Orlando Attractions Guide: March 2021

*Editor’s Note 3.23.21: Portillo’s has delayed opening indefinitely at this time; we will update our story as soon as we have a new date. -BF

Fun things are happening this month throughout Central Florida! Here are a few of our favorites.

A Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

The sweet scents of spring are once again in the air at the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This local’s favorite affair entwines whimsy with culture through exquisite topiaries, mouthwatering cuisine, live entertainment and garden escapes. Look for sculptures of Remy in France, Tinker Bell in the United Kingdom and Lady and the Tramp in Italy.

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Did you know EPCOT has 20 different garden areas? Go on a journey of exploration at the floating gardens in Future World, the bamboo garden in China and the tropical rainforest garden in Mexico. Don’t forget to visit the Goodness Garden Butterfly House, where you can get up-close and personal to the colorful creatures. And oh, the food! There are 20 food stops, including themed outdoor kitchens, to delight every foodie.

A Bite of Bliss

SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival is the largest epicurean celebration in Orlando, and in 2021, it’s bigger and better than ever before. Explore more than 50 global cuisine choices paired with 75 wine and cocktail creations and 75 beers. Chef favorites include the Tempura Mushrooms & Green Beans, Jack Fruit Sloppy Joes, Rainbow Cheesecake Waffle Cones and Bingsu Salted Vanilla Ice Cream.

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The festival’s live music acts are also diverse and play everything from rock and country to Latin and ‘90s hits.

At Universal Orlando Resort, experience a new twist on an old favorite with Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, featuring cuisine from 12 countries, as well as Puerto Rico and New Orleans. Floats and street entertainment also abound. And yes, there will be beads. The event takes place through May 2.

Mind-Bending Museum

Sometimes deception can be sweet—such as when you’re fooling friends on your Instagram feed with infinity rooms and feats that seemingly defy gravity. A trip to the Museum of Illusions, then, is just what the photo doctor ordered—it’s full of trickery that only holograms, kaleidoscopes, vortexes and the like can channel.

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You’ll learn about these tricks of perception as you go through the exhibit and pick up valuable tips for future photos. There are more than 50 exhibits in all, based on math, science and psychology. Cameras are not only encouraged, they’re expected.

Heavy On the Relish, Please!

The classic Chicago-style hot dog is made by topping a wiener with mustard, celery salt, freshly chopped onions and tomatoes, pickles, peppers and plenty of relish. And no one does them better than the iconic Portillo’s.

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Also known for its Italian beef sandwiches, the restaurant will open a new location in Lake Buena Vista on March 16*. The 7,800-square-foot space has an outdoor patio and is filled with nostalgic decor and memorabilia. Just remember: no ketchup, ever, on those dogs!