Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, might not scream gay destination holiday on first thought – but away from the I-Drive hotel zone, you will actually find one of the most vibrant and LGBT-friendly cities in America!
Vibrant communities, trendy neighborhoods and close proximity to fabulous beaches have created the perfect conditions for a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe to take hold, and today Gay Orlando has one of the most lively queer communities in the world with a distinctly Latin twist.
The legendary Parliament House, Disney Gay Day and the annual Come Out With Pride events are some of the highlights of Gay Orlando, but there is also plenty of modern dining, live music, and gay events!
Add to this the legendary theme parks and affordable travel options to get here, and you will understand why Orlando is the number one travel destination in the USA and a growing gay destination holiday location.
Orlandians stood together in the wake of the Pulse nightclub tragedy, and today the community is strong, and the region is more committed to inclusiveness and diversity than ever before. Rainbow flags and light displays still cover the city; Orlando Pride transforms the entire city, and everybody has come together, united – providing that love will always prevail.
Come discover for yourself the rich and vibrant culture of Gay Orlando – Honour the Pulse victims and help Orlando heal through the power of dance. Keep Dancing, Orlando!
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend reading our article about moving to LGBT Orlando or getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.
And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Orlando
Naturally, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Orlando during the day!
Theme parks, all-American dining, hipster suburbs, and a growing downtown – Orlando has it all except a beach, that is! Rather annoyingly, Orlando is smack-bang in the middle of Florida, meaning a decent drive is required for any beach days.
You can either join your trip to Orlando up with a few days in Miami (and its fierce gay/beach scene) or drive a few hours in any direction to a beach of your choosing. Florida is basically one big beach after all, but for a secluded LGBT-friendly beach, consider Pass-a-Grille ( 2 hours) or for wild exploration and photography, consider Blowing Rocks Preserve (2.5 hours away)
Orlando is a tolerant and progressive city, and gay travelers in this part of Florida do not need to take any precautions concerning public displays of affection.
Grab a two-day ticket to Universal Orlando and keep the ultimate theme park adventure going! Hop on world-famous rides and attractions and enjoy the thrilling experience of state-of-the-art rollercoasters. Universal is also the ultimate Harry Potter fan destination, so be sure to make stops at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Gringotts and more!
Make your dreams come true with an unlimited pass to the biggest Walt Disney World. Sure Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai, and LA are great… But nothing compares to this! Explore the exciting Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom and say goodbye to the exciting day with stunning musical fireworks show! The category is childhood nostalgia realness.
Enter the wondrous world of make-believe, where La Nouba brings the essence of magic, miracles and the extraordinary for you to enjoy.
Located at the uniquely designed theatre of Disney Springs featuring world-class sound and lighting systems, La Nouba is a show of several thrilling acts, including dazzling choreography, energetic soundtracks, interesting characters, bold acrobatic acts and more!
Enter NASA’s most important base and visit where history has taken place. A holy land for many aerospace and military technology aficionados, why not experience all the aerospace facilities here and be an astronaut for a day?
One of Florida’s oldest theaters that were transformed from a cinema to a theatre space, and now into a popular music venue. Frequently hosting the best ‘small’ acts in town, check out their line-up if you have a spare night while in Gay Orlando.
Dare to live in color as Blue Man Group brings heart-pounding percussion, comedy, live music and over-the-top theatrics to the Universal Orlando Resort! This resident show takes place in a small and intimate setting, but the show itself is larger-than-life.
Milk District
Orlando’s premier gaybourhood and cultural hub for those seeking a progressive lifestyle features live music and arts scene, diverse culinary options, creative street art, and murals – as well as a healthy dose of coffee shops, craft beer distilleries, and music venues. Great to explore by car during the day, or on foot in the evenings!
An ever-changing assortment of delicious food trucks serving everything you could possibly want: Vegan, Asian, Latin, BBQ, and Tasty Takeover have everything. The portions make it a bit tough to try all the trucks in one visit, but their convenient location at 2424-2432 E. Robinson Street between Bumby & Primrose means you will surely be coming back for more!
Lake Eola
A relaxed spot to visit in the evening, which is popular with toned, shirtless joggers and hosts epic city views. It is also the site of Orlando’s ‘Annual Come Out With Pride’ event.
Experience Orlando’s best attractions without the hassle of waiting in line to pay for your ticket. Pick from 17 available attractions and schedule where you want to go at your own pace while also enjoying discounts on other activities, shops, or dining experiences.
Spend a dazzling evening in a castle lined with artifacts, armor, and coats of arms, for dinner and a show. Marvel at the breathtaking displays of pageantry, horsemanship, and falconry in the castle prior to showtime, then cheer for your knight through a series of exciting jousting matches during this 2-hour bizarre show.
Explore the sunny city of Miami on a day tour from Orlando, take a thrilling airboat ride in Everglades park and get close to nature and animal wildlife, then enjoy the views of the homes of rich and famous and beautiful cityscapes with a Biscayne Bay Cruise. The next best thing to actually going to Miami, Key West or Fort Lauderdale!
A sustainable tourism operator based in Crystal River, which offers you the unique chance to swim with the manatees in Florida in their natural habitat. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and well worth the drive out, especially if you are also heading to Gay Tampa on the same trip…
Gay-Friendly Dining in Orlando
The dining scene in Orlando is currently said to be in its puberty, and at any given time, there is a number of new neighborhood restaurants opening up to cater to adventurous tastes, but casual restaurants and food halls – the mainstays of Orlando dining, continue to be popular.
Below are some of the more progressive, and interesting, options available – along with a few staples – which are extremely gay-friendly and not to be missed. However, you should also head over to Tasty Chops, an Orlando Food Blog with the latest developments!
A downtown Orlando institution with a Broadway Brunch, Dining with the Divas, Bingo, and many, many more LGBT orientation events. Classic American appetizers, burgers, and drinks served with a side of sass! One of the more fabulous locations for this queer burger and drag franchise, though we also loved their Denver, Vegas, and Long Beach locations.
A trendy vegan restaurant, bakery, and bar served delicious food throughout the day, complete with outdoor tables under a giant tree. A strongly inclusive atmosphere with many events, markets and some of the best doughnuts in town!
A small cafe in a quiet block served funky teas and creative sandwiches and sides – all with eclectic personalities and art. And it’s open all night on weekends!
A modern fusion joint is taking the best parts of Asian Street Fare with strong Malaysian, Chinese, Korean, Singapore, Vietnamese and Thai influences. Located in a delicious Asian food bubble, so explore nearby for amazing Vietnamese Pho or snack at the famous King Bao.
Extremely popular for its liberal brunch pours, comfort food, and quiet residential location, Maxine’s is perfect for long, leisurely meals that drag on for hours.
A more high-end wine and grill bar with live piano music to set the tone. On the edge of Lake Eola, the focus is on living well, and seasonal produce – and we have some of the best Happy Hour deals in town!
Señor Frog’s Sunday Drag Brunch
Reserve your tickets in advance; this is one of the country’s premier Drag Brunch known for bottomless drinks, hours of entertainment and past contestants of Ru Paul’s Drag Race dropping in from time to time.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
An annual Disney event held annually from August to November at Epcot. Stalls, concerts, and performances alongside food and drinks that reflect various countries – this is Disney for the adults and an atmosphere you will never forget!
Gay Events In Orlando
With Orlando being rated one of the gayest cities in America, you would be right in expecting a huge lineup of LGBTQ+ entertainment year-round!
The behemoths of Gay Orlando events are One Magical Weekend, Disney Gay Days, the International Bear Bash, and Come Out With Pride Orlando.
Of course, there are hundreds of other events in Orlando taking place annually, so be sure to check out local bars (above) Facebook pages for more information during your visit. Here are the biggest gay events in Orlando:
An annual week-long family-friendly event in June where queer people vacation together at pre-designated Disney World Parks. Although not officially sanctioned by Disney, it was attended by over 50,000 people last year, so be sure to book your hotels near Disney World well ahead of time.
The event covers each of Disney’s Parks each day (so 4 parks in 4 days Disney pass is best) and is one of the best gay vacation ideas for both the young and the young at heart!
Piggy-backing somewhat on the success of Disney Gay Days in June, but entirely without the wholesome fun, is One Magical Weekend. A three-night circuit park coinciding with Gay Days, including the biggest DJs.
Think of a private all-night party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark, all-night dance sessions and therapy pool parties by day…Why choose between events when you can do them both??
The International Bear Bash 2018
Bears, cubs, and otters descend on Orlando in September for one weekend of all-out mayhem. With a masquerade ball complete with leather, whips and uniforms, ample Happy Hours, associated events, theme parks, and the Bear Bash Cabaret, this is one event to plan your summer vacation around!
Orlando International Fringe Festival 2018
Not strictly LGBT focused but with a fully inclusive atmosphere, this 14-day annual arts festival in May is America’s biggest and oldest fringe festival. Consistently voted Orlando’s best annual event, no list of gay events in Orlando could be complete without it.
Come Out With Pride Orlando 2018
The largest LGBT event in Florida, Pride Orlando, held annually in October, brings together the LGBT community and friends to celebrate progress and diversity annually.
A week-long roster of events culminated in a festival and parade at Lake Eola; after the tragic event at Pulse Nightclub, this is truly the celebration the city needed to bring it together.
An epic once-in-a-year event in October at Universal Orlando where you can explore up to 11 haunted houses, including those inspired by horror plays Trick ‘r Treat and Stranger Things.
When the sun sets, the whole of Universal Orlando turns darker, and eviler, and will surely leave you shaking. Ok, it is not gay at all – but it is utterly fabulous and not to be missed…Seriously!
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Orlando
In Orlando, you would be hard-pressed to find a major hotel that had any issues with gay guests – but there are some hotels that prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment for their guests, which are featured here.
These gay-friendly hotel chains – and one landmark gay hotel in Orlando- are frequented by members of the LGBT community and have great reputations. Each offers something very specific, and being in Orlando, children will be common at many, so be sure to choose the right style and location to meet your needs.
Of course, there are also hundreds more hotel options in Orlando if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort ☆☆☆☆☆
Nestled in a secluded, residential setting within the Walt Disney Resort Resort, this AAA Five Diamond Resort is a lakeside haven dotted with gardens, pools and towering pillars of palms and cypress. Enjoy refined rooms and suites, treat yourself to a soothing, post-park massage, or toast the evening fireworks with dinner at the rooftop steakhouse.
The perfect blend of Four Seasons experiences and Disney offerings, including access to extra magic hours and the Disney FastPass+ up to 60 days prior to arrival. The perfect luxury home base for your next Gay Orlando adventure, magical moments guaranteed!
Loews Royal Pacific Resort ☆☆☆☆☆
A tropical oasis inside Universal Resort, the waterfalls, and landscaping – not to mention the villas – all scream luxury. If pampering and exotic retreats are your things, you have come to the right place! This is especially worth it as by staying one night; you are offered by Loews 2 days of Express Pass & Early Entry to the theme parks.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort ☆☆☆☆
An iconic on-site Disney Resort with a mono-rail stop inside the building, this resort is best for those wanting to make the most of the Magic Kingdom, complete with extra magic Happy Hours, where the parks are only open to on-site guests. Combined with award-winning dining options, amazing views, and a huge pool, this is perfect for any Disney fanatic!
Depart from the hustle and bustle found at other hotels in Orlando. Instead, step back in time to a place where the spirit of Old Florida echoes all around. Surrounded by turn-of-the-century charm, you’ll awaken your inner romantic as you explore one of the unique hotels in Orlando.
Featuring colorful rooms decorated with custom artwork, an upscale bar and grill with a terrace, a fitness center, and a day spa – You could be forgiven for just skipping the parks or gay nightlife in Orlando entirely and staying here all day (or night) long!
Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection ☆☆☆☆
You can be Queen of your own castle in this well-appointed hotel close to the theme parks on I-Drive. The stately Bavarian architecture and original artwork are sure to make you feel special – and the rooftop offers a nice retreat with a glass of bubbles.
Elegance and sophistication in Downtown Orlando, this hybrid romance, and gothic building emanates class and is sure to make a very special stay.
An oasis of stylish comfort just a short distance from Orlando’s countless attractions and parks – and an official Walt Disney Good Neighbor Hotel with roundtrip transportation to the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Enjoy family fun and relaxation at the sophisticated Meliá with elegant 1- and 2-bedroom suites, a bar with live entertainment, an outdoor walk-in pool, a hot tub and complimentary parking.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress ☆☆☆
A more family-friendly option adjacent to Disney World, there is plenty of luxury amenities here to fill your day with, so you won’t even have to go to the parks!
Drury Inn & Suites Orlando ☆☆☆
A simple hotel with wonderful staff, a central location, and low prices – many things are even within walking distance, so if you don’t have a car, this is also a good option. A free daily hot breakfast and nightly reception are provided, while guests can also lounge by the pool or burn a few calories in the fitness center.
Apartment living with all the comforts of home and a lake view. Enjoy your own space and privacy with plenty of amenities close to Disney World.
Parliament House ☆☆
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Anything goes herein, one of America’s most legendary gay resorts located just north of Downtown Orlando. With a club, bars, a swimming pool and a stellar line-up of weekly events popular with tourists and locals alike, this is the place to stay for an unforgettable party. The rooms are basic, but don’t worry – you won’t be sleeping much here!
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Orlando
Despite the rise of Grindr & Co, gay bars and gay clubs in Orlando continue to thrive in large part due to the community and culture they provide. Most places no longer cater exclusively to only LGBT patrons, and you should feel free to bring any friends or supporters along with you.
Many cater to the gaybourhood crowd (though sadly, exclusively lesbian clubs in Orlando are lacking) and are located away from the main theme park areas, and it’s not uncommon for a massive club to be found right in the middle of a middle-class suburban neighborhood.
Get a taxi/rideshare app (for international visitors, most clubs have WiFi if needed), and please don’t drink and drive – Like many gay bars, they make the drinks hard and stiff here!
Parliament House
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Everything you could possibly need in one space. An all-gay bar, club and hotel mega-complex with plenty of events and big-name shows. It might be dated and a little dirty, but with something on every night, there is a reason why everyone just keeps coming back!
Stonewall
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A laid-back neighborhood dive bar is catering to the LGBT community. A great place to grab a drink – and some great Happy Hour specials, with food, billiards and more.
A no-frills Neighbourhood cruise bar with a strong local vibe. Expect cheap drinks, a generous happy hour and a landscaped outdoor patio.
A huge multi-room club with a special girls / lesbian night every week (Making Southern Nights the closest thing to lesbian clubs in Orlando). Plenty of areas to dance, chill and mingle – South Nights will be packed on the weekend and most nights with weekday events such as their famous Drag Race competitions.
An up-scale lounge where you go to see and be seen! With hot bartenders, even hotter go-go dancers and chic decor, this is the place to go for early drinks and to stay well into the night.
The partner establishment down the road from Southern Nights, this subdued bar offers classic and creative cocktails in an industrial setting. Perfect for some pre-gaming or a quiet night out!
Gay Saunas and Bathhouses in Orlando
One place where Grindr et al have really made a difference worldwide is the closing of saunas and bathhouses. In Orlando, the bathhouse scene has been particularly hard hit and today, only Club Orlando remains – though it is one of the top bathhouses in the United States.
Extensive, clean and with a contemporary flair, it looks and feels like you are going to a high-end spa (and why not? We are not in the stone-ages anymore!). There is a large heated swimming pool on site along with an outdoor sunning area, group showers, a hot tub, gym and full steam and sauna available – not to mention modern lounge areas to relax in.
Open 24/7, and with equal distance between theme parks and the downtown, Club Orlando still remains extremely popular as the only Orlando sauna! The Club also has other locations in Columbus, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, St. Louis and Miami.
Parliament Hotel in Orlando is also another cruisy-ish spot – but you either need to rent your own room or find someone who has one…
Gay Map Of Orlando
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Orlando? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!