Destinations

Orlando Delivers Spooky Surprises, Holiday Cheer

The Theme Park Capital of the World is gearing up to be a top winter sun hotspot this year, delivering one-of-a-kind Halloween events and special food events this fall, alongside festive holiday celebrations this winter.

The destination’s reputation for top-notch dining grows with each passing year – and this year is no exception. From a month-long discount dining program to theme park and resort events, there are flavours to satisfy every foodie’s palate this fall.

Guests can dine on haute cuisine without burning through their budget during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month (Aug. 24 – Sept. 30), when more than 100 of Central Florida’s top restaurants feature three-course, prix fixe dinner menus for $35.

At the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Aug. 30 – Nov. 12), guests can savour unexpected flavours from around the globe as they circle World Showcase.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Oct. 26-27) features wines from around the world and a variety of culinary dishes prepared by award-winning chefs.

Orlando – Halloween Vacation Capital – is ready to make things a little “stranger” this year with spooky soirees and ghoulishly themed fun and thrills during the 2018 Halloween season.

Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights (select nights Sept. 14 – Nov. 3) will bring Netflix’s mega-hit “Stranger Things” giving guests the chance to experience the Upside Down parallel universe.

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select nights Aug. 17 – Oct. 31), Magic Kingdom Park comes alive with jack-o-lanterns, not-so-scary characters and family friendly entertainment.

Spooky Empire (Oct. 26-28), the nation’s largest horror convention, invites celebrity guests David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson of X-files fame, Kathy Najimy of Disney’s Halloween classic Hocus Pocus and others, and features a tattoo festival, costume contest, zombie walk and film festival.

Visitors can trade the winter snow for warmer holiday celebrations in Orlando’s sunshine.

Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort offers an array of joyous fun (Nov. 8 – Dec. 21), including the magical transformation of Cinderella Castle into a glistening ice palace at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party; an exciting line-up of celebrity narrators at Epcot’s Candlelight Processional; a holiday wonderland at Disney Springs and more.

Holidays Universal Orlando Resort invites guests, wizards and elves (Nov. 17 – Jan. 6) to the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios. Families will light up with Christmas cheer as Grinchmas comes to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. And back this year, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be transformed with wondrous, holiday spirit at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Waves of holiday spirit splash during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (Nov. 17 – Dec. 31), where guests of all ages can enjoy live shows, a glittering sea of lit Christmas trees and meet-and-greets with beloved Christmas characters.