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Top 5 Orlando Area Firework Displays

07/03/07 21:25 Filed in: Local Interest

I really should have posted this sooner, but I guess it's better late than never. If you and your family are looking for a spot in or around Orlando to view fireworks, I've got you covered. Here are the top 5 locations for your fourth of July fun tomorrow.

Walt Disney World
When it comes to fireworks, nobody does it like Disney! And if you think you've seen Disney fireworks, you have seen anything until you see their display for Independence Day. A few times a year, Walt Disney World does what they call, "perimeter" fireworks. This means that the normal show is going on, but then they shoot fireworks off from 6 other locations around the park (this is true for Epcot too, but not sure about Disney MGM). You are completely immersed in mind-blowing fireworks. All three parks have incredible displays, but I was unable to locate the times. Local Tip: Fireworks look amazing atop the Contemporary Resort. It's not always easy to get there, but if you can...do it. Another AMAZING location to see the show is from a parking lot of an apartment complex I briefly lived in. This location will get you closer than if you were actually in the park! On the map, I've included a marker for the parking lot, and a marker to show you where the fireworks are shot off from. Here's a link to the map: Perfect Spot.
Universal Orlando
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk also do the night up right. This show is always a hit because they start the show for each park at approx 9:50pm. The sky is illuminated as all three sections of Universal Orlando simultaneously celebrate the 4th with their display. Sorry folks, I don't have any special places to view these shows.
Fireworks at the Fountain, Downtown Orlando
Free - Join the Mayor at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando (Map) for a spectacular display. Fun, Food, and games from 4pm to 10pm - Fireworks show starts at 9:15pm. Viewing is good anywhere around the lake, but this event is always very crowded, so plan accordingly. I recommend bringing a blanket, and set up camp pretty early, and just have one member of your party always there to man it.
Celebration at the Lakefront
Free - No, we already talked about that lakefront, this is the other one - the one in Saint Cloud. East Lake Toho (Map) is a fun place to be on the 4th. As a matter of fact, it's where I'll be (I'll be one of the ones in the Ekday hats). The fun lasts from 10am - to 10pm, and the fireworks show will leave you speechless. Come join me for a day, and night, of fun.
Red, Hot, and Boom!
Free - This has been a family favorite for years. Located in Uptown Altamonte (Map), the festivities start at 4pm and the fireworks display is at 11pm. As always, music is provided courtesy of Orlando's own XL 106.7.

Any of these will provide you and your family and friends a great night of entertainment. If you visit any of these, let me know how you liked it in the comments. Have a safe and fun Independence Day!

Tags: holiday, orlando, lake eola, disney, universal studios

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Relax - It's Monday - Let's Ride a Ride

05/21/07 09:05 Filed in: Local Interest

It's a Monday morning, and kids are getting out of school. You have plenty on your mind and shouldn't have to read today. I've spent some time on YouTube today searching for videos of some of the most popular rides at our theme parks, so instead of forking over the cash, sit back and enjoy the rides from the comfort of your desk!?!!??