-7222 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Escapology Orlando: A high adrenaline escape game where players are locked inside a themed room and must complete their mission before time runs out. During the 60-minute experience players are immersed into a real-life adventure where they must find hidden clues, crack codes, solve challenging puzzles and escape! WHERE: 11951 International Dr., Unit C3, Orlando, FL 32821 | WHO: (407) 278-1515 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
Lockbusters Escape Game: Each of these rooms provides teams with an immersive and fun experience, where players will face a series of challenges that must be solved within 60 minutes. Perfect for the whole family! WHERE: 8326 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 930-0822 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I-Drive Coming Attractions
The attractions along International Drive are constantly evolving with new and exciting projects in the works. Here are two of the major Orlando attractions scheduled to open on I-Drive in the near future:
Dezerland Action Park: Although there have been highly publicized snags recently, Dezerland Action Park is supposedly going to open sometime in 2019 in the former Artegon Marketplace site (aka Festival Bay Mall) as “Florida’s Largest Indoor Entertainment, Event and Museum Complex.” Highlights will include an amazing collection of “automobilia,” as well as go-kart track, virtual reality games, bowling, video arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, trampoline, “Pinball Palace” and more.
Skyplex 360: A planned entertainment complex that is set to open in 2020 and boast the Skyfall, “world’s tallest roller coaster,” as well as three other thrill rides, Skyplex 360 will be located at the northeast corner of International Drive and Sand Lake Road.
Travel Tips for Visiting I-Drive
With a little advance planning, you and your family can navigate I-Drive with ease. Here are some essential Orlando travel tips for visiting International Drive:
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Save money by purchasing tickets online. Many I-Drive attractions allow you to purchase discount attraction tickets online in advance of your arrival.
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Take advantage of free parking. Ideally located in the heart of International Drive, the multi-level garage at ICON Park offers free parking and features easy access to I-Drive eateries, specialty shops and immensely popular bars such as Tin Roof, as well as The Wheel at ICON Park, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando and other nearby attractions.
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Experience the I-Ride Trolley. Leave the car at your hotel and enjoy an relaxing journey aboard the I-Ride Trolley, which travels up and down International Drive for the bargain price of just $2 per ride.
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Arrive early to beat the crowds (and the heat!). Some of the most popular International Drive attractions draw big crowds (especially during Spring Break, the summer months and holidays). So, plan to arrive early, so you can make the most of your time and not have to wait in long lines.
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Know when to take a break. Stagger your International Drive activities so you aren’t overdoing it (especially in the hot summer months) and then set aside some time in the afternoon to relax and unwind by the pool before heading out to experience some of the trendy nightlife on the I-Drive strip.
BONUS: Gone-But-Not-Forgotten I-Drive Attractions
Last but not least, no comprehensive guide to International Drive would be complete without acknowledging some of the legendary I-Drive attractions that are now sadly defunct. Here are seven International Drive attractions that have been lost to history:
Wet ‘n Wild Orlando (1977-2016): Founded by SeaWorld creator George Malloy, Wet ‘n Wild Orlando water park featured such notable attractions as Hydra Maniac, Bonzai Boggan, Kamikaze, Black Hole, The Bomb Bay, Brain Wash, Der Stuka, The Surge and Disco H20, among others.
King Henry’s Feast (1986-2000): A popular tourist attraction on International Drive that promised “Rollicking Banquet & Royal Entertainment,” King Henry’s Feast was housed in a medieval-style fortress and featured a royal feast along with medieval-themed entertainment. It was torn down and eventually replaced with an Olive Garden.
Skull Kingdom (1997-2007): A huge walk-through haunted house, Skull Kingdom actually featured many props “salvaged” from another defunct Orlando haunted attraction, Terror on Church Street (1991-1999).
Guinness World Records Experience (2000-2002): Billed as the “Ultimate Interactive World Records Adventure,” Guinness World Records Experience was located at The Mercado, a once bustling and now defunct shopping, dining and entertainment complex on International Drive.
Hard Rock Vault (2002-2004): The folks at Hard Rock Café International believed that there would be a demand for rock ‘n’ roll fans to pay to view the same type of music memorabilia they could check out for free during a visit to Hard Rock Café. They were wrong. By the way, Hard Rock Vault was located in the former space occupied by the Guinness World Records Experience.
CSI: The Experience (2012-2015): Based on the popular CBS crime drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: The Experience featured interactive activities as guests attempted to use “advanced technology and techniques” to solve a murder.
Final Thoughts on International Drive Attractions
So no matter what you're looking for, International Drive is sure to have you main vacation jam! Whether you're in the mood for some groovy cocktails on International Drive, or you're craving some I Drive restaurant action, or maybe you just rolled out of bed and you're looking for Orlando's best breakfast nooks on International Drive,... whatever the case may be - we've got you covered! And if you're considering a local Orlando bar crawl, check out the best Kissimmee sports bar and Orlando bar & grill we know of, to date from these links right here on our travel blog!
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to the action, Westgate’s Orlando resorts are just minutes away.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions, bars or restaurants featured in this article. times, hours of operation, specific attraction details and menu items listed are current as of the publishing date of this article, though some exceptions may apply. Please call or visit the respective website for each restaurant for the most up-to-date offerings.
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