7/6/2017
We know that many people plan vacations for the 4th of July – there’s great weather, you usually get a long weekend at work, and the kids are on summer vacation. The timing is perfect. But when you’re a tourist in an unfamiliar town, sometimes it can be hard to know where to go for the best Independence Day events. Your trusted Orlando vacation rental provider, Vacation Pool Homes, is here to give you some inside information on what to do when you find yourself at an Orlando or Kissimmee vacation home on the 4th of July. Most of these events are free, and if you plan it right, you can actually do all of them!
Here are four can’t-miss Fourth Of July events in the Orlando area:
- Red Hot & Boom, July 3rd: Most people will tell you this is the best fireworks display in the Orlando area, outside of the Disney World fireworks. This is a free event that usually garners over 100,000 spectators, as well as an array of musical artists and bands. In the past, artists like Jessica Simpson and NSYNC have performed. This year’s lineup features Hey Violet, James Arthur, Why Don’t We, AJR, and Austin Mahone. If you’re not sure who these people are, that’s okay. Just show this list to your teenagers, they’ll tell you all about these artists – and probably beg for this to be the Fourth Of July event you choose. Again, this is a free event and takes place on July 3rd (not the 4th!) at Cranes Roost Park. For driving directions and tips, check out the events general information page here.
- Winter Park Olde Fashioned 4th Of July Celebration: This event is known for having a more relaxed, family setting than the Red Hot & Boom event, and is great for families with young children. With horse-drawn carriages, games, and inflatables, this event is hard to beat. This free event offers free hot dogs, watermelon, and water (while supplies last), so it’s easy on the wallet as well. Special events at the celebration include a bicycle parade, watermelon eating contest, a 5k race, and performances by the Bach Festival Brass Band and Bach Festival Choir. This celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. with an “Oath of Allegiance” naturalization ceremony for 20 people who have applied for US citizenship. Mayor Steve Leary will be in attendance to make a speech and congratulate the new American citizens on this major life event, making it a historic occasion for the family to witness. For more information on location and events, click here. This event does not include fireworks and only lasts until noon, so you will still have plenty of time to head over to one of Orlando’s famous fireworks shows.
- Downtown Orlando Fireworks At The Fountain: For Orlando Natives, you don’t need to specify which fountain is “The Fountain,” but for people who are unfamiliar with the area, it refers to the famous Lake Eola Fountain. In 2009, the original fountain was destroyed by a bolt of lightning, and underwent a $1.6 million restoration, which included more powerful water jets and a series of brightly colored LED lights. The Fireworks At The Fountain event festivities begin at 4 p.m. on July 4th, and include activities for children, live music, and an array of food and beverage options. There is no ticket necessary for this event, but you should arrive early for a good view. The main events includes a patriotic light show where the fountain’s jets and lights “dance” to music, as well as a fireworks show starting around 9 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. For more information, check out the event website here.
- At Disney: No matter what day of the year you spend at Disney World, you’ll be able to end it with their famous nightly fireworks show. However, on July 3rd and 4th, Disney’s Magic Kingdom park holds a special patriotic fireworks show titled “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth Of July Concert In The Sky!”, available to watch in front of Cinderella’s Castle free of charge (after paying for park admission). This display pays homage to the Stars and Stripes, and is backed by a magnificent musical score to get your red, white, and blue blood flowing. If you’re at the Epcot Disney Park on the 4th, you can see an enhanced version of their “Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth” show that has a patriotic twist.
Choose Vacation Pool Homes For Your 4th Of July Vacation
When you’re vacationing, it is important to be able to have a place to retreat after the hustle and bustle of an event-filled day. We have vacation pool rentals in gated and private communities, as well as a large selection of rental homes with private pools. This is especially useful when traveling with kids when you want to avoid the “party scene” that can be present in Orlando, especially around holidays. Even though we are in the midst our high season, you might still be able to snag an Orlando vacation home just in time for the 4th. Check out our available listings here and plan your trip today!
