Orlando is a great place to spend the holiday vacation or visit for the New Year. With its mild winter nights it makes outdoor celebrations and fireworks all the more enjoyable. The theme parks crank up their fabulous entertainment still higher to dazzle and wow both visitors and residents alike.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Orlando has a number of parties going on throughout the various theme parks. Epcot goes international with DJs and dance parties all around the World Showcase. There is a special presentation of “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth”. Disney Hollywood Studios has themed parties with special features such as a special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show as well as ongoing presentations of “Fantasmic”.
For atmosphere and excitement, Walt Disney World is hard to beat with its special Main Street Electrical Parade extravaganza and several fireworks displays so that even the young who can’t make it to midnight can see the sky light up. All these special events are included in your Disney ticket making it great value for money.
SeaWorld Orlando
Christmas at SeaWorld includes the telling of the Christmas story through the eyes of their creatures along with a splendid holiday show “O Wondrous Night – the Greatest Story Never told” which has more than 30 holiday carols. The 100 decorated Sea of Trees dance to music and the seasonal shows include Winter Wonderland on Ice, Shamu Christmas, Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas and the Polar Express Experience.
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld involves a huge public party with fireworks, live music and great entertainment. For families it is a great place to be. Eat, party or dance the evening away at The Waterfront where a DJ presides over the traditional countdown to a spectacular fireworks show.
City Walk Orlando
At Universal Studios you can enjoy the day with the usual attractions, rides and exhibits before joining the party at City Walk. The nightclubs on City Walk, including the Groove, Margaritaville and CityJazz are all partying hard. Separate tickets are required for the main event which includes headline music acts, a fabulous buffet and champagne at midnight.
Gaylord Palms
This luxury Kissimmee resort always goes OTT in the holiday season with their ICE! Event which runs until January 2nd. It includes the Kung Fu Panda event when 130 tons of snow are delivered for kids to play in, Character Passport Meet and Greets, visits by Santa, Lighting of the Christmas Trees and Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating among many other festive events.
Explore the Valley of Peace, accessed through narrow snow tunnels or have snowball fights with evil characters Tai Ling and Lord Shen. Their Winter Wonderland experience has hand carved ice sculptures on the theme of Shrek the Halls and the 30-foot ice slides and gorgeous decoration make this a must-see.
Legoland Florida
Orlando’s newest attraction, Legoland, has been busy creating their Christmas Bricktacular with a 30-foot tall Christmas tree made from 270,000 bricks. There is a nightly lighting ceremony and Santa Claus will also be visiting daily. The Kid’s New Year’s Eve Celebration includes a child-friendly 7pm fireworks show.
Winter Park
For a real seasonal treat, head to Central Park West Meadow along Park Avenue and take to the ice. This temporary skating rink is reasonably priced at $10 including skate hire.
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