Magical Midway on International Drive

The Magical Midway on Orlando’s International Drive is a bit like bringing the Jersey Shore to Central Florida. With two elevated go-kart tracks, a fast track, carousel, bumper cars, indoor arcade and a bungee jump thrill ride that can be seen all up and down I-Drive, the Magical Midway is a popular evening attraction for families who want to hang out near their hotel after a full day at the Orlando theme parks.

Located just two blocks south of Wet ‘n Wild, the Magical Midway opens at 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. By dinnertime, the I-Drive crowds start trickling in, giving Magical Midway a carnival-like atmosphere once the sun goes down. For the popular go-kart rides, guests have to be at least 58 inches tall and 12 years old to drive, 36 inches tall and 5 years of age to be passengers.

The two most prominently displayed rides are the Star Flyer and Sling Shot, which tends to elicit a lot of “I could never do that” responses from the ground level. The Star Flyer reaches heights of over 230ft in the air at 54 mph and is the only tower ride of its kind in the United States. The Sling Shot, in which a single car is shot up into the air in the equivalent of a giant bungee cord.

Admission and parking at the Magical Midway is free. Ride tickets can be purchased separately or guests can buy a 3 hour armband with access to all go-karts and midway rides (except the Sling Shot ride) for $25.