Friday, June 24, 2011

Any Plans for 4th of July, 2011?

Apparently Orlando/Central Florida is one of the top Independence Day travel destinations in the county.  The theme parks can probably take most of the credit for this, but don't think that's the only place to have fun and see great fireworks.

Downtown Orlando

The fountain at Lake Eola Park just got a complete overhaul.  After being struck by lightning multiple times over the past few years, it was decided that the original 1957 fountain needed some serious TLC.  But the new jets and light features aren't the only update.  The entire park got an upgraded sound system.  Both the new fountain and the new sound system will be debuted this Independence Day.  Fireworks at the Fountain begins on July 4th at 4:00pm with live music and kids' entertainment.  The fireworks begin at 9:30pm.  It gets busy, so get there early.


Theme Parks

Orlando was voted the #1 Fourth of July weekend destination by Travelocity.  That's probably because five of our theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld), as well as Tampa's Busch Gardens, feature fireworks events.  They're some of the best shows around, complete with music, lasers, and whatever else you could imagine.  This site offers a good break down for each park.  But you know what?  EPCOT has a 14-minute fireworks show every night.  So if you live here, avoid the crowds and see the show on an off day. 

Cocoa Beach

Brevard County has its own lineup of events for Independence Day weekend.  The most notable of these is probably the Fireworks over the Ocean show in Cocoa Beach.  Events will be going on July 3rd at Alan Shepard Park (211 East Cocoa Beach Causeway, at the end of 520).  The fireworks will be shot after dark from an anchored barge in the water.  Grab your spot at the park or on the beach and enjoy the show, but know that fireworks aren't allowed on the beach itself.

Other Events

Independence Fest 2011 Orlando, Central Florida's biggest hip hop event.  July 3rd, noon to 8:00pm at the Tinker Field.  Click here for ticket information.

Click here for a list of free Fourth of July events in your town, including Winter Park, Oviedo, Altamonte, Mount Dora, St. Cloud, Winter Springs, Baldwin Park, Celebration, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, and Sanford.

There are also other special events going on that weekend.  For example, the Morse Museum of American Art has free admission on the 4th and the Central Florida Zoo is celebrating its 35th birthday with special events the whole weekend.

Tip: A lot of events are July 2nd and July 3rd, or both, so double check before you make plans!


2 comments:

  1. I'm excited to see the Lake Eola fountain working again!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yeah, I can't wait to see it. Added your site to my links :-)

    ReplyDelete