We know blue skies and warm breezes probably feel like a distant memory, but trust us — spring break will be here before you know it! Do you have your plans locked down? Whether you’re considering a road trip with your peers, or a family vacation with your kids, it’s time to figure out the details. How about a visit to Orlando? Sure, we’re a little biased, but hear us out. There are plenty of exciting things to do here for spring break 2018.
1) Party at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras.
The city of New Orleans may be over 600 miles away, but every spring the spirit of The Big Easy inhabits Universal Studios Florida™! Its Mardi Gras celebration includes plenty of parades, wild colors, street performers and — of course — beads, beads, beads! Authentic Cajun food, jazz bands and an impressive nightly concert line-up ensure this party is well-worth the price of park admission.
2) Take a day-trip to the beaches.
One of the greatest things about Orlando is that we are just over an hour from many of the most popular areas for spring breakers. Choose from Daytona, Deltona and Cocoa Beaches, just an hour east. Looking for a more laid-back spot? Head two hours west to the sparking shores of Tampa Bay or Clearwater Beach, both local favorites.
3) Dance your troubles away at popular clubs.
When the sun goes down, our city has a lot to offer anyone looking for dancing clubs in Orlando. In downtown itself, established favorites rule the night, like the high-energy ONO, the blinged-out Vanity, the eclectic Independent Bar and many more. Toward International Drive, Mango’s Tropical Café and Cowboys Orlando are two themed venues whose names fit them perfectly. And over at Universal CityWalk™, Rising Star Karaoke Bar, Red Coconut Club and the groove are the places to be!
4) Hit the local waterparks.
With Universal Orlando Resort’s newest addition this past summer, all three major Orlando theme parks now offer exciting water-centric experiences. Choose from Walt Disney World® Resort’s famous pair — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach — as well as SeaWorld’s Aquatica® or Universal’s Volcano Bay™. Each offers their own spin on the classic waterpark with plenty of storytelling!
***Want to save a little money while maximizing your time? Encore Resort at Reunion features an on-site AquaPark, complete with thrilling waterslides, wave pool and a Surfin’ Safari children’s splash area. (Access is included with every stay!)
5) Experience the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort.
What’s a trip to Orlando without visiting your favorite Disney park? Just be prepared: The crowds during spring break season are some of the heaviest of the entire year. (We rank them right up there with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays!) If possible, try to go toward the end of February, before the 10th of March. For a detailed breakdown of 2018’s spring break crowd predictions, check out these charts.
6) Get your sports fix.
Each year, Champion Stadium® at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex becomes home to the Atlanta Braves Spring Training. Check the schedule — games, practices, on-field experiences and family deals may be available. Over at the downtown Amway Center, both the Orlando Magic basketball and Solar Bears ice hockey teams will be well into their regular seasons. View the full lineup to spend an evening letting off some competitive steam!
7) Get up-close-and-personal with native wildlife.
If your kids show any interest in animals, Central Florida offers some excellent opportunities for you to encourage their connection with nature. Of course, there are the ones everyone knows — the African safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® or the dolphin and shark swims at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove®. But we highly recommend the The Brevard Zoo and the uniquely Florida Gatorland, as well as Green Meadows Petting Farm for children under age 10.
We hope we’ve given you some ideas for your spring break in Orlando! Now it’s time to book your accommodations! Consider Encore Resort for exceptional overnight vacation rentals in a central location near all these great things to do.
