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!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Orlando in November

Presenting cooler temps and smaller crowds, autumn is the perfect time for you to make a city trip! Visiting Orlando during the fall is a great idea since you’ll be able to enjoy all the area’s famous outdoor attractions, as well as autumnal events which tend to crop up around this time of the year. For thrillseekers and those travelling with family, the area’s famous theme parks are a total must-see. If you’re looking to get stuck into nature, check out Kraft Azalea Garden. Or, for something a little different, enjoy some local seasonal activities around the city – the choice is yours! As one of America’s most popular tourist destinations, you’re sure to find something to suit you. So, if you’re planning to discover Orlando in November, have a read through our list of the best things to do in the area. Whatever you decide to do there, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic. Hit the Classics Making a visit to Orlando any time of the year can mean only one thing – theme parks! Garnering millions of visitors each year, Universal Studios is known as one of the most visited resorts in the world – and who are we to question that many people? The park consists of eight separately themed areas, each pertaining to the entertainment industry in their own unique way. With over 40 rides and attractions to choose from, there’s a little something for everybody here. During the month of November, you can catch a delightful seasonal holiday parade floating through the ‘’New York’’ neighborhood of the park. Complete with ballroom dancers, floats and balloons, this iteration of Macy’s popular televised event is not far from the real thing. A total crowd-pleaser for those of all ages, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one! It would be impossible to write an article about Orlando any time of the year without mentioning Magic Kingdom. Still, November is an especially great time to visit, since the weather is cooler and the crowds will have thinned out. Earning the number one spot as the most visited theme park in America, this place is often billed as ‘’the happiest place on earth’’ - and we couldn’t agree more! From total classics like It’s a Small World to Space Mountain, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. A visit to the park can be a little daunting for first-timers, but we always recommend wearing your comfiest, weather-appropriate clothes! With so much to do, see, and experience, it’s impossible to leave without a smile on your face. Find Fun Activities For those looking to get in touch with nature, Kraft Azalea Garden is a great choice. Since the weather around autumn time is typically still warm, there's no excuse to not go out and explore Orlando’s natural wonders. A total favorite for locals and visitors alike, the park offers the perfect spot for getting some fresh air or gathering your thoughts. Standing out amongst other urban landscapes in the city, this picturesque secret garden is less meticulously manicured, and a little bit wilder and more romantic. Walking along the trails, you’ll be able to enjoy centuries-old banyan, cypress and oak trees, an exedra, and of course, azaleas! Bordering Lake Maitland, the park also offers a lot of water activities, including boating, paddle boarding and kayaking. Wonderfully peaceful and secluded, this place provides a great respite from the city. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Foodies – pay attention! If strolling through aisles of artisanal cheeses and organic honey is your thing, there’s no better place to be than the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. Running every Saturday morning without fail, this local favorite is well known for its fresh fruit and veg. Still, the real draw here is the market’s wide variety of food purveyors, serving up delectable flavors from around the globe. From fresh chicken pot pies to Jamaican patties hot from the oven, this place is a real treat for the senses. In addition, you can browse the stalls for unique souvenirs and original artwork as you snack. With its lively atmosphere and eclectic vibes, we love this spot for a casual afternoon adventure. Get Festive! If you’re looking for art and culture in the City Beautiful, don’t worry – we've got you covered! With the temperate autumn weather and seasonal atmosphere, November brings a whole host of arts and crafts fairs to be enjoyed. Drawing in thousands of visitors each year, Fall Fiesta in the Park is recognized as the largest event of its kind in the city. Set against the wondrous backdrop of Lake Eola, guests can view the works of over 200 local artists coming from all over the States. Still, that isn’t all there is to see here. At the festival, there is also live entertainment, delicious food, and a Kidzone, so nobody is left out! A great stop for all creative types, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a laidback afternoon in the city. When exploring a new city, one of the best ways to get to know the area is through its festivals. Running towards the end of the month each year, Fusion Festival invites thousands of visitors to Downtown Orlando to celebrate over 100 different cultures. Drawing people together from all walks of life, this delightful extravaganza of fun and festivities is well worth stopping by. At the event, you’ll be able to learn more about different cultures through music, dance, visual arts, and of course, an abundance of food and drink. Totally feel-good and offering a fantastic celebration of diversity in culture, this one should rank right at the very top of the itinerary! Without a doubt, autumn is a fantastic time to visit Orlando. Though tourist season might just be winding down around this time of the year, the city will be packed with exciting seasonal events to pique your interest. Whether you’re new in town or a returning visitor to the City Beautiful, you’re sure to find something for you. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Rollercoaster at Legoland Florida Resort.
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Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison

Florida’s Legoland and Walt Disney World resorts require little introduction. These Orlando heavyweights come with significant boasts. Did you know, for example, that Legoland Florida is, at 145 acres, the second-largest Legoland on the planet (beaten only marginally by Legoland Windsor in the UK)? Or that Walt Disney World frankly dwarfs it (and every other theme park in the world for that matter), weighing in at a whopping 27,000 acres? Well, now you do. Read on for our comparison of this entertainment equivalent of David and Goliath as we put Legoland and Walt Disney World through their paces... Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison: Legoland Name: Legoland. Or, if we must be pedantic about it: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Age: A mere whippersnapper next to Walt Disney World, Legoland Florida opened to the general public in October, 2011. Legoland in a nutshell: This epic interactive theme park is a firm family favorite, with 150 acres in which to let kids young and old run riot. We’re talking Lego-themed rollercoaster rides, 4D movie theaters, water shows and more. Heck, there’s even a standalone Peppa Pig theme park, a water park and a botanical garden here. Add to that several restaurants and gift shops and you have all the ingredients for a great day out. Though technically aimed at kids aged 2-12, it’s also pretty great fun for grown-ups too! There’s easily enough to do here to justify a couple of days. Maybe even three. Legoland: Vital Statistics Size: 145 acres Number of zones: there are a whopping 12 themed zones to explore, and we’re not even including the Cypress Gardens, Peppa Pig Theme Park or Legoland Water Park in that count. Number of attractions: there are somewhere in the region of 50 fun rides, theaters and other attractions in the main park. Number of hotels: three. Number of Lego bricks: 4m+ Visitors: around 1.5 million annually. Unmissable Highlights at Legoland Florida Adrenaline heads will want to hit up the coasters in Lego Kingdoms and the Land of Adventure in which, respectively, The Dragon and traditional wooden Coastersaurus are among the most hair-raising. Meanwhile, fans of Lego Ninjago will find much to enjoy on the interactive Ninjago-themed dark ride. Kids can earn their Legoland driving licenses in Lego City, play video games and build Lego Mindstorms robots in the Imagination Zone, and meet Lego friends including Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma in Heartlake City. For something a little bit... weirder, mosey on down to Pirates’ Cove, where the daily live action water-ski stunt show on Lake Eloise sees Captain Brickbeard, Calico Jade and the rest of the scurvy pirate crew put through their paces on wakeboards, flying boards and more. Meanwhile, over in the Land of Adventure, there’s a safari trek that takes in life-size lego lions, tigers and elephants. And in Lego Movie World you can get involved in the Battle of Bricksburg, in which participants spray down evil Duplo invaders and, well, get royally drenched in the process. Legoland Florida: Information for Visitors Opening hours: Standard opening hours are 10AM-5PM daily, but these vary by season and on weekends and holidays. The Water Park tends to open a little later and close a little earlier than Legoland. Check the Legoland website for the latest opening hours. Tickets: There are various options available direct, from multi-day tickets to VIP and annual passes. You’ll need separate tickets in addition to your Legoland ticket if you want to visit the Legoland Water Park. Alternatively, an Orlando attraction pass from Go City includes one-day entry to Legoland Florida, plus admission to dozens more top Orlando attractions for one money-saving price. Legoland or Disney World Florida Comparison: Walt Disney World Florida Name: Walt Disney World Florida, to give it its full name. Initially just plain old Disney World, Walt’s first name was added posthumously in recognition that the whole project had been his idea. Age: This stalwart of the theme park scene first opened its gates way back in October 1971, a shade under five years after Walt’s death. Walt Disney World in a nutshell: Walt Disney World is a monster entertainment complex that’s truly worthy of its founder’s name. What was once a vast tract of Florida swampland now contains – deep breath – four separate theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, several shopping complexes and multiple hotels. Frankly it’s more of a Disney city than a mere theme park: to give you some idea of scale, it’s approximately the same size as San Francisco. However, it is the theme parks here that are the main event, running the gamut from the classic Magic Kingdom to Epcot (a celebration of human technological innovation and achievement), Hollywood Studios and the vast Animal Kingdom – the world’s largest theme park at a humongous 580 acres, fact fans. With that in mind, you may find that one or even two weeks isn’t quite enough time to take it all in. Walt Disney World: Vital Statistics Size: 27,000 acres or thereabouts, around half of which has been developed to date. Number of parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom makes four. There are also two water parks and several dozen additional satellite zones and attractions. Number of attractions: there are around 170 rides across the four main parks. Number of hotels: 32, of which 22 are owned and operated by Disney. Visitors: around 58 million annually, making Walt Disney World the world’s most visited vacation resort. Unmissable Highlights at Walt Disney World I mean... where to start? Can you even say you’ve been to the Magic Kingdom if you fail to grab a selfie at the iconic Cinderella Castle, ride the original Space Mountain rollercoaster or shake hands with Mickey, Minnie and the gang? Then there’s Epcot (or EPCOT, if you insist), where the Mission: Space thrill ride comes with complimentary motion-sickness bags and the World Showcase neighborhood contains pavilions representing the cultures, cuisines and architecture of 11 nations including Norway, Morocco, Japan and the United Kingdom. Get a taste of the golden age of cinema at Hollywood Studios, where highlights include the Muppet-themed Grand Avenue, several Star Wars rides and the 11-acre Toy Story Land. And hit up the Animal Kingdom which is, in effect, one of the world’s biggest zoos. Go on an African safari, ride the Wildlife Express Train, catch a show at the Tree of Life Theater, and say hey to the resident anteaters, macaws, gorillas, hippos, crocodiles and other critters. Word has it you might even bump into the occasional overgrown mouse or duck... Walt Disney World: Information for Visitors Opening hours: Hollywood Studios and Epcot generally open from 9AM-9PM; Magic Kingdom is 9AM-10PM and Animal Kingdom 8AM-7PM. However, timings will vary a little by season. Check the Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date opening hours. Tickets: Several options are available direct via the Walt Disney World website. Save on attractions in Florida Save on admission to Orlando attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Orlando skyline
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Best Shopping in Orlando - Trendy, Affordable, Outlet Malls & More

You can't leave O-town without paying a visit to one of its many malls and partaking in a shopping spree – you are on vacation after all. Here's our pick of the best stores, outlet malls and more, whatever your budget...
Casey Makovich

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