Orlando Events in January and February 2022

Ready for the New Year, Orlando style? Here are all the special theme park events that will be waiting for new arrivals in central Florida this January – and there’s a LOT to look forward to.

Just to begin with, the extravaganza that is Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration will be starting its fourth month with the return of more live performances that had been shelved at the height of the pandemic.

What’s Happening at Disney in January?

That means we should be able to welcome back the breathtaking Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom while the fabulous Fantasmic! show will resume at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (officially, both have been labelled as “early 2022” for their re-opening, but rumours insist it could well be in January).

They follow the return of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in December and the revival of indoor character meet-and-greets at the parks (albeit still without any direct contact, so no hugs or autographs just yet).

What About Events at Epcot?

The New Year also sees the return of Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts, which lasts from January 14 to February 21, and offers another opportunity to enjoy a terrific array of artistic pursuits, including live shows such as the Disney on Broadway Concert Series and 15 special Food Studios for different tastes of the culinary arts.

The Broadway concerts feature front-line singers from the various big-stage productions in New York (and elsewhere). The full series is virtually a Who’s Who of Broadway Disney performers and brings an A-list level of talent to the America Gardens Theatre three times each evening, at 5.15, 5.45 and 8pm. The line-up is as follows:

Arielle Jacobs and Adam Jacobs (both from Aladdin) Jan 14, 16, 17, 20, 21

Kerry Butler (Beauty and the Beast) and Telly Leung (Aladdin) January 15, 18, 19, 22, 23

Heidi Blickenstaff (Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid) and Robert Creighton (Frozen) Jan 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, Feb 3, 4

Kara Lindsay and Dan DeLuca (both from Newsies) January 25, 28, 29, Feb 1, 2, 5, 6

Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan) February 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18

Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin) Feb 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20

Special Performance – February 21 On February 21, give a standing ovation for an extended finale featuring Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Kissy Simmons AND Michael James Scott!

If You’re Going to SeaWorld in January or February 2022:

Over at SeaWorld, Sesame Street fans are in for a treat in January, as the month features no fewer than two special events spread over two weekends.

From January 22 to 24, families with younger children can enjoy one of the park’s signature Sesame Street Kids Weekends, with hands-on activities, dance parties, character photo meet-and-greets and more.

Then, from January 29 to February 3 it’s time for Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, with more photo ops, an interactive DJ dance party and a few “surprise events.” Best of all, both events are free with general park admission.

And if You’re a Fan of Live Music Busch Gardens is the Place to be!

At SeaWorld’s sister park, Busch Gardens in Tampa, guests will be treated to the return of the Real Music Series, starting on January 4. This nostalgic musical turn features world-class tribute acts and performing artists from different eras in a lively concert series that lasts until February 27.

The Stanleyville Theater provides the stage for this unique array of musical talent, and the full line-up for 2022 is as follows:

Jan. 4-9, The Diamonds (pop group from 1950s and 60s) Jan. 11-16, EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band Jan. 18-23, Let’s Hang On: America’s No. 1 Frankie Valli Tribute Show Jan. 25-30, All-4-One (1990s pop group) Feb. 1-6, Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience Feb. 8-13, Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA Feb. 15-20, Ambrosia (1970s rock band) Feb. 22-27, Simply Queen: The Most Incredible Live Tribute to Queen

At the same time, Busch Gardens will kick off its latest Mardi Gras season on January 8 (lasting until March 6, each Friday-Sunday), transporting guests to New Orleans via a range of special cocktails, food and entertainment, while also offering the chance to catch beads from the attention-grabbing parade.

Then, like its SeaWorld partner, Busch Gardens will also host its Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends, each Saturday and Sunday from January 29 to February 12. With a special pirate theme in 2022, there will be unique character interactions, dance parties and more.

All in all, we think you will agree, this is not a bad start to 2022 is it?