What to eat in Orlando in April: Seasonal delicacies
1/5
PubSub chicken tender sub
This local favorite is a made-to-order sandwich from Publix supermarkets, layering hot fried chicken tenders, pickles, and sauces in a soft sub roll. It reflects everyday Florida eating rather than restaurant dining and is widely loved by Orlando residents. It is inexpensive, portable, and works well for park picnics. Order it fresh at the deli counter and customize toppings to taste.
The medianoche is a Cuban sandwich on slightly sweet bread, filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed warm. In Orlando it reflects the city’s Cuban community. Black Bean Deli is noted in local guides as a top spot, serving affordable plates and sandwiches in a casual counter-service setting that works for quick lunches between attractions.
Rock shrimp, landed off Cape Canaveral, resemble tiny lobsters with firm, sweet meat. Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, about an hour from Orlando, is a long-established place to try them broiled with butter or fried. Portions are generous and pricing mid-range. It is a practical dinner stop if you pair a Kennedy Space Center visit with local seafood on the return journey.
Stone crab claws are a Florida specialty harvested roughly October to May. In Orlando, seafood restaurants such as Big Fin Seafood Kitchen on Restaurant Row serve chilled claws with mustard sauce when in season. Market pricing reflects limited supply, so they are a splurge, but one order can be shared. They suit seafood eaters seeking a local dish during autumn or winter visits.
Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park offers plant-based takes on American comfort dishes such as pot pies and burgers. It caters to vegans and vegetarians who want full meals rather than salads and is useful for mixed groups since portions are substantial but moderately priced. It is a practical lunch or dinner stop before or after exploring Park Avenue and nearby museums.
April is warm and visually stunning, with flower blooms and low humidity. Early April can be busy if Easter falls here, but crowds drop later in the month. It’s an ideal time for water parks, outdoor festivals, and relaxed evenings.
Pro tips for visiting Orlando in April
Early April can be crowded around Easter—book everything early if visiting then.
Late April is a shoulder period with lower crowds and potential travel deals.
Water parks and pools are perfect now—warm enough for swimming, not yet peak storm season.
Reserve dining at popular venues 1–2 months ahead.
Outdoor festivals and events fill weekends—check local listings for unique experiences.
This spring festival features elaborate topiaries of Disney characters, themed gardens, outdoor kitchens, and weekend concerts. Weather is usually warm but not yet peak-summer humid, especially in March and April. Weekends draw local visitors, so plan EPCOT weekdays if possible. Concert seating is first-come; arrive early for popular bands.
This late-April event features a midday parade along Orange Avenue followed by a large festival around City Hall Plaza. Expect floats, plena bands, and live salsa and reggaetón, plus Puerto Rican street food. It draws tens of thousands, so downtown roads close and parking lots fill. It is best for those comfortable in dense, energetic crowds and willing to stand or walk for several hours.
Spring Fiesta is a free arts and crafts festival around Lake Eola with 200+ vendors, live acoustic music, a kids’ play area, and casual food stalls. It suits families, couples, and relaxed browsers. Weekends can be busy but not as dense as some major park events. It is an easy add-on if you are already staying downtown or near the Thornton Park neighborhood.
Running on spring weekends, this park-wide festival adds global street food booths, craft beers, and evening concerts to SeaWorld. It works well for adults who enjoy rides plus tasting portions. Crowds are heaviest Saturday evenings when headliner bands perform. Consider visiting on Sunday or earlier in the day and using sampler lanyards to manage costs and queues.
This multi-day showcase uses the Dr. Phillips Center to present orchestral concerts, theater, dance, and visual art from University of Central Florida students and faculty. Many events are free or low cost. It is ideal for culture-minded visitors staying downtown. Schedules vary, so checking specific performance times and booking required tickets in advance is important.
An Oscar-qualifying festival based at Enzian Theater in Maitland, the Florida Film Festival screens independent features, shorts, and documentaries. Filmmaker Q&As and parties create networking opportunities. It suits cinephiles and travelers wanting smaller venues rather than large convention halls. Screenings can sell out, so advance ticketing is recommended for prime slots.
The Central Florida Zoo marks Earth Day with conservation activities, keeper talks, hands-on crafts, and discounted admission for certain guests. It is aimed at families and school-age children. The zoo is about 30–40 minutes from Orlando by car. Expect typical weekend crowd levels, with busier periods late morning to mid-afternoon and extra demand at interactive stations.
Hosted by Orlando Public Library, this free one-day event features author panels, writing workshops, book signings, and a keynote speaker. It targets avid readers and aspiring writers. Seating for popular sessions can be limited, so arriving early and planning your schedule is useful. Downtown parking garages serve the library, and LYMMO provides a free circulator nearby.
Orlando in April at a glance
🌧️
Weather
Maximum temperature: 30°C
Minimum temperature: 17°C
☀️
Daylight
Around 13 hours of daylight
Sunrise: 6:55am
Sunset: 7:55pm
🎉
Key events
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival, UCF Celebrates the Arts, Florida Film Festival
👥
Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
🧳
What to pack
T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, sunblock, rain jacket for late showers.
🍽️
Seasonal treats
Flower & Garden Festival foods, local honey at farmers markets, spring food festival samplers
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Bali in April
