Visit Orlando Blog

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

Dive into a Halloween underwater "fantasea" every weekend in October during SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular. This family-friendly daytime event features an ocean of Halloween fun where kids can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts.

New Spooktacular highlights include Penelope's Party Zone, a Halloween party area that immerses kids in the wonders of the sea through music, games and colorful characters; the Apple Decorating Post, a sweet-treat station where you can dip tasty apples in decadently-flavored sauces (for a nominal fee); and the Spooky Sand Art Station, an interactive arts and crafts area.

Of course, costumed youngsters will love to trick-or-treat among fanciful sea creatures. From Shamu and Dolly Dolphin to a walking-talking spider-crab and playful schools of pumpkin fish, these spook-tastic characters will be "swimming" throughout the park for meet-and-greets and photo opps. And don't forget to catch some of your favorite Sesame Street characters in the live musical stage show, Sesame Street's Countdown to Halloween!

Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular takes place every weekend in October: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 28-30 from noon-8 p.m. Event admission is included in park admission, which is $81.99 for adults and $73.99 for kids ages 3-9. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Halloween's happiest haunts come out to play for a season of boo-free fun during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party after regular park hours at Magic Kingdom.

On select nights through Nov. 1, join Mickey and his pals in your favorite Halloween costume for ever-so-slightly frightful festivities, including Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular.

In addition to trick-or-treating throughout the park and meet-and-greets with characters (decked out in their Halloween finest), popular Magic Kingdom attractions, including Haunted Mansion, are available to experience.

See how theme park guests got in the Halloween spirit during last year's party.

Remaining party dates (7 p.m.-midnight): Sept. 27 and 30; Oct. 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31; and Nov. 1. Party tickets start at $53.95 for adults and $47.95 for kids 3-9. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights

Scaredy cat? You might want to consider one of Orlando's happy-go-lucky Halloween happenings because this event is...well, not your typical Halloween celebration.

As the country's most intense Halloween experience, Halloween Horror Nights lures brave souls into a bloodcurdling labyrinth of extreme entertainment at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.

During select nights through Oct. 31, wander through eight haunted houses, survive six scarezones and endure two outrageous live shows. And along your forsaken journey, be prepared to confront the walking dead, fiendish creatures, vengeful souls and Lady Luck, the monstrous force behind this year's event.

Think you could handle it? See for yourself.

Remaining event dates (beginning at 6:30 p.m.): Sept. 29-30, Oct. 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-31. Admission is $81.99. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets. Due to the event's popularity, tickets should be purchased in advance.

This Week in Orlando: Festivals, Halloween & More

From culinary celebrations to Halloween-themed events, check out all of Orlando's happenings from Sept. 26-Oct. 2.

Orlando Comedy Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 2
The Orlando Comedy Festival, presented by Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, is  four days packed with more than 40 live comedy shows, including improv, stand-up and magic. Admission: shows range from $7-$20.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (pictured), Sept. 30-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.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, every weekend Oct. 1-30
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).

Orlando Improv Festival, nightly through Sept. 27
Comedy improv groups from Canada, Chicago, Washington, Atlanta and Orlando gather together for this three-day festival of hilarious shows and workshops. Admission: shows range from $10-$15; all access passes available. 

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month (pictured), nightly through Sept. 30
Satisfy an appetite for savings during Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month in September when more than 60 Orlando-area restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe dinners for just $30. One dollar from each meal is donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. See the list of participating restaurants, browse Magical Dining menus and make dinner reservations at OrlandoMagicalDining.com. Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi.   

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.

Indoor Go-Karting in Orlando

If you're feelin' the need for speed, check out Orlando's new indoor go-karting facility, Orlando Grand Prix. With electric-powered karts that reach speeds of up to 50 mph, push it to the limit on a quarter-mile racing track or test your technique on a separate drift track.

And for any junior racers, there are specially-designed karts available for the quarter-mile track that reach speeds of up to 25 mph (must be at least 48" to ride). Pricing starts at $12 for 10 laps (junior karts) and $16 for 14 laps (adult karts).

So buckle up and test drive this adrenaline-pumping experience in our video!

For more attractions in Orlando, including recreational and outdoor activities, visit the Things To Do section of our website.

AVATAR coming to Walt Disney World

Disney is joining forces with visionary filmmaker James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the world of AVATAR to life at Disney parks, starting within Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

The new AVATAR-themed land will give theme park guests the opportunity to explore the mysterious universe of AVATAR first hand. And with its emphasis on living in harmony with nature, Animal Kingdom seems like a natural setting for this new addition as the park shares the same philosophy.

The design phase of the new project at Animal Kingdom has just begun. Construction is expected to begin by 2013.

For more information about what's new at Orlando's theme parks, contact one of our Official Travel Counselors by phone, email or live chat.

This Week in Orlando: Festivals, Dining Deals & More

There's always something fun to do in Orlando. Check out this week's list of special events during the week of Sept. 19-25.

Global Peace Film Festival, Sept. 20-25
Celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding during the Global Film Festival in Orlando. Held in conjunction with the UN's International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events include film programs, panels and parties. Admission: $8 per film; $99 pass (admission to all films, panels and events).

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights Sept. 23-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.

Fiesta del Coquí (pictured above), Sept. 24-25
The annual Fiesta del Coquí at the Central Florida Zoo is a celebration of Hispanic culture, focusing on the tiny frog of Puerto Rico (the coquí). The festival features live entertainment, delicious cuisines and activities for all ages. Admission: included in zoo admission ($12.95 for adults and $8.95 for children ages 3-12).

Orlando Improv Festival, Sept. 25-27
Comedy improv groups from Canada, Chicago, Washington, Atlanta and Orlando gather together for this three-day festival of hilarious shows and workshops. Admission: shows range from $10-$15; all access passes available.                            

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month, nightly through Sept. 30
Satisfy an appetite for savings during Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month in September when more than 60 Orlando-area restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe dinners for just $30. One dollar from each meal is donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. See the list of participating restaurants, browse Magical Dining menus and make dinner reservations at OrlandoMagicalDining.com.                                                   

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, click here.

Orlando Calling Announces Celebrity Charity Auction

Music star Joey Fatone and Orlando Calling, the new music festival coming to Orlando Nov. 12-13, have joined forces to help children fighting cancer to heal.

Orlando Calling announced today an auction of four Gibson Les Paul guitars, to be signed by the festival's popular music artists (including Bob Seger, Kid Rock and the Killers), that will benefit Fatone's "My Healing Harmony" music therapy program at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando.

To jump start the charity proceeds, Orlando Calling donated $10,000 to the music therapy program at today's announcement event. Check out our event video  and meet one little girl who's experiencing the healing power of music first-hand from the music therapy program.

Bidding for two of the specially signed guitars begins Oct. 1 on celebrity auction site CharityBuzz.com. A third signed guitar will travel around popular Orlando hot spots providing opportunities for diners, event-goers and music-lovers to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win. The fourth guitar will be raffled at a VIP fundraising event at the Gibson Guitar store in downtown Orlando, Fla., the week of the Orlando Calling festival.

For information about Orlando Calling, visit orlandocalling.com.

Halloween in Orlando

This fall, trick-or-treat yourself to some of the biggest Halloween bashes in Orlando. Here's a round-up of the hauntingly happy happenings and (for those who dare!) frightfully fun festivities starting in September.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights Sept. 13 - 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.

Halloween Horror Nights, select nights Sept. 23 - 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.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular (pictured), every weekend Oct. 1-30
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).

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).

If you'd like more information about holiday-themed events in Orlando, contact one of our Official Travel Counselors by phone, email or live chat.

Magical Dining Month in Orlando

September is a "magical" time to visit Orlando...and not just at the theme parks. This month, dozens of top restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe dinners at a great value--just $30. Yes, for $30, select an appetizer, entrée and dessert from mouth-watering menu options. Talk about satisfying an appetite for savings!

On OrlandoMagicalDining.com, check out the list of restaurants, browse restaurant menus, make reservations or read the latest buzz from other diners on the message board.

Here's a sneak peek of the Magical Dining experience at Prickly Pear, a restaurant where upscale Orlando meets the American Frontier.

Save us a bite!