Orlando Events, Theme Parks & Things to Do 2025

Park days, space days, airboat days—build an Orlando plan that mixes headliners with easy wins. Use this guide to compare tickets, book must-do tours, and stitch together a trip you’ll actually brag about.

Jump to: Theme Parks · Kennedy Space Center · Water & Nature · Family Attractions & Animals · Nightlife & Dinner Shows · Sports · Festivals & Big Weeks · By Month · FAQ

Theme Parks

Reserve early for peak weeks and special events. Combo tickets and express options save time on headline rides.

Core Parks

• Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom
• Universal Orlando: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay
• SeaWorld Orlando & Aquatica
• LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven)

Tip: Aim for rope-drop mornings or late evenings; stack mobile ordering and express/skip-the-line where available.

Kennedy Space Center

America’s space coast highlight—timed entry helps on weekends; add round-trip transport to keep it simple.

Don’t Miss

• Space Shuttle Atlantis & Shuttle Launch Experience
• Rocket Garden & Saturn V Center
• Bus tour to launch complexes (subject to schedule)

Water & Nature

Swap queues for quiet water—swamps, springs, and glow nights on the lagoon.

Top Picks

• Everglades-style airboat ride (gators & birds)
• Crystal-clear springs swim/snorkel (Wekiva, Blue Spring, Silver Glen)
• Bioluminescence kayak (seasonal)
• Manatee encounters (seasonal protections apply)

Family Attractions & Animal Encounters

Mix park days with hands-on stops and skyline views.

• ICON Park: The Wheel, aquarium & museum combos
• Gatorland (shows & ziplines)
• Ripley’s, WonderWorks & mini-golf clusters on I-Drive

Nightlife & Dinner Shows

From classic dinner spectacles to dueling pianos—book prime time slots early.

• Dinner shows (medieval, pirates, variety)
• CityWalk evenings & live music
• Sunset helicopter or ICON Wheel + dining combos

Sports

Arena nights and soccer Saturdays—compare marketplaces for best sections.

• Orlando Magic (NBA) — Kia Center
• Orlando City SC (MLS) / Orlando Pride (NWSL) — Inter&Co Stadium

Festivals & Big Weeks

Hotel rates jump—lock tickets and rooms early.

• EPCOT Festivals (Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, Festival of the Arts)
• Universal Mardi Gras & Halloween Horror Nights
• Holiday lights & after-hours events (parks & I-Drive)

Orlando by Month

Heat, humidity, and storms swing by season—morning starts and flexible afternoons win in summer.

• Jan–Mar: Cooler days; festival openings; ideal KSC timing.
• Apr–Jun: Parks ramp; springs & airboats shine.
• Jul–Sep: Peak heat; plan early/late park hours and water days.
• Oct–Dec: HHN, holiday parades & after-hours events.

Orlando FAQ

Do I need a car?

Helpful but optional. Base near your plans and use shuttles or rideshare; many tours include transport (KSC, airboats, etc.).

How early should I book big events?

As early as you can—Halloween Horror Nights and holiday events sell fast, as do KSC peak weekends.

How do I save?

Bundle attractions, target midweek park days, and compare marketplaces for dynamic pricing.