Visit Orlando Blog

This Week in Orlando: Spooky Celebrations

From kid-friendly trick-or-treating to costume parties and haunted tours, Orlando offers Halloween celebrations from mild to wild leading up to the big night. Here's what's happening Oct. 24-31:

Haunted Tours

Fantasy of Flight's Night Flight Paranormal Investigation, Oct. 29
Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to embark on this active, professional paranormal investigation led by Apollo Paranormal Investigations. Visitors learn about the world's largest private aircraft collection's haunted history, explore the unexplained occurrences throughout the halls and hangars of Fantasy of Flight, visit locations where encounters have been recorded and engage in the hands-on use of the tools of the ghost hunting trade.  Tickets are $75.00 (plus tax) per person. Guests must be 16 years of age or older and minors must be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian). Reservations required.

Haunted Swamp Walk of Terror, Oct. 28, 29 & 30
The Enzian hosts the annual Haunted Swamp with 2,000 feet of freaky characters to haunt your dreams.  Walk the walk if you dare - then afterwards, enjoy sick drink specials to calm your nerves.  Begins at 8:00pm until midnight

Screamline Haunted Zipline Adventure, Oct. 28 & 29
As part of its annual Howling Halloween event, Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida offers Screamline Haunted Zipline Adventure. It's the first haunted zipline around and will take guests flying through the darkness 55 feet off the ground at speeds up to 25mph, all amid a spooky tale of wild Florida's mysterious past. The "screamline" runs from 7 p.m. to midnight.  Other events include a Haunted Coach Safari and hayrides.

Costume Parties and Trick-or-Treating

Old Town Halloween, Oct. 28, 29, 30 & 31
Old Town in Kissimmee offers a family-friendly Halloween extravaganza on select nights in October featuring haunt-zones, live shows, character meet and greets, trick-or-treat stations, music and more.  Admission is free with free parking beginning at 6 p.m.

Zoo Boo Bash, Oct. 29 & 30
Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo. Come dressed in costume to this family-friendly event, which features face painting, a haunted hayride and pumpkin patch. Kids can also learn about the myths and realities of misunderstood animals. Admission: included in zoo admission ($12.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids ages 3-12). The event runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Halloween Street Party at Church Street, Oct. 29
Join the Halloween revelers on Church Street for the biggest costume contest in Orlando, with a $3000 cash prize. Winner takes all.

Orlando Magic's Flick-or-Treat, Oct. 30 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween a day early with the Orlando Magic coaches, STUFF the Magic Mascot and Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw at the Amway Center. This free event is open to the public and will include trick-or-treating, a haunted STUFF's Magic Castle, decorations, music, face painting, an animated movie on the Magic TV screen and more.

Check the below related posts for more information about the Halloween festivals at the theme parks.

This Week in Orlando: Films, Food, Festivals & More

Embrace the spirit of diversity in Orlando this week with a line-up of special events that celebrate arts and culture. From independent film festivals and craft fairs to foodie events and cultural street parties, here's a list of what's happening in Orlando Oct. 17-23.

Around Town

Orlando Film Festival, Oct. 19-23
This film festival in downtown Orlando showcases more than 140 independent films from all over the world. Admission: $5 one-day pass (includes all screenings for that day); $15 all-festival pass (festival access every day).

Children's Miracle Network Classic, Oct. 20-23
This tournament brings together more than 125 top PGA Tour players in a quest for a multi-million dollar purse. The 72-hole event is played on Disney's Magnolia and Palm courses. Admission: $10 individual rounds, $20 weeklong badges and $30 one-day Wine & Dine ticket.

Central Florida Veg Fest, Oct. 22
This family-friendly festival offers educational exhibits and events about vegetarian cuisine and lifestyle. Held in Loch Haven Park from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., the veg fest features new products and ideas from more than 250 vendors and contributors as well as a wide variety of food preparation demos. Admission: free.

Mount Dora Craft Fair, Oct. 22-23
This nationally ranked juried event continues to attract more than 250,000 visitors and more than 350 of the best crafters in the country. The craft fair is held on the downtown streets of Mount Dora from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission: free.

Zoo Boo Bash, October 22, 23, 29 & 30
Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo. Come dressed in costume to this family-friendly event, which features face painting, a haunted hayride and pumpkin patch. Kids can also learn about the myths and realities of misunderstood animals. Admission: included in zoo admission ($12.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids ages 3-12).

Festival Calle Orange, Oct. 23
Calle Orange is Central Florida's largest Hispanic street festival. Celebrate Hispanic culture in downtown Orlando with a variety of music, food and dancing. Admission: $15 general admission; kids 10 and under free.

Theme Park Events

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (pictured above), daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this Epcot festival. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, every weekend in October
Youngsters can dive into this Halloween underwater "fantasea" every weekend in October. At this daytime event, kids can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts. Admission: included in park admission ($81.99 for adults and $73.99 for kids ages 3-9).

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Oct. 31
Celebrating 21 years of fear, Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios as the nation's most intense Halloween event. During select nights, the theme park transforms into a bloodcurdling labyrinth of haunted houses, scarezones and live shows as brave guests confront extreme Halloween entertainment. Admission: $81.99.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights through Nov. 1
Guests of all ages are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat at Magic Kingdom's boo-free bash after regular park hours. The "not-so-scary" festivities include Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and the bewitching Happy HalloWishes fireworks show. Admission: party tickets start at $53.95 for adults and $47.95 for kids 3-9.

For more special events in Orlando, check out our calendar of events here.

LEGOLAND Florida Now Open

It's finally here! LEGOLAND Florida, the newest theme park to the Central Florida area, is now open. As the largest LEGOLAND in the world, the family-friendly park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions as well as restaurants, shopping and botanical gardens.

And let's not forget the iconic LEGO bricks! There are more than 50 million LEGO bricks in this interactive theme park geared toward children ages 2-12.

At the park, you can explore 10 themed zones, including LEGO City, an interactive scaled-down town; Imagination Zone, a play area where you can build your own LEGO models; LEGO Kingdoms, a medieval-themed zone that includes a steel roller coaster; and Miniland USA, a "mini" country showcasing eight world-famous U.S. spots made out of miniature LEGO bricks.

LEGOLAND Florida is located in Winter Haven, about 45 minutes southwest of Orlando. General admission is $75 for adults and $65 for kids 3-12. For more information, click here.

This Week in Orlando: LEGOLAND, Halloween & More

This week, take your pick from all of the fun celebrations happening in Orlando. From the opening of new theme park LEGOLAND Florida to the annual Halloween bashes at the theme parks, here's a list of what's happening Oct. 10-16.

Openings

LEGOLAND Florida (pictured below) officially opens Oct. 15! This 150-acre family theme park offers more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared for families with children ages 2 to 12. Admission: $65 for adults and $55 for kids 3-12.

Around Town

Harriett's Park Avenue Fashion Week, daily through Oct. 15
Park Avenue's Fashion Week is a celebration of the local fashion retail and design community. The weeklong event includes trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, special discounts and a grand finale runway show on Oct. 15. Admission to the runway show: $45 advance or $50 day of; VIP tickets available.

Pink Party Pub Crawl, Oct. 14
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, wear your favorite pink gear and join in downtown Orlando's pub crawl at select locations. All proceeds will benefit Rock Pink, an Orlando-based organization whose mission is to bring music and humanity together to raise breast health awareness. Admission: $12 advance or $15 at door (includes entry into each pub crawl location, a complimentary drink and drink specials).

Latin Food & Wine Festival, Oct. 14-15
Celebrate Hispanic heritage during the Latin Food & Wine Festival. The two-day event begins with Savor the Night on Oct. 14, an intimate culinary affair in downtown Orlando. The Grand Tasting, the festival's signature event on Oct. 15, showcases Latin cuisine from local restaurants. Enjoy palatable dishes, wines, entertainment and much more for the entire family. Admission: Savor the Night $75; Grand Tasting free.

Jazz ‘n Blues Stroll, Oct. 15
Guests enjoy a leisurely evening of live jazz music in a beautiful garden setting at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. With lawn seating only, visitors can bring their own dinner picnic basket or purchase beverages and pastries onsite. Admission: general admission $16 advance or $20 day of.

Theme Park Events

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (pictured below) daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this Epcot festival. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, every weekend in October
Youngsters can dive into this Halloween underwater "fantasea" every weekend in October. At this daytime event, kids can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts. Admission: included in park admission ($81.99 for adults and $73.99 for kids ages 3-9).

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Oct. 31
Celebrating 21 years of fear, Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios as the nation's most intense Halloween event. During select nights, the theme park transforms into a bloodcurdling labyrinth of haunted houses, scarezones and live shows as brave guests confront extreme Halloween entertainment. Admission: $81.99.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights through Nov. 1
Guests of all ages are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat at Magic Kingdom's boo-free bash after regular park hours. The "not-so-scary" festivities include Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and the bewitching Happy HalloWishes fireworks show. Admission: party tickets start at $53.95 for adults and $47.95 for kids 3-9.

For more special events in Orlando, check out our calendar of events here.

World Smile Day in Orlando

As the world smile capital, Orlando celebrated World Smile Day Oct. 7, 2011, in downtown Orlando with free snow cones and special prizes, including theme park merchandise and tickets to various attractions.

Watch our video and see how we made people smile from ear to ear:

Food & Wine Events in Orlando

Whether you're a food and wine aficionado or you just like to try new flavors and wine pairings, Orlando's home to some of the best food and wine celebrations. So prep your palate for a little taste below of these foodie fall events.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this Epcot festival. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. The photo below features three new desserts available at this year's "Dessert and Champagne" marketplace. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, through October
This fall, Waldorf Astoria Orlando premieres Food & Wine Weekends, a celebration of fine wine and the culinary arts. Event highlights include "Grand Pairings" wine dinners, wine tasting experiences, the Waldorf Astoria Chocolate Shop and more. Admission: varies. Weekend accommodation packages available.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Oct. 7-8
This evening event is a culinary festival featuring beverage seminars, live music and tastings from the hotel's award-winning restaurants and lounges. Admission: seminar tickets $35; food and wine tasting $65. All-inclusive accommodation packages are available.

Latin Food & Wine Festival, Oct. 14-15
Celebrate Hispanic heritage during the Latin Food & Wine Festival. The two-day event begins with Savor the Night on Oct. 14, an intimate culinary affair in downtown Orlando. The Grand Tasting, the festival's signature event on Oct. 15, showcases Latin cuisine from local restaurants. Enjoy palatable dishes, wines, entertainment and much more for the entire family. Admission: Savor the Night $75; Grand Tasting free.

For more fall special events in Orlando, click here.

This Week in Orlando: Fall Fun

Embrace the fall season (and cooler weather!) in Orlando with some festive fall events. From the falling of leaves during Oktoberfest to the Autumn Art Festival, here's a list of what's happening Oct. 3-9.

Around Town

Celebration's Oktoberfest, Oct. 7-8
The town of Celebration welcomes the fall season with Oktoberfest, a German-themed festival that showcases the falling of leaves. The two-day event features live music, hayrides, pumpkin painting and more. Admission: free.

 

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Oct. 7-8
This evening event is a culinary festival featuring beverage seminars, live music and tastings from the hotel's award-winning restaurants and lounges. Admission: seminar tickets $35; food and wine tasting $65. All-inclusive accommodation packages are available.

Orlando Home Show, Oct. 7-9
Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the Orlando Home Show is Central Florida's largest consumer showcase of new products and services for home remodeling and interior décor. The show features how-to seminars and experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping. Admission: $7 advance or $10 day of; children 12 and under free.

38th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, Oct. 8-9
This art festival is the only juried art show to feature Florida artists exclusively. Held annually on the second weekend in October, the community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art, live entertainment, children's activities and more. Admission: free.

Harriett's Park Avenue Fashion Week, Oct. 9-15
Park Avenue's Fashion Week is a celebration of the local fashion retail and design community. The weeklong event includes trunk shows, designer meet-and-greets, special discounts and a grand finale runway show on Oct. 15. Admission to the runway show: $45 advance or $50 day of; VIP tickets available.

Theme Park Events

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular (below), every weekend in October
Youngsters can dive into this Halloween underwater "fantasea" every weekend in October. At this daytime event, kids can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts. Admission: included in park admission ($81.99 for adults and $73.99 for kids ages 3-9).

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Oct. 31
Celebrating 21 years of fear, Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios as the nation's most intense Halloween event. During select nights, the theme park transforms into a bloodcurdling labyrinth of haunted houses, scarezones and live shows as brave guests confront extreme Halloween entertainment. Admission: $81.99.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights through Nov. 1
Guests of all ages are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat at Magic Kingdom's boo-free bash after regular park hours. The "not-so-scary" festivities include Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and the bewitching Happy HalloWishes fireworks show. Admission: party tickets start at $53.95 for adults and $47.95 for kids 3-9.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, daily through Nov. 13
Sip, sample and savor treasures from around the world at this 45-day festival at Epcot. From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there's something to satisfy most every taste and interest. Admission: event included in regular park admission ($85 for adults and $79 for children ages 3-9); tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3-$8 each.

For more special events in Orlando, check out our calendar of events here.