Pros 
Cons A Hole-in-One for Fun… Mostly?
Hollywood Drive-In Golf in Orlando consistently earns high marks, boasting a 4.6 rating, and it’s easy to see why. The miniature golf course specializes in creating memorable experiences, with themes like aliens and a spooky haunted house attracting families and friend groups alike. Several reviewers highlighted the super friendly staff and the exceptionally clean facilities. Accessibility is also a strong point, with wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms available. It's clearly geared towards family fun, with multiple comments affirming it's “Good for kids.” It's open daily from 9 AM to midnight, offering ample opportunity for a late-night round.
Think vibrant decorations, engaging animations (the UFO abducting a cow seems to be a fan favorite!), and increasingly challenging holes that still manage to be entertaining. Patrons can expect a 18-hole course that typically takes around an hour to complete. Payment options are modern and convenient, accepting credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments. However, a reliable restaurant isn't currently available on site.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Hollywood Drive-In Golf stand out:
- Themes: Aliens & Haunted House
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour per round
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
- Payment: Credit/Debit/NFC mobile accepted
- Ideal For: Families, friend groups, birthday parties
The Price of Play & Time Constraints
While the experience itself is widely praised, the cost does seem to be a recurring concern for some. Several reviewers noted that it’s “pretty expensive for what you get.” Expect to spend a reasonable amount, especially for larger groups.
More concerning, however, are complaints surrounding closing time policies. One group of five specifically experienced a frustrating situation: assured they could finish their game even past the 12:00 AM closing time, they were abruptly told to leave on hole 12 at 12:30 AM, losing out on the remainder of their $100+ investment. This indicates a potential disconnect between what is promised and what is delivered, leading to significant disappointment.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | Considered high |
| Closing Time | Potential for issues |
| Refund Policy | Rain Checks only |
It's worth noting the policy regarding inclement weather. Hollywood Drive-In Golf does not offer refunds for rain, only rain checks. Though, they will close if lightning is detected, and there are no rain checks for lightning closures.
Safety First – But Communication Needs Work
The commitment to safety is evident in the course’s policy of closing during lightning. However, this practice sparked confusion and frustration for at least one customer. The biggest issue? A lack of clear communication regarding the ‘lightning radius’ and the required clear time before play can resume. Staff members reportedly could only state they were “waiting for instructions,” without providing specific details. This ambiguity left customers feeling in the dark and ultimately prevented them from playing despite the lightning being at a considerable distance.
“Doesn't open when lightning is in a certain radius. How big is the radius? How long does it have to be clear? No one has an answer to that.” - Reviewer Feedback
Transparent communication regarding safety protocols is crucial. Providing easily accessible information about the lightning policy—both online and at the venue—would significantly improve the customer experience and build trust.
A Spooky Good Time – When it Works
Despite the occasional hiccups, many patrons rave about the particular charm of the haunted course. Numerous reviewers specifically mention loving this themed experience, describing it as "challenging but not too challenging" and filled with "great surprises." The playful decorations and engaging hole designs contribute to an overall positive and fun atmosphere.
One reviewer described it as "the perfect place for minigolf," highlighting the enjoyable challenge and suitability for groups. Another commented on the Sci-fi animations being particularly funny. The general consensus suggests that Hollywood Drive-In Golf excels at creating an immersive and entertaining environment, when expectations align with reality in terms of pricing, time commitments, and clear policy explanations. Someone looking for a memorable, themed mini golf experience will likely find it here, especially if opting for the haunted side.