Top Graduation Party Venues Across Orlando for the Perfect Celebration
“As we go on, we remember all the times we had together”. That Vitamin C song about Graduation was the song of the year when I graduated high school in 2005. The song even now stirs up some emotions, because it was such an emotional time. Graduation marks the end of an era, the start of a new path, and deserves to be celebrated in style.
We had a beautiful dinner for my graduation, something small with just my brother and parents, but I know many people go all out – big parties and events, grandparents come to town, uncles, cousins, and anyone within reach.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
That’s why we’ve rounded up some great options for families who want to do something special for their graduates this year – big or small. Be sure to book early for larger parties!
For Intimate Family Gatherings
There’s something about Italian food that both seems elegant, and approachable at the same time, making it perfect for a family event. Here’s a few wonderful spots around town that can accommodate a crowd.
Maria & Enzo’s at Disney Springs
Disney Springs
An elegant and cavernous space designed to look like an airline terminal a la Casablanca or Venizia, this 1930s era restaurant matches nostalgia with the magic of Disney. The menu is varied, but focuses on Sicilian inspired “red food” as I like to call it. A good “red food” joint is the ticket to exceptional trattoria-style dining, and Maria and Enzo’s doesn’t disappoint.
Treat your guests to a plated dinner (up to 60 people) in a private dining space, or have a blowout reception-style event with buffets and passed appetizers for groups up to 350. This grad is going to celebrate in style!
Enzo’s Hideaway
Disney Springs
If something can top the standout menu at Enzo’s, it’s the allure of its speakeasy style surrounds. Located in the underbelly of Maria and Enzo’s, this intimate restaurant takes diners on a journey through prohibition-era digs with their creative cocktails and from-the-homeland Roman-style dishes. Enter through a rum runner’s tunnel and gather the family for an Italian feast to talk about.
The intimate dining room can seat up to 60 guests, or they also offer reception-style events with buffets and passed appetizers for up to 250 guests.
Buca di Beppo
Locations in Maitland and Florida Mall
This classic affordable chain restaurant has quirky decor and themed dining rooms like “The Pope’s Table”, where smaller family gatherings can sit down to a round table fit for the holy man himself. Even more intimate dinners can be arranged in the kitchen at the chef’s table, good for a first glance look at all the dishes coming out the kitchen door, making for a very memorable experience.
The large family style plates serve many hungry patrons and family will enjoy finishing the celebration with their giant martini glass brownie sundae.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
8717 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
For one more Italian favorite, check out this funky and hip Italian restaurant on I-Drive with its many private spaces for events. From seated dinners to pizza stations and cocktail receptions, this chic spot is as youthful as your grad, with colorful charm and excellent Italian cuisine.
Click here for more private dining rooms and special occasion restaurants that can seat a crowd around Orlando.
For Celebrations with Out of Town Guests
When guests come in from out of town, it’s appropriate to amp things up a bit and show them how we like to do things in Orlando. These dinner and event venues are sure to please with their larger than life themed surroundings, impeccable service, and outstanding menus.
The Edison
Disney Springs
Another fabulous venue to transport your guests through time is The Edison in Disney Springs. Besides having a great cocktail list and delicious meals, their entertainment is on point, establishing itself as a true gem within the land of the mouse.
This place has the real deal singers crooning on the main stage, flapper dresses and all, and they are GOOD. If a night of dancing and Industrial 1920s decor are what you’re in for for your grad, then look no further.
Small groups of 15-40 can enjoy a seated dinner in the main dining room, or plan a full reception style event with buffets, passed appetizers and more for up to 500 guests.
Canvas
13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL 32827
This Lake Nona gem offers up nine individual spaces for group dining, from the restaurant or bar, to the dockside lakefront areas, and around artful spaces on their property. With a number of options for group sizes and hip Southern cuisine, this is a great spot to show out of towners that Southern hospitality in a big way.
Morimoto Asia
Disney Springs
Good luck getting a reservation here last minute – this place is popular, and for good reason! Book your party in advance to enjoy the traditional pan-Asian dishes of Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto in the chic restaurant’s massive lounge and dining venue.
There’s a sushi bar and lounge, a glass-enclosed kitchen, and space for up to 500 people in a crazy huge reception style event. Seat smaller parties of 36 in private dining rooms, or up to 50 in the main dining room.
For The Big Shebang Party for Your Grad
Stadium Club at Caribe Royale Orlando
Caribe Royale, Orlando
For your sports loving grad, there’s no greater venue to host your guests than the Stadium Club at Caribe Royale. Their high-tech and immersive sports experiences add fun to the dinner event for your celebration. Great for all ages, check out eight pro-level sports simulators and pat yourself on the back for a job well done raising those kids at the exclusive SkyBox experience, which includes its own private sports simulator.
Accommodate up to 32 people in the SkyBox, or look into other options accommodating up to 500 throughout the venue space.
The Grove at Caribe Royale Orlando
Caribe Royale Orlando
This 19,000 square foot lawn and green space the the Caribe Royale Orlando is merely a canvas for whatever event you dream up. Work with their team to design the graduation celebration that people will be talking about all season. They can accommodate all sizes of groups from small get togethers to over the top extravaganzas. The sky’s the limit!
The Wharf at Sunset Walk
Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3274 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
This cool and casual space takes your typical Sunday seafood luncheon up a few notches for a great graduation event with their performance-ready stage and event opportunities for something with a real bang. Get the crowd excited with live music, or run a projector show of your kid’s accomplishments over the years. Work with the event specialists to dream up something to fit your persona, and don’t forget to pair up the food and bar packages!
Contact the sales team at 407-954-7291 to learn more.
For the Last Minute Grad Party
Oops, party planning isn’t quite your forte but you’ve got people to entertain and they want to dress up. So now what? Here’s a few more ideas for walk-in or by reservation events.
The Acre Orlando
4421 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
An outdoor wedding venue turned public play space for all ages. Twinkle lights, craft cocktails and flatbreads, and numerous alcoves for private family fun await. No reservation necessary, just walk in and create your own evening of fun.
Bulla Gastrobar
110 S Orlando Ave #7, Winter Park, FL 32789
My family favorite, they have a wonderful happy hour and private rooms available for larger or small parties. Enjoy paella, small plates, and some of the most authentic Spanish tapas outside Spain (and I have a holiday home there, so I know!). You can find their party offerings like dinner menus and cocktail receptions on their website.
Reyes Mezcaleria
821 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
This hip Mexican cantina has areas for large parties and the chic decor practically demands a gussied up outfit. Enjoy familiar Mexican cuisine, amped up to Mexico City authenticity.
