By Kate Cohen
September 4, 2026
Orlando is an incredible place for a wedding.
Beautiful weather, romantic settings, and a diverse array of exceptional vendors make it an in-demand destination for “I do’s.”
What’s more, guests love attending weddings in Orlando because it’s the perfect excuse to spend time in the country’s most visited city.
Between wedding events like welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and the big day itself, guests are often looking for things to do in Orlando and worthwhile vacation activities.
In addition to spending the day at some of the best theme parks in the world, your wedding guests may be looking for suggestions on how to spend their time.
As experts in Orlando weddings, we’ve got the low-down on the best places to shop, dine, and explore in The City Beautiful. Here are our recommendations for things your out-of-town wedding guests can do in Orlando.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Explore Disney Springs
- 2. Discover Charming Winter Park
- 3. Spend Time at ICON Park
- 4. Enjoy Outdoor Fun Around Lake Eola
- 5. Relax at a Resort Spa
- 6. Experience Orlando Nightlife
- 7. Take a Short Excursion Beyond the Theme Parks
- Give Your Guests the Gift of Convenience with Rosen Weddings
1. Explore Disney Springs
Why Guests Love It
Disney Springs is a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex infused with Disney charm and excellence.
It’s the perfect spot for out-of-town guests to get a taste of Orlando’s famous Disney magic without spending time in (and money on) the theme parks.
One of the best spots for Orlando shopping, Disney Springs is home to big name brands like LEGO, vineyard vines, Zara, Anthropologie, and dozens of others. There are also a variety of Disney stores and boutiques selling the latest in merch and souvenirs.
Disney Springs is also a hot spot for bars and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and specialties.
There’s something for visitors of all ages at Disney Springs, making it the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Regardless of how much time your guests may have between wedding events, they’ll be able to make the most of their visit.
You can recommend they stop into World of Disney, home to the largest collection of Disney merchandise in the world, or a smaller boutique like Disney Ever After.
They can take a scenic ride on the Aerophile, an enormous, tethered helium balloon that offers breathtaking views of the area from 400 feet above the ground.
Other Disney Springs activities include catching a performance of Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, going bowling at Splitsville, or catching dinner and a movie at the AMC Dine-In movie theatre.
If your wedding guests are of legal drinking age, you can encourage them to enjoy a glass of vino at Wine Bar George, or an adventurous cocktail from the Indiana Jones-inspired Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
There is so much to do at Disney Springs, and the best part? Admission (and parking) is totally free!
2. Discover Charming Winter Park
Must-Do Experiences
For a more local experience, encourage your guests to explore one of Orlando’s unique neighborhoods, like charming, upscale Winter Park.
The area itself is large and sprawling with plenty of residential streets and subdivisions, but downtown Winter Park is the perfect place for dining and shopping.
Paved in cobblestones, Park Avenue is the main street that runs through Winter Park. On one side you’ll find a beautiful park with a rose garden, an elegant fountain, and green lawns. On the other side, you’ll find blocks of boutique shops and award-winning restaurants and cafes.
This historic area is popular with locals and visitors looking for non-theme park things to do in Orlando.
Another popular Winter Park attraction is the Scenic Boat Tour of Winter Park. Spend an hour exploring the rivers and canals on a comfortable pontoon boat, taking in the sights of local wildlife, historic homes and mansions, the Rollins College campus, and Kraft Azalea Gardens.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to the world’s most comprehensive Tiffany glass collection.
While Winter Park is a family-friendly community, there isn’t much along Park Ave to keep little ones entertained. That’s not to say they can’t enjoy a day of shopping and exploring the area’s parks and playgrounds, but if your guests are looking for a way to keep kiddos entertained, Winter Park may not be the best option.
It’s a great choice, however, for couples, families with older children, and anyone traveling on their own.
3. Spend Time at ICON Park
Perfect for a Free Afternoon
ICON Park is home to some of Orlando’s biggest attractions outside the major theme parks.
Plus, its location in the International Drive (I-Drive) district makes it ideal for visitors staying in the area.
The Orlando Eye is a towering observation wheel that stands tall on the Orlando skyline. It offers patrons a spectacular view of the greater Central Florida area, including the nearby theme parks and, on clear days, the Space Coast over 50 miles away.
Madam Tussaud’s is a renowned attraction featuring wax look-alike figures of some of the most recognizable faces in the world. Just next door is SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, with beautiful exhibits of marine life and frequent special events.
There are also a variety of restaurants and bars in ICON Park, some of which offer live music and other entertainment throughout the week.
It’s a great spot to entertain the whole family and experience the excitement of I-Drive in between wedding events.
4. Enjoy Outdoor Fun Around Lake Eola
For Guests Looking for Fresh Air
At the heart of downtown Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a beautiful, natural respite surrounded by the impressive skyline of the city.
A one-mile walking path wraps around the lake, offering beautiful waterfront views and close-ups of art installations and eye-catching sculptures. A leisurely stroll around the lake and through the park’s beautifully designed gardens is one of the most popular Orlando outdoor activities.
Rent a swan paddle boat for a relaxed ride on the lake and a better look at the iconic Lake Eola fountain that sits at the center.
Lake Eola Park also hosts the Orlando Farmers Market every Sunday, which offers your wedding guests the chance to peruse and support some of the area’s small businesses and makers.
The park is close to a variety of downtown restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a post-walk pit stop or happy hour.
5. Relax at a Resort Spa
Ideal for Wedding Guests Seeking Downtime
Making time for self-care is always worthwhile, even while out of town.
Suggest your guests enjoy a spa treatment at a nearby resort spa like The Spa at Rosen Centre or The Spa at Shingle Creek to take their visit to the next level.
Massages, facials, and body treatments are the perfect indulgences when traveling, alleviating stress and tension that could get in the way of enjoying the celebrations in the present moment.
Many spas also offer manicure/pedicure services for a last-minute beauty treatment before a photo-heavy weekend.
Brides and grooms aren’t the only ones who deserve a little luxury before the big day. Your guests will appreciate the recommendation and encouragement to treat themselves.
6. Experience Orlando Nightlife
After the Welcome Party
Orlando’s nightlife scene is vibrant and lively, offering plenty of opportunities for your guests to keep the party going all night long.
International Drive is Orlando’s thriving entertainment district, with plenty of bars, clubs, and attractions open late into the evening.
Your guests will get a kick out of popular spots like ICEBAR Orlando, a nightclub with a below-freezing room featuring a bar made of carved ice and an adjacent lounge with a fiery dance floor.
Just down the road is Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar with high-energy shows and colorful cocktails sold in souvenir buckets.
Another great spot for Orlando nightlife is Tin Roof in ICON Park on I-Drive, a great casual spot with live music, tasty bar food, and eclectic decor.
There are so many things to do in Orlando at night, and many of them can be found in the I-Drive district. Hosting your wedding nearby or offering your guests a discounted room block at a hotel close to I-Drive allows them the freedom to take advantage of some of the best nightlife Orlando has to offer.
7. Take a Short Excursion Beyond the Theme Parks
Great for Guests Staying Several Days
Often, wedding guests traveling to Orlando will extend their stay to take advantage of some of the great things Central Florida has to offer.
Of course, Orlando’s world-class theme parks are always an itinerary favorite, and for good reason.
For guests looking to explore outside the theme parks, however, there are plenty of Central Florida attractions and Orlando day trips to experience.
One of the area’s biggest draws is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral. Located on the east coast of the state, it’s about an hour’s drive to get there, but well worth the trip for science lovers, history buffs, and anyone intrigued by space travel.
Wekiva Island is a great spot for outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. After spending time on the Wekiva River, your guests can enjoy a cold beverage and a delicious meal on the island while enjoying serene waterfront views from the dock.
Drive out to Clermont to Showcase of Citrus, which offers family-friendly experiences like a petting zoo and tours of the expansive property on the world’s largest monster trucks. They also host capybara and lemur meet-and-greets that every animal enthusiast will love.
Give Your Guests the Gift of Convenience with Rosen Weddings
At Rosen Weddings, it’s our job to help you host the wedding of your dreams.
When you choose to have your wedding at one of our four hotel venues, your guests also get to take advantage of the amenities and conveniences we offer.
Exclusive room rates, luxurious swimming pools, onsite spas, and proximity to the area’s biggest attractions are all perks guests can look forward to when attending your Rosen wedding.
Give your out-of-town wedding guests the gift of a vacation with your celebratory weekend.
Reach out to our wedding specialists to start bringing your dream wedding to life.