Will you be here for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? Maybe you’re thinking of visiting for all of the Halloween festivities this October in Orlando? We call Halloween the kick-off holiday because it’s the start of so many fun family activities. If you’re looking for fall events happening… you’ve come to the right place!
No matter your reason for being here, autumn is one of the best times to experience Orlando! Especially with the cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and lots of special activities to participate in. Let’s take a look at the six most popular fall events currently scheduled for this October in Orlando 2021.
What’s Happening at Disney World this fall season:
More Family-Friendly Events at other theme parks:
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando
- SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
- LEGOland Florida’s Brick-and-Treat
Please note: Some events, theme parks, and/or businesses may still be temporarily modified or closed. We recommend checking directly with the venue to find out current status and make sure tickets are still available.
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary
Beginning October 1st, be immersed in a sparkling EARidescent experience like no other – The World’s Most Magical Celebration. It’s a place and time to celebrate the small stuff, the big stuff, and even the in-between stuff. Share the magical memories you helped create over the last 50 years. And kick off the next era where the best is yet to come. It’s the Walt Disney World® Resort 50th Anniversary. And the only thing missing is you.
Disney After Hours BOO BASH
While Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party won’t be happening this year, Disney has announced the Disney After Hours BOO BASH will be coming to Magic Kingdom this fall! That’s right; you can visit Disney World after hours again!
We hear there will be character sightings throughout the parks, spooky-themed treats and candy, and over 20 attractions will also be open — like the fan-favorite Haunted Mansion (a must for Halloween), Space Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
This frightful (family-friendly) 3-hour special event will occur on select nights from August 10th through October 31st. You’ll be able to get into the park as early as 7 pm for your chosen day, and the exclusive events will kick off at 9 pm. And, don’t forget your costume (so long as it abides by the rules). Tickets are already on sale, and please note, you will NOT need an additional daytime theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass reservation.
Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
If you haven’t ever experienced the Food & Wine festival at Epcot, the fall months are the perfect time to join in the festivities! Here, you’ll be able to explore culinary delights from over six continents at over 20 global marketplaces. This will be a foodie’s and wine enthusiast’s paradise with thoughtful pairings between the mouth-watering dishes, fine wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails.
This annual event will run from July 15th to November 20th this year! And, some of the new marketplaces won’t even be open until October 1st — this includes India, Ireland, Kenya, Lobster Landing, Spain, and Mac & Eats! Admission is included with a park ticket to EPCOT.
If you’re thinking about visiting towards the end of November instead of during the fall months, check out our guide to enjoying your Orlando Thanksgiving in a vacation rental.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
2021 marks the 30th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, and there will be plenty of eerie experiences to enjoy! When visiting Universal in the fall, our favorite places to explore are the haunted houses — like the Beetlejuice Haunted. Roam through the graveyard, down the checkerboard hallways, and be tormented by his many diverse forms. Just remember to say it three times (“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”)! There will also be Scare Zones dispersed throughout the park, live entertainment, and Halloween-themed food.
For those with little ones who are looking for more traditional Halloween festivities this October in Orlando, you’ll also find trick-or-treating for guests 12 and under at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Plus, there’s a new scavenger hunt we can’t wait to try! It’s called the Scarecrow Stalk, and it will take you through the park, searching for unique scarecrows and collecting stamps at 13 different locations throughout the parks.
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
Dive into the festive fall vibes and show off your costumes at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular event this October in Orlando! The kiddos will fall in love with the Trick-or-Treat trail, where they will be able to hunt for goodies and have a chance to meet a mermaid. And, the Halloween Dance Party is back this year with line-dancing and a cast of silly characters.
If you’re looking for a fright during the ghostly night hours, SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream is definitely worth checking out! This is Orlando’s newest Halloween event that takes place over 27 nights from September 10th to October 30th. It will give you the opportunity to visit SeaWorld after hours with shocking surprises at every turn. Haunted houses, scare zones, roaming haunts, rides, and terrifying shows are just the start.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Brick or Treat
Get dressed up in your costumes and join exclusive LEGO characters to celebrate Halloween this fall at LEGOLAND in Orlando, Florida! The park turns into an autumn wonderland with seasonal LEGO decorations and plenty of treats for everyone of all ages. There’s a neighborhood-like trick-or-treat trail that’s a must-visit and an interactive candy-corn scavenger hunt for the kiddos.
The Halloween activities also include two fan-favorite live shows that will be back this year — The Groovin’ Graveyard and A Candy-Coated Curse. And, there will be an extra special Lego building contest for those looking for interactive fun with a bit of friendly competition! Check LEGOLAND’s website for more information.
Ready to getaway this October to Orlando?
There are also many options when you’re starting a search for accommodations near Disney World and the most popular theme parks! Here, at Villakey, we offer a large selection of private vacation rental homes in Orlando that are only moments away from all the parks and best attractions.
Plus, we’re an Authorized Disney Ticket Seller, which means you’re in trusted hands when you’re ready to purchase your tickets. It’s like having an inclusive and personalized “October in Orlando” vacation package just for you and your family.
You can contact us to learn more! And, you can browse through all of our vacation rental properties by clicking here or choose from one of the Villakey Curated Collections listed below:
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