While it doesn’t happen often, Orlando theme parks do occasionally close early. This is often due to seasonal events like the current Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, as well as the upcoming holiday parties including Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World. While we always encourage you to book a ticket to one of these events, we understand that sometimes that’s just not on your agenda. If that’s the case there are several other activities, shows and restaurants outside of the parks to experience during the later hours of the day. Let’s take a look at your options for when Orlando theme parks close early:

CITYWALK
One of our favorite things to do when we’re close to Universal Orlando and it closes early is to head to CityWalk. Whether you are with your young kids or having some adults only time, there really is something for everybody in this entertainment district. Plus, you quite literally have to walk through CityWalk to get to your car so why not take advantage? End the night with something sweet at VooDoo Doughnuts or Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.  Catch live music and a good margarita at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Cafe. Or take the family to the Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf for a bit of fun family competition.

ORLANDO MAGIC
The Orlando Magic is heating up this season with their newest star player Paolo Banchero. What  better way to experience the rookie player than with tickets to the game after a fun day at an Orlando theme park. In addition to watching Banchero tear it up on the court, the Orlando Magic games are highly entertaining with  light and video shows, exciting halftime entertainment and interactive experiences.

DRAWN TO LIFE PRESENTED BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND DISNEY
Keep the magic of Disney going well into the evening at the newest Cirque du Soleil and Disney show, Drawn to Life. This acrobatic adventure of a show will ignite your imagination as you watch an inspirational story of a girl on a very special quest. The show’s stage is shaped to look like a massive animation table and on it characters come to life right before your eyes. Watch as acrobatics bring this story to life in a way only Cirque and Disney can do.

MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT
Whether your Orlando theme park of choice closes early or not, we always recommend a stop at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. The perfect way to end a day with your family, the popular dinner show takes guests back in time for an evening filled with knights, horseback jousting, sword fights, and a medieval meal. You’ll be fully immersed in 11th century entertainment by the end and there certainly won’t be a bored kid in the bunch.

MANGO’S LIVE DINNER SHOW
Speaking of shows, the world-famous Mango’s Live Dinner Show is a fun-filled production that transports you from Orlando to South Beach with its Latin-inspired fiesta, lively music, and of course the famous Mango’s dancers. In addition to the dancers, entertainers perform a variety of acts including: the Celia Cruz Show, Cuban Conga Show, Hip Hop Show, Merengue Show, Michael Jackson tribute Show and Salsa Show. And that’s not the end of it. Once the show ends, the venue turns into a full-on nightclub with a dance floor and everything. Now that's a way to end a shortened day at Orlando theme parks!

If your Orlando theme park happens to be closing early during your stay don’t fret! There are still plenty of ways to enjoy a fun-filled Orlando vacation. You can find these shows and experiences and more right here on Best of Orlando.