There are an abundance of crazy animal holidays each year, so of course, dragons get their day on Jan. 16. Naturally, Central Florida is home to dragons that breathe fire, swim and lead cheers. Here are a few suggestions of where to celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day:
Universal Orlando Resort
While the attraction formerly known as Dueling Dragons and more recently Dragon Challenge no longer exists, there are still plenty of winged creatures inside both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Get chased by a dragon while riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure, just like our favorite protagonist in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” If being stalked by one of these creatures isn’t your thing, head over to Universal Studios, where a dragon lends a helping claw on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. And while you’re in Diagon Alley, don’t forget to grab an iconic shot of the dragon atop Gringotts shooting flames above the crowd.
If you go: Both parks are open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at 6000 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. Two-park tickets cost $169 plus tax for adults and $164 plus tax for kids ages 3-9.
Medieval Times
According to the lore of days of yore, dragons once walked amongst men. And at Medieval Times, the Green Knight embodies the power and strength of this fire-breathing beast, which is also displayed on his coat of arms. Root for the warrior “with a temper known as the dragon’s claw.”
If you go: 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Orlando Castle, 4510 W. Vine St. in Kissimmee. Admission is $64.95 for adults and $36.95 for children ages 12 and under.
Epcot
Take a trip to Epcot to visit the iconic dragon mascot of a Disney ride: Figment. Go on a magical adventure during Journey into Imagination with Figment in Future World. After exiting the attraction, take time to explore ImageWorks for more Figment fun.
Epcot’s World Showcase also offers a dragon encounter. The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats put on stunning shows at the China Pavilion. Catch this Chinese performing troupe at 4:10 p.m., 5:10 p.m., 6:10 p.m., 7:10 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. on Jan. 16.
If you go: Epcot is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Jan. 16 at 200 Epcot Center Drive in Orlando. Visit Disney’s website for information about tickets.
Legoland Florida Resort
Guests have at least two opportunities to encounter dragons at Legoland.
Swing by the Legoland Hotel, where a dragon stands guard and puffs smoke every half hour. Find a few other dragons inside the hotel as well.
The Dragon, a rollercoaster at the theme park, offers the chance to see multiple dragons — and even feel the mythical creature’s breath. Unfortunately, the park is closed on Jan. 16, but it’s open the following day.
If you go: 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
See a live dragon — well, a Komodo dragon — inside Animal Kingdom. This lizard calls Maharajah Jungle Trek home.
If you go: The attraction is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 16, though the park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 2901 Osceola Parkway in Orlando. Visit Disney’s website for information about tickets.
SeaWorld Orlando
Find swimming dragons inside an attraction at SeaWorld Orlando. More than 3,000 marine animals — including sea dragons —inhabit Manta Aquarium.
If you go: The park is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Jan. 16 at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando. Tickets start at $79.99.
Amway Center
Unfortunately, the Orlando Magic will be facing the Detroit Pistons on Appreciate a Dragon Day, so TV is the only way you’ll be seeing the team’s mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon. But their next home game is Jan. 18 against the Brooklyn Nets, so you can appreciate Stuff in-person then.
If you go: 7 p.m. at Amway Center, 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. Tickets start at $22.
Disney Springs
Outside The Lego Store at Disney Springs are two larger-than-life dragons crafted from the company’s brick blocks.
Next to the shop, find the scene from “Sleeping Beauty,” where Prince Phillip — atop his faithful steed, Samson — fights Maleficent, in dragon form.
Across from the shop in the water, guests will find a giant green dragon. While there has been debate about whether this beast is a dragon or the Loch Ness Monster, a Lego Store employee confirmed that it is, in fact, a sea serpent dragon. His name is Brickley and he is made of 180,000 Duplo blocks, the employee said.
If you go: The store is open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Jan. 16 at Disney Springs, 1486 Buena Vista Drive in Orlando.
