Evening one
Monday 16 NovemberAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
- EveningDinner show
- EatICON Park restaurants
IAAPA Expo 2026: what to do in Orlando after hours
16 to 20 November 2026 · ExpectedOrlando, United States
IAAPA Expo keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Orlando.
Know before you go
- The theme park industry's show: parks often run attendee nights.
Airport to Orange County Convention Center
Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami.
International Drive; I-Ride trolleys.
Public transport directions to Orange County Convention Center
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kissimmee | Cheaper hotels and vacation homes. |
| Mid-range | International Drive | Restaurants and shuttles to the parks. |
| Splurge | Disney and Universal resort hotels | Early park entry. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Orlando near Universal
- Mid-range: Universal's Endless Summer Resort
- Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual show week schedule for 16 to 20 November 2026. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Tuesday 17 NovemberTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatDisney Springs
- After darkDisney Springs and CityWalk.
Companion day
Tuesday 17 NovemberFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Full dayMagic Kingdom ticket
The day after the show
Saturday 21 NovemberPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-dayAirboat ride with alligators
- EatEast End Market
- FreeDisney Springs and Universal CityWalk.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
Family-friendly picks
- Theme parks.
- SEA LIFE and ICON Park.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Disney Springs and CityWalk.
7 tours worth booking for IAAPA Expo
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Airboat ride with alligators | Half day | Families |
| Springs kayak tour | Half day | Families |
| Gatorland | Half day | Families |
| Magic Kingdom ticket | Full day | Families |
| Universal Epic Universe | Full day | Families |
| Kennedy Space Center | Full day | Families, Bad weather |
| Dinner show | Evening | Families, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Orlando Science Center.
- Crayola Experience.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car or rideshare outside Disney's own buses. ESPN Wide World of Sports is inside Disney property.
Day trips from Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center: 1 hour
- Daytona Beach: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for IAAPA Expo.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is IAAPA Expo 2026?
The next edition is 16 to 20 November 2026, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Orange County Convention Center?
Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami. International Drive; I-Ride trolleys.
Where should I stay for IAAPA Expo?
For most visitors the best base is International Drive: Restaurants and shuttles to the parks.
What can we do between sessions at IAAPA Expo?
Good short outings in Orlando include Airboat ride with alligators, Springs kayak tour, Gatorland. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near IAAPA Expo?
Family-friendly picks: Magic Kingdom ticket, Universal Epic Universe, Kennedy Space Center. Theme parks.
How far is Orange County Convention Center from Orlando centre?
About 15 km in a straight line. International Drive; I-Ride trolleys.
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