La noria de observación The Wheel, en Icon Park, Orlando

Orlando 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

By Katie Sagal

With lots of fun, patriotic-themed activities and attractions, Orlando is a fun place to spend the 4th of July. From theme parks to fireworks, if you’re looking for Orlando 4th of July ideas, check these out! There are so many local activities and fun things do in Orlando in July, including...

  • LEGOLAND® Florida Red, White and Boom
  • I-Drive 360 Orlando
  • Independence Day at SeaWorld® Orlando
  • Fireworks at the Fountain
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Orlando pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Orlando attractions and activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Orlando attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Orlando pass.

LEGOLAND® Florida Red, White & Boom

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort celebrates the 4th of July in grand fashion -- with an amazing fireworks display, of course! This exhibition is one of their biggest fireworks displays all year. It's sure to delight the kids.

  • When: July 4
  • Where: LEGOLAND, 1 LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, Florida

Plus, LEGOLAND also hosts special events throughout the summer, along with extended summer hours on select dates. Check their website for details. Getting In: LEGOLAND Florida tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Special Lighting on the ICON Orlando 360 (Orlando Eye)

orlando-eye

Special Lighting on the ICON Orlando 360 (Orlando Eye)

Combine the best views of the entire city with a patriotic lights display and you have one pretty cool 4th of July activity. This 4th of July, the ICON Orlando 360 Orlando Eye will light up in the classic red, white, and blue. Ride the observation wheel during the day to for the best views of the sprawling city below, and come back at night to see the lights. When: July 4 Where: ICON Orlando 360 Getting In: If you'd like to ride the Orlando Eye during other times, ICON Orlando tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass. This event is free.

Explore More of I-Drive Orlando

After a spin on the Orlando Eye, check out the rest of I-DRIVE, one of Orlando's top entertainment destination, for "360-degrees of fun." Attraction highlights include:

  • Madame Tussauds: Pose with life-like wax representations of your favorite celebritiess and explore local culture and history.
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium: Walk through the acrylic sea tunnel inside this new Orlando aquarium (don't forget to look up!).
  • Skeletons: Animals Unveiled!: Get closer-than-close to real bones, skeletons, structures, and more for an entertaining, educational experience.
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not!: From authentic shrunken heads, to bizarre natural occurrences, Ripley's in Orlando has one of the most fascinating collections of artifacts.
  • Congo River Adventure Golf: Get in some classic fun, and hit a round of adventure golf at Congo River.

Getting In: Each of these International-Drive attractions listed above are available on the Orlando Explorer Pass.

Kennedy Space Center

saturn-v-rocket-on-display

Kennedy Space Center

Get in the patriotic spirit and explore NASA's headquarters and all things space at the Kennedy Space Center. It’s the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, see giant rockets and train in spaceflight simulators. Guests can come face-to-face with a real astronaut every day of the year during a half-hour, interactive Q&A-oriented program. Check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which tells the story of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program. You can even tour the historic spacecraft! Getting In: Kennedy Space Center tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass.

Independence Day at SeaWorld® Orlando

tropical-aquarium-seaworld-park-orlando-florida

Independence Day at SeaWorld® Orlando

SeaWorld offers plenty of summer fun during the entire season. But they have something special planned for the 4th of July. Fireworks will light up the entire sky alongside lasers and pyrotechnics. The combination to produces one of the most impressive lighting displays in the region! Music designed to highlight Independence Day vibes will accompany the fireworks.

  • When: July 4
  • Where: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, Florida

Getting In: Admission to SeaWorld Orlando is not included on the Go Orlando pass and tickets must be purchased separately.

Red, Hot, & Boom in Altamonte Springs

Each year, the city of Altamonte Springs, Florida puts on one of Orlando's biggest 4th of July Fireworks Shows. With food, games, live music, and some of today's hottest stars, there's no wonder this event is so popular. Performing artists are announced in early June, so stay tuned for more info.

  • When: July 3, 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm; fireworks at 9:30 pm.
  • Where: Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701

Getting In: Red, Hot, & Boom is free to attend.

Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series

The Lakeridge Winery invites guests to come sip some wine and enjoy live, outdoor music by some of the area's most talented jazz musicians. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks, and food will be available for purchase along with complimentary winery tours and tastings. This summer music series runs each Saturday of July, but we've highlighted the one that falls closest to the 4th.

  • When: July 6, 2018
  • Where: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, Fl 34715

Getting In: It's free to attend the Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series.

Fireworks at the Fountain

downtown-orlando-lake-eola-park

Fireworks at the Fountain

Orlando Mayor, Buddy Dyer, invites you to the Fireworks at the Fountain in Lake Eola Park. There will be live music and entertainment, activities for kids, and food and beverages available for purchase. Insider tip: Arrive early to get a good spot to view the fireworks.

  • When: July 4, 2018, beginning at 4:00 pm.
  • Where: Lake Eola Park, 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, Fl 32801

Getting In: Fireworks at the Fountain is free to attend.

Remember Save on Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Orlando to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Orlando pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

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Tips for Visiting Gatorland Florida – Discount Tickets & More

Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World. The name kind of says it all! For more than 60 years, Gatorland Florida, located in Orlando, has been creating amazing memories for the millions of visitors who have entered through its world-famous gator mouth entrance. With literally thousands of specimens living on the premises, there’s certainly no better place around to get your gator fix. This 110-acre combination theme park and wildlife preserve showcases alligators and crocodiles in new and exciting ways, and is a unique alternative to the larger theme parks in the area. Of course, there are more than just alligators and crocodiles at Gatorland – there are plenty of other Everglades inhabitants and activties, too. Enjoy a petting zoo, a nature walk, a series of educational and informative wildlife programs, and a fun slate of reptilian performances. Come and spend the whole day with the family at this great kid-friendly attraction! Check out our helpful guide for visiting Gatorland Florida, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. How to get Gatorland Florida discount tickets? We’ve got you covered - Gatorland Orlando ticket admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass - All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass - Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass - Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting the Gatorland View the show schedule to decide which performances you want to see on your visit. Because Gatorland emphasizes live animal interactions, exhibits, and performances, very small children (especially those afraid of animals) may not enjoy this attraction. Since you’ll be outside the whole time, wear extra sunscreen or bring a hat to keep yourself from burning in the hot Florida sun. Be sure to check their calendar of events for any special events or promotions that may be coming up during your visit. There are often discounts or other promotions specifically for Florida residents, so check that out if it applies to you. Even if you aren’t a Florida resident, you can still save on admission with the all-inclusive Go Orlando pass! Be aware that many of the special experiences within the park require additional fees. Gatorland also offers a number of group tours and the availability to host special events like birthday parties, business meetings, and more! Contact them if you’re interested. When is the best time to visit Gatorland? You'll find other creatures at Gatorland, too! Morning is a good time to visit, both to avoid the bulk of the crowds and to avoid the hottest part of the day. Shows begin at 10:30 am and go until 5:30 pm, so you’ll be able to enjoy live gator performances regardless of when you arrive. What should I bring to Gatorland? Comfortable, waterproof shoes. A hat and plenty of sunscreen. Money for souvenirs and professional photographs. Cool, loose clothing that still provides protection from bugs. Bottled water. What is there to do at Gatorland? Gatorland is full of wonders – from live animal performances and informative exhibits to personal encounters and even a gator wrestling opportunity, there are simply too many options to list them all here. However, here is a selection of a few exhibits you've got to experience. (checkout the Gatorland Park map here) Gator Jumparoo Show Image credit: Gatorland. Ever wondered how high an alligator can jump? You’ll find out at this show as you watch seemingly slow reptiles show off their surprising agility. Watch as gators of all sizes leap 4 or 5 feet into the air to grab treats from their trainer’s hand – a pretty intimidating sight! Up Close Encounters Image credit: Gatorland. Take the rare opportunity to actually interact with some of Florida’s most iconic and most frightening critters. From venomous snakes to the iconic alligators and crocodiles, you never know what you’ll meet at this show. Screamin’ Gator Zip Line The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is one heck of a ride. Race down 1,200 feet of cord in a heart-pounding, exhilarating journey through stretches of the gorgeous Florida Everglades. Zip right over some of the park’s most famous attractions, including the rarely seen Alligator Breeding Marsh. Gator Night Shine Image credit: Gatorland. If you thought your previous experience with Florida nightlife was something to write home about, you haven’t seen anything! This guided nighttime tour is an after-hours treat, bringing visitors through the stretches of the Alligator Breeding Marsh armed with nothing but a flashlight and some gator food. Not for the faint of heart! Trainer-for-a-Day Image credit: Gatorland. This immersive program is the perfect activity for anyone looking forward to a career in working with animals – whether as an expert or a volunteer. Get a glimpse into the life of an animal trainer at Gatorland; see what their duties are, the risks, and the great rewards. A must-see backstage experience. What attractions are near Gatorland? Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Gatorland is in within a reasonable driving distance of a number of other great Orlando attractions. From theme parks to tours and more, you’ll be able to slot a visit to Gatorland into a vacation full of excitement and adventure. Fun Spot America - just a short jaunt west if you're looking for more excitement. Congo River Adventure Golf - If you’re trying to relax after an exhilarating series of gator shows, try out a fun evening playing golf . SeaWorld Orlando - Devote the next day of your vacation to this magnificent park. Outta Control Magic Dinner Show - Searching for dinner options? Make a night of it and head to this dinner show. Green Meadows Petting Farm - Got big animal fans in the family and looking for still more critter encounters? Head to the petting farm. For more information about the area and nearby attractions, check out our guide to Orlando neighborhoods. Where is there to eat near Gatorland? In addition to featuring a delicious restaurant (yes, they serve a few specialty gator dishes; no, of course they don’t use their own gators), plus a number of snack stops within the park itself, Gatorland is within a quick drive of Orlando’s famed I-Drive corridor, where you’ll find tons of great family dining options. Here’s a selection of our favorites. Maggiano’s Little Italy - serves up sumptuous authentic fare at a popular chain location. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - is a favorite among adults looking for that little taste of Southern Florida culture. Everglades Restaurant - is a perfect option for those searching for that truly unique Florida experience: they’ve got everything from fried gator to life-sized animal sculptures. Brick House Tavern & Tap - is a great sports bar option with tasty food and tons of taps. Seito Sushi - offers traditional and innovative Japanese fare with a Florida twist. Bar Louie - features upscale grill fare at modest prices, including a robust drink selection and fun appetizers. Save on Admission with a Go Orlando Card Remember, the Go Orlando Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Gatorland Orlando tickets, plus admission to dozens more top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
Wheel
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3 Days in Orlando for First Timers

Heading to Orlando for a long weekend without any firm plans? Check out our suggestions for things to do during three days in Orlando. This itinerary is filled with tons of fun for the whole family and is designed to give you a great overview of the area’s best attractions. This 3 day itinerary includes: WonderWorks SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World The Wheel at ICON Park Gray Line Orlando Tour LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Fun Spot America Madame Tussauds Orlando Only have a few days in Orlando? We’ve also put together a sample 1 day and 2 day itinerary. DAY 1 Stop #1:WonderWorks WonderWorks Orlando is one amazing attraction. For starters, everything is upside-down! With more than 100 fun and interactive exhibits to explore, you’ll never tire of this place. Some highlighted exhibits include a 36-foot-tall indoor ropes challenge course, a 4-D Extreme Motion ride, simulated earthquakes and hurricanes, a machine that allows you to measure the speed of your baseball pitch, and many more! Among these many delightful activities, a few of our favorites also include a glow-in-the-dark ropes course (how cool is that??), and the always-enjoyable laser tag. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: SEA LIFE Aquarium Stop #3: Gatorland Stop #4: The Wheel at ICON Park DAY 2 Stop #1: Gray Line Orlando Day Tour This day-long excursion provides a comprehensive perspective on the city of Orlando and its surrounding environs. Since you spent most of yesterday indoors, dedicate today to exploring the great outdoors! Because the tour does last all day, plan to each lunch along the way – perhaps along Park Avenue? From Lake Eola and charming Winter Park to the shopping distinct of Park Avenue and Disney’s City of Celebration, you’ll get a great overview of the area’s biggest highlights. You’ll even get plenty of time on your own to spend exploring each distinct neighborhood. This tour lasts for approximately 7 hours. DAY 3 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® Florida LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is actually the biggest LEGOLAND® park in the world, and that’s saying something! This 150-acre theme park features more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, and gardens for you to explore – all of which are LEGO®-themed! We should also note that this is primarily designed for children ages 12 and under, so if you're a party of all adults, or with older children, you can substitute another attraction for LEGOLAND -- perhaps the iconic Kennedy Space Center? We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction. Check out our guide for tips on visiting LEGOLAND Florida before your visit. Stop #2: Fun Spot America Stop #3: Madame Tussauds Orlando For a final excellent I-Drive option to round out your three days in Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando is a fine choice. This international sensation offers excitement, inspiration, and just plain fun in one fun attraction. Come here to see your favorite celebs in their signature scenarios, from Taylor Swift mid-concert to Shaq hitting a layup. Other themed areas include Film, History and Leaders, A-List, TV, and more. Don't forget to snap those perfect photos for Instagram! Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 3-Day pass for Orlando and save big on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 day Orlando itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Central Florida. A pass with Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.
Katie Sagal
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Your Guide to Orlando Airport

Everybody loves a good vacation to Orlando. From museums and other cultural institutions to beaches and the Everglades National Park, there’s no end of things to do. In fact, whether you’re a theme park junkie or the type who loves to explore the great outdoors, Central Florida has you covered. Of course, getting to Orlando is the first step in that amazing Florida vacation you’ve been planning. As a busy airport, Orlando (MCO) can be a bit challenging to navigate—especially for first-time visitors to the area and those traveling with little ones. Check out our handy guide to Orlando International Airport, including tips for how to navigate the airport with kids and basic info on how to get around... Orlando Airport Overview Orlando Airport serves 39 different airlines with both domestic and international destinations. Depending upon your airline, you will fly in and out of one of two terminals, A or B. If you need to know which terminal you’ll be in, you can consult the official airport website. Your ticket should also have this information clearly indicated. To help you navigate the airport and find your gate, we recommend consulting the terminal map. You will also need to use a monorail to get to your gate once you’re past security, but this can be a fun experience for the whole family—especially train-loving little kids! Orlando Airport Main Hub & Shopping There’s a main hub between the two terminals that can be a fruitful resource for gifts, toys, and a way to entertain antsy kids. There’s even an arcade (next to the kid magnet Natalie’s Candy Jar) that features both new and classic games. It can be a fun way for the kids to burn off steam, or for you all to play together. There are plenty of places to shop if you have time to kill or souvenirs left to collect, including a SeaWorld store, two Kennedy Space Center stores, two Universal stores with loads of Harry Potter merchandise, and two different Disney stores that have everything you could want. Disney’s Earport is located in the East Hall, and has a pin station where you can trade collectible Disney pins—a popular practice with Disney fanatics. The second store, Magic of Disney, is on the South Walk and boasts large themed screens that serve as great photo backdrops. This is the main place for shopping, and comes before the security gates, so keep that in mind when arriving or departing. If you’re leaving on a departing flight, you’ll need to fit all of your purchases into your luggage before going through security and boarding your flight. However, feel free to load up on separate bags if you’re heading out the front doors! Orlando Airport Security Like all airports, MCO employs standard security procedures as implemented by the TSA. That means you’ll need to make sure you have the right size toiletries, bring no liquids through with you except for medicine or breast milk, and remove all large electronics from your bags. One less common thing the Orlando Airport also requires is that you remove all food items from your non-checked bags. You can bring them through, just make sure they are accessible to take out when going through the line. If you are traveling with little ones, remember that the TSA does not require kids 12 and under to take off their shoes, light jackets, or hats. Babies must be taken out of their strollers and carried through the metal detector, although they can also be carried in a sling. For more information on getting through TSA screening procedures with your kids, check out their official guide to traveling with children. As one of the busiest airports in the country, Orlando Airport also often has tremendously long security lines. Please arrive well in advance of your flight time to make sure that you have time to get through. It can also help to be aware of carry-on restrictions and other policies before you travel to make sure that your time through to the other side isn’t an age and a half. Orlando Airport Dining Options If you arrive early enough at the airport before your departure and need to work in a meal or snack, rest assured—dining options of all stripes abound at MCO. Looking for something fast and inexpensive in the main terminal? Moe’s Southwest Grill and McDonald’s are easy choices at the Main Terminal Food Court. There are three restaurants at the attached Hyatt Regency, as well as a delicious Macaroni Grill, all of which provide more options than fast food. Sports fans may also want to check out the new City Pub, which features local beer and tasty food. It’s also an official supporting bar for the Orlando City Soccer Club, so it’s perfect for sports fans. Fortunately, City Pub is also a relaxed atmosphere that is suitable for kids. The dining options are more diverse once you get past security, including a Chipotle, Cibo Express, Wendy’s, Nathan’s, and an Outback Steakhouse, among several others. There are also some fun adult-friendly options like the upscale Cask & Larder, which brings a farm-to-table sensibility to MCO. If you’d like to review all of your dining options before your visit to see which would be the best for your family—especially those of you with any food allergies or specific diets—the Orlando Airport has conveniently provided a dining directory. Orlando Car Rentals, Shuttles, and Ride Share When arriving in Orlando and needing to find your way from the airport to your hotel or resort, you have multiple options. The most common option is to rent a car, especially if you are doing more than just Disney. Keep in mind that a high-traffic airport like Orlando will often run out of cars later in the day, so be sure to make your rental reservation in advance. Car rental companies are located on both A and B sides of the terminal on Level 1. For those of you who are headed to Disney, the Disney Magical Express is a shuttle that escorts arriving guests to their Disney resort. You’ll need to have your MagicBands ready to be scanned, but the trip is other a pretty painless way to get to your resort or hotel in the Disney-verse. If you’re looking for a taxi or ride share like Uber or Lyft, go to the Ground Transportation area on Level 1. Please note that there is a small fee charged for airport pick-ups that will be added onto your total bill. A good idea can be to look for coupons or deals before arriving to help you save, as the Orlando Airport isn’t very close to downtown and your fare could be quite high. Orlando Airport Insider Tips The Orlando Airport has an official app—available for Android or Apple—that can be a smart choice for frequent flyers or anyone who likes the extra guidance. Don’t have a smartphone, or prefer not to download the app? There are plenty of interactive kiosks around the airport with the same helpful information. Arrive two to three hours before your flight departs to allow time to go through security and take advantage of the shopping and dining. If your flight arrives late and you have tired and grumpy kids, it may be easier and most cost-effective to stay at a hotel near or in the airport. The Hyatt Regency is an easy choice, as it’s located right in the center of the airport and offers good deals. Important: Once past security, you’ll need to choose one of the monorails to get you to your gate. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll have to take it back and go through security again, so be sure you know which one will head to your gate! Save on Orlando Attraction Tickets Once you’ve successfully made it through the Orlando Airport, it’s time to get down to exploring. If you’re interested in checking what Orlando has to offer beyond the major theme parks, a Go Orlando pass is a smart choice. You can save up to 50% on combined admission to top attractions like LEGOLAND® Florida, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and many I-Drive activities. It’s a convenient digital pass that you get instant access to upon purchase, so whether you plan ahead or opt-in last minute, you can enjoy big savings. Happy travels!
Katie Sagal

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