When asked when is the best time to visit Orlando, most people would say June or July; the sun is shining, the kids are on vacation from school and it’s the time of year when everyone is visiting the many theme parks which Orlando has to offer. You might therefore discard January as a month to spend recovering from December, the busy month of family-visits, present-buying and Christmas celebrations. In that case, it’s time to reconsider. Orlando has a lot going on this January and is the ideal location to kick back and relax at the beginning of a new year.
Prepare for a magical visit to Orlando this January
Christmas has just come and gone for another year, and over the past month families have flooded to Universal Studios in Orlando – just one of the many theme parks which Orlando has to offer. Whilst you may be inclined to think that you just missed the perfect opportunity to enjoy this particular Orlando resort with your family, you can think again. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a special resort designed to give you and your wizard-loving family the real Harry Potter experience, will be opening yet another extension later this year. In anticipation, they have planned a weekend long extravaganza to celebrate from the 24th to 26th January.
The Celebration of Harry Potter promises three days of unforgettable fun for all fans of the Harry Potter films, young and old. As well as appearances from various cast members from the films, including two of the Weasley brothers, there will be a wand master class and numerous interactive activities for children and adults alike. Ticket details can be found on the Universal Orlando website, along with special discounts for US and Canadian residents, such as enjoying your third day free when you purchase a two day ticket. Offers such as this make visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that little bit more tempting, and a great adventure for you and your family this January.
Why else to visit Orlando this January
In addition to the Celebration of Harry Potter, there are many other reasons to visit Orlando in January. This time of the year is particularly regarded as one of the best times to visit the theme parks in the Orlando area, due to smaller crowds, cooler weather and less humid air. As well as this, there is much less chance of having to seek shelter from the thunderstorms which are most prevalent in the Summer months.
Whilst January will be a nice opportunity to explore the Universal resorts more freely without so many crowds, it also offers adults a chance to discover what Orlando has to offer them. For the golfers, Orlando is home to an endless range of clubs, so you can kick back on the green after a day spent with the kids at the Universal resort. The area’s famed choice of eateries is also worth consideration, and its restaurants provide a little escape in the evenings, so that you aren’t restricted to eating in the theme parks for the entirety of your stay.
Another fantastic opportunity for the parents this January is found in the spas which Orlando has to offer. If you are planning to spend a few days at Universal Studios, it might be a good idea to escape the busyness of the theme park environment with a day at the spa. Orlando has a number of world-class spas which are perfect for a little get away.
Where to Stay
As well as traveling to golf clubs, restaurants and spas for the sake of relaxation, you can also relax just as easily in your accommodation – if you choose well. If you’re not a resident of Orlando, or you need somewhere to stay that is closer to this Orlando resort, there is a huge variety of accommodations in the area.
ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: One suggestion which might not be considered as often as the likes of hotels and self-catered apartments, would be timeshare properties. These make for an ideal place to enjoy the Florida sunshine in luxurious surroundings, and many offer swimming pools – which make for happy kids and stress-free parents! Timeshare vacations are becoming increasingly popular due to several factors. As well as typically including onsite amenities such as a swimming pool or tennis court, many people find that they save money by choosing to opt for a timeshare rather than staying in a hotel, for example. While owning a vacation home may seem appealing, the alternative of a timeshare removes the year-round responsibility. There is a great range of timeshares offered online, where houses close to such resorts as Universal Studios are readily available. Such locations as the Westgate Lake area contain numerous timeshare properties, and are ideal in this case due to their proximity of six minutes to the Orlando Universal resort.
Enjoy your January Getaway
Seeing as there is plenty going on in Orlando at this time of the year, January is the perfect month to plan your visit. With the Celebration of Harry Potter, your kids will enjoy the magical world of their favorite wizard, while you can easily plan time to relax in the wealth of spa and golf resorts found across Orlando. Now, all that is left to do is book your trip and enjoy your escape!
Article written for Orlando Tourist Tips by Zara Porter, January 2014.
