Fun Easter Events in Orlando
Easter is a busy time at Walt Disney World and the Orlando theme parks, as is every holiday, but it’s also a time to enjoy some special events. Although the date is a moving target each year, Easter Sunday is celebrated on March 31 in 2013. Families flock to Central Florida because the kids and parents have time off from school and work, and the theme parks are a perfect celebratory spot.
Easter In Disney World
At Walt Disney World, the Easter Bunny pays an annual visit to the Magic Kingdom, along with his wife, Mrs. Bunny. They’re usually on hand in the days leading up to the holiday so kids can confide what they’d like to find in their Easter baskets while parents can snap fun family photos.
There’s also typically a holiday addition to the regular 3 p.m. parade. Stake out your viewing spot early, as the Easter-themed pre-parade usually starts about 15 minutes before the main festivities. The holiday crowds make it especially critical to take your place early if you want the kids to get a good view of the parade, without being stuck behind several rows of people. If you decide not to watch it, parade time is a good time to go on popular popular rides. Their lines will be shorter because so many people are out on the parade route.
At Epcot, the U.K. Pavilion in World Showcase hosts an annual Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday, and the Easter Bunny and Mrs. Bunny turn up for the festivities. Look for another egg hunt and other holiday fun on the same day in the garden area by Innoventions East in Future World.
If you’d like to enjoy a holiday meal with your family, many Walt Disney World restaurants have special menus for Easter. Call 407-WDW-DINE for details, but some of the best options include the buffet spreads at Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort and Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club. Parking is free at the hotels if you’re dining at their restaurants, as long as you have your dining reservation number. Always reserve in advance because holiday dining reservations fill up quickly.
Universal Orlando Resort gets in on the fun, too. It’s actually the year ’round home to the Easter Bunny, aka E. B. from the movie “Hop.” E. B. takes part in the daily Superstar Parade, with his very own float. See him show off his talents on the drums, then meet him and other characters from the movie for an Easter-themed photo op.
SeaWorld Orlando is home to one of the most popular Easter services in Central Florida. Every Easter Sunday, the park hosts a special sunrise service that draws literally thousands of guests. The service takes place before the park opens, and it’s free to attend (a love offering is collected). It’s a nice tie-in if you plan to spend the day at SeaWorld anyway. Come for the uplifting service and stay for the rides and shows.
If you prefer a more low-key, but still beautiful and touching, service, the town of Celebration hosts a sunrise service annually. The town is just off Highway 192, near I-4, and everyone is welcome at its lakefront Easter sunrise service.
You’ll find lodging deals and great Easter packages on www.orlandovacation.com. If you prefer to set up your trip with a live agent, call 1-800-641-4008.
