10 Reasons To Be In Orlando This Summer

We might just be a touch biased, but we believe the right time to be in Orlando is always Now.

No matter the time of year, there is always something new, novel or just plain seasonal to keep visitors amused, over and above the usual year-round pantheon of world-class theme parks and attractions.

But this summer seems to have hit the jackpot for all three categories of extra fun both in and around Theme Park Central.

From ICON Park in the heart of International Drive to the Epcot park in Walt Disney World, there is an absolute welter of seasonal excitement and entertainment on offer.

So, for the benefit of those who have yet to set off for their summer hols - or those who have yet to decide where to go (hint: It’s Orlando!) - here are our current Top 10 reasons to enjoy the Central Florida vibe this July and August.

10. The Water Parks:

Having mentioned the blistering summer heat and humidity, the best way to keep your cool is to head for one of the three major water parks that ensure instant chill-out territory (provided you take along your waterproof sun cream, of course). Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Universal’s Volcano Bay remain hugely popular, while, at SeaWorld’s Aquatica, you can try out their new Reef Plunge flume that features a slide through the underwater habitat for various dolphins, sharks and fish! PS: Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for a major refurbishment, with no re-opening date as yet.

9. Ignite 360:

SeaWorld puts on a superb spectacle with its seasonal Electric Ocean programme (which runs on each night until August 7, and every weekend from August 12 to September 4). With a dance party, live concerts, Sesame Street show and DJ session, there is a LOT to enjoy over and above SeaWorld’s dazzling array of rides and animal exhibits. And the Electric Ocean events conclude each night with the magnificent firework fiesta of Ignite 360, an original pyrotechnic extravaganza with fountains and lasers as well as fireworks.

8. Summer Celebration:

Not to be outdone, SeaWorld’s sister park Busch Gardens in Tampa offers a similar night-time event that has plenty of sizzle, running every day until August 7. It consists of the all-new Gwazi Beats show, which features drums, dancers, and stilt walkers; the party style of three DJ locations throughout the park; the return of the fan-favourite Cirque Electric show at the Stanleyville Theater; and the big finale of the night with an all-new fireworks and fountains spectacular.

7. Crayola Summer Fun:

It’s hot in Orlando in the summer. REALLY hot. That means you need to be able to take the kids to indoor activity centres from time to time, and there is none better for the under 8 brigade than the Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall. On top of their regular series of events and activities, Crayola also offers its Summer Fun programme daily until August 9, with special character meet-and-greets, drawing classes, a Slime Class (!) and Shark Month throughout July.

6. Orlando Magical Dining:

This is a little end-of-summer bonus, as Visit Orlando’s special dining programme starts on August 26 and runs through until October 2 for 28 delicious days of set-price restaurant offerings. Magical Dining features a wide selection of the city’s best restaurants with a $40/person prix fixe menu, and it is hugely popular, as most restaurants represent a major saving on their usual a la carte menus. One tip - make sure you make reservations in advance, as many restaurants WILL book up.

5. The VelociCoaster:

OK, we’re cheating a bit here as Universal Orlando’s fabulous new ride debuted in June last year, but this is the first summer for UK visitors to get to experience this ultra-thrilling attraction. Hitting speeds of 70mph and reaching 155ft in height, including a breathtaking ‘top hat’ feature, as well as four inversions, this is the ride that puts the high-speed thrills in Islands of Adventure.

4. Ice Breaker:

SeaWorld delayed the opening of their new coaster due to the pandemic, but its debut earlier this year was definitely another cause for thrill-ride celebration in Orlando. Voted the No.1 new theme park attraction in 2022 by USA Today, Ice Breaker really brings the adrenaline as it features four sizzling launches, both backwards and forwards, another ‘top hat’ feature and LOTS of fast-paced excitement. Even better, during SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean evenings, you can ride it in the dark for extra thrills.

3. Disney character meet-and-greets:

After Walt Disney World put its famous character meetings on hold for most of the pandemic, this summer has seen the return of all the main opportunities to meet Mickey and Co. From the Magic Kingdom to Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, all the usual character razzamatazz is back, along with most of the character dining opportunities.

2. Gateway:

The Deep Space Launch Complex: The Kennedy Space Center unveiled its latest attraction on June 15, and it’s fair to say it adds a really futuristic touch to this fabulous piece of Florida heritage. Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex represents the present and future of space exploration, and it does so in two essential ways - first, as a showcase of today’s space launch technology, including the likes of SpaceX and Boeing, and second as a simulated journey into the solar system, and beyond. Definitely one you’ll want to see.

1. Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival:

In past years, the seasonal highlight of the Food and Wine Festival was more of an autumn event, but these days it kicks off in high summer and lasts all the way through until mid-November, giving all our visitors a chance to sample this food-tastic Epcot event. With its 30 Global Marketplaces offering samples from all over the world, free nightly concerts, memorable merchandise and family fun (like Remy’s Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt), this is an essential part of the summer scene. Far be it from us to point you in the direction of any particular taste sensation among so many, but if you don’t try the Salty Dog Cocktail at the new Fry Basket market next to the Test Track attraction (Boyd & Blair vodka with grapefruit juice, ginger, simple syrup and lime with a salted rim), you’ll be missing one of the great cocktails of the year!

What is your favourite part of summer in Orlando? Tell us about it on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.