Boost your next meeting’s attendance at event-friendly attractions in Orlando’s convention district, including Topgolf Orlando (pictured).
Updated March 12, 2021
Well-known speakers, top-notch education and unique networking opportunities are all tried-and-true methods for growing your meeting attendance — but when it comes to filling seats, nothing beats hosting an event at Orlando’s one-of-a-kind attractions, which are joining forces with the rest of the destination to prioritize visitor health and safety. Featuring indoor go-karting, classic amusement-park fun, a chocolate factory and much more, here’s your guide to six unforgettable, meeting-friendly attractions that are close to the Orange County Convention Center and can take your next Orlando event to new levels!
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified or closed. Learn more about healthy business travel and safety information in Orlando, and check with your favorite businesses for their current status.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Given Andretti Indoor Karting & Games’ proximity to the Orange County Convention Center, you might have to keep an eye out for attendees slipping away for a quick race when they’re supposed to be in meetings or working the convention floor. Best way to keep that temptation at bay? Plan your own event at the 150,000-square-foot attraction, which offers virtual-reality thrills, arcade and prize games, an indoor ropes course, laser tag, a chef-inspired restaurant, and two full-service bars, as well as fast-paced, indoor go-karting thrills!
Andretti caters to groups of any size, too, starting with front-of-the-line access to activities. Private spaces range from VIP suites to the 4,000-square-foot Grand Room, which can be split into two separate rooms.
Event planners can also look forward to AV equipment, complimentary Wi-Fi and a national network of suppliers that can deliver anything you might need. Andretti can even help you serve a customized menu packed with fresh, delicious fare that will get your attendees fueled up and ready for more four-on-the-floor fun.
Chocolate Kingdom Factory Adventure Tour
Any chocolate-lovers in your group will want to make Chocolate Kingdom Factory Adventure Tour part of their after-hours itinerary — and hosting a meeting or event here will turn you into a veritable Willy Wonka in your attendees’ eyes. Adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center, this fully functional, micro-batch chocolate factory offers a guided tour that follows the magical evolution of simple cocoa beans into creamy, dreamy chocolate bars, with an imaginative twist: The journey is narrated by a handsome prince and his dragon sidekick!
As a result, Chocolate Kingdom can turn any event into a truly delicious experience. After visiting the Cacao Tree Greenhouse, Chocolate Museum, Micro-Batch Factory and Mystical River of Chocolate, your attendees will even have the chance to create their own customized chocolate bars.
What’s more, the venue’s Champagne Room can hold up to 100 guests in banquet setup and up to 125 in lounge setup. Need more space? Full-venue buyouts are available for up to 250 guests, including a progressive dinner and cocktail reception, interactive chocolate and wine parings, and chocolate-making activities. Other options include a Chocolate “Bar” with custom-branded chocolates, specialty tastings and handmade, chocolate champagne glasses. Yum!
Fun Spot America
If your attendees crave classic amusement-park adventures, turn them loose at Fun Spot America. Better still, host an event there!
Located off International Drive just a short drive from the Convention Center, this outdoor attraction features numerous thrill rides — including Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster — plus multi-level go-karting, a Ferris wheel, an arcade midway with more than 120 games, and other ways to play. It also boasts free admission, with most rides costing just $5-$10 each on an a la carte basis. (To save even more, opt for all-day Fun Passes.)
Larger groups can choose between a 30-person VIP room, an indoor diner with capacity for 200 people, or outdoor seating for up to 400 attendees. Or, go for a full-venue buyout with capacity for up to 4,500 guests. Other benefits for groups include unlimited rides on nearly every attraction in the park, as well as options for a souvenir cup with unlimited soda, food vouchers and pizza specials.
Gatorland
For a really wild time, take your group to Gatorland, located about 20 minutes southeast of the Convention Center. One of Orlando’s oldest attractions, the 110-acre park stays true to its name with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including the stars of Gatorland’s famous reptilian shows.
Your attendees can also look forward to Florida panthers, a petting zoo, an aviary, a breeding marsh with observation tower, and a nature walk. If they want more thrills, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line will send them soaring over hundreds of alligators, while the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure provides a hilarious, one-of-a-kind voyage aboard 12-foot-high monster vehicles.
Gatorland also caters to groups, including nighttime corporate events ranging from black tie to barbeque, team outings (day or night), or company picnics. There’s plenty of customization options, too, such as catering, park admission, behind-the-scenes tours and more, helping you create an event with bite!
Madame Tussauds Orlando
Your attendees are superstars, which means they’ll fit right in at Madame Tussauds Orlando! Just down the road from the Convention Center at ICON Park®, Orlando’s version of the world-famous wax attraction is home to hyper-realistic wax replicas of A-listers from Hollywood, music, sports and even history — not to mention Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash from DC Entertainment’s Justice League. And yes, selfies and other photos are welcome!
Madame Tussauds offers special rates for groups of 10 or more and can accommodate up to 350 guests with a full-venue buyout. The staff will roll out the red carpet as your attendees challenge sports legends, hop on stage with pop icons, gab with top talk-show hosts, or even help legendary superheroes save the world.
ICON Park has plenty of other unforgettable attractions to choose from, including The Wheel (a 400-foot-tall observation wheel), SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and more. Throw in stellar dining options — including Blake Shelton’s all-new Ole Red — and it’s easy for groups to spend an entire day exploring everything this vibrant retail, dining and entertainment hub has to offer.
Topgolf Orlando
Whether your attendees love golf, hate it or have never even played the game, they’ll have a blast at Topgolf Orlando. Just a short walk from the Orange County Convention Center, this attraction’s unique take on golf uses a scoring system that’s similar to darts, with players enjoying the comfort of climate-controlled driving bays that are a lot like bowling lanes. No trudging along the greens here!
Each bay comes equipped with an HDTV so players can follow sports, news or just about anything else they want to watch while they play. The venue also boasts a full-service bar and a restaurant with a chef-driven menu, and all food and beverages are available for order from the comfort of the bays.
Topgolf can host small groups (7 to 12 players), larger groups (13 or more players), or even full-scale company events. Private spaces include the 999-square-foot Chairman’s Suite (70 guests), 1,076-foot Lower Lounge (90 guests), 2,695-square-foot Rooftop Terrace (178 guests), 3,000-square-foot Signature Room (250 guests), and full-venue buyouts (up to 1,000 guests). Extras include AV equipment, all-inclusive packages and custom menus, plus a dedicated staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. Fore!
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