Chill out: 8 icy places in Central Florida to conjure cool thoughts

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·4 min read

As summer heat kicks into overdrive with record-breaking temperatures across Florida and the United States as a whole, Orlando has a number of destinations that can help with cooling down.

From IceBar Orlando on International Drive to the Orlando Ice Den in Maitland, there are plenty of ways to get inside to experience cold places away from the summer heat. Here are some frigid experiences to explore in Central Florida.

Snow City

This Windermere-area eatery serves poke bowls, sushi, milk tea, smoothies and, most importantly — ice cream. Whether it’s boba tea, lunch or rolled ice cream you’re looking for, this shop has something for every palate and interest.

If you go: Snow City is open 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday at 8935 Conroy Windermere Road in Orlando. More information: snowcityfl.com

Orlando Ice Den

Ice skating seems like the sort of thing that would be reserved for wintertime in snowy northern states or Canada, but there is an indoor destination for year-round icy fun in Central Florida. Visit the RDV Ice Den in Maitland for lessons on how to skate, hockey, figure skating and public skating sessions.

If you go: RDV Ice Den is open daily at 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd. in Orlando. Hours of operation vary based on daily programming. Call 407-916-2550 or visit orlandoiceden.com for more information.

Frozen Ever After

Taking a walk “around the world” at Epcot would leave one feeling quite sweaty this time of year. Cool off with a ride on Frozen Ever After, a boat ride featuring Anna, Olaf and several other “Frozen” friends. The slow-moving boat attraction carries the possibility of getting slightly wet, which might be welcomed this time of year. At least it’s definitely air-conditioned inside, a relief even while waiting in the queue.

If you go: Check daily theme park hours for Epcot, which is located at 200 Epcot Center Drive in Lake Buena Vista. More information:disneyworld.disney.go.com

IceBar Orlando

If you’re of drinking age and want to find somewhere it’s possible to see your own breath, look no further than IceBar Orlando, a watering hole that keeps its thermostat set to a cool 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Find more than 70 tons of carved ice while sipping on cool margaritas or a “Snow Cosmo.” When heading into the cold winter wonderland, guests are equipped with thermal coats and gloves. Warm up in the adjacent Fire Lounge, which features food and flaming cocktails.

If you go: IceBar Orlando is open 5 p.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday at 8967 International Drive in Orlando. The I-Drive bar has happy hour specials five days per week and plenty of special events on the calendar. More information: icebarorlando.com

The IceHouse Theatre

Set in the rolling hills of Mount Dora, the IceHouse Theatre is set inside what was formerly home to an ice plant. While it’s probably not ice cold anymore, the theatre’s air-conditioning should keep patrons plenty cool. What’s even cooler is that through Aug. 6, “Happy Days: The Musical” has performances with Central Florida singer-actor Devin Clark starring as Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli.

Ayyy! As the Fonz from ‘Happy Days,’ Devin Clark stays cool at the IceHouse

If you go: The IceHouse Theatre kicks off its 2023-2024 season with “Happy Days: The Musical” showing through Aug. 6 at 1100 N. Unser St. in Mount Dora. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 17 and younger and $15 for students ages 18 and older. More information: icehousetheatre.com or 352-383-4616

3 more cool thoughts

  • Ice Pro is a Central Florida-based company creating custom ice sculptures for birthdays, corporate parties, holidays, weddings and more. The company also offers ice bars and craft cocktail ice. More information: iceprofl.com

  • A Frosty Fun Camp from Central Florida Community Arts invites children ages 4-7 to “let it go” and let it snow through the “magic of theatre.” The one-week summer camp is July 24-28 from 9 a.m.-noon and costs $175 per student. More information: fcarts.com

  • A “Winter Wonderland” showroom from Johannessen Lights has garland, wreaths, Christmas lights, a miniature village and more holiday merriment in the middle of summer. Eric Johannessen, whose home and family were previously featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” has turned professional holiday lighting into a year-round job. Visit the showroom’s open house with food, drinks and family activities from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13 in Winter Park. Call 407-636-3232 to RSVP. More information: orlandoholidaylights.com

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.