One‑Day Orlando Friends Blast — Food, Games & Nightlife
A fun, vibrant day in Orlando built for a group of friends: local brunch, a lively food hall and market, an outdoor lakeside romp, active games at Topgolf, a shareable dinner with rum cocktails, then a buzzing downtown bar crawl. Pace is social and flexible, with group-friendly venues and options to split costs.
Highlights
- Brunch at a beloved local bakery (Se7en Bites)
- Shop and sample at East End Market — local vendors
- Stroll and swan-boat on Lake Eola for skyline photos
- Group-friendly competition at Topgolf
- Shareable dinner and rum cocktails at Cuba Libre
- Bar crawl through Wall Street Plaza's lively downtown scene
Itinerary
Day 1
A balanced day for a lively friend group — food, local culture, an active game session, and energetic nightlife. Spring in Orlando means comfortable daytime temperatures and long evenings to enjoy outdoor spots and bars.
Brunch at Se7en Bites — Southern comfort & pastries
Kick off with hearty Southern-inspired brunch and famous pastries at a local favorite. Order a few shareable plates (biscuits, quiche, rotating savory pies) so everyone samples.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (10:00 opening) to avoid the line — groups of 4+ should split into the ordering line but plan to eat together at nearby communal tables.
- Share plates to keep costs down and try the signature biscuits & gravy plus a rotating pastry — great for group photos.
- Street parking and nearby lots fill fast; rideshare or parking in the lot behind the shop works best for groups.
Transfer: Drive to East End Market (Audubon Park)
Short drive across neighborhoods to a local food hall and artisan market — good for grazing and shopping.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect ~15–25 minute drive depending on traffic; carpool or order a rideshare to avoid parking juggling.
- If you have a designated driver, there's usually short-term curb space for quick drop-offs near the entrance.
- Save vendor names you want (coffee, bakeries, specialty shops) so the group can split and reconvene easily.
Explore East End Market — local vendors & tasting
Wander stalls, taste small bites, and pick up local goods — perfect for a group to graze and share.
Tips from local experts:
- Split up into pairs to sample different vendors (coffee, empanadas, ice cream) then regroup to trade bites — great group energy.
- Bring small bills for cash-only vendors and check vendor opening times (some close midday).
- Look out for rotating pop-ups and live music in the courtyard on spring weekends — it's ideal for a lively group vibe.
Transfer: Head downtown to Lake Eola Park
Quick drive to the lake for an easy outdoor break and iconic Orlando skyline shots.
Tips from local experts:
- Street parking and public lots are available; for groups, drop someone off to grab a nearby lot while others stroll.
- Spring afternoons are mild — bring a light layer as breezes on the lake can feel cooler after walking.
- Plan a meetup point by the fountain sculpture (great photo background) so the group can split and reunite easily.
Lake Eola Park stroll & swan-boat (outdoor playful activity)
Stroll the lake, snap skyline photos, and hop on a swan boat for a playful group experience (seasonal availability in spring).
Tips from local experts:
- Swan boats seat small groups — grab one early (first-come) or ask at the rental kiosk about larger boat availability.
- Bring sunscreen and a water bottle — March sun is pleasant but still strong during midday.
- Best photo ops: in front of the Walt Disney fountain and from the bridge on the north side — scout a 10-minute window for group shots.
Transfer: Drive to Topgolf Orlando for group games
Head to a lively Topgolf venue for playful competition — bays fit groups of 4–6 and are great for split costs.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect 20–30 minutes driving from downtown depending on traffic; reserve a bay ahead of time for your group's size.
- Topgolf bays are billed by the hour—split the bay cost evenly in the group app or cash to keep things simple.
- Wear comfy shoes and bring a light jacket for cooler spring evenings if you plan to stay after sunset.
Topgolf — bays, games & friendly competition
Play interactive golf games, compete for high scores, and enjoy food/drinks delivered to your bay — a perfect active & social stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a bay for at least 60–90 minutes for maximum fun; rotate groups for mini-tournaments and split tabs on food/drinks.
- Order sharable snacks and pitchers for the group rather than individual meals to save money and keep the energy social.
- Use the Topgolf app to track scores and challenge friends — lightweight competition keeps the vibe lively.
Transfer: Head back toward I‑Drive/ICON Park for dinner
Short drive to the dining and entertainment district — easy transition from games to cocktails.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow buffer time after Topgolf for freshening up — plan 20–30 minutes transit and quick touch-ups.
- If you're splitting rides, pick one pickup spot near the ICON Park drop-off area to avoid circling.
- Check your dinner reservation time and notify the restaurant if you're slightly delayed from gameplay.
Dinner at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar — shareable Latin plates
Energetic, group-friendly dinner with large plates and cocktails. Great for sharing and lively conversations — ask about rum flights for the table.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6+ in advance and ask for a larger communal table — tapas-style ordering works best for groups.
- Try a rum flight or share a pitcher of a signature cocktail to keep orders simple and costs split-friendly.
- Check for live music or salsa nights (often in the spring) and request a table near the action if you want a louder, high-energy vibe.
Transfer: Short drive to Wall Street Plaza (downtown bar area)
Move to downtown Orlando's concentrated bar scene — perfect for a friendly bar crawl with many options in one block.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 15–25 minute drive from ICON Park; rideshare is easiest for groups to avoid parking hassles downtown.
- Check event calendars—weekends can have cover charges; arriving early (before 9pm) helps avoid lines.
- Pick a meeting point (e.g., the plaza's center) so people who need a smoke or a phone call can rejoin quickly.
Wall Street Plaza bar crawl — downtown nightlife & live music
Explore multiple bars in one compact area: live music, patios, and places that welcome energetic groups. Rotate stops to keep the night lively.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at one bar for an hour, then hop to another to avoid long lines and keep the group moving — many bars allow re-entry in the plaza.
- Bring a small cash stash for cover charges; split rounds and rotate bartenders to simplify tabs for groups.
- If you want live local bands, check The Social's calendar earlier in the week and consider ending there; otherwise pick bars with outdoor patios for larger groups.
Optional late-night: Extend to The Social (live music) or nearby clubs
If the group's still vibing, head to a dedicated live-music venue or club to close the night (check local listings for showtimes).
Tips from local experts:
- Check The Social (downtown) or nearby venues' schedules earlier in the day — tickets may sell out for popular acts.
- For groups, call ahead to ask about guest lists or table options to skip long entry lines.
- Plan your rideshare pickup spot in advance — downtown can get busy late at night, so pin an easy-to-find corner.
