Summer is beautiful and the holidays are heartwarming, but the real fun season in Orlando just might be fall, when the area theme parks ramp up their offerings with tricks, treats, and fun for the whole family. (Feature photo: Flickr/hyku) Whether you're ready to be scared out of your flip flops or nosh your way around the world, there's truly something for everyone in Orlando this fall! Photo: Disney/Kent Phillips Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: A Halloween tradition for Central Florida families and out-of-towners alike, this annual event now spans 29 nights between September 2nd and October 31st. Guests are invited to dress up and go trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom® Park, in between taking in shows such as Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the brilliant fireworks show, Happy HalloWishes. The event hours from 7 PM to 12 AM allow everyone to get in the not-so-spooky spirit after the sun goes down. Get the dates and details from the Disney Parks Blog. Halloween Horror Nights: Looking for a slightly scarier Halloween? Well, Universal Orlando has something much more adult than Mickey Mouse in his vampire costume. Halloween Horror Nights, now in its 26th year, does some serious scaring with its frightening array of haunted houses, scare zones (with live “scare-actors” waiting in the shadows), and live shows. 2016's line-up includes attractions based on Halloween, The Walking Dead, The Exorcist, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It's so scary, guests under age 13 aren't encouraged – handle this one with care. See nights and packages available at the Halloween Horror Nights website. It's time for a Halloween party! SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is geared towards younger trick-or-treaters. Photo: SeaWorld SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular: If Mickey stays up too late and Michael Myers is a little too scary, SeaWorld offers up afternoon fun for the little crowd with their Halloween Spooktacular. Generally taking place weekends from 12 PM to 7 PM, Spooktacular events include trick-or-treating around the park's special event area, dance parties, arts and crafts, and creatively costumed meet-and-greet creatures. While Spooktacular is aimed primarily at small children, parents will love that it's included with regular park admission – the only Halloween event at the major theme parks that doesn't require a separate ticket! Keep up to date at SeaWorld's Events page. Photo: Disney/Matt Stroshane Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: No tricks, just treats! Epcot is gearing up for its most ambitious year yet, with 62 days of culinary events, international and gourmet treats, celebrity chefs, and a popular concert series. Running from September 14th through November 14th, the best-loved festival offering is the food kiosks, which dot the walkway around World Showcase Lagoon. Try tapas-size specialties from places like Poland, Ireland, or Hawaii; or sample wine, beer, champagne, and other libations from around the world. Kiosks are open to everyone with paid admission, special events vary in price. Take a look at special tasting and chef events at the festival website. With events for every age, this fall is going to be a busy one in Orlando. Deciding to visit Orlando in fall is the easy part; now you just have to decide how you're going to see and do everything the theme parks have to offer! Ready to plan your next Orlando vacation? Summer Bay Orlando By Exploria Resorts offers the perfect home-base for your entire family, with room to relax, play, and connect. Visit our Destinations tab to explore accommodations, recreation, and amenities at this resort, featuring villas and condos perfect to host your next family vacation.
