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Weather Expectations in January in Orlando
Travelers who are excited to spend time in Orlando at Disney World in January will want to be sure to be ready for a variety of weather expectations during their stay. While you can count on the fun being consistently wonderful at Disney World this time of year, the weather may be a bit harder to predict. In years past, January in Orlando has come with early morning temperatures in the lower 50s and averages in the 70s by late afternoon. It’s always a good idea to pack in layers so you can adjust throughout the day as you spend quality time with family and friends at the parks.Run Your Way to Disney Fun
An exciting event on the calendar in January 2024 is the Walt Disney World Marathon. Those who love to challenge themselves and run their way to fun will love every second of this thrilling annual event. The marathon and collection of accompanying shorter races are scheduled to be held between January 3 and January 7, 2024. The routes wind their way through the Disney parks giving participants plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and find magical motivation to cross the finish line! Athletes can even dress up in their best Disney-themed apparel if they choose to. The Walt Disney World Marathon is one that always fills up fast so if you want to participate in January 2024, do be sure to register in advance.Spend Time at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts
At eight years old in 2024, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is still considered one of the newer additions to the Disney annual event lineup and one that visitors and locals alike are always thrilled to enjoy! When you head this way in January, you’ll be right on time to make the most of the fun as the festival is scheduled to run from January 12, 2024, through February 19, 2024. When you enjoy this annual event, you’ll be participating in what’s described as the “ultimate celebration of world-class food, visual art, and live entertainment.” The combination promises to thrill as the event invites guests to enjoy culinary food and art from across the globe as well as mesmerizing photo opportunities. There are paint-by-number murals to contribute to and a full Broadway concert series to enjoy during your visit. Tasting sessions are available at 13 booths across the park during the festival while opportunities to speak with artists about their work are something you won’t want to miss. Most of the festival events in Disney World and EPCOT occur between park opening and 5:00 pm daily but if you want to take in some of the special performances, be sure to check the park app before you arrive as those showtimes fluctuate.Savor Holiday Décor at Its Best
Yes, Christmas may be officially over by January 1, 2024, but the festive feeling is still alive and well throughout Disney World parks through about mid-January making it a great time for travelers to soak up those last-minute holiday vibes. Park decorations begin to switch over to beginning-of-the-year aesthetics by the middle of January, so if you spend time at Disney at the start of January 2024, you can still enjoy holiday decor at Cinderella’s Castle, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom too. While the Christmas entertainment comes to a close at the end of December, there are still options to pick up seasonal merchandise before February rolls around. This can be a fun way to commemorate customized holidays at the parks, even if your travel plans didn’t have you here in December. It’s a must for anyone passionate about collecting one-of-a-kind Disney merch during a visit. Be sure to have your camera in hand during your January visit to capture the views, holiday colors, and sparkles before they disappear until next December!Book Your Orlando Adventure Today
Now is the very best time to begin putting your Orlando travel plans into action for 2024 adventures. At Magical Vacation Homes, we have the vacation rental you need to elevate your stay in luxury, comfort, and style upon arrival. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options available across Orlando that keep you close to the fun at every turn. We look forward to helping you make more of every moment and can’t wait to see you in sunny Florida soon.Orlando, Florida is known and loved as the theme park capital of the world with good reason. Here, it’s as easy to savor time mesmerized by the magic of film and cinema at Universal Studios as it is to see Legos come to life at Legoland! That said, it’s hard to imagine an Orlando adventure without quality time at Disney World included. This stop is one that brings magic into nearly every moment for guests whether you’re meeting with characters, exploring the parks’ many attractions, dining in Disney style, or enjoying shows along the way. In addition to the traditional Disney fun offered up at the theme parks, guests who head here just about any time of year will find they’re privy to some of the Disney festivals that are sure to inspire. If your travel plans happen to fall between March 1, 2023, and July 5, 2023, you’ll be just in time to celebrate Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival in style! This highly anticipated festival sees Epcot transformed into a blooming garden filled with flowerbeds, floral and garden-inspired fare as well as fun activities that highlight the excitement of spring at every turn. When you make your way to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, you can enjoy unique exhibits, live entertainment, stunning topiary displays and living sculptures of your favorite Disney characters as well. It’s an experience well worth enjoying for yourself when your travels bring you to Orlando this year.Find the Place Where Fun and Flavor Collide
Every Disney festival is a treat for guests, but there’s something extra tantalizing about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. From the bold and brilliant colors to the floral aromas and easy access to themed fun, it’s one that’s sure to stand out from the rest. Make sure that your time at the festival includes the Garden Graze which is always a highlight. To participate, you’ll need to pick up your Festival Passport at the entry which will be your guide as you stroll through the park and savor 10 different and certainly delicious dishes that are crafted as a reflection of this one-of-a-kind festival. At each stop, you can get a stamp in your passport which can then be turned in at the Pineapple Promenade for a special treat and reward. As with some of the other annual Disney festivals, Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival also boasts an exciting lineup of outdoor kitchens that are always a delight. Guests can dine and sip their way through a stay making the most of festival-inspired cuisine served up by talented global chefs. This festival notoriously offers up garden-fresh fare to enjoy as well as fun snacks, and full dining experiences when you’re looking to infuse an elegant dinner into your visit as well.Make time to Enjoy Festival Shopping
Pop-up markets are always an exciting part of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival and those with a passion for retail therapy will love the options that arrive! Of course, even if you miss out on a pop-up market event, you’ll find that the festival hosts a variety of specialized festival merchandise for sale. Head over to the stores, gift stands, and merchandise booths to check out the limited-time apparel, accessories, souvenirs and more. In 2023, festival merchandise collections slated to be revealed include the Annual Passholder Collection, the Figment Collection, the Orange Bird Collection and the Snow White Collection as well.Fun for the Entire Family
Those who are heading over to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival with the kids will find that there are a variety of family-friendly activities to include on the itinerary. Start with some time at the Family-Friendly Garden presented by OFF! This is a place where kids can explore camp-themed and floral exhibits where jumping, climbing, and imagination are all encouraged. Butterfly Landing by AdventHealth is another great stop on-site where kids can get up close to some truly colorful and incredible creatures. Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt will be on in 2023 during festival time as well. Pick up a map and stickers at the entrance and keep your eyes peeled for Spike the Bee across Epcot. When you find him, sticker your map and enjoy turning it in for a prize when you’ve completed the hunt.Expect Great Entertainment
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is aligned with the Garden Rocks Concert Series in 2023. A lineup of diverse and exciting performances is expected to take to the stage once again at the America Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion. Headlines will include Smash Mouth, Audio Exchange, Glass Ceiling, Blue Oyster Cult, and beyond.Book Your Getaway Today
When travel plans bring you to Orlando, the team at Magical Vacation Homes has the stunning vacation rental you need to infuse style, comfort, and luxury into the experience. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options and to get started!Festival Fun for Everyone in Orlando
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is an exciting time at the theme park for locals and visitors alike. Compared to other annual festivals hosted at the park, this one is relatively newer, but comes with just as much to look forward to and has quickly climbed the ranks as a fan-favorite event! During the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, guests to the theme park will find it’s been transformed in the name of savory food options, customized merchandise, incredible seminars, and demonstrations as well as décor, entertainment selections, and more! Because festival offerings and merchandise are available for only a limited time, it makes experiencing them that much more special and fun for park guests. There’s a thrill in collecting everything from apparel and accessories with the specialized festival logo displayed that makes the event even more meaningful. Because this festival only runs for about a month, it’s even more exclusive and appealing to check out!
Celebrate in Artistic Festival Style
Time at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts can be spent indulging your tastebuds in flavorful options that are inspired by destinations across the globe. Guests are invited to stop by the many food studios on-site during this celebration and enjoy trying dishes that not only meet gourmet standards but look like pieces of artwork themselves! This festival is also a great opportunity for guests to enjoy a variety of special food events that celebrate the craft of the culinary arts. From dazzling food displays and demonstrations to full dinners that are sure to satisfy, it’s a savory moment you won’t want to miss out on. The visual arts are celebrated too during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts in Orlando. In fact, artistry comes to life in a colorful way throughout the park during this time of celebration. Guests can enjoy visits through limited-time art galleries and see artists painting in real time too. A variety of art exhibits adorn the park this time of year showcasing everything from paper sculpting and painting to photography and woodwork just to name a few. There are even workshops to attend where guests can learn a new artistic skill while they’re here! For those festival goers that love a good performance, this is the event for you. There is creative entertainment nearly everywhere you look during the International Festival of the Arts from musical performances to dance alike.Other Activities and Fun to Enjoy During Festival Time at EPCOT
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is truly a family-friendly experience with much to enjoy and learn along the way. The festival hosts no less than 16 food studios for guests to enjoy as well as an Animation Academy where visitors can learn to bring Disney characters to life through digital technology. The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is a must for those festival-goers who are up for a great show. Be sure to drop by the paint-by-number wall while you’re here to add your special touch to the festival dynamic. Whether you’re enjoying collecting festival-exclusive merchandise or making the most of festival-themed scavenger hunts, it’s an experience that promises to be inspiring. There are even photo booths set up across the park during the festival so visitors can create their own artistic memories to carry home with them.
Plan Your Visit to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Unlike some festivals and Disney events, admission to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is included in the cost of a park admission ticket. That means there isn’t any specialized ticket that needs to be purchased—simply show up ready to celebrate! Do keep in mind that if you’re looking forward to participating in any of the special workshops or demonstrations, there may be additional costs involved that you’ll want to be aware of before showing up. Upon arrival, be sure to pick up your Festival Passport which comes with a handy checklist of must-visit areas, activities, and festival offerings.
Book Your Orlando Adventure Today
Now is the time to make the most of the Florida fun and when travel plans bring you to Orlando, Magical Vacation Homes has you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible selection of property options and how we can help you turn travel dreams into a reality!According to AAA Travel, Orlando is the #1 destination for travel this 4th of July! It’s easy to see why, especially when we have theme parks known for their awe-inspiring fireworks spectaculars happening nightly! If you’re planning a 4th of July in Orlando at the theme parks or visiting the Orlando area for Independence Day celebrations, we’ve put together a guide for you! Our first Magical tip: the theme parks fill up very fast on the 4th of July, so be sure to keep that in mind when you are planning your day! There will be heavy crowds, so plan for long wait times for rides and characters and make sure to scope out your fireworks spot early!
EPCOT
Epcot is the #1 spot for Independence Day celebrations! Here’s an inside look at the special offerings:- Special Fireworks: “The Heartbeat of Freedom” What would a 4th of July celebration be without fireworks? And Epcot has the best show around! It starts at 9 p.m. with a performance of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which concludes with the addition of a heart-pounding, all-American grand finale. This one-night-only fireworks extravaganza unites music from great American composers with more pyrotechnics than Guests can imagine!
- Voices of Liberty – An Epcot tradition for more than 35 years, this legendary a cappella group will perform a series of special evening concerts of great American songs in the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Joining the Voices of Liberty on stage will be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, dressed for the occasion in their special “Spirit of ‘76” attire. Guests can also catch Voices of Liberty performing special patriotic songs in the rotunda of The American Adventure at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Disney Characters – During the day, Guests will have the opportunity to get a special photo with Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale, all wearing their patriotic best, right outside The American Adventure pavilion.
- Specialty Foods – Guests can add some flavor to their celebration with all-American foods throughout the park. There will be decadent red, white and blue cupcakes available at Fountain View and Sunshine Seasons, where they can also nosh on their yummy BBQ pork sandwich. Refreshment Port will have specially decorated croissant doughnuts (Who can resist those?!) and Liberty Inn has got Guests covered with the all-American burger, southern fried chicken sandwich, apple pie cheesecake and –just for the 4th – a slice of watermelon!
- The American Adventure – This epic attraction, another Epcot original, has recently been updated with an all-digital projection system, a new screen, new speakers and an all-new recording of the iconic “Golden Dream” anthem. And look for new faces added to the show’s finale including composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.