Does July 4th bring to mind fireworks, cookouts and time spent with family and friends? We couldn’t agree more. Just add an unbeatable vacation destination and you’ve got an Independence Day celebration in Orlando. While there are many ways to mark the day, here are four that we thought were extra special.
1. Celebrate with Music
Whether your taste in music runs to the traditional or the top of the pop charts, chances are you’ll find just the right soundtrack to your July 4th celebration in Orlando. Historic Bok Sanctuary will entertain visitors with a 60-bell-carillon concert of patriotic tunes. Meanwhile, Silver Springs will welcome “American Idol” finalists Justin Guarini, Anthony Federov and Melissa McGhee for a special Independence Day celebration. Or for a throwback to the 80s, head to Town Center at Celebration for a street party and concert featuring “A Flock of Seagulls” or rock out to 80s hair bands Poison, Ratt and Great White at House of Blues Orlando.
2. Head to the Beach
Don’t let Orlando’s sunny inland location fool you, a day at the beach is only a short drive away for visitors seeking to spend some of their Independence Day getaway by the ocean. Ron Jon Surf Shop is hosting a special Fourth of July celebration complete with spectacular fireworks show over the water in nearby Cocoa Beach. Or, take advantage of a special excursion being offered by Florida Dolphin Tours that includes an afternoon meal, entertainment and evening fireworks spectacular over the shores of Daytona Beach. Or plan to head to Daytona Beach on July 7 for the running of the 49th Annual Pepsi 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at the famed Daytona International Speedway.
3. Americana Overload
What better excuse to overload on Americana than a good, old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration? Orlando’s theme parks and attractions offer plenty of reason to cheer for the red, white and blue from a realistic interaction with American presidents past and present to stampeding buffalo and Southern hospitality at the Dixie Stampede, explore Americana Orlando-style.
4. Light up the Sky
Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day and nowhere is the art form shown to better advantage than in the destination where fireworks are a nightly occurrence. But, Orlando’s world famous theme parks – Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando - pull out all the stops for America’s birthday with special nighttime July 4th celebrations sure to leave you speechless. Or party like a local at Fireworks Over the Fountain, held in downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, where picnic baskets, pyrotechnics and lasers are the order of the day.
Information courtesy of Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau