Page 77 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

ATTRACTIONS Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds wax
ANNUAL EVENTS
While Central Florida is widely known for its museum and The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall
big three—Walt Disney World, Universal observation wheel at ICON Park. Opening
Orlando and SeaWorld (see our Theme Parks in Spring, Dezerland Action Park is an
JANUARY
story in this issue)—there are many other indoor theme park featuring the Orlando Central Florida Scottish Highland Games,
attractions you want to experience on your Auto Museum which will include cars from Winter Springs
next visit. James Bond and Batman movies. At nearby JANUARY–FEBRUARY
In Lakeland, book a tour of the 260-acre iFLY Orlando, test your bravery at this Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts
and Humanities, Eatonville
Safari Wilderness Ranch and marvel at more indoor skydiving experience. Don’t tell the
than 450 exotic African and Asian animals. kids, but at WonderWorks indoor FEBRUARY
Nearby, you’ll find the Water Ski Hall of amusement park on International Drive, Mount Dora Arts Festival
Silver Spurs Rodeo, Kissimmee
Fame and Museum in Polk City. they can learn while having fun in this
For an airboat ecotour, check out Wild 35,000 square feet of edutainment. Fun FEBRUARY–APRIL
Universal Studios Mardi Gras
Florida Airboat & Wildlife Park in Kenansville Spot America, a family-owned theme park
on Cypress Lake. Get an in-depth look at the in the area, features multi-level go-karts, MARCH
‘gators, birds and eagles. They are currently thrill rides, family rides and an arcade. Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill
Super Sebring
expanding from 13 acres to 88 acres, which (There is also a Kissimmee location.) Just Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival
will include the addition of a two-mile drive- north of downtown Orlando, the Orlando
MARCH–MAY
though safari and a zip line. Old Town in Science Center offers four stories of
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Kissimmee offers a Ferris wheel, a haunted interactive, hands-on exhibits, an observa-
APRIL
house, themed restaurants, an arcade and tory, a café and the Dr. Phillips CineDome,
Florida Film Festival, Orlando
shopping. For more rides and go-karts, head a 300-seat theater for films and SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, Lakeland
over to Fun Spot America–Kissimmee. planetarium shows.
MAY
The Showcase of Citrus in Clermont is a Venture over to Black Hammock Mayfaire by-the-Lake Fine Arts Festival,
family-owned roadside citrus farm and cattle Adventures in Oviedo for airboat rides on Lake Lakeland
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
ranch at which families can pick grapefruits, Jesup, home to the largest alligator population
lemons, tangerines and oranges. Don’t forget in Florida, estimated at around 10,000. JULY
Caladium Festival, Lake Placid
the handcrafted creamsicles. At Clermont’s The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical
Red Hot and Boom, Altamonte Springs
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, kids and Gardens in Sanford is home to more than
adults can take turns stomping grapes. 400 animals and the Barnyard Buddies AUGUST
Grape Stomp & Wine Festival, Lake Placid
The Crayola Experience in Orlando’s Children’s Zoo. Feed the giraffes then cool
Florida Mall is a family attraction offering off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash AUGUST–NOVEMBER
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
more than 25 hands-on experiences. Or take Ground.
part in the Grande Lakes Orlando catch-and- Near Ocala, a must visit in this region is SEPTEMBER
release fish program and help track data for the venerable Silver Springs State Park, Plantation Redfish Classic, Crystal River
Sebring Thunder Car Show
the Florida Wildlife Commission. Orlando’s Florida’s first attraction, known for its Tour of Sebring Cycling
International Drive is home to the SEA LIFE famous glass-bottom boats.
SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
OCTOBER
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, ORLANDO • DISNEY/TODD ANDERSON
MIDFLORIDA Auto Show & Lake Mirror
Concours
NOVEMBER
Civilian Conservation Corps Festival, Sebring
The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire,
Tavares
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens
Celebration
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
NOVEMBER–JANUARY
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 75