For some, winter is a season worth relishing. They live for the cold, the snow, and the ice that encourage you to bundle up and snuggle up in style. On the other hand, there are those out there who could do without it all and prefer the warm weather and plenty of sunshine to savor year-round! If you find yourself in the latter category and you’re looking for a place to spend a sensational week away this season, Orlando, Florida is a fantastic option for wintertime fun. When you can’t wait to stop dreaming of traveling and want to make it a reality, the following itinerary offers up the ultimate seven-day winter Orlando getaway to enjoy this year.
Day 1
It’s fair to say that no matter what time of year travelers arrive in Orlando, many adventurers come with their sights firmly set on the magical moments that await at Walt Disney World theme parks. This is completely understandable considering Orlando is the theme park capital of the world and during winter, there are a variety of festivities and holiday celebrations on the Disney calendar, making a visit even more exciting. That’s why you’ll want to make sure that day one of your seven-day Orlando stay this winter is focused on the theme parks filled with holiday flair! If you begin your adventure at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll be right on time to participate in the annual arrival of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This highly anticipated event is one that’s loved by visitors of all ages, but it does require separate ticketing from general admission and is only run on select nights. That makes it important to check the calendar in advance and book your tickets early to make the most of the fun. During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, ticketholders can enter the park at 4:00 pm to take advantage of traditional rides and attractions before the fun kicks off exclusively for ticketed guests at 7:00 pm. The celebration is vast and includes a theme park decked out in its holiday best as well as holiday food, beverages, performances, music, and more. This after-hours gathering features live shows and character meet and greets too. There’s a spectacular fireworks show at Cinderella’s Castle and in 2023, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf from Frozen will be putting on a brand new performance for guests to look forward to enjoying!
Don’t forget to head over to Hollywood Studios today as well where you can make the most of the Jollywood Holiday Party. This event is an elegant and glitzy take on winter fun that includes shows, performances, and music as well. Once you’ve had your fill of Disney magic, it’s time to head over to Disney Springs and make some time for well-earned retail therapy. Disney Springs is a central hub for shopping whether you’re looking for customized Disney merchandise, apparel, home goods, jewelry, crafts, or something more. It’s also a place filled with options for dining which makes it a great place to grab dinner. Consider enjoying a meal at 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa, The BOATHOUSE, or Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza for a delicious slice.
Day 2
Orlando is a city that has a way with mesmerizing moments and day two of your seven-day stay this winter will focus on glitter and sparkle that’s sure to inspire. That’s because you’ll begin your day visiting the annual ICE! Exhibit at Gaylord Palms. This stunning display comes to Orlando year after year and provides guests with an opportunity to wander through an impressive ice sculpture experience in the winter that’s one of a kind. As you stroll through the venue, you’ll encounter larger-than-life ice sculptures and even full landscapes that artists have meticulously designed from ice. While admiring the ice sculptures is a treat, there’s nothing quite like taking a ride down the ice slides or sledding on one of the many indoor hills this event hosts. Of course, no wintertime gathering of this kind is complete without a Santa meet and greet for the little ones. Head over to Santa’s grotto to make the most of the holiday fun and grab a photo too.
After a day of icy fun, warming up and savoring the moment is simple when you book tickets to one of Orlando’s many dinner shows. Consider traveling back in time when you make time for a meal at Medieval Times. There are also options to take your dinner theater experience out on the water at the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Orlando this evening.
Day 3
On the third day of your winter Orlando vacation, you’ll wake up excited to get up close to some truly amazing Floridian creatures. That’s because your agenda is taking you to Gatorland! This unique and exciting theme park is always a delight to explore but during the winter, it becomes a place where you can enjoy adventures, gator encounters, and Christmas spirit as well. At Gatorland, there are opportunities to try the thrilling ziplines that run right over ponds of alligators. You can also meet an alligator alongside a crew member or take photos that will have your friends back home wondering at your bravery.
After all of the excitement and adrenaline-pumping fun, it’s time to slow things down with a tour of the Harry P. Leu Gardens. This gorgeous retreat offers guests access to 50 colorful acres where they can stroll through gardens and admire flowers that hail from across Florida and the world. Complete with water features, benches, pavilions, and more, the Harry P. Leu Gardens is a great place to unwind, relax, and savor the sights.
Tonight, you deserve to enjoy a delicious meal at Kres Chophouse. Located at 17 W Church Street, Kres Chophouse has a way of finding itself on top restaurant lists year after year with good reason. It’s a great place to settle in and savor wonderful steak and seafood options and they also have a popular happy hour menu to enjoy.
Day 4
Your fourth day of winter fun in Orlando begins with a trip to SeaWorld. Year-round, a visit to this marine theme park is a chance to experience some truly incredible marine creatures up close, enjoy rides and attractions, and learn more about marine conservation too. During the winter season, guests enjoy the added benefit of the park’s Christmas celebration fun! This means there are plenty of winter and holiday-themed shows to check out as well as stunning decorations that adorn the park through the end of the year. SeaWorld is known for its annual winter light display as well, which is often set to holiday music and is designed to thrill.
After your time at SeaWorld, make your way to International Drive in Orlando and spend quality time checking out the vast array of shops, eateries, and whimsical museums and galleries to explore. If you have time, stopping in at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is a must. For dinner, be sure to set your sights on a seat at Café Tu Tu Tango where you’ll enjoy a collection of mouthwatering tapas, live music, and artists that paint right in the restaurant as you dine!
Day 5
There’s even more fun and a little bit of added magic to be found on day five of your Orlando vacation adventure when you start the day off at Universal Studios. Film fanatics love this park for the way it brings the silver screen and animated favorites to life before their very eyes. From the meet and greets to the photo opportunities and rides, it’s a one-stop shop for family fun! Keep in mind that in the winter, you get the bonus of holiday-themed events at Universal just like you do at Disney. You’ll want to be sure to check out Grinchmas in Whoville, and of course, check out Hogsmeade holiday celebrations over in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter too. The light show on Hogwarts Castle in the evening is always a delight as is the choir of singing frogs that come out specifically during the wintertime to enchant onlookers with their vocals.
If you’re looking to unwind after time at the theme parks, this is a great day to get in a round of golf in Orlando too. Because you don’t have to worry about snow and you have temperatures on your side, this is an activity that fits just about anywhere in your seven-day itinerary. Courses like Dubsdread are particularly popular among travelers looking for a place to tee off that’s equal parts challenging and fun. This 18-hole golf course also has a clubhouse on-site that offers full-service dining to enjoy when you’re looking to curb a craving after time on the greens.
Day 6
A staple activity in the wintertime for many people is ice skating. The good news is, just because you’re visiting sunny Orlando this year doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the rink-based fun! International Drive hosts an outdoor ice skating rink during the winter months that’s open to the public. There’s also an indoor ice skating option to enjoy at the RDV Sportsplex. Here, you’ll find yourself gliding along on an Olympic-sized ice rink—just be sure to check the public skate session times so you can make the most of every moment.
Afterward, it’s time to remind yourself why you picked such a beautiful and sunny place to spend a week of wintertime fun. This happens when you head to scenic Lake Eola Park and stroll the trails taking in the lush, green views. Here, there’s an amphitheater that frequently hosts live musical performances. There are also options to rent a swan boat and pedal your way across Lake Eola at your own preferred pace!
Because you’re already downtown, tonight is a great time to dine at Artisan’s Table found at 55 W. Church Street suite 128. This inviting and colorful stop is a great place to enjoy modern American fare in style and no matter what you order up, you’re sure to get a side of friendly service too.
Day 7
You’re going to want to enjoy a day of big, memorable moments on day seven of your trip and the perfect way to do that is to head over to ICON park and book a ride on the Wheel. This Ferris wheel towers 400 feet above the ground and offers passengers incredible views of not only International Drive but the glittering city of Orlando as a whole. During winter, there are options to book special tickets to The Wheel that allow you to ride along with Santa. Holiday-themed capsules make for added fun and festivities on the last day of your winter Orlando getaway.
Yet another stop you’re going to want to make before you head home is the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. Situated at 445 S Magnolia Avenue, this performing arts center is a top destination in the city to enjoy concerts, musicals, dance, comedy shows, and more! During winter, there are a variety of holiday-themed performances that take to the stage as well, and booking tickets in advance online is a breeze.
Tonight, treat your tastebuds to a palate-pleasing moment at the Everglades Restaurant at the Rosen Centre on International Drive. This eatery is helmed by Chef Fred Vlachos and pairs an impeccable menu of options with an interior aesthetic that transports diners straight to the heart of the Florida wetlands! From the dolphins jumping above your head to the watery murals and towering greenery, it’s easy to slip into the fun while you’re enjoying your steak, seafood, or vegetarian offerings that focus on Florida-inspired flavors.
Book Your Exciting Orlando Getaway Today
When you’re ready to book your getaway to Orlando, the team at Casiola Orlando is here to help make sure you have amazing accommodations in place no matter what season you arrive. Take time to browse our many exciting and inviting Orlando vacation homes available online today. When you find your ideal home-away-from-home, booking your place happens at just the touch of a button. Don’t forget to We can’t wait to see you in Orlando soon!
