Discover International Drive in Orlando: Guide, Attractions, Dining & 6 Tips Before You Go In 2025. Is It worth it?

Hi! I just got back from International Drive in Orlando and it was amazing! I want to tell you all about it. International Drive is a big, fun street in Orlando with lots of cool stuff to do. People call it “I-Drive” for short. There’s so much to see and eat and play with!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about International Drive in Orlando

International Drive is a long road in Orlando with tons of hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and fun places. It’s close to all the big theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. Many families stay on I-Drive when they visit Orlando because there are so many hotels and it’s a good spot to get to all the parks.

International Drive is about a 5-minute drive to Universal Studios, 5 minutes to SeaWorld, and 20 minutes to Disney Springs. Magic Kingdom and the other Disney parks are about 30 minutes away.

Yes, but it depends on where you’re staying. The area around ICON Park is very walkable, but some sections have long distances between attractions.

Evenings are best for dining and entertainment, but for attractions like Pirate’s Cove or ICON Park, afternoons are ideal before the crowds arrive.

Yes, most restaurants and attractions offer free parking, though some areas (like ICON Park) may have paid lots.

The I-Ride Trolley is the easiest way to get around. You can also use Lime scooters for short trips or just walk if it’s not too hot.

Absolutely! Whether you’re looking for great food, fun attractions, or a lively nightlife, I-Drive has something for everyone. It’s a great break from the theme parks and a fun way to experience Orlando beyond Disney and Universal.

Yes! It’s very safe and there are always lots of tourists around, especially in the main areas. Just be careful when crossing the road because cars drive pretty fast.

Yes! There are tons of fun things for kids like mini-golf, WonderWorks, Chocolate Kingdom, and lots of family-friendly restaurants.

The Star Flyer costs about $12-$15 per person, but you can get cheaper tickets if you buy them online ahead of your visit.

You can walk around Icon Park for free and watch the Star Flyer and Orlando Eye. You can also look at the alligators at Gator Golf without paying to play golf.

You can get Disney t-shirts for around $5.99 in the gift shops, which is way cheaper than in the parks! There are also funny signs, mugs, and all kinds of cool stuff.

International Drive is really long! It’s about 11 miles (18 km) from one end to the other.

A Walk Down International Drive

We stayed at one of those hotels near the Convention Center (can’t remember the name – something with Marriott in it?). Honestly, location-wise, it was perfect. Within like a 10-minute walk, we had:
Bahama Breeze, which my wife LOVED. They had this guy playing reggae on Wednesday night, and their coconut shrimp was pretty amazing. My kids got some chicken fingers that were just OK though.
TGI Fridays was right across from us. Kind of dead compared to the one back home in Birmingham, but the service was quick when we were in a rush before our Universal day.
There’s also a Subway and Domino’s if you’re trying to save money. We grabbed Subway one night when we were too tired to sit down somewhere.
Oh, and the Walgreens saved us! My youngest forgot her toothbrush (of course) and I needed sunscreen after my nose got FRIED on day one.

  • Bahama Breeze – A Caribbean-style restaurant with live music, seafood, and classic American dishes.
  • TGI Fridays – Surprisingly quiet compared to its UK counterpart, but still a decent spot for casual dining.
  • Subway & Domino’s – Quick and convenient for those not wanting a sit-down meal.
  • Walgreens – A well-stocked pharmacy that’s great for essentials like snacks, drinks, and toiletries.

Sports Bars & Entertainment

Miller’s Ale House became our go-to spot to catch the Lakers game. Decent wings, cold beer, nothing fancy but exactly what we needed. Prices were better than I expected for a tourist area – maybe $15 for a burger and fries?
We splurged on the helicopter tour (Orlando Helicopter Tours). $89 per person for the shortest ride, which seemed ridiculous, but my 14-year-old hasn’t stopped talking about flying over Hogwarts, so I guess it was worth it?
Dave & Buster’s was SO LOUD I almost lost my mind, but the kids were in heaven. We spent way too much money there, but watching my teenager actually smile for once was pretty priceless.

  • Miller’s Ale House – A classic American sports bar with multiple TVs, burgers, and wings at reasonable prices.
  • Orlando Helicopter Tours – Fly over Disney, Universal, and downtown Orlando for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
  • Dave & Buster’s – A massive arcade and bar with tons of games, loud music, and a lively atmosphere (especially for kids).

Dining & Nightlife

We popped into Howl at the Moon around 8:30 one night and it was kinda dead. The bartender said it doesn’t get going until after 10, which was way past our vacation bedtime with the kids!
Hooters was… well, Hooters. My brother-in-law insisted we go. Wings were actually not great, but where else can you watch three different sports at once?
Señor Frog’s was having some kind of special event when we tried to go, so we couldn’t get in without a ticket. Looked fun from outside though.
We hit Denny’s after our late night flight in. Not exciting, but when you’ve got hungry kids at midnight, it does the job.
Boston Lobster Feast was my personal highlight. YES it’s expensive ($49.99/person when we went), but I definitely got my money’s worth. Pro tip: go hungry and skip the sides – focus on the lobster!

  • Howl at the Moon – A piano bar open seven nights a week, though it’s often quiet until later in the evening.
  • Hooters – Known for its wings and sports bar atmosphere, though the food quality isn’t the main draw.
  • Señor Frog’s – A lively Mexican restaurant with fun decor and a party vibe.
  • Denny’s – A classic American diner serving breakfast, burgers, and comfort food 24/7.
  • Boston Lobster Feast – An all-you-can-eat lobster restaurant that’s always busy.

Family Fun & Attractions

Pirate’s Cove mini-golf was a hit. We did the easier course because my 8-year-old was with us. It took about an hour, and despite the Florida heat, it was pretty fun. My daughter got a hole-in-one and wouldn’t stop bragging all day.
ICON Park is worth a visit. The big wheel gives you great views, though my wife stayed on the ground (heights thing). The Madame Tussauds was actually better than I expected – the Marvel section was cool.
We tried Gordon Ramsay’s fish and chips place. $18 for fish and chips seemed steep, and honestly? Meh. The fish was good but the fries were just OK. My British friend would be offended.

  • Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf – A fun mini-golf course with two different levels of difficulty, perfect for a relaxed evening activity.
  • ICON Park – Home to the Orlando Wheel, Orlando StarFlyer, Madame Tussauds, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
  • Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – Not exactly traditional British fish and chips, but a popular spot nonetheless.

The Other Side of I-Drive

We rented scooters one day and went further down I-Drive. It gets a bit sketchy in parts, but had some interesting spots:
That weird McDonald’s that sells pizza! My kids were fascinated. The pizza was exactly what you’d expect from McDonald’s attempting pizza, but it’s a fun novelty.
Mango’s looked awesome from outside – very Miami vibe – but it was empty inside at 8pm on a Tuesday. Maybe weekends are better?
My husband spent WAY too long in the Harley-Davidson store while I waited outside wondering how we’d fit a motorcycle jacket in our already-stuffed suitcase.
We checked out Avanti Resort when considering hotels. Definitely more budget-feeling but the pool looked nice. Maybe next time when we’re not splurging.
Olive Garden was our “safe choice” dinner one night when everyone was cranky and couldn’t agree. Endless salad and breadsticks for the win! Shockingly good for a chain.

  • McDonald’s – Not your typical fast food joint – this location serves pizza and has a chaotic but fun atmosphere.
  • Mango’s Tropical Café – A massive venue with Latin music and live performances, though it’s often quiet.
  • Harley-Davidson Outlet Store – A great stop for bikers and Harley fans.
  • Avanti Resort & Sonesta ES Suites – Affordable hotels with a motel-like feel but decent accommodations.
  • Olive Garden – A surprisingly good Italian restaurant with generous portions and great value for money.

Getting Around International Drive

Don’t underestimate how LONG I-Drive is! My Fitbit logged over 18,000 steps the day we tried walking everywhere. Those Newt scooters saved us. $5 to unlock and then like $0.35 per minute. My kids are still mad we wouldn’t rent them their own. The I-Ride Trolley runs every 20 minutes or so. $2 per ride or $5 for a day pass. Not the most glamorous way to travel, but when it’s 95 degrees out, you don’t care!

6 Before-You-Go Tips for Visiting I-Drive

1. Avoid Weekend Crowds

Popular spots like ICON Park and Pirate’s Cove get busy, so visit earlier in the day.

2. Be Prepared For Florida Heat

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if walking.

3. Watch For Traffic

Some crossings involve up to 8 lanes, so use designated crosswalks and be cautious.

4. Look For Discounts

Many restaurants and attractions offer coupons, especially in hotel lobbies.

5. Hotel Tips

Many I-Drive hotels offer free transportation to theme parks. Ask at your hotel!

6. Food Tips

Breakfast at Denny’s, IHOP, or Perkins is huge and can keep you full most of the day.

EXTRA TIP

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Summary

International Drive is super cool and has something for everyone! Whether you like shopping, eating yummy food, or trying scary rides, you’ll find something fun to do. It’s a great place to stay when you visit Orlando because it’s close to all the big parks but has lots of its own fun stuff too.
My friend summed it up perfectly: “I think it’s great. I love staying here ’cause you’re in the midst of everything. You’re not far from the parks, you’re not far from great restaurants and bars, entertainment—there’s so much to do on this one road!”

Have a good time there – wish you ShinyandSpotless team!

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