Your guide to spring break in Orlando — straight from a college student.

As a college student and Florida resident, you won’t catch me spending spring break anywhere but Orlando. There’s a seemingly limitless number of ways to refresh and have fun, from theme park adventures to unforgettable dining to dazzling nightlife. So ditch your textbooks, grab your friends and discover the best ways to celebrate your much-needed break in 2025.

Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks, Attractions & Experiences

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.

Events: Food, Art & Fun

Spring break is the perfect opportunity to experience a performance or festival, and Orlando always comes through with exhilarating live events. Check out top happenings this March!

66th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

From March 21 – 23, Orlando is hosting one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals: the 66th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. If you have an art lover in your group, this festival is a must-do, and there’s plenty of on-the-go food to try while you explore. The best part? Admission is free.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park

Live Music & Performances

Orlando offers live music and performances at next-level venues. Catch shows like Mean Girls at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (March 28 – 30), Andy Grammer at Hard Rock Live (March 21), or Boots: Giddy Up Orlando at Renaissance Theatre Company (Feb. 14 – March 29).

Discover: Events in Orlando

EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort

Orlando is in bloom at the EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival (March 5 – June 2), included with admission to EPCOT. Make the most of spring with beloved botanical Disney characters, outdoor marketplaces, vibrant play areas, live music and more at Walt Disney World® Resort.

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Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando

Discover oceans of flavor and live music at SeaWorld® Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival (through May 4). With more than 190 global-inspired dishes paired with delicious drinks, this event is a lighthouse for foodies everywhere.

Discover: Spring Foodie Festivals in Orlando

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Orlando Resort

New Orleans isn’t the only place to celebrate Mardi Gras. Universal Orlando Resort is hosting their very own Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, promising worldwide adventure for your tastebuds, live concerts, and a downpour of colorful parade beads to catch at Universal Studios Florida.

St. Patrick’s Day

Discover a taste of Ireland in Orlando at the Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs®. This Irish owned and operated spot has an authentic food and drink menu, as well as live entertainment. So of course, they’re going all-out for St. Paddy’s Day with the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival from March 14 – 17, a shamrocking celebration you don’t want to miss.

Discover: St. Patrick’s Day Events & Offers

Check out International Drive, our main strip that is always buzzing with vibrant energy. There’s all kinds of entertainment, but for a lucky hurrah, don’t miss the Howl at the Moon St. Patrick’s Day Party from March 14 – 17. Or venture to Boxi Park, an outdoor dining and entertainment hub in the heart of Lake Nona, for the St. Patrick’s Day Party at Boxi Park, a haven for live music and Irish ambience.

Hoping to explore as many nightlife venues as possible? You’re in luck — the Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl will take you to over four top venues, with one-of-a-kind drink exclusives. So when you’re packing your bags for Orlando this March, don’t forget something green!

Where to Stay

Orlando is a huge city — if you’re hoping to make the most of your spring break trip, staying in a central location is key. Plus, Orlando’s stylish hotels can bring your week of rest and rejuvenation to the next level.

Downtown

Want to stay nestled within the heart of Orlando, surrounded by shops, cafes, clubs and bars? Downtown is a great location. Check out the Grand Bohemian Orlando for modern elegance, Aloft Orlando Downtown for vibrant style and more, or AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown for unbeatable views. Indulge in some much-needed luxury on break while staying close to the electrifying adventure outside your window.

Discover: Places to Stay in Orlando

International Drive

After a long day of traversing attractions and theme parks, you might want to rest and relax ASAP, so keep close by staying on I-Drive. Book at places like the Ramada Plaza Resort & Suites — a resort with budget-friendly suites and stunning views — or the relaxing and sophisticated Rosen Centre Orlando, both of which are less than eight miles from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. I-Drive is also home to many other exciting adventures beyond the theme parks, like Pointe Orlando, ICON Park, Fun Spot America and more.

Discover: Things to Do on International Drive

Shopping

Hoping to return to class with a fresh shopping haul? Don’t miss The Florida Mall® and The Mall at Millenia, massive and glamorous malls with almost any store you can think of. And though they aren’t technically malls, Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are some must-visit outdoor shopping plazas with all the theme-park treasures (and more).

If you’re balling on a budget, we’ve got you covered with our world-famous outlet malls, including Orlando International Premium Outlets®, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets® and Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores. Just like our premier malls, these plazas are located near downtown Orlando and our other attractions.

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You can also support small businesses and score some unique, handcrafted goods by shopping in our charming neighborhoods. Discover gourmet gifts for foodies, hand-made artwork, one-of-a-kind clothing items and more, all while exploring Orlando like a local.

Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods

Nightlife

Celebrate spring (and your time off) by checking out Orlando’s vibrant nightlife scene. Downtown Orlando is an epicenter of diverse bars and clubs, located close to one another or within walking distance. Year-round Halloween-themed Cocktails & Screams is a local favorite. Keep this hush-hush, but downtown is also home to several unique speakeasies like The Treehouse and Hanson’s Shoe Repair, with The Courtesy Bar in nearby Winter Park (and yes, we have all the passwords).

Discover: The Best Orlando Speakeasies

Pointe Orlando’s newest addition — Live! at Pointe Orlando — is quickly becoming another popular nightlife destination, and for good reason. The top level of Pointe Orlando is an active space filled with an authentic country hangout (PBR Cowboy Bar), a Florida-style tropical bar (Shark Bar), on-the-go pizza (Sal’s Pizza) and everything in between. With a variety of venues only steps apart, this hub of nightlife makes bar-hopping easier than ever.

Discover: Things Do at Pointe Orlando

Restaurants

For all the foodies out there: Orlando’s dining scene is unmatched, and each meal is an extravagant experience. At Pointe Orlando, discover diverse and radiant restaurants like Taverna Opa, which features live entertainment almost around the clock. Be prepared dance on the table alongside belly dancing performers — and to throw your napkins in the air.

Discover: Food & Dining

Orlando’s famous Restaurant Row is another optimal spot for food-lovers, only minutes from I-Drive. Treat yourself to Japanese cuisine at the award-winning Kabooki Sushi, or to some mouth-watering steak at the popular Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. You’ve earned it — and trust me, your tastebuds will thank you.

Theme Parks & Water Parks

This spring break, fill your itinerary with heart-pounding roller coasters, beloved characters, up-close wildlife and water parks — all in one place. As the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando promises a week of action-packed adventure.

Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World is made up of multiple parks, including Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, EPCOT® and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Each contains rides and roller coasters, unique food and endless entertainment for the whole family. Cool off at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, indulge in some retail or food therapy at Disney Springs and more.

SeaWorld® Orlando

With a shift in the usual theme-park tide, SeaWorld® Orlando offers both adrenaline-pumping coasters and sea life experiences. Meet a variety of sea creatures throughout the parks and maybe catch some of their impressive tricks. When you’re ready to make a splash, Aquatica® Orlando features waterslides, marine life and aquariums.

Universal Orlando Resort

At Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, rides vary from slow wonders to high-speed thrills. Food stands and restaurants are located within the parks as well as in Universal CityWalk, a buzzing entertainment and dining district. Universal Volcano Bay beckons with water rides, a wave pool, menu offerings and specialty cocktails inspired by the South Pacific islands.

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, but you can also purchase an upgraded food and drink package or even stay in a cabana for the day.

Island H2O Live!

One of Orlando’s most immersive water parks, Island H2O Live! features over 20 thrilling experiences, including water rides and slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and various dining options. Technologically advanced and media-themed, this park is part of Margaritaville Resort Orlando near Walt Disney World.

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