Lights, Camera, Adventure: What’s Near Madame Tussauds Orlando

After the selfies, keep the good times rolling with these top spots just steps from Madame Tussauds.

Man at Madame Tussauds Orlando posing with a wax figure

You’ve brushed shoulders with wax royalty, superstar musicians, and your favorite Hollywood icons at Madame Tussauds Orlando—now what? Good news: the excitement doesn’t end at the exit. Orlando’s International Drive is bursting with vibrant attractions, delicious bites, and surprising sights, all within an easy stroll or quick ride from one another. Whether you’re traveling with friends, wrangling kids, or just hunting for that next memory-making stop, the neighborhood around Madame Tussauds packs something special for every kind of explorer. Ready to keep the star-studded adventure rolling? Check out our handpicked favorites just next door! 

Our favorite things to do near Madame Tussauds include: 

  • SEA LIFE Aquarium 
  • The Orlando Eye 
  • Museum of Illusions 
  • WonderWorks 
  • Fun Spot America 
  • The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show 
  • ICON Park (free to enter) 
  • Sugar Factory Orlando 
  • Kings Dining & Entertainment 

SEA LIFE Aquarium 

Just steps from Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium invites you to swap star-spotting for sea creature spotting. The highlight? A mesmerizing 360° ocean tunnel, where sharks, turtles, and rays glide gracefully above your head!  

Colorful coral displays and interactive touch pools keep the little ones entertained, while clever educational exhibits mean you’ll walk out with some fun, fishy facts ready to impress at dinner. The vibe inside is calming but never boring, thanks to regular dive shows and playful feeding times. It truly feels like an underwater escape in the middle of lively I-Drive, and it’s just the right size for an hour or two of easygoing wonder. 

The Orlando Eye 

No, you can’t spot actual celebrities—unless you count the stunning views! The Orlando Eye is unmissable on the skyline, and its slow, gentle 400-foot rotation gives you panoramic vistas of Orlando’s theme parks, lakes, and city life below. The air-conditioned pods provide comfort and a touch of luxury, perfect for gathering your thoughts (and snapping the best vacation selfies). Time your ride for sunset and see Orlando transform with golden hues and city lights. There’s something refreshingly peaceful about floating above the crowd after the buzz of Madame Tussauds. 

Museum of Illusions 

Looking to boggle your mind and your camera reel? Museum of Illusions, right around the corner from Madame Tussauds, is your destination for mind-bending fun. Walk on walls, shrink in a chair, and puzzle over rooms where nothing is quite as it seems. Each exhibit invites hands-on play, making it a hit with kids, teens, and adults who’ve never grown up. The best part? The friendly staff know exactly how to help you find the wildest photo angles, so you’ll walk away with laugh-out-loud memories and some seriously unique mementos. 

Wonderworks

Wonderworks building

WonderWorks is impossible to miss (it’s the upside-down building!). Step inside for more than 100 interactive exhibits—think hurricane simulators, laser tag, and a ropes course that zigzags overhead. Whether training to be a backyard scientist or just burning off some energy, WonderWorks is a playground for curious souls. The vibe is energetic, playful, and endlessly hands-on. Little ones light up at the imagination lab, while grown-ups can challenge each other to a mind game or two—or just marvel at all the quirky oddities. 

Fun Spot America 

If you’re ready for high-speed thrills, Fun Spot America delivers classic amusement park vibes with zero pretense. Go-karts, bumper cars, a wooden roller coaster, and classic midway games set the scene for all-ages fun. There’s a nostalgic charm here: think carnival snacks, twinkle lights, and a lively (but never overwhelming) energy. With pay-as-you-go ride options and plenty to do, it’s the perfect spot for families debating where to burn off extra vacation excitement. 

The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show 

What’s better than a comedy show you can eat? The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show, tucked inside WonderWorks, serves up pizza, laughs, and amazement in one neat package. It’s part interactive magic act, part comedy routine, and part all-you-can-eat feast (pizza, salad, popcorn, and dessert included, plus unlimited wine and beer for adults). Audience participation is highly encouraged, and no two shows are the same. The cozy setting means everyone gets a great view, and you’ll leave with a grin—and maybe a card trick or two to try at home. 

ICON Park

The Orlando eye at ICON Park

You’ve already experienced some of ICON Park’s all-star attractions, but don’t miss the free entertainment sprinkled throughout. The open-air plaza is always buzzing with live music, unique art sculptures, and pop-up performers. Grab a table at one of the outdoor patios—Sloppy Joe’s for loaded nachos or Yard House for craft beers—and watch the world go by. There are carousel rides for the kids and a sprawling green space for spontaneous cartwheeling or just chilling in the Florida sunshine. Swing by after sunset to see the whole park light up in a festival of colors. 

Sugar Factory Orlando 

Sweet tooth alert! Sugar Factory Orlando is famous for desserts that are as much fun to photograph as they are to eat. From rainbow sliders to massive candy goblets that bubble, fizz, and sparkle, every treat feels over-the-top and unforgettable. The pièce de résistance is the Insane Milkshake, piled high with a whole slice of cake, clouds of whipped cream, and enough candy to satisfy any sugar craving. 

The experience goes beyond the menu: neon lights, glittering décor, and playful touches make every moment feel like a mini celebration. Energetic, welcoming staff keep the vibe lively, and the on-site shop offers everything from colorful candies to whimsical souvenirs. Whether you’re indulging solo, with friends, or as a family, Sugar Factory Orlando is a feast for the eyes, the taste buds, and the perfect dose of pure, sweet fun. 

Kings Dining & Entertainment 

Bowling just got a major glow-up at Kings Dining & Entertainment, a retro-chic hotspot just up the street from Madame Tussauds. With plush lanes, inventive cocktails, and a stacked gastropub menu, it’s the go-to destination for groups who want to mix fun with flavor. Snack on Buffalo Chicken Wontons or a craft burger between frames—or unwind in the billiards lounge if your bowling game is “a work in progress.” As night falls, the energy ramps up with a buzzing crowd and killer playlists, keeping the good vibes rolling long after dinner. 

So there you have it—your Madame Tussauds experience is just the start of a day packed with laughter, jaw-droppers, and plenty of “only-in-Orlando” moments. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, sweet treats, or mind-bending mysteries, the neighborhood’s ready for your next adventure! 

Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Museums in Orlando or Relaxing Things to Do in Orlando 

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Orlando's Hidden Gems
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Orlando's Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path

Heading to a new city on vacation and seeing all experiencing all the top attractions is all well and good, but sometimes, you want to head off the beaten path and check out an area's hidden gems. Not only will you have smaller crowds and shorter queues, but it also gives you bragging rights when discussing said vacation with friends and family. That's why we're here to help. Check out our picks of Orlando's hidden gems, and get ready to blow people away. Including: Boggy Creek Airboat Tour Congo River Adventure Golf Gatorland Lion Country Safari and more! Boggy Creek Airboat Tour Orlando is known for many things; giant seaside properties, massive theme parks, and much more. But what Orlando also boasts is swamp land, and a lot of it. So, if you're in the city and want to see the side of it untouched by people, why not take an airboat tour of Orlando's swamps? With your expert pilot/guide in tow, you'll dash across murky waters in one of the most desolate places in America. Keep a camera or phone on hand because you'll need to take photos of alligators, turtles, birds, and many more species that call the swamp home. But let's be honest; the 'gators are the star of the show. If you want to almost guarantee you'll see them, you best take one of the earlier tours, because the best times to see them are before 10AM. Sure, that's an early start for a vacation, but it's worth it. Then when your tour ends, head to the gift shop for some 'gator-themed souvenirs. Congo River Adventure Golf There are many small joys in life. And while plugging a USB cable in the right way first-time is unarguably top of that list, right beneath it is mini golf. Nothing quite beats putting balls in holes without the pressure of impressing wealthy people. But have you ever mini-golfed in the Congo? No, of course not. Well, at Congo River Adventure Golf, you absolutely will. Featuring a full course of 18 challenging yet fun holes to overcome, you and some buddies will slowly work your way to the end, all the while surrounded by waterfalls, caves, and sneaky gorillas watching from behind rainforest. And, because it's in Orlando, you can also pet alligators, because of course you can. Congo River Adventure Golf is arguably one of Orlando's hidden gems, but it's absolutely worth a visit for a fun-filled afternoon. Gatorland What were we just saying about Orlando and alligators? While often overshadowed by the likes of Kennedy Space Center, SEALIFE, and a certain rodent-faced theme park, Gatorland may not be considered one of Orlando's hidden gems by locals or alligator enthusiasts. But for the rest of us, it probably is, and it more than earns its place on our list. For more than 50 years, Gatorland has brought the joy of alligators to the masses. And what joy is that, you ask? Well, you can watch a 'gator feeding frenzy at the Gator Jumparoo Show, watch death-defying shows of bravery at Alligators: Legends of the Swamp, and even pet some of the less-toothy animals at a petting zoo. There's plenty more to enjoy here, but you'll have to head there yourself to see it all. Lion Country Safari Orlando - and Florida in general - clearly has a love for wild and dangerous creatures. It must be from growing up so close to all them alligators. But the Lion Country Safari is 'gator-free, so if you're looking to see some exotic wildlife in their unnatural habitat - yes, including lions - then head on down for a rip-roaring time! You'll see giraffes, zebra, rhinos, and wildebeests all wandering around, doing what they do. And those are just some of the many wonderful beasts you'll encounter on your trip. Some will even come right up to your jeep, so prepare to snap some close-ups! And best of all, many people don't even know Orlando has a safari park, not only making it one of the city's hidden gems, but ensuring you won't have to queue for hours to see it all. Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour We're going back to the water for our next pic of Orlando's hidden gems, but we're getting a bit more up close and personal now. Sure, you can look beneath your feet on this Glass Bottom Boat tour, but why not take the plunge and go snorkeling instead? Hop aboard a 45-foot, fully-outfitted catamaran as you make your way to the not-so-famous Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges, where your ship will drop anchor and give you a chance to meet some sea life up close. Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and a range of colorful fish as they swim all around you. Whether you're a snorkeling pro or a complete newbie, you're more than welcome to put some kit on and get in the water, so don't let a lack of experience stop you! Just make sure you bring your camera, and preferably a waterproof one! Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Cruise And finally, we'll end our exploration of Orlando's hidden gems by exploring the world of those who can afford plenty of them. Yes, we're entering the world of the rich and famous, seeing where the money lives, and feeling deeply envious about the whole endeavor. Take this Millionaire's Row sightseeing cruise, and you'll board a luxury yacht to go and see luxury houses. You'll pass by Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, Millionaire's Row, and much more, and your multi-lingual guide will be on hand to tell you what you're looking at. No matter rain or shine, you'll be well-served thanks to a fully air-conditioned viewing platform below deck, snacks and drinks to tuck into, and, of course, plenty of rich people's houses to photograph. And those are our picks of Orlando's hidden gems! Of course, there's plenty more to Orlando than the lesser-known attractions. So, if you want to see all of the city's best bits for one low price, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you're in complete control.
Dom Bewley

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