Have you ever visited Orlando in the fall months? The crowds have slowed down, and the hot summer days have cooled off while the endless opportunities for fun continue! Not to mention, Halloween is a massive event at the theme parks and around town! Who doesn’t love trick-or-treating with Mickey and friends, horror nights at Universal, and pumpkin spice… everything?
If you’re considering a trip in the fall to Orlando, you’ve found the perfect place to start planning your next getaway! Keep reading to find out what you can expect — weather, happenings at the theme parks, and all the incredible annual events that you don’t want to miss.
Orlando’s Weather in the Fall
Do sunshine and hot summer afternoons first come to mind when you think of Florida? The great news is the heat of the summer months begins to cool off starting in September! The average high drops down to 85 degrees in October, while the average low hovers around 68.
With the daylight hours being warmer than the nighttime, we recommend packing a variety of clothing options. Think shorts during the day and a sweater or jacket during the evening hours when the temperature begins to drop.
Orlando’s rainiest month of the fall season is September. So, if you’re planning to visit then, we’d recommend bringing a rain jacket or umbrella to stay dry if you happen to be here during a rainy day. If you prefer to skip the rain, October and November have an average of 3 to 5 rain days per month.
Crowds at the Theme Parks
All of the favorite theme parks in Orlando are open during the fall months — from Disney World and Universal to SeaWorld and Fun Spot America! If you’re looking to avoid the crowds as much as possible, September is 100% the best time to visit! Even better yet, plan your days at the most popular parks during the weekdays instead of the weekends. This will allow you to get through the lines faster, giving you more time to explore all of the magical lands.
The flipside is the parks become alive again for the holidays! With the kiddos having breaks from school, Halloween and Thanksgiving are two of the most popular times for Orlando vacations in the autumn.
If you love the Christmas holiday, then November might be the perfect month to plan your next stay! Disney World tends to be decorated for the season by mid-November, with Universal Florida and other attractions not being too far behind.
Halloween Events in Orlando
Halloween in Orlando isn’t just one night… it’s the whole month of October (or even more)! You’ll find many different things to do around town related to Halloween, and all the parks have their own festivities to enjoy. Love ghosts and goblins? Prefer a fun, lighthearted twist to the holiday? No matter your age, or interest, there’s something for you!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World happens to be one of the few occasions when you and the kiddos can wear costumes in the parks! The event will take place from August 9 to October 31 this year… and tickets are already on sale for this annual event. Highlights include Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular in Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, along with special appearances and shows.
If you’ve ever been to Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) at Universal Orlando, you’ll understand why it’s one of the world’s leading Halloween attractions! The entire park is reimagined into a land of ghouls, demons, and creatures with 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, live shows, and more. This event will be held on select nights from August 30 to November 3. Just keep in mind that it’s not recommended for children under the age of 13 since some of the themes may be too intense for younger kids.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando will also be held again in 2024 on select nights between September 6 to November 2! They’re promising a Halloween event bigger than ever before with more haunted houses, terrifying shows, and roaming haunts to keep your eyes peeled open.
If you’re looking for kid-friendly Halloween events, you’ll find that SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is geared towards family fun! And, if you have littles in your group, LEGOLAND‘s Brick or Treat might be right up your alley! Collect candy along the Brick-or-Treat Trail and meet your favorite LEGO Halloween characters on select nights from September 13 to October 27.
If you want to step out of the theme parks, you can find other haunted Orlando attractions throughout the city! Think haunted houses that are only open this time of year and a wide range of ghost tours.
Fall Festivals and Conventions
Imagine being able to sample dishes and wines from around the world… in one place! Welcome to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, one of the best things to do during the fall in Orlando. The festival will return on August 29 and runs through November 23 with new concepts and menu items at more than 30 marketplaces in Epcot.
Another fan favorite is the Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld — on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 26 to September 2, 2024! Here you can sample over 100 craft brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails paired with more than 20 savory food items to match your favorite types of brews. This combined with festive entertainment and all the attractions available at SeaWorld? Count us in!
Love breathtaking works of art and immersing yourself in the local scene? The Autumn Art Festival brings together a collection of work from local artists and live entertainment performed by various musical groups. This family-friendly sidewalk show takes place in downtown Winter Park on October 12 and 13. Plus, the admission is free.
Food Lover’s Paradise
Orlando is nothing short of a foodie’s paradise during the fall! In addition to the Epcot festival, you can visit the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic to enjoy inspirational dishes from around the globe. The weekend event boasts food stations, beverage selections, live music, and themed areas to explore. Plus, it’s open to the general public. This event will take place on November 15 and 16 in 2024. You can learn about purchasing tickets here.
Want to try some of the best restaurants in Orlando? Magical Dining Month is typically held from the end of August through October. 2024 dates have been confirmed: August 16 to September 30! And, we’re sure the list of participating restaurants will knock you off your feet again this year.
The Essentials of Fall in Orlando
Fall in Orlando is a beautiful time of year! The temperatures are warm but not too hot or rainy. You can visit all the theme parks you want and enjoy thinner crowds. The kids can experience a fun Halloween in the afternoon, and then you can grab your scream squad for an evening filled with haunted houses. And… the food and drink options will be endless.
Can’t wait any longer to start planning your next getaway to Central Florida with family and friends? We’d love to host your stay this fall in Orlando! Start by browsing through our wide selection of over 115 vacation homes near all the festivities, or give us a shout, and we’ll help you find the perfect place for you and your group! Our team is available 24/7 by phone and email.
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