The Ultimate Guide to Enjoy Spring Break in Orlando
AAA’s No. 1 Spring Break Destination for 2018 — providing all-new opportunities to take in our vibrant sun, get a tan and have the time of your life in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Say goodbye to your boots and coat, and hello to flip-flops and shorts — here’s your ultimate guide to spring break in Orlando!
1. Experience a Theme Park Festival
From left: Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival and Disney’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Gather your family and friends and head out to the festivals happening at theme parks around Orlando, all at no extra cost to ticket-holders. They include:
- Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida (through Apr. 7): Experience the Big Easy’s biggest party right here in Orlando! It features Cajun cooking, live concerts, a recreation of New Orleans’ French Quarter and plenty of beads.
- Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando (through Apr. 15): Enjoy street-food dishes from around the world, plus craft beer and other libations at this weekend-only festival. The event is also hosting live performances from top names in music.
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort (through May 28): Discover Disney-themed topiaries, wildlife habitats, exhibits, and garden-themed food and beverages. This festival also features the Garden Rocks concert series.
2. Relax at a World-Class Spa
Hot Stone Massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes
For some quality downtime, check into one of our exceptional spas, which include some out-of-this-world options. For instance, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes, near SeaWorld has more than 40 treatment rooms, plus hot stone massage. On Universal Orlando property at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Mandara Spa boasts sauna and steam rooms, a co-ed hydropool and other features. And if you’re visiting Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria Spa has customized facial therapies, body sublimation and additional treatments. That’s just the start of the unique spas you’ll find in Orlando!
3. Take a Boat Tour
Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours in Orlando
Warmer spring temperatures are made for sight-seeing adventures. Attractions like the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours will take you on wild trips through lakes and swamps filled with stunning flora and fauna. You can find other ecotourism options at Visit Orlando website.
4. Watch an Outdoor Concert
Enjoy Springtime Outdoor Concerts at Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras and Other Theme Parks and Locations Throughout Orlando
Outdoor concerts are also blooming. For example, all of our theme park’s spring festivals include live musical performances on select days. Similarly, Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk host musical entertainment throughout the day, and both offer free admission. Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando is another great place to catch live music, thanks to the Walt Disney Amphitheater, a weekly Farmers Market and regular events. Also downtown, Camping World Stadium has a robust events lineup that welcomes many national tours year-round. And speaking of concerts, Orlando is hosting some of the biggest names in music this spring and summer!
5. Relax by the Pool
Pool Waterfall at Orlando World Center Marriott
Throughout Orlando, pools are open for business! They also come equipped with an array of mind-blowing features, such as lazy rivers, water slides, underwater sound systems, secluded grottos, and plenty of fun for kids and adults alike. You can read about some of Orlando’s coolest pools here.
6. Play Tennis Like a Pro
Nemours Family Zone at USTA National Campus in Orlando
Located in Orlando’s Lake Nona neighborhood, less than 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus makes Orlando the Home of American Tennis. In addition to hosting pro practices and tournaments, the facility features the Nemours Family Zone, which gives you the opportunity to play like a pro — for free — on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Dine Al Fresco
Relax Grill at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando
Orlando’s springtime weather brings a significant spike in demand for outdoor dining. Fortunately, we have a lot to choose from. One of our favorites is Relax Grill at Lake Eola, offering American-Mediterranean pub fare in downtown Orlando. Just 10 minutes away in the Milk District neighborhood, Tasty Takeover on Tuesday nights is a one-stop shop for Orlando’s best food trucks. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk also offer ample al-fresco opportunities, among other locations around town.
8. Catch a Baseball Game
Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando
Springtime in Orlando means Atlanta Braves spring training at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex! The Braves have held spring training at this venue for more than two decades, presenting a unique mixture of baseball, music and Disney characters every season.
9. Cool Off at a Water Park
ClockwiseFrom Top Left: Disney’s Blizzard Beach, SeaWorld’s Aquatica, Universal’s Volcano Bay and LEGOLAND Water Park
When it comes to wet and wild adventures, check out Orlando’s water parks for an entire day of soaking fun! Some of the best can be found at our theme parks, including Universal’s Volcano Bay; Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark; LEGOLAND Florida Water Park; and Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks. Furthermore, select resorts like The Grove Resort & Spa and Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites have water parks on the premises.
10. Visit a Museum
Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College in Winter Park
Last but not least, springtime calls to our artistic side, and Orlando has an array of quality museums. You’ll find the highest concentration in Winter Park, including The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens and Cornell Fine Arts Museum, which has free admission. And close to downtown, picturesque Loch Haven Park is home to Orlando Museum of Art.
Fun Is Always in Season in Orlando
No matter the season, unique experiences blossom all over Orlando. Check Visit Orlando website for tips on more things to do while you’re in town, and use their free trip-planning resources to make this your best spring break ever!