In Orlando, "spring break" takes on a whole new meaning. In this central Florida resort mecca, springtime means numerous cultural activities, attractions and events geared to the destination's key market: families.
The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau shines a spotlight on the destination's many family-friendly attractions and events with its Family Spring Break promotion, which aims to make springtime in Orlando as popular for families as it is for college students.
More to do
Among the new attractions opening in time for Orlando's Family Spring Break season is Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld Orlando, which combines up-close animal experiences with water-theme thrill rides for visitors of all ages.
Scheduled for a March 1 soft opening, the 59-acre South Sea Islands-inspired water park will feature side-by-side water slides that will shoot riders underwater, where they will encounter black-and-white Commerson's dolphins.
Visitors to Universal Studios Florida will experience a hilarious journey through fictional Springfield, home to Homer, Bart and the rest of the Simpson family, with the attraction's new ride, The Simpsons, based on the animated sitcom.
Disney's Hollywood Studios this spring will debut Block Party Bash, an interactive parade featuring over 20 Disney-Pixar characters, including Woody, Buzz from the movie "Toy Story" and Mike and Sulley from "Monsters Inc." The street parade will include aerial acrobatics, trampoline stunts, floats and music.
Festivals for families
Throughout the spring, Orlando is hopping with festivals and events geared to families.
The annual Central Florida Fair is scheduled for April 17 to 27 at the Central Florida Fairground. The event is packed with games and rides for the entire family.
If sweets are clients' thing, point them to the Celebration for the Great American Pie Festival, April 19 and 20. Festivities include cooking demonstrations, pie-making for kids, pie-eating contests and the Never-Ending Pie Buffet.
The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 9, celebrates the "fabric of American life" through activities like the Dairy Costume Ball, the Decorated Diaper Contest and the Poultry and Rabbit Show. And, yes, there will also be an abundance of juicy strawberries.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will present Hippity Hop Adventure on March 22 and 23. Kids will receive a free bunny tail to wear, enjoy face painting and win prizes as they discover clues along an adventure trail that leads them to the Easter Bunny.
Culture in the mix
Orlando's cultural scene has plenty to offer families.
A classic children's book will come to life when the Orlando Shakespeare Theater presents "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," Feb. 23 to March 16.
The Orlando Repertory Theater will stage an interactive song-and-dance show that will feature characters from a popular Nickelodeon TV series in "Blue's Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place," March 7 to 30.
The Orlando Ballet will present "Fairy Tale Princes and Princesses" on March 15. The event, part of the Family Series, provides the ballet experience in less than an hour and offers behind-the-scenes interactions like a ballerina meet-and-greet and a tutu-making demonstration.
For more information about these and other family-themed attractions, events and activities in Orlando this spring, visit orlandoinfo.com/springbreak.
To contact reporter Jorge Sidron, send e-mail to [email protected].