Scott W.
Yelp
My wife and I have visited Lake Eola numerous times over the years and have always enjoyed its variety of attractions. From the charming Swan Boat Rides to the vibrant Farmers Market, the International Food and Drink Festival, and the live concerts at the Bandshell, there's something for everyone.
Lake Eola Park covers 23 acres and encircles Lake Eola itself, which is an 80-foot-deep sinkhole. At the center of the park sits the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, which evokes the elegance of old-world Italy or Spain. It's especially breathtaking when lit up at night.
Parking can be a bit tricky--there's metered parking surrounding the park, though you can find free spots about a quarter-mile away. Once you've parked, the park offers several amenities: picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, a nearly mile-long paved walking path, paddle boat rentals, bird-watching opportunities, plenty of open space for exercising, and pet-friendly areas with cleanup stations. There are also disabled parking spots available.
On our most recent visit, we went on Christmas Day evening to see the holiday lights, which were absolutely spectacular. The displays are a must-see, but I'd recommend avoiding the immediate days around Christmas if you want a more relaxed experience. Parking was nearly impossible--we ended up walking several blocks from a free parking spot, which added about a 10-minute walk to the park.
Once at the park, it was packed. There were at least one to two thousand people in the walkways, with lines at every photo-op station. We were only able to snap one picture together, and the crowds made it feel quite chaotic. Most of the visitors appeared to be from out of town--many didn't speak English--which may be something to keep in mind if you're a local planning to visit around Christmas Eve or Day.
There were a few other things that impacted our experience:
1. Some dog owners were not cleaning up after their pets, and I almost stepped in three piles of dog waste along the walking path.
2. Homeless individuals were present, sitting on benches and asking for money.
3. The park's sound system seemed to be down, as there was no Christmas music or any music playing, which was a bit of a letdown given the festive atmosphere.
Despite these issues, I still highly recommend visiting to see the lights. The photo-op areas, like the Santa Hat and the stunning 64-foot Christmas Tree, are truly beautiful and well worth the experience. This year, they also hosted a holiday drone show on December 21, 2024, which featured hundreds of drones performing holiday-themed designs in a spectacular 13-minute light show.
Overall, Lake Eola Park is a must-see in the heart of Downtown Orlando, especially if you're visiting from out of town. Whether you're there for the lights, the park's attractions, or just a leisurely stroll, it's definitely worth a stop.