Orlando events through the year

Plan an EPCOT day around whichever festival lines up with your trip, because one is running most of the year.

Buy a ticket for a weeknight in September, arrive before the gates open and hit the farthest house first.

Go on a weeknight during the festival, buy a button and book three short shows back to back.

Pick a weekday during the festival, book two screenings at Enzian and eat between them at the bar outside.

Go on the Friday or the first hour of Saturday, park a few blocks out and walk in.

Get to Lake Eola by late afternoon with a blanket, water and a plan for rain, then stay put until the fireworks.

Go to the festival's outdoor weekend, usually in late January or February, and walk the main street through town.

Buy a ticket for a weekend evening match, eat in downtown or Parramore before kickoff and walk to the stadium.

Visit in the first two weeks of December, see the free hotel decorations and Winter Park's lights, then choose one paid holiday event.

For spring training, plan a day trip west to Lakeland or the Tampa area in late February or March.