Orlando Attractions: Citrus U-Pick

Showcase of Citrus is a U-Pick Citrus experience, fun for the whole family. Visitors to the Orlando area who want to experience something other than the theme parks in Orlando, may want to take a ride out to Showcase of Citrus, just a ten minute drive from Walt Disney World. Showcase of Citrus offers visitors the chance to pick their own fresh Florida citrus right off one of the 7,000 trees in the citrus groves.

The Showcase of Citrus Experience

The Showcase of Citrus is a great diversion away from the Orlando theme parks and a nice way to spend an hour or so. The citrus groves at Showcase of Citrus are labeled in sections, according to the specific citrus ready to pick for each season. The grove area is expansive, covering about 35 acres of land. Luckily, pull carts are provided, and netted bags in different 1/4 and 1/2 bushel sizes are given to each guest before walking to the citrus groves area.

The citrus groves are well tended to and all the fruit appeared to be ripe and ready to pick in each section. Children should be able to reach some of the lower hanging fruit on the citrus trees, though adult supervision is definitely needed for picking the fruit. Once picked, the fruit can be carted back to the gift shop area for purchase. Showcase of Citrus also ships citrus packages, but the prices are much cheaper to pick your own. The Showcase of Citrus was one of the highlights of our last vacation, and a new favorite place to visit on future vacations. The fresh Florida oranges and grapefruit made great snacks and quick breakfast foods, and the taste was pure Florida sunshine, a rare delight for those used to getting oranges from the local supermarket.

Showcase of Citrus also offers an Eco Tour Swamp Buggy experience through the wetlands. This eco tour lasts one hour and is priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children 4-12 years of age. Please call (352) 394-4377 for more information.

Free Samples

One of the highlights of the visit to Showcase of Citrus was sampling some of the citrus. Visitors to Showcase of Cirtus have the opportunity to sample a variety of the in-season citrus for free before making a trek to the citrus groves to pick oranges, grapefruit, or tangerines. Samples of fresh orange juice were also offered during our visit. The freshness of the fruit and orange juice is amazing, and to-go size orange juice slushies are even on tap at Showcase of Citrus, for a refreshing treat.

Gift Shop

The gift shop at Showcase of Citrus sells a variety of Florida souveniers, homemade citrus candies and marmalades, as well as other Florida trinkets. Pre-picked citrus is also available for purchase, along with fresh squeezed orange juice and juice slushies. The website, www.showcaseofcitrus.com, features a coupon for a free 5 pound bag of fruit with the purchase of a 1/2 bushel of fruit. Oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines were in season and for sale pre-picked on our visit.

Location and Hours

Showcase of Citrus is located off of the 192 North, at 5010 Highway 27, Clermont, Florida. The Highway 27 junction intersects 192 North, and Showcase of Citrus is just 4 miles down the road. The drive from the Walt Disney World Resort area is only about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Showcase of Citrus is open daily from 8 am until 6 pm from mid-October through mid-May. The citrus selection will vary by growing season, but a guide is available on the official website (www.showcaseofcitrus.com).