Welcome to summer here in Orlando, and as the temperatures soar, I-Drive heats up with a non stop choice of things to do and special events you gotta check out!
There is always so much to see and do on International Drive, with Orlando's I-Drive home to theme parks, all in-one entertainment centres, attractions, dining, shopping, hotels and more.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure, and whether you looking for fun things to do with all the family or a night out to remember, there truly is something for everyone here on I-Drive this summer, with exciting new experiences, special events and more happening throughout the long hot summer days and sizzling nights. Enjoy!
Things To Do On International Drive This July
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando are currently working on multiple new attractions, plus a brand new Theme Park - Epic Universe which is due to open in Summer 2025.
Minion Land
For summer this year, the huge news at Universal Orlando is a brand new land is now open and its bananas!!
Minion Land invites guests to step inside the world of the Minions, with unique dining experiences like Minion Cafe, Bake My Day and Pop-a-Nana, plus Minion Land will also be home to new Villain-Con Minion Blast Attraction which is not yet open.
Minion Land on Illumination Ave. is an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination.
The new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.
Illumination’s Minion Cafe
It’s Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination’s Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.
Bake My Day
Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.
Pop-A-Nnana
Banana-flavored popcorn, anyone? This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.
Freeze Ray Pops
Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages.
Illumination Theater
Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade.
Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.
For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.
New UNIVRS Store
The first Universal UNIVRS store launched in Hollywood, CA in September 2022, and now Universal UNIVRS, a first-of-its-kind retail destination, has just opened on Hollywood Boulevard inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort, and we love it!
This shop-in-shop brings favorite brands from across NBCUniversal to life through seasonal apparel offerings that lean into the "get it before it's gone" drop culture shopping mentality.
Launching with this new location, and now also available at Universal City Walk Hollywood, is a summer collection inspired by JAWS, Felix the Cat and the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park.
Tapping into entertainment and fashion tastemakers through their style-driven offerings, merchandise at UNIVRS marries popular brand designs with current fashion silhouettes and trending styles, driven by favorite characters and iconic on-screen moments.
Exclusive merchandise will be released in limited quantities, from tees and jackets, to tracksuits and skirts, to tote bags and hats, products will range in price from $30-$150 and in size from XS-2XI, across the mens, womens and unisex categories.
New UNIVRS merchandise highlights include:
Numskull's TUBBZ collectible ducks, featuring rubber ducks as characters from popular
NBCUniversal film and TV brands, such as Jurassic Park, JAWS, Back to the Future, Illumination's Minions and more.
Celebrate the 30 anniversary of the iconic adventure Jurassic Park, with 90s-inspired nostalgia featured in matching shirt/short sets, cargo pants, cardigans, tees and sweatshirts.
The classic black and white Felix the Cat appears in a variety of patterns in a tennis club style with skirts, shirts, jackets, tees and more.
Home to JAW'S, Amity Island-inspired graphics and slogans take on summer apparel in shorts, shirts, windbreakers and hats.
Short and long-sleeve unisex tees featuring various artwork of iconic NBCUniversal characters, such as E.T., Fast and the Furious, Universal Monsters, Good Luck Trolls and more.
Jurassic Park Tribute Store
A new Jurassic Park Tribute Store: Jurassic Park takes over this summer in the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. The immersive retail location will invite guests to explore the history of the blockbuster movie as they venture through a series of themed rooms that highlight everything from pre-production elements like storyboards and blueprints to photo ops that recreate memorable scenes from the iconic film.
Guests can also shop exclusive 30th anniversary merchandise including apparel, hats, key chains, plush, collectibles, and more.
SeaWorld Orlando
Get ready for a spectacular summer at SeaWorld Orlando, throughout July, SeaWorld is celebrating with fun days amped up with gnarly entertainment, thrilling rides and breathtaking presentations, and when the sun goes down, enjoy fiery nights featuring new shows, entertainment and a brilliant fireworks spectacular.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
Now Open!
First up is Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which is Orlando's newest and most unique coaster.
Pipeline is the first-of-its-kind stand up surf coaster where you experience the rush of launching 110 feet up at 60 mph and feeling every bank and curve as though you’re really riding the waves, thanks to innovative dynamic seats that gives you unparalleled freedom of movement.
Experience the ultimate thrill with the addition of this seventh coaster to the Coaster Capital of Orlando.
Summer Spectacular
Now - September 4, 2023
When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular! Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way.
Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Summer Spectacular.
Club Sea Glow
The party amps up in the evening at Bayside Stadium, where a DJ will be mixing dance music all evening leading up to the start of our nighttime fireworks show.
Enjoy plenty of space to spread out and dance while enjoying the entertainment. That includes dancers and high-energy atmospheric acts to get the party going!
Surf Holiday at Nautilus Theater
Surfers and dreamers, join us for the wildest party on the sea! You’ll feel the motion of the ocean in a live stage show with singing, dancing, and an inspiring story of preservation and conservation for the beauty within our living ocean.
Summer Spectacular Concert Series
Starting July 8, guests to the park can enjoy 10 concerts taking place on Saturdays and Sundays within the Nautilus Theater. Well-know performers taking part in the concert series include Maddie & Tae, Rodney Atkins, Little River Band, and Rodney Atkins.
The Full Line-Up
July 8: English Beat
July 9: Little River Band
July 15: Pop Evil
July 16: Foghat
July 22: Don Felder
July 23: Rodney Atkins
July 29: Maddie & Tae
July 30: Jesse McCartney
August 5: A Flock of Seagulls
August 6: Skillet
Best of all, the summer concert series is included with park admission.
Pearl Divers
This one-of-a-kind experience gives you the chance to watch pearl diving live! Witness a pearl diver pick the perfect Akoya oyster for you in our lagoon. The oyster will produce a beautiful pearl for you to add to a setting of your choice.
In the lagoon next to Oyster's Secret, starting at Noon.
Ignite Fireworks
Surf the wave to a whole new level with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park.
The fireworks can be seen from all around SeaWorld’s large central lake, including from Bayside Stadium, The Waterfront, and the Orca Encounter Pathway.
Plus, enjoy a special 4th of July firework spectacular on SeaWorld’s large central lake with inspiring music synced to beautiful fireworks in celebration of America. View from areas like Bayside Stadium or find a spot along the water. This event will bring the red, white, and blue, to you, so be sure not to miss it!
For more details on SeaWorld Orlando's spectacular Sumer events: SeaWorld Orlando
Free Beer
Now - July 27, 2023
It wouldn’t be summer at SeaWorld Orlando without FREE BEER!
When you visit SeaWorld Orlando this summer, from now through until July 27, park guests 21 and older, can enjoy a free 7oz. brew every time you visit!
The free beer is available daily at Waterway Grill from 11 am until an hour before the park closes. As always, SeaWorld will offer a variety of beers throughout the promotion.
Craft Beer Festival
July 28 - September 3, 2023
SeaWorld is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers this Summer, with the return of the Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando from July 28 - September 3, 2023.
Taking place weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the festival will feature more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails.
Sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Plus savor more than 15 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long.
Best of all, admission to the Craft Beer Festival is included with admission to SeaWorld Orlando.
Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket
Summer is even more fun with furry friends!
Grab this adorable Elmo Sandcastle Popcorn Bucket during your next visit to Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando, available for a limited time in park.
Guests can also enjoy free popcorn refills on their date of purchase!
I-Drive Throw Down Truck Show
The I-Drive Throw Down Truck Show is taking over Dezerland Park on I-Drive from July 21 - 23.
Do you love off-roading and adventure? Or maybe you just want to see a bunch of giant, modified trucks? Dezerland Action Park, home of the Orlando Auto Museum and Central Florida’s car show headquarters, is bringing hundreds of exciting trucks and other off-roading vehicles to International Drive with I-Drive Throwdown.
Presented by American Force Wheels, I-Drive Throwdown will take over Dezerland Action Park from Friday, July 21 to Sunday, July 23. The event is designed to showcase the power and agility of various off-road vehicles, including trucks, side-by-sides, and ATVs, and will draw some of the most popular auto influencers and truck enthusiasts from around the country to the area.
Dezerland Action Park will serve as a one-stop shop for visitors attending the event, with all of the trucks and judging on-site and plenty of attractions, food and nighttime entertainment to enjoy.
The Hampton Social
The perfect way to beat the summer heat is with a glass of frosé at the cool and sophisticated Hampton Social, where you can imbibe all the feels of summer in the heart of Orlando without breaking a sweat.
For July Fourth they’ll be offering a limited-time patriotic blue twist on their iconic Frosé. Let’s just say, if you’re hoping to start your Independence Day celebrations with some elevated summer sipping, a pit stop at The Hampton Social is a must!
Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment at Pointe Orlando on international Drive is offering a Summer Season Pass so families can enjoy All You Can Play activities, discounts on food and beverage items, and Bonus Game Play, perfect for those stormy afternoons here in Central Florida!
For a limited time from May 22 through September 5, the Summer Season Pass includes activities like bowling, billiards, laser tag, and more for just one price of $59.99 per person - good for as many visits as you want, all summer long!
The Summer Season Passes are available online, through the Main Event app, or on-site at the Bowl Desk.
For more information and details on Main Event's Summer Season Pass, you can visit https://www.mainevent.com.
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Hard Rock Live Orlando at Universal CityWalk is going to have you rocking all summer long with a great line up of entertainment.
Orlando’s “Coliseum of Rock” is the destination for the hottest entertainment. Step through the grand entrance to enjoy a show at this amazing venue.
July 13
Ted Nugent: Adios MOFO'23! with special guest Hillbilly Vegas
July 14
101.1 WJRR Presents Staind
July 23
Jinkx Monsoon: Everything At Stake Tour
Improv Comedy Theater
The Orlando Improv Comedy Club located at Pointe Orlando, is one of the premier live stand-up comedy clubs in Orlando. The Improv welcomes the biggest names in comedy to their stage as well as supporting our local talent here in Central Florida!
July 7 - 8
Roy Wood Jnr
July 9
Dean Napolitano
July 13
Eric D’Alessandro
July 14 - 15
Luenell
July 16
Jason Nash
July 19
Rafi Bastos
July 20
The Christi Show
July 21 - 22
Dusty Slay
July 23
Oscar Collazos
July 26
Meredith Masony - The Mental Load
July 28 - 29
Ms Pat
July 30
Pauly Shore
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Wine Club
17 July - 18 July
Come join Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant for a night of flavor-filled dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
The Wine Club, will be taking a trip to the Italian island of Capri for a three-course dinner with wine pairing. Imagine dining under a canopy of lemon groves, where you'll be treated to bright, fresh flavors and an experience that will make you feel like you're on the cliffs overlooking the blue grotto.
For more details check out Cooper's Hawk's website.
Keep checking back for all the latest from I-Drive!
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