July 2016 is a great month to…
1. Celebrate Independence Day by seeing the fireworks
They say that you see the true measure of a person’s character in times of need. If that’s so, this last month has shown just what an amazing city Orlando is. Which is all the more reason to celebrate this great nation on the Fourth of July. There are events all over Central Florida and we feature a run down on our blog.
2. Enjoy the Sounds of Summer at Epcot
There are only three weeks left of the Sounds of Summer concert series at Epcot, so make sure you catch a show before the season draws to a close. The remaining acts are:
- July 2 to July 9, 2016 – Stayin’ Alive: A Tribute to The Bee Gees
- July 10 to July 16, 2016 – Bruce in the USA: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
- July 17 to July 23, 2016 – DSB: A Tribute to Journey
3. Spend a Summer Night at SeaWorld Orlando
2016 is the Summer of Mako at SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld’s newest coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Orlando. 200 feet high, 73 mph and with a track that’s nearly a mile long, Mako is a hypercoaster, which means it’s all about speed, tight turns and that weightless feeling you get at the top of each hill. While you’re there, you can also enjoy an evening coaster ride on SeaWorld’s other two amazing coasters: Kraken, a floorless coaster with seven inversions, and Manta, a facedown, headfirst coaster where riders fly like a manta ray.
4. Let the littlies stay up late at a LEGOLAND® Night Lights
Every Saturday and Sunday throughout July (and on the Fourth of July), LEGOLAND is staying open longer to celebrate summer. There’s an all-new fireworks spectacular featuring LEGO® NINJAGO™ at 9pm and a DJ glow dance party as well as all the usual Lego-themed excitement.
5. See the one of the last home fixtures this season
The Orlando City Lions are playing two home matches at the Camping World Arena this month:
- July 8, 2016 – against the Houston Dynamos
- July 31, 2016 – against the New England Revolution
Go cheer on the team as loudly as you can and experience the phenomenal atmosphere of a home game.
6. Meet a Spaceman!
No, really. There is a lot of excitement in the UK at the moment about Britain’s second astronaut, Major Tim Peake, returning to Earth after a stint on the International Space Station. The Kennedy Space Center is the perfect place for space-mad kids. The USA has put 335 men and women into space and you can meet some of them at the Kennedy Space Center complex.
There are also two rocket launches planned for July, so budding space enthusiasts should definitely take a trip out to the Space Coast this month if they can! The launch dates are currently scheduled for July 18 & 28, but they can be subject to change so make sure you check online if you do intend on watching one.
7. Brave the Cobra’s Curse
Busch Gardens in Tampa has also unveiled a new coaster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVI0cdBkSG4
Cobra’s Curse is a family fun coaster that reaches speeds of 40 mph during its three-and-a-half-minute ride time. You begin with a one-of-a-kind vertical lift, which functions in a similar way to an outdoor elevator, that takes you up in the coaster car to put you face- to-fang with the 80-foot high Snake King. Then the ride experience unfolds in three chapters. You face forward for the first third of the ride and are then turned backwards for the second segment. Finally, for the final third of the ride, you’ll free spin into frenzy.
8. Listen to live music by the beach
Daytona Beach is around and hour and a half away from Kissimmee, and there is plenty to see and do. You can enjoy live music performances every Friday and Saturday night through the summer at the bandshell on the beach. Acts in July are:
- Sat Jul 2, 7.15pm – 9.45pm – Rocket Man: Elton John Tribute Show
- Mon Jul 4, 7.15pm – 9.45pm – Alter Eagles: Eagles Tribute
- Fri Jul 8, 7pm – 9.30pm – Fire and Rain: James Taylor Tribute
- Sat Jul 9, 7.15pm – 9.45pm – Never Stop Believin’ – Journey Tribute
- Fri Jul 15, 7pm – 9.30pm – Purple Masquarade – Prince Tribute
- Sat Jul 16, 7.15pm – 9.45pm – Night Moves – Bob Seger Tribute
- Fri Jul 22, 7pm – 9.30pm – Dustin Seymore
- Sat Jul 23, 7.15pm – 9.45pm – Santana and Doobie Brothers Tribute
- Fri Jul 29, 7pm – 9.30pm – Are Friends Electric
- Sat Jul 30, 7.15pm – 9.45pm – Bad Company and Foreigner Tribute
9. Visit a water park
Make the most of the summer season and include a trip to one of Orlando’s water parks on your itinerary. Disney operate two fine ones, but this year is your last chance to visit the nation’s first: Wet’n’Wild. If you’ve not been, make sure you visit before the water park closes for good on December 31, 2016. But you’re spoilt for choice in terms of water parks in Central Florida: weigh up your options by reading our post on the subject here.
10. Enjoy a BBQ and dine al fresco in the comfort of your own villa
Probably the best thing about having your own vacation home, rather than staying in one of the resorts, is the extra space and comfort it offers you. The summer is incredibly busy at the parks and even the most sociable types can feel like they want to escape every now and then! There really is nothing better at the end of a hot day at the parks than escaping back to your villa and diving into your own private pool!
Many of our properties have a BBQ provided, but if yours doesn’t then you can rent a gas BBQ from us from $70 per week. Grab some steaks or seafood and some pre-prepared salads from your local Publix on the way back and then dine in style under the stars. The perfect end to a summer’s evening.
Fancy spending July in Orlando next year? View and book our homes online here.
Did you know that Ellis Exclusive Villas also offers a ticket service which gives you great discounts on park tickets and tickets for other Orlando attractions and events? Find out more here.
For additional ideas about things to do in and around Orlando and a look further ahead, view our events page.
