The epic Universal Orlando Resort holiday traditions and characters are back, bigger and louder than ever before for 51 days and nights of one-of-a-kind festive experiences during this year’s Holidays celebration November 13 through January 2.
Guests can rip open a holiday gift of nonstop awesome where they can join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meet the maven of mischief himself, The Grinch, during Grinchmas, and experience the larger-than-life return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – and it’s all included with theme park admission.
Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Highlights
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
The streets of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and London will become beautifully adorned with themed decorations, garlands, and lights as the sounds of special holiday-themed performances fill the air.
Guests can sip on hot Butterbeer while they listen to Christmas carols from the Frog Choir comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, as well as the unique holiday hits of one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” lights up the night sky with a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by beloved Harry Potter films.
Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
See the maven of mischief himself during Grinchmas at Universal Orlando where guests can enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a hilarious live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring The Grinch with special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville.
And the celebration continues in Seuss Landing, which is completely transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with yuletide décor, including oversized candy canes, Christmas trees, wreaths, and beautiful tinsel ornamenting the land.
And guests can keep an eye out for resident Whos spreading Who-liday joy as they prepare for their favorite holiday.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida
With the return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, guests can experience the excitement as more than 30 larger-than-life balloons take the streets of Universal Studios Florida, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and other fan-favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar.
This parade also features beautifully decorated floats and hundreds of festive performers that fill the streets with holiday cheer. And guests won’t want to miss the spectacular finale led by the one and only Santa Claus as he passes by and lights the breathtaking 80-foot Christmas Tree that has become a holiday icon at Universal Studios Florida.
In addition to these spectacular experiences, there are even more holiday festivities in store around every corner, including delicious food and beverage options and themed merchandise perfect for gifting that will have guests feeling the holiday spirit throughout their visit.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
The merriment continues at Universal Orlando’s hotels, where guests will be surrounded by incredible seasonal décor and enjoy holiday activities like festive meals, strolling carolers, holiday crafts, and more.
For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and beyond make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Just a few hours ago the Walt Disney World Resort announced that three new planning tools will be launching on October 19, 2021!
Disney Genie is a personalized itinerary creator that effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things you love – helping you make the most of your park time so you can have more fun.
Disney Genie+ is an upgrade to the complimentary version of Disney Genie service, for $15 per ticket per day, and includes the use of the lightning lanes at select attractions, Disney PhotoPass lenses, and Audio Tours.
Lightning Lanes can be purchased a-la-carte to save time waiting at the premiere attractions by park.
Early birds at Magic Kingdom Park are now starting their day with “Let the Magic Begin” on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, and the ragtime piano player at Casey’s Corner is once again tickling the ivory keys on Main Street, U.S.A.
Over at EPCOT, World Showcase travelers are dancing to the Canadian rhythms of Alberta Bound, laughing at the antics of Sergio in Italy, and experiencing the majestic percussion of the Taiko drummers of Matsuriza in Japan.
Next week even more entertainment will be returning to the Walt Disney World Resort!
On the Go in the Parks: October 8-10, 2021
The World’s Most Magical Celebration
Matt Stroshane, photographer
The World’s Most Magical Celebration has kicked off at the Walt Disney World Resort with new nighttime spectaculars at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT, nighttime Beacons of Magic, exclusive celebration merchandise, delicious dishes, bubbly beverages, and more!
The LEGOLAND Florida Resort has announced that is bringing back the spooky, kooky fun of Brick or Treat every weekend in October.
Brick or Treat activities include trick or treating around the Theme Park complete with frightfully fun character interactions, larger-than-afterlife LEGO builds, and meet-and-greet opportunities with ghoulish LEGO characters making appearances on event dates only.
BRICK OR TREAT happen Saturdays and Sundays on October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31.
Halloween Spooktacular is back at SeaWorld Orlando with candy, costumes, with your favorite Sesame Street friends, and plenty of spooky surprises.
SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular is a daytime event that runs weekends from September 18 to October 31st, making it the perfect place for families to celebrate Halloween!
Kid’s will enjoy trick-or-treating, colorful characters, spooky stories, and a Halloween dance party to moments with furry friends like Count von Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more.
The best treat of all? SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is included with your theme park admission!
A new terror has surfaced, and there’s nowhere to hide. Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and this time, the fear is everywhere.
Evade angry haunts as they rampage through scare zones. Seek shelter indoors, only to find you’ve entered a house of horrors. Deepen the thrill with a nighttime coaster ride. Quench your thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar. Feel the monstrous electricity of a live show.
Above all, try to resist the haunting song of the one who has emerged from the lake. Evil is calling—with a howl and a scream.
Tampa’s premier Halloween event returns earlier than ever for 28 killer nights with scare zones and haunted houses, including THREE ALL-NEW haunted house experiences.
Fear returns to its most immersive form with the return of iconic horror-filled haunted houses to terrify guests at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, Tampa Bay’s BIGGEST haunt event. Park guests will find nowhere to hide as zombies, deranged clowns, werewolves, and new surprises stalk their prey throughout eight scare zones, and unpredictable roaming hordes lurk in the darkness.
Beyond the haunts, killer entertainment can be found on stage with “Fiends!” returning to the Festival Field and last year’s best-kept-secret “The Rolling Bones” performing electrifying rock covers at Dragon Fire Grill.
Halloween Horror Nights has returned to the Universal Studios Resort Orlando daring guests and celebrating 30 years of fear on select nights through October 31.
For its highly-anticipated return, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is unleashing a legion of horror legends, pop culture greats, and haunting original stories – many from the event’s esteemed history – in 10 disturbingly realistic haunted houses, five nightmarish scare zones, and outrageous live entertainment, with diabolical surprises lurking around every corner…
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event you won’t want to miss. This is my #1 Halloween event in Central Florida!!!!!
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back to showcase some of Orlando’s best cuisine while supporting local restaurants and charities from August 27 to October 17.
During this year’s Foodie dream, more than 80 of Orlando’s fine dining restaurants will offer a $37 three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu.
On the Go in the Parks, you can find Magical Dining goodness at:
The SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival is returning with more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, until October 31st.
Guests can sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites, plus savor more than 20 food items expertly paired to match their preferred brew.
And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. This is the one craft beer celebration guests won’t want to miss.
During the fourth year of Bier Fest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can sip seasonal beverage offerings and savor new recipes featuring fan-favorite breweries.
Beer flows through the park on an all-new beer trail, weaving between iconic coasters, local live music, and fascinating animal habitats while incorporating fan-favorite restaurants and outdoor culinary stations, including the new Giraffe Bar.
This year, park guests can toast to new adventures each Friday through Sunday until October 31.
The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is underway at Walt Disney World with delicious dishes, fun for families, and entertainment for the entire family until November 20th!
The festival celebrates the best of food and drink with more than 20 festival-exclusive global marketplaces open now and even more coming in the fall!
In addition to all the classics and fan favorites, there are SEVEN new marketplaces:
The Noodle Exchange (Near Traveler’s Café)
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
The Rotunda Bistro (American Adventure Rotunda)
The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders)
Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience
Lobster Landing (Near Mission: SPACE)
Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE)
Don’t forget to see EPCOT Forever fireworks at the close of every day!
Disney’s After Hours Boo Bash is a special ticketed event that takes place at the Magic Kingdom on select nights until October 31, 2021, and like any new event, and I am sharing what you should know before you go to make the most of your Halloween fun!
Walt Disney World has updated their mask policy for guests ages 2 and up
– Masks are required regardless of vaccination status – Masks must be worn while indoors – Masks must be worn on Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner – The new policy includes attractions & their queues – Masks remain optional in outdoor common areas
Walt Disney World has opened up more Park Pass availability for summer visits to the park. So while you still need a reservation to enter the parks, it is now easier to snag one.
In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and the recommendations of local officials, face coverings are recommended to be worn in designated, indoor spaces regardless of the vaccination status of SeaWorld Orlando guests and employees.
The CDC has indicated that fully vaccinated people can be in outdoor areas without the need for a face covering.
The CDC still recommends that people get fully vaccinated and that unvaccinated people use preventative measures such as face coverings and social distancing.
For special interactions with certain animals, unvaccinated people will be required to wear a face covering.
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica are both no longer requiring reservations…if you are planning on going to Aquatica during the weekend GET THERE EARLY as parking is running out before noon each day!
The Universal Orlando Resort encourages all guests to follow CDC guidelines and local directives to wear face coverings while indoors across Universal Orlando Resort.
Face coverings are optional while outdoors.
All guests are ecouraged to keep a safe distance between travel parties.
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t required reservations, but you’ll want to keep an eye one their official twitter – @UniversalORL – for any capacity or operational updates
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and more by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Walt Disney World just announced that the Disney Genie servicewill launch on October 19, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort!
Walt Disney World – Disney Genie
Available for all guests in the My Disney Experience app, the complimentary Disney Genie service offers new features that let you create your best Disney day.
These features include a personalized itinerary creator that effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things you love – helping you make the most of your park time so you can have more fun.
The complimentary Disney Genie Service Includes:
Tailored Recommendations – You’ll receive attraction and dining recommendations inspired in part by what you told Disney Genie service you’re most interested in doing. It even displays a good time to go to an experience and an idea of the forecasted wait. Need to swap a recommendation out? No problem. Like many popular navigation apps, Disney Genie will continue to offer new suggestions throughout the day, so you can make the most of your time during your visit.
A Personalized Daily Itinerary – Your “My Day” tab is where you’ll find Disney Genie recommendations and any plans you’ve made, including dining reservations, Disney Resort hotel reservations and activity bookings. You’ll also be able to virtually chat with a Cast Member who can help answer any questions that arise.
A Custom Tip Board – This new feature will let you see estimated wait times for your top attractions, entertainment and dining. You’ll also be able to order food, make dining reservations, check into a restaurant, request to join an available virtual queue (currently at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), and even book arrival times for our new Lightning Lane entrance at select experiences if you’ve purchased Disney Genie+ service.
Walt Disney World – Disney Genie+
In addition to getting all of the great features that come with upgrading to the complimentary version of Disney Genie service, purchasing Disney Genie+ service will offer even more convenience and flexibility, for $15 per ticket per day.
Disney Genie+ Perks Include:
Enjoy the Magic You Want with Less Wait – Save time waiting in line by purchasing Disney Genie+ service! This new service, at more than 40 attractions and experiences throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks, lets you select the next available arrival window for the new Lightning Lane entrances. You can make one selection at a time throughout the day—from classics like Haunted Mansion and thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (experiences subject to limited availability). With Disney Genie+, you can select Lightning Lane arrival windows across multiple theme parks for those who have the Park Hopper option.
Disney PhotoPass Lenses – Access special Disney PhotoPass Lenses for your mobile device, allowing you to explore magical new augmented reality effects.
Audio Tales – Discover the parks in cool new ways through fascinating fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights you can listen to during your visit.
Disney Genie+ selections are available beginning at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to secure your first arrival time.
Starting October 19th, you’ll be able to purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of your visit or purchase as an add-on to a theme park ticket by modifying your existing ticket prior to arrival. You can also purchase new tickets that include Disney Genie+ before your visit.
When using Disney Genie+ guests are responsible for:
Determining whether options and recommendations are appropriate for their party and
consulting all experience restrictions and advisories, including height requirements, health and safety advisories and accessibility guidelines.
Lightning Lane
With this launch, we’ll also be introducing the Lightning Lane entrance. Available for purchase through our Disney Genie+ add-on at more than 40 attractions – or individually, “à la carte” at some of our most highly demanded attractions – the Lightning Lane entrance can save you time waiting in line.
As a reminder, attractions continue to offer a traditional standby queue or from time to time, a virtual queue may instead be used at select attractions, like right now at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
To get ready for the launch, I’ll be sharing more information as it becomes available, but you can also visit DisneyGenie.com for more details.
If you’re ready for scares from the comfort of your car, The Haunted Road, a drive-thru Halloween attraction at Corn Maze Orlando, has returned for its second year on select nights through November.
The immersive outdoor theater show brings a mix of familiar characters, twisted creatures, and unexpected scares to horror fans visiting the social distance-friendly event.
After launching in 2020, the cast and crew quickly realized everything was not as it seemed. Rumor spread that tortured souls who died on the land materialize when the sun sets, resulting in paranormal phenomena and eerie occurrences.
Through trial and error, we learned how to disrupt these spirits and conjure up on-demand ghost sightings for travelers to witness. But proceed at your own risk… it is unclear if the spirits remain to ward off future victims or lure unsuspecting travelers to join them as part of The Haunted Road.
Also New this year is The Barnyard, an add-on experience, that has a Haunt Market, the Ol’ Watering Hole with beverages, BBQ, and of course scares with roaming performers and the Abandoned Butcher Barn haunted experience.
ITS BAACK!! Gatorland’s “Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins 2021 returns for its third year of family fun and fright done right from October 9th through October 31st!
Search for Cryptids in “The Crocs and Cryptids Zone!” where you’ll meet Gatorland’s Skunk Ape while you search for hidden cryptozoological beasts!
Then, grab your Lederhosen for Frank & Steins Ooky Kooky Octoberfest featuring live music from “Polkageist,” Gatorland’s own undead polka band as well as German beer and food for purchase.
The extra spooky “Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum” returns this year! Dare to enter Swamp Ghost’s lair and learn the origins of history’s most infamous monsters… and maybe come face to face with a ghoul or two!
All this plus multiple themed haunt zones, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade at 1 pm with treat bags for all kids who participate!
There are also fun shows, multiple photo opportunities, a trick-or-treat trail from 11 am to 2 pm with candy giveaways, and more!
Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins is included with your regular park admission!
There’s Halloween fun for Everyone at this all-ages daytime Halloween event!
Children and adults can wear family-friendly costumes if they like. Nothing scary or gory, please – Bubba and Cooter are easily spooked.
Tickets are available at www.Gatorland.com or at Gatorland admissions.
And don’t forget Florida Residents save half off through November 1st. at Gatorland admissions.
A Petrified Forest invited guests to venture into their feast with three different outdoor scare trails in the dark, haunted forest filled with terrifying beasts and nightmares.
You’ll want to plan for a night out as there are food trucks, live entertainment, and fun packed front yard activities.
On special Total Eclipse Nights – which require a signed waiver for anyone under 18 – monsters can even touch the guests.
Separately, Kid’s Day and Special Needs Nights will also take place for a milder experience.
Please keep in mind that all children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
I was beyond excited when I found out that acclaimed Chef Richard Blais will open his first Orlando restaurant later this year with a new tropical concept at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, located adjacent to Walt Disney World.
“It’s undeniable how talented and invigorating Chef Blais is. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with him for our newest restaurant,” said Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress General Manager Paul Joseph. “This concept is something very near and dear to our hearts and to Blais’s and we can’t wait to be able to unveil it to our guests.”
Blais is widely recognized as the first winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars and recently announced co-star of the new Gordon Ramsay / FOX cooking competition, Next Level Chef. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and trained at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli.
His new Orlando restaurant will make its home in the former Hemingway’s venue within the resort and offer dinner nightly and brunch on Sundays.
Blais currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary consulting company that has consulted on, designed, and operated popular eateries across the country. He is the James Beard Award-nominated author of Try This at Home: Recipes from My Head to Your Plate, as well as his second cookbook, So Good.
Most recently, he opened Ember & Rye at the newly renovated Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, California, and took on the role of Culinary Director at the newly opened San Diego Symphony performance space, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
“I love having fun with my concepts and menus and I’m so excited about what we’ve got in store for this restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress,” said Chef Richard Blais. “We’re looking forward to adding a memorable and innovative offering to Orlando’s already incredible food scene.”
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress will host a hiring event for the new restaurant on Tuesday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the resort’s Windsong Ballroom. Positions available include management, cooks, bartenders, servers, and greeters.
Universal’s Mardi Gras is one of our family’s favorite Springtime events, and I am SO excited that the celebration is back at Universal Studios in 2022, and it’s going to be louder, spicier, and better than ever!!!
Beginning February 5 through April 24, this family-friendly version of the iconic Big Easy bash is returning to Orlando.
Universal’s Mardi Gras will bring back the event’s most outstanding, fan-favorite experiences – including its spectacular nighttime parade, star-studded live concerts (both on select nights), and more.
Plus, guests can savor mouth-watering, authentic Cajun-style cuisine from New Orleans and additional dishes inspired by diverse tastes and flavors from around the world at locations throughout the park and Universal’s hotels.
All the excitement of Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual or Seasonal Pass (blockout dates apply).
Additional details, including the event’s concert lineup, food & beverage offerings, and more, will be revealed at a later date.
However, you can sign up on the website to receive updates about the event!
It’s Florida’s Biggest Party, and it’s the loudest, wildest blowout this side of the Bayou.
Brick or Treat is back at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort with kid-friendly fun including exclusive classic LEGO monster characters, enjoy Halloween shows, Halloween shows, BOO-tastic fireworks, and extended hours every event night.
The Brick or Treat celebration’s biggest treat? The not-so-spooky fun is included with your admission Saturdays and Sundays in October through Halloween: Oct. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat Guide
Fireworks Take Over Pirate’s Cove
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Edward Linsmier
Arrrgh ye ready to end yer night with a bang? Experience the tale of Captain Dreadbeard’s adventures during a siege to save Pirate’s Cove as fireworks make their return to Brick or Treat every event night.
Grab a complimentary pair of special glasses from the crew because once the show starts, wearing them will cause the fireworks to fill the night sky with LEGO bricks!
Trick-or-Treat Yo’ Self with Extended Hours and Candy, Candy and more Candy
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group
Have those candy bags and buckets ready! Brick or Treat features five uniquely themed candy stations around the park for a day of trick-or-treating fun including a Ghoulish Graveyard, Happy Harvest, Cauldron of Candy, and more!
All trick-or-treat candy stations are available from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m.
NEW! The Grand Carousel transforms into the Creepy Carousel as this classic ride receives a ghostly twist featuring popular Brick or Treat tunes.
Grab some spooky selfies with a special squad of characters that can only be found during Brick or Treat!
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group
This includes classic monsters with a LEGO twist like Monster Rocker, Mummy, and Lord Vampyre, as well as LEGO favorites including Scarecrow, Spider Lady, Shark Suit Guy, and more!
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group
LEGO fans can also help craft a giant LEGO Scarecrow brick by brick in DUPLO Valley or snap a family photo inside a large LEGO pumpkin.
Hauntingly Delicious Snacks
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group
No tricks here, this year’s specialty treats have a very spooky and “cookie” twist to them, including the Monster’s Marshmallow “Mud” Cup featuring chocolate pudding topped with cookie crumble, marshmallow topping, and candy. Or grab a bag of Crazy Mad Scientist’s Purple Popcorn Mix for the crazy science of grape-flavored popcorn mixed with cookie crumble.
No trip to LEGOLAND is complete without Granny’s Apple Fries. Pick up a new take on the LEGOLAND classic with S’mores Granny Apple Fries a la Mode and enjoy cookie-dusted warm apple fries, vanilla ice cream, and marshmallow fluff topped with, of course, candy.
Party throughout the Weekend with a Staycation
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group
When the Theme Park closes, the fun is just beginning at the LEGOLAND Hotel! Only on event nights, the Brick or Treat Costume Dance Party takes over the main lobby of the hotel beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Join this monster-themed party by wearing your favorite Brick or Treat costume and dancing along to the best monster mash tunes.
Enjoy Brick or Treat all weekend long like a VIP when you book your family an All-Inclusive Vacation Package, which includes your hotel stay at a fully themed LEGOLAND Hotel, tickets to both parks, dining from check-in to check-out, and more!
If you’re looking for a wicked good time this October, you’ll absolutely want to visit ICON Park!
Family Savings at ICON Park
Until October 31st bring your little ballerina, pirate or princess out for a free ride on the signature attraction, The Wheel.
ICON is offering complimentary tickets to The Wheel for kids 12 and under who are dressed up in costumes, while their family members riding along will receive 50 percent off their tickets to The Wheel (up to four tickets).
More fun at The Wheel
To set the scene on the 400-foot observation wheel, ICON Park has curated a fun, Halloween-inspired playlist to play in the private capsules.
A free ghoulish glowing light show will take place on The Lawn each night, with a show at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Watch as The Wheel’s 64,000 LED lights dance to the spooky soundtrack during a 10-minute production.
Make sure to catch the Theme Park Roundup tonight at 6:38 pm during Orlando’s Evening News on WDBO!
Matt Stroshane, photographer
The World’s Most Magical Celebration has kicked off at the Walt Disney World Resort with new nighttime spectaculars at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT, nighttime Beacons of Magic, exclusive celebration merchandise, delicious dishes, bubbly beverages, and more!
LOCK + LAND, Edward Linsmier for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
The LEGOLAND Florida Resort has announced that is bringing back the spooky, kooky fun of Brick or Treat every weekend in October.
Brick or Treat activities include trick or treating around the Theme Park complete with frightfully fun character interactions, larger-than-afterlife LEGO builds, and meet-and-greet opportunities with ghoulish LEGO characters making appearances on event dates only.
BRICK OR TREAT happen Saturdays and Sundays on October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31.
Halloween Spooktacular is back at SeaWorld Orlando with candy, costumes, with your favorite Sesame Street friends, and plenty of spooky surprises.
SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular is a daytime event that runs weekends from September 18 to October 31st, making it the perfect place for families to celebrate Halloween!
Kid’s will enjoy trick-or-treating, colorful characters, spooky stories, and a Halloween dance party to moments with furry friends like Count von Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more.
The best treat of all? SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is included with your theme park admission!
A new terror has surfaced, and there’s nowhere to hide. Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and this time, the fear is everywhere.
Evade angry haunts as they rampage through scare zones. Seek shelter indoors, only to find you’ve entered a house of horrors. Deepen the thrill with a nighttime coaster ride. Quench your thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar. Feel the monstrous electricity of a live show.
Above all, try to resist the haunting song of the one who has emerged from the lake. Evil is calling—with a howl and a scream.
Tampa’s premier Halloween event returns earlier than ever for 28 killer nights with scare zones and haunted houses, including THREE ALL-NEW haunted house experiences.
Fear returns to its most immersive form with the return of iconic horror-filled haunted houses to terrify guests at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, Tampa Bay’s BIGGEST haunt event. Park guests will find nowhere to hide as zombies, deranged clowns, werewolves, and new surprises stalk their prey throughout eight scare zones, and unpredictable roaming hordes lurk in the darkness.
Beyond the haunts, killer entertainment can be found on stage with “Fiends!” returning to the Festival Field and last year’s best-kept-secret “The Rolling Bones” performing electrifying rock covers at Dragon Fire Grill.
Halloween Horror Nights has returned to the Universal Studios Resort Orlando daring guests and celebrating 30 years of fear on select nights through October 31.
For its highly-anticipated return, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is unleashing a legion of horror legends, pop culture greats, and haunting original stories – many from the event’s esteemed history – in 10 disturbingly realistic haunted houses, five nightmarish scare zones, and outrageous live entertainment, with diabolical surprises lurking around every corner…
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event you won’t want to miss. This is my #1 Halloween event in Central Florida!!!!!
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back to showcase some of Orlando’s best cuisine while supporting local restaurants and charities from August 27 to October 17.
During this year’s Foodie dream, more than 80 of Orlando’s fine dining restaurants will offer a $37 three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu.
On the Go in the Parks, you can find Magical Dining goodness at:
The SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival is returning with more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, until October 31st.
Guests can sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites, plus savor more than 20 food items expertly paired to match their preferred brew.
And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. This is the one craft beer celebration guests won’t want to miss.
During the fourth year of Bier Fest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can sip seasonal beverage offerings and savor new recipes featuring fan-favorite breweries.
Beer flows through the park on an all-new beer trail, weaving between iconic coasters, local live music, and fascinating animal habitats while incorporating fan-favorite restaurants and outdoor culinary stations, including the new Giraffe Bar.
This year, park guests can toast to new adventures each Friday through Sunday until October 31.
The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is underway at Walt Disney World with delicious dishes, fun for families, and entertainment for the entire family until November 20th!
The festival celebrates the best of food and drink with more than 20 festival-exclusive global marketplaces open now and even more coming in the fall!
In addition to all the classics and fan favorites, there are SEVEN new marketplaces:
The Noodle Exchange (Near Traveler’s Café)
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
The Rotunda Bistro (American Adventure Rotunda)
The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders)
Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience
Lobster Landing (Near Mission: SPACE)
Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE)
Don’t forget to see EPCOT Forever fireworks at the close of every day!
Disney’s After Hours Boo Bash is a special ticketed event that takes place at the Magic Kingdom on select nights until October 31, 2021, and like any new event, and I am sharing what you should know before you go to make the most of your Halloween fun!
Walt Disney World has updated their mask policy for guests ages 2 and up
– Masks are required regardless of vaccination status – Masks must be worn while indoors – Masks must be worn on Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner – The new policy includes attractions & their queues – Masks remain optional in outdoor common areas
Walt Disney World has opened up more Park Pass availability for summer visits to the park. So while you still need a reservation to enter the parks, it is now easier to snag one.
In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and the recommendations of local officials, face coverings are recommended to be worn in designated, indoor spaces regardless of the vaccination status of SeaWorld Orlando guests and employees.
The CDC has indicated that fully vaccinated people can be in outdoor areas without the need for a face covering.
The CDC still recommends that people get fully vaccinated and that unvaccinated people use preventative measures such as face coverings and social distancing.
For special interactions with certain animals, unvaccinated people will be required to wear a face covering.
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica are both no longer requiring reservations…if you are planning on going to Aquatica during the weekend GET THERE EARLY as parking is running out before noon each day!
The Universal Orlando Resort encourages all guests to follow CDC guidelines and local directives to wear face coverings while indoors across Universal Orlando Resort.
Face coverings are optional while outdoors.
All guests are ecouraged to keep a safe distance between travel parties.
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t required reservations, but you’ll want to keep an eye one their official twitter – @UniversalORL – for any capacity or operational updates
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and more by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Celebrated for its 1890s Victorian architecture and elegance, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a favorite resort of Disney Vacation Club Members, and I am excited to share a first look at the rooms members will call home beginning in the summer of 2022.
The expansion will add approximately 200 proposed resort studios, a Disney Vacation Club room type unique to The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
At the same time, existing villas including deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas will be enhanced.
The planned expansion and enhancements will provide guests with even more opportunities to make magical vacation memories together with Magic Kingdom Park close by.
The proposed new resort studios will feature two queen-size beds and a day bed with room for up to five guests.
There is a room for every type of traveler at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney Vacation Club Members can access them all. The existing villas will also receive exciting enhancements.
The deluxe studios at the resort can also accommodate up to five guests and will feature a queen-size bed, a pull-down queen-size bed that tucks away seamlessly into the wall, and a charming pull-down bunk-size bed – perfect for the little ones.
For an even grander stay, families staying in spacious one- or two-bedroom villas will enjoy the comforts of home while staying inside the magic. These accommodations offer full kitchens and large living areas as well as added conveniences – like modern appliances, a farmhouse sink, and a washer and dryer. Living areas will feature a new pull-down queen-size bed along with a pull-down bunk-size bed that folds away to be hidden beneath the media center.
For larger families and multi-generational vacations, guests will enjoy plenty of room and comfort in the three-bedroom grand villa. These spacious accommodations sleep up to 12 guests, with two bedrooms that include two queen-size beds each, along with a primary bedroom that features a king-size bed. Three-bedroom grand villas also boast a dining area and expansive living room. Charming accents in the rooms include Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Victorian-themed silhouettes and other artwork featuring Mary Poppins and Dumbo.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sits on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and is located in the heart of the magic. Close by, guests can enjoy the monorail, buses, and water taxi services directly from the property to travel throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The resort also steps away from the excitement via a new walkable promenade leading to and from Magic Kingdom Park. And just in time for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, guests and Disney Vacation Club Members staying at Walt Disney World Resort properties, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, will enjoy 30-minute early entry to every theme park, every day starting October 1.
To learn more about the enhancements at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit VillasAtGrandFloridian.com.
