Many people think Florida doesn't have seasons. Well, you won't see changing leaves in the fall. In the winter, there aren't many snowy hills to sled down (some places in Florida use 'faux snow' to create their own hills). But, Florida does have its own seasonal changes. As locals and frequent travelers to the Sunshine State will tell you, each offers something different to vacationing families. Fall: The annual cool-down This is the time of year when a lot of people venture back outside after a summer of escaping the heat and humidity in their air-conditioned homes. So, while northerners are feeling that fall nip in the air, visitors to Central Florida are enjoying nature by camping in one of the many state parks or hiking along miles of nature trails. When the temperatures are cooler, it's a great time to see manatees at one of the freshwater springs in the area. Blue Spring State Park in Orange City and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville are two of the best places in Central Florida to see these gentle animals. Fall is also a great time for festivals in Central Florida. At Walt Disney World Resort, for example, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place every year from late August to late November. It's a great event where guests can sample delicious food and wine from around the world, as well as enjoy a range of culinary workshops and demonstrations. Plus, Disney goes all out for Halloween, with special decorations throughout the parks and activities like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which is geared for families with children. If you like your Halloween activities to be more frightful with a lot more adrenaline, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando is what you're looking for. Every year, they pack the parks with characters and activities inspired by some of the scariest movies and TV shows ever created. Not for the faint of heart, Halloween Horror Nights runs from early September to early November. Winter: Holiday season Halloween is just the beginning of celebration season for the major theme parks in Central Florida. Every year, each theme park has amazing activities for the Christmas holiday! At Walt Disney World Resort, all four theme parks are dressed up in special decorations with plenty of sparkling lights. Christmas carols can be heard throughout the parks, especially during Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at The Magic Kingdom. You can even get some special holiday gift-shopping done at Disney Springs. At Universal Orlando, Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure is transformed into Whoville for their Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! Guests can enjoy the rides and attractions, as well as a live re-telling of the Grinch's classic holiday tale, all while mingling among the Whosof Who-Ville in this magical place. Winter weather in Central Florida stays mild and pleasant. It's an ideal time to enjoy the region's natural features. If you enjoy birdwatching, Florida in the winter is a prime destination because it's on the migratory route of so many species as they escape the cold weather up north. With just a little effort, you can find several birding tours in the area, or just get a book on birdwatching and head out on a canoe or nature trail. Starting around November, you can also find several places where you can pick your own citrus fruits, including oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, and limes. There are several farms in Central Florida where you can pick your own citrus, including the Showcase of Citrus in Clermont. Spring: March of the college students Speaking of migrations, every year as the birds start heading back north, thousands and thousands of college students start arriving for their annual spring break. The occasional cold snaps of the Florida winter give way to warmer temperatures that many people consider “perfect” weather – cool enough to be comfortable outside but warm enough to go without a jacket or sweater. If you love gardening, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is held every year from March through May. The entire park is decorated with every species of flower imaginable, as well as beautiful topiaries of many of the Disney characters. There are also educational workshops and opportunities to learn from the Disney experts and guest speakers. Spring is also when Universal Orlando re-creates the French Quarter and holds its annual Mardi Gras festival. Every Saturday evening from February through April, as well as select dates on Sundays and weeknights, Universal Studios comes alive with musical performances, parades, and much more, all in the spirit of New Orleans. Summer: Fun in the sun! They don't call Florida the Sunshine State for nothing! Hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches and a wide range of outdoor summertime activities make this area a huge draw for family summer vacations! Throughout Central Florida – from Lake County west of Orlando to Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Titusville – vacationing families arrive from all over the world to spend time with family during the summer break. With beautiful, luxurious resorts in Clermont (just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort), as well as Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Exploria Resorts provide the ideal venue for you and your family to enjoy all the seasons – and all the unique activities – Central Florida has to offer.Lakeside Marina, Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts When will you go? In Florida, the different seasons can be experienced just as deeply as they can in more northern climates. Each one brings a unique blend of experiences that both visitors and locals can take part in and create vivid memories that will last a lifetime! What kind of Florida vacation do you want to experience? Check out our getaway offers!
