Have you been wondering where the best mini golf in Orlando is? If you are looking for fun while on vacation, the mini golf courses are the perfect stop. Orlando has several themed mini golf courses for the whole family. There is no greater way to spend a sunny Florida day then putting around on some fun courses.
The best mini golf in Orlando for fun, challenge, atmosphere and entertainment are:
- Pirate’s Cove (2 locations)
- Hollywood Drive-In Golf
- Putting Edge
- Congo River Golf (2 locations)
- Gator Golf and Adventure Park
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
- Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
- Lost Caverns Adventure Golf
- Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf
Mini golf is a great way to get out of the hotel. It is fun and with the different themed options, you will be entertained too. Mini golf is perfect for family fun or date night. There are so many courses to choose from. You may not have time to sort through all the courses in the city. Thankfully, this guide will help you find the best 11 mini-golf courses in Orlando.
Orlando is a big city and there is so much to do. Some spontaneity is great, but it helps to plan too. When it comes to planning a mini golf trip, knowing where to go ahead of time saves time.
This guide takes the top 11 spots to go play to narrow down your search. Depending on your location and preference, this guide will get you in the right direction.
Table of Contents
11 Best Mini Golf In Orlando
1 & 2. Pirate’s Cove
Two locations: International Drive and Lake Buena Vista
Pirate’s Cove is also known as the Original Adventure Golf happens to be the largest chain in Orlando. The theme is pirates but not fictitious stories like other courses offer. The scenery and adventure is straight from real pirate history. It doesn’t get any better than learning while you play.
At Pirate’s Cove you get 36-holes spread out across two courses. Recently renovated, the course is fresh and full of family fun. Choose between several challenges. Captain’s Course or Blackbeard’s Challenge.
Or opt for the 36-hole Adventure, a 18th century themed course with Buccaneer-based thrills and excitement. Bring your shipmates aboard for this swash-buckling adventure.
The two courses are located near the theme parks. One in Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World and on International Drive near Universal Orlando. There are a few unique characteristics to each course. The one on International is the only spot to play on a real pirate ship. Coming here for that photo opportunity is worth it, but you get a ton of fun too.
If you have trouble deciding on which course to try once you arrive it is best to start with the easier one. Captain’s Course is recommended as the easier course although both are not really hard.
Each course offers a variety of holes all with their own degree of difficulty. Everyone in your group will get a challenge regardless of which course you choose. So, pick whatever seems fun, or try and complete both.
The setting of these courses sets them apart from the rest. The property is clean, and the grounds show no signs of wear and tear. Skeletons, treasures, and scoundrels are woven all throughout the place.
It is a real pirate paradise. The grounds are also full of lush greenery, waterfalls, and colorful gardens. The lighting remains great in the evening hours, so you never miss a stroke.
3. Hollywood Drive-In Golf
Location: Universal City Walk, at Universal Orlando Resort
Choose from one of two 18-hole courses full of pop culture straight from the 1950s. Enjoy classic horror on The Haunting of Ghostly Greens course or visit the realm of sci-fi on Invaders From Planet Putt. Whether you choose one or tackle both, you get fun and adventure as well as special effects.
Not only are you close to City Walk and Universal, but the theme sets this course apart from the rest. Retro decor styled as a drive-in theater, brings Hollywood right to you.
Encounter little green men and giant robots or cross carefully through cemeteries and enter a mad scientist’s lab. Bold colors, great lighting effects, and photos at night make this a one-of-a-kind experience. Keep track and share your scores easily with the Score Card app.
My Related Universal Articles:
- Best Places To Eat At Universal Studios Orlando
- Best Onsite Hotel Universal Studios Orlando
- Is The Universal Express Pass Worth It
4. Putting Edge
Location: Artegon Marketplace
When the weather is not co-operating, Putting Edge is the indoor golf place for you. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf at its finest. Enjoy this 18-hole course and a small arcade. Play classic games like air hockey and the claw machine, and fight dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. Snacks and slush puppies are also available in the lobby.
Putting edge is a smaller establishment but pricing is affordable. It works well in a pinch when you need to play indoors. You can save money if you also visit the Cinemark theater next door. A ticket from there will save you $2. You can also make reservations on their website. That way there is no wait to play. Just show up and off you go.
Due to size constraints (being indoor) this course is not considered as challenging as others. However, the glow-in-the-dark decor and underwater theme provide a unique experience.
There are also six Specialty Holes to try that offer fun challenges like using the opposite end of your club to hit with. These holes make for some fun family laughs and a great time.
5 & 6. Congo River Golf
2 locations: International Drive and Altamonte Springs
More than a game, this is an adventure. Themed like the rainforest, Congo River courses are well-known in Florida. While others with this theme have popped up, these are the originals. The first to offer live alligator feeding as part of the adventure. You also get to take part in a scavenger hunt and follow the steps of the brave explorer Stanley Livingstone.
Find Congo Spinners at certain holes which will add to your play. Some will add another obstacle to try or you might have to hit the ball with your foot instead of a putter. You can even take a break and shoot some hoops if you want.
There is a lot to do here beyond playing mini golf. After basketball, stop at the arcade for some fun games, or go mining for gems. There is an adventure for all age groups. Don’t forget the Score Card app which makes keeping score easy and fun to share on social media.
7. Gator Golf and Adventure Park
Location: International Drive
18 holes of miniature golf winding around Gator Lagoon. This is not a lagoon for show either. It is filled with over 200 live gators. This golf course is very wild as you can be sure to see other animals too. To top it off, enjoy gator wrestling and daily feedings. When you are looking for some miniature golf with a wild twist, this is the place to be.
The decor is straightforward but offers a fun swamp-theme. Despite being a smaller course, the activities going on are not something you can see anywhere else. The course is well-spread out so even during busy times you are not crowded with other groups.
Kids love the gator shows and feedings, and there is nothing like seeing a gator stroll by as you putt a hole-in-one. Bonus fact for the kids, is that gator facts are everywhere, so they learn while you play.
8. Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
Location: Walt Disney World Resort
As part of the Disney Resort, this amazing mini golf course often gets overlooked. The two 18-hole courses are a great way to spend a day outside of the park. The easier Fantasia course is set with images straight from the classic Fantasia movie. While the more challenging Fairways course challenges you with sand traps and water hazards.
The Fantasia based play sparks nostalgia and provides great photo opportunities. Some interactive play is also around such as the brooms that come to life to help Mickey.
Musical notes can be heard as they are activated by balls rolling past certain spots. Beware of water sprays on the last hole as your ball spirals under the wizard. For a scaled down day of Disney, this is the place to play.
My Related Disney Articles:
- What To Pack For Disney World In Summer
- How To Pack For Disney World In March
- What Clothes To Pack For Disney World In December
- What Should I Pack For Disney World In January
9. Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
Location: Blizzard Beach Drive, off West Buena Vista Drive
Two seasonal themed mini-golf courses are here for you to enjoy. The Winter course is where Santa goes during his time off. The Summer course is decorated with surfboards, sunshine, and a melting snowman.
This is not Disney’s only mini golf course, but it’s unique themes are always a hit. Immerse yourself in the seasons the Disney way. Each camp has been established by the elves for you to putt-putt your way to fun. Experience all 36 holes for a wonderful seasonal adventure. Grab a photo with Santa’s sleigh before you go.
My Related Disney Articles:
- 3 Ways To Avoid The Cost For Parking At Disney
- How To Plan A Disney Vacation With Autistic Child
- Can You Bring A GoPro Into Disney World
- Should I Take The Disney Monorail or Ferry
- 7 Tips You Must Know About Child Swap At Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens and Sea World
10. Lost Caverns Adventure Golf
Location: International Drive
Get out your maps and chart a course for adventure. At Lost Caverns Adventure Golf you will embark on a hunt for the lavender diamond and the golden idol. Take a trek through the tropical rainforests, climb over mountains and explore mysterious caves. Look for treasures on a scavenger hunt and get your photo taken with a baby alligator too.
Just a short drive from Universal Orlando Resort, this mini golf course is more than it looks like at first glance. It is locally run and has won numerous service awards. It is one of the most popular courses in the area. The fact that it is also a certified natural habitat also makes it a real gem. Follow the bold adventurer and his niece and help them to locate the sacred treasures.
The two courses offer varying challenges and if that is not enough the scavenger hunts are an adventure of their own. The items are listed in an unusual order and you really have to search for them. Many blend right into the scenery.
Take a break and enjoy the beautiful views of the nearby lake that surrounds the course. Don’t forget to stop by the arcade for a few games before you leave.
11. Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf
Location: Lake Buena Vista
Play a relaxing game of mini golf surrounded by Hawaiian tropics. Palm trees sway around you as you stroll past beautiful waterfalls. The 18-hole course winds through a Hawaiian paradise and Polynesian decor. For a tropical and relaxing game, this is a great spot for family fun and date nights alike.
Open seven days a week, this course is ready whenever you are. Bring the family, tour friends, or even a group event. Book your visit ahead of time and skip the lines and wait during busy times.
The convenient location to Orlando Resort hotels, makes this a great retreat from the theme park chaos. When the game is done, enjoy the gift shop and grab a bite at Cici’s pizza.
Helpful Tips On Finding The Best Mini Golf In Orlando
So, you’ve decided to play some mini golf and you are looking for the right spot. The top 11 discussed are great places to start your search. There are also a few other things to remember that can help find the right place for you.
- Consider your location and what may be closest
- Watch the weather in case you need an indoor course
- Look at websites for special offers
- Consider the themes and decide what is appropriate for the ages of your party
For more family fun in Orlando, check out my article 25 Things To Do In Orlando At Night With Family.
Final Thoughts
Mini golf is a great way to spend an afternoon of family fun or a special date night. There is fun, challenge, entertainment, and laughs. Orlando has many courses to choose from, but there are 11 that stand out above the rest. Depending on your location and budget, there will be a themed-adventure perfect for you.
Your time may be limited during your visit. Time spent trying to figure out where to go is no good. These top places for mini golf help you identify where you want to head for the fun. That way you have more time to play. When you are looking for unique fun for a day, head to one of these 11 best mini golf spots in Orlando.