Maximize your spring, summer or winter break with Orlando must-do’s for college students.
School is out and the sun is shining high. That means it’s time to forget those discussion posts and whip out the shades as we show you every way to spend your college break in Orlando, whether you’re visiting for spring break, winter break, summer vacation — or any time of year.
Discover: Low-Cost & Free Activities
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
Seasonal Activities
When the seasons change, so do the countless activities and offerings around Orlando. From sprawling festivals with live music to grand holiday festivities, the city has something for everyone to enjoy whenever you come to visit.
Spring Break (March – April)
In the springtime, Orlando blossoms into a garden of entertainment that is ripe with festivals and activities, perfect for visiting with family or the crew.
Discover: Spring Events
Watch nature bloom before your eyes at the EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort, open from March to June. Celebrate the season with special characters, outdoor markets and stunning foliage, all included with admission to EPCOT®.
Discover: 10 Fan-Favorite Spring Break Must-Do’s
Or you can party New Orleans-style, thanks to Universal Orlando Resort and their Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Let your tastebuds travel to the French Quarter as you dance to lively jazz or catch a concert from your favorite artists like Bebe Rexha, Zedd and The All-American Rejects (included with admission)!
And don’t forget the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando. Through May 4, you can find over 200 internationally inspired dishes and beverages while enjoying live music from artists like Smash Mouth and Soulja Boy. Food, wine and live music: a foodie’s ultimate dream.
Summer Break (End of May – Start of August)
Pack up the sunscreen and an ice-cold cooler: the summer activities are here. Unwind by the pool, chill out at awesome indoor attractions, and make a splash at Orlando’s incredible water parks — many of which will offer after hours events for even more fun by night.
Discover: 10 Fan-Favorite Summer Must-Do’s
Enjoy mouth-watering eats, thirst-quenching brews and electrifying live concerts during SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ, then keep the foodie fun going with fall culinary events beginning in mid-August.
Lift a glass to the beloved EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World, where you can discover a variety of Global Marketplaces offering food and drinks from all over the world and get on all your favorite rides.
You can also release your inner foodie with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® presented by Orlando Health. This enchanting program kicks off in August and features multi-course meals at a price worth bragging about from over 100 beloved local eateries, including MICHELIN Guide restaurants.
Winter Break (December – January)
Snow might be non-existent in Orlando, but we are no stranger to cool seasonal fun, including must-see experiences in our theme parks and beyond.
Celebrate the holidays with your favorite characters at theme park festivities that hit the soul with a snowball of nostalgia. Explore options the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays, SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, or Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, all included with theme park admission, or opt for separately ticketed evening events like Disney Jollywood Nights.
Discover: Holiday Events
Venture beyond the theme parks for more holiday must-do’s, including wondrous live arts, dazzling light displays, free holiday festivals and more.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for a homelike experience in a local neighborhood or a modern suite with a view, your dream accommodation waits for you in Orlando.
The Alfond Inn is the perfect mix of local charm and luxury, offering picturesque views of Winter Park. The hotel is just steps away from Park Avenue, a popular shopping and dining spot. We even figured out how to have a perfect day in Winter Park.
Discover: Places to Stay
If convenience is what you need, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport at the Orlando International Airport is the place to stay. Those seeking cool, modern suites might consider the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, a luxury lifestyle hotel that is adorned with eclectic modern art and offerings like tech-infused wellness amenities. And if you’re traveling with a crowd, Marriott’s Grande Vista has spacious villas with room for everyone.
Discover: Top Resorts in Orlando
Looking for something extra special? Check out our unique suites or our guide to the Disney Resorts Collection; proof that Orlando has something for everyone.
Entertainment
Now that you’ve settled in, there’s a world of entertainment for you and the crew to enjoy; from larger-than-life games to outdoor activities that are open all year long.
Games
Get the gang together for engaging gaming experiences! Ride high-speed go karts or catch a game of laser tag at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. Take a shot at mini golf and score some holes at the Congo River Golf, or lose yourself in the immersive virtual worlds of Sandbox VR, which includes experiences themed after Squid Game and Stranger Things.
Discover: Orlando’s Immersive Attractions
Attractions
You don’t need to go to the theme parks to find one-of-a-kind attractions. Located in ICON Park®, the Orlando StarFlyer is the “world’s tallest swing ride” and the ultimate dare for you and your friends to take on. Or shoot yourself 450 feet in the air with the Orlando SlingShot, located right across the street, if you’re brave enough.
Discover: Orlando’s Tallest Attractions
Outdoors
There are plenty of opportunities to have fun in the sun, too. Spot unique wildlife as you walk through acres of beautiful gardens at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Head to Gatorland for close encounters with local wildlife like birds and gators, or catch an airboat with Spirit of the Swamp Airboats for a windy adventure through a true natural paradise.
Discover: Outdoor Fun for Everyone
Dining & Nightlife
Dining
You could roam around Orlando all day looking for the perfect place to eat but you’ll find a few prime spots for college students on Restaurant Row, where top dining is located in one convenient destination.
Discover: Restaurant Row
Make dinner interactive with your friends and cook together at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Orlando. Have a hearty meal at American Social Bar & Kitchen and enjoy their modern American cuisine, or keep the food coming at Chima Steakhouse, where gauchos endlessly serve you meat until you tell them to stop.
Discover: Things to Do on International Drive
Nightlife
Orlando takes on a dramatic costume change at night, electrifying the city with bright lights, bouncing clubs and non-stop nightlife.
If you just spent the day roaming through the parks and want to carouse nearby, Universal CityWalk can be the life of the party with neon signs and music on the street. Those looking for a scenic night out can head to Disney’s Boardwalk for a quiet, moonlit evening.
And there’s plenty of places around Orlando that can guarantee a good time. Explore the heart of downtown in the City District where you can find plenty of themed bars and hidden speakeasies (and we have all the passwords)!
Or head to the Mills 50 entertainment district for an energetic and eclectic feel, where you can feel the bass pump through your feet with incredible music from venues like Will’s Pub or the record-spinning vinyl club Alfie’s Hi-Fi.
Discover: Orlando Nightlife
Theme Parks & Water Parks
If you haven’t set aside a day or two for an unforgettable time at the theme parks, then what are you waiting for?
Walt Disney World® Resort
Walt Disney World is home to multiple magical parks, including Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, EPCOT® and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Each has their own rides, roller coasters, unique food and endless entertainment for the whole party.
SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld® Orlando offers both adrenaline-inducing coasters and sea life experiences. Drop in and meet a variety of sea creatures throughout the parks and maybe catch some of their impressive tricks.
Discovery Cove®
At Discovery Cove®, enjoy the sunshine while interacting with marine life. This all-inclusive day resort offers activities like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with fish and rays, and hand-feeding tropical birds. All-day snacks and basic drinks are included, making it the perfect way to splash all day.
Universal Orlando Resort
At Universal Orlando Resort, take on the exciting parks of Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and the newly opened Universal Epic Universe, where you can explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and more.
Water Parks
Cool off with the posse at one of the many water parks scattered across Orlando, including Universal Volcano Bay, Aquatica® Orlando, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, and Island H2O Live!.
Stay Connected to Orlando
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