Easter in Orlando

Orlando likes to go big on all its holiday celebrations, and that is especially true of the Easter period, when the theme parks and other attractions really turn on the style.

So, while you may not be able to get that big Cadbury’s Easter Egg you’ve been craving, you’ll find just about everything else if you’re heading this way anytime soon!

From Walt Disney World to the swish Mall at Millenia, there is a dazzling variety of seasonal happenings and family-friendly events that you can take advantage of in the lead-up to the Easter weekend (April 15-17).

Walt Disney World

Make sure you have the Magic Kingdom on your list, as this is the place to be for a healthy dose of all things Easter Bunny-shaped, with the park’s own take on the classic character.

Mr and Mrs Bunny can usually be found in a special meet-and-greet area either adjacent to Cinderella Castle or in the courtyard next to City Hall in Main Street USA. Some of the characters may not be quite back in full-on greeting mode just yet as a result of the pandemic, but we do expect to at least see them again.

We also expect that the special Easter pre-parade (just before the main Festival of Fantasy Parade each day) will take place for the first time since 2019, featuring the Easter Bunny (and Mrs Bunny) in their own car, along with other characters such as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh.

Over at Epcot, from March 31 to April 17, children can sign up for the seasonal Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt around the park, with a challenge to seek out a series of character-themed eggs. There is a special map ($9.99) to follow the Easter Egg trail, discover them all and earn a prize!

International Drive

Going beyond Disney, guests visiting the I-Drive area should definitely be on the lookout for a major new event, which started in 2021. The Easter Bunny Garden Experience at ICON Park features the adorable brown bunny in a specially-themed meet-and-greet photo setting that is open daily from April 2-16, from 10am to 8pm.

Photo package prices are from $26 to $75, and each child who visits the bunny will also receive a golden token for a free ride on the 400ft observation Wheel, with 50 per cent off admission for additional riders.

Once you’ve enjoyed the Bunny experience, kids also love a ride aboard the ever-popular Pearl Express Train, which chugs around the complex at regular intervals, with boarding in front of The Wheelhouse.

Mall at Millenia

Arguably Orlando’s finest and smartest shopping centre, the Mall at Millenia is another place to offer those child-friendly Easter Bunny photo-ops with its Bunny Photos from April 1 to 17.

In this instance, the lovable bunny will have his own colourful tea party garden setting in the Orangerie Cafés, and a variety of professional photo packages will be offered, including candid and instant photos. Reservations are required on this link, up to 10 days in advance.

Daily times from: Monday to Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 9am-7pm.

Winter Park

Head on up to this delightful – and quite classy – northern suburb of Orlando and there are several events to watch out for, for adults and children alike.

The superb Morse Museum of American Art stages its annual Easter Weekend Celebration with no fee to enjoy its many outstanding exhibits, including the world’s largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It will also include free performances from classical guitarist Joshua Englert from 5-8pm on Good Friday, kicking off the museum’s free Spring Friday Night musical series.

The Easter Bunny will also be visiting on Saturday April 16, from 9am to 12 noon, for the annual Easter Bunny Hop and Stops, when the Easter Bunny and friends will travel throughout Winter Park, stopping at parks along the way. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy the charms and attractions of this lovely area, just off I-4 north of downtown Orlando.

And There’s More!

Just south of Winter Park, the first-ever Ivanhoe Village Easter Egg Hunt guarantees each registered child a minimum of five eggs, bunny ears, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! The event is being hosted by the eye-catching new Hall at the Yard venue in the Ivanhoe Village Main Street district. Registration is required and tickets cost from $12-$15.

For more details and events, check out visitorlando.com.

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