This holiday season Give Kids the World Village will once again be home to an amazing dancing lights show, tram tours, unique behind-the-scenes experiences, and an array of exciting additions guaranteed to make this year’s second annual Night of a Million Lights holiday lights spectacular another dazzling success.
Scheduled to illuminate the Central Florida skyline from Friday, November 12, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, Night of a Million Lights will once again provide the public with a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairytale neighborhood which wish families call home during their stays. Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail; view larger-than-life holiday displays; take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops; and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram, included in the price of the ticket. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding.
What began as an inventive pandemic pivot for Give Kids The World has evolved into Central Florida’s most beloved new holiday tradition. More than 92,000 guests attended Night of a Million Lights in 2020, named #1 on USA Today’s list of the “Best Things To Do in December in Orlando.” With the return of wish families to the Village, this year’s event promises to be brighter and more festive than ever, while preserving the privacy and comfort of wish families during their visits.
“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told “no” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to once again sharing some holiday joy with the community while raising the funds that will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.”
This year’s Night of a Million Lights enhancements will include a 360-degree dancing lights show encompassing 21 fully programmed buildings set to music, with six three-minute holiday vignettes playing each hour.
In addition, a holiday marketplace will offer upgraded food and beverage experiences, festive holiday merchandise, and an opportunity for children to meet Santa in his elaborately designed Florida home.
Also new this year, guests can make their visits extra special by purchasing one of a variety of VIP packages, ranging from behind-the-scenes guided tours and premium dessert parties to special events and exclusive balcony experiences – providing a stunning setting for marriage proposals, vow renewals, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and other special moments. Discounts are available for groups of 25 guests or more. To inquire about group discounts and special events, please contact events@gktw.org.
Proceeds from Night of a Million Lights will support Give Kids The World, rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator 15 years in a row. When wish-granting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit Central Florida, Give Kids The World fulfills the wish – providing each child and his/her family with an all-inclusive stay that includes transportation; accommodations in one of the Village’s 166 storybook residential villas; all meals and snacks; donated theme park tickets; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and priceless interactive experiences at the Village, featuring accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 176,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries.
Give Kids The World Village is located at 210 South Bass Road in Kissimmee.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a firefighter? Here’s your chance to find out! Orlando Fire Department will be celebrating the final days of the RESCUE exhibit at Orlando Science Center by participating in a Meet and Greet session, including a tour of their fire truck and a chance to answer all of your burning questions.
Visitors are invited to meet these local heroes and learn more about the technology and teamwork that goes into being a first responder.
Celebrate the Final Days of the RESCUE Exhibit with a Firefighter Meet and Greet and Fire Truck Tour at the Orlando Science Center
Saturday, September 4 – From 2 to 4 p.m. (Firefighters & Fire Truck)
Saturday, September 4 & Sunday, September 5 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Final Days of Rescue Exhibit)
The truck will be parked outside the Science Center’s Entrance A on Camden Street (near the Dr. Phillips CineDome).
Please note, the schedule is subject to change if an emergency situation arises.
While you’re waiting for the firefighters to arrive or when you’re ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test, check out RESCUE before it leaves on September 6!
Search and rescue operations take place every minute, every hour, every day, all around the world. But what does a rescue scenario really involve? Through interactive exhibit pieces combined with the stories of real-life heroes, RESCUE offers visitors a first-hand look into the science of saving lives. Climb aboard life-size models of rescue vehicles like helicopters and jet skis to perform a simulated mission or use a sensor to search for heat signatures or test different fire extinguishers to better understand how to fight the flames!
Whether you’re an anchor breaking the news of a disaster, or part of a search and rescue mission, there is no “I” in “TEAM!” Find out if you have what it takes to be a hero.
To learn more, visit www.osc.org/rescue. This exhibit was created by Scitech in Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions. Following your RESCUE adventure, enjoy all four floors of exhibits and experiences at Orlando Science Center because everything is included with general admission.
General admission is $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and $15 for youth (ages 2 – 11). Admission is free for annual members. To get your timed-entry tickets and more information, please visit www.osc.org.
We’ve talked a lot about what families can do around town, but what if you want to spend the afternoon On the Go in MCO with some of your best friends?
I thought it would be fun to look at ways friends can have a fun day out together!
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort, where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel among tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and have heartwarming encounters with other animals.
Your all-inclusive day includes breakfast, lunch, snacks throughout the day, as well as a selection of adult beverages.
What’s even better is that they have great Florida Resident deals throughout the year!
With 230 acres of trails and an array of sporting adventures on offer, there is plenty to challenge both novice and seasoned adventurers.
If you’re looking for a motorized adventure, ATVs, Quads, 4-wheelers, and Buggies, are always a great deal of fun. But don’t forget about the UNIQUE “Mucky Duck,” an 8-wheeled amphibious vehicle that can be driven over land and through the lakes and ponds.
If you have always wanted to try an off-road activity without the wheels, then look no further than this location.
Adventures include Skeet Shooting, Target Archery, Archery Tag, Trophy Bass Fishing, and SO much more. This is the place where families from ages 7-70 can enjoy making lifelong memories together.
Central Florida’s only authentic Irish and roots music festival, the Re-plugged Great Irish Hooley, will return for the long Labor Day weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs.
Never heard of a “Hooley?” It’s a Gaelic term for a lively party with music, entertainment, and fun for the whole family, and from September 3-6 guests can enjoy performances from top Irish bands alongside food and beverage offerings.
Great Irish Hooley Entertainment
Raven’s Rock
This year’s Hooley entertainment headliners are a rare collaboration of luminaries from the traditional Irish music world playing everything from trad and folk to Celt grass and blues:
Raven’s Rock—All-Star Band Featuring Members of Lúnasa – These unique one-off daily performances at the Re-plugged Great Irish Hooley will bring together Cillian Vallely and Kevin Crawford, current members of Lúnasa, one of Ireland’s most renowned progressive traditional Irish music acts of the past 25 years. They are joined by Matt Mancuso (Eileen Ivers and Lord of the Dance) and Allan Murray (Ivers and Paul Brock). The Raven’s Rock happens to be the title of Cillian Vallely’s solo CD.
The Gothard Sisters – This dynamic sister trio, performing throughout the Hooley, are making waves on the major Irish festival circuit, touring, writing and performing contemporary Celtic folk music with an optimistic style that resonates with their loyal fan following. Their latest album, Dragonfly, features the sisters playing an assortment of acoustic instruments combined with vocals and modern production that explore themes of resilience and adventure.
The Gothard Sisters
The Byrne Brothers – This exceptionally talented trad Irish music family from Donegal is back for an encore on the Raglan Road stage. American Celtic Radio listeners voted them “Rising Stars of 2021” and “Best CD cover of 2021” for Living the Dream. Dempsey, 12, is an Irish dancer who sings and plays bodhran and whistle while revving up the crowd with his jokes and on-stage antics. Finn, 15, dances and plays banjo, mandolin, and guitar. Luca, 17, dances and plays button accordion. Dad Tommy sings and plays Uilleann pipes, bagpipes, fiddle and whistles. They’ll perform Sept. 4-6.
The lineup is complete with Raglan Road house artists Slygo, Aaron O’Grady, and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers.
Delicious Dishes
The Raglan Road kitchen will offer dishes to pair with the De Fesht and other Raglan Road brews including a Grilled Lollipop Pork Chop with spiced pineapple chutney, purple kale, parsley mashed potato, and smoked butter sauce.
“We created this dish to complement the festival beer,” Sean Griffin, Director of Operations at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, says. “De Fesht would pair best with pork and smoked flavors. Of course, there are many other dishes to try if you prefer fish, beef, or a vegetable-forward dish.”
Another new entrée is the pub’s Florida Key Lime Salmon—whiskey cured, lightly smoked Atlantic salmon, Florida key lime and herb crushed potatoes, peas, shaved horseradish, and crispy salmon skin.
Veggie lovers can try the new all-plant-based Shepherd’s Pie.
Sláinte
The Re-plugged Great Irish Hooley will include Hooley-crafted cocktails plus creative new bites by the pub’s inventive culinary team.
The pub also will feature a new local craft beer and will serve the delicious Rollicking Raglan Brunch Saturday through Monday, Sept. 4-6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the regular menu will be available for the Hooley from 3-10:30 p.m.
To kick off the Re-plugged Hooley, Raglan Road will introduce a limited-release craft beer in collaboration with The Tank Brewing of Miami (since 2014).
De Fesht (which translates to “festival”) is a full-flavored medium-bodied amber lager with lighter malting that contributes to underlying notes of hazelnut and honey. The brew’s dry finish enhances its drinkability, says Raglan Road general manager Alan Delahunt. “It’s a seasonal, one-batch brew perfect for the end of summer into fall. It’s a traditional-style Marzen which would be consumed by the liter at Munich during Oktoberfest,” he says.
There’s no cover charge to join the Great Irish Hooley fun, which begins at 4 p.m. Friday, September 3, and continues into the wee hours of Labor Day, September 6.
Maker Faire Orlando, the family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness, will be returning November 13-14, 2021, for its 9th annual event to be held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.
Individuals behind the exhibits are known as ‘Makers’ and range from tech enthusiasts to crafters and scientists to garage tinkerers of all ages and backgrounds.
The two-day event is expected to draw 15,000 attendees and includes 300 exhibits, Power Racing, Combat Robots, Nerdy Derby, and much more on display throughout three air-conditioned exhibit halls, as well as green spaces filled with hands-on activities, workshops, and competitions.
Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (both days)
Central Florida Fairgrounds (4603 W Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808)
FREE on-site parking
A variety of food choices are available for purchase.
Call for Makers
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do.
From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show their hobbies, experiments or projects.
There is no fee for individuals or community groups to exhibit at Maker Faire Orlando. There is a fee for individuals, small companies and startups to sell products you make at the event.
Robot Ruckus is back for 2021 and is included with Maker Faire Orlando tickets. See your favorite robot builders from TV having fun destroying each other’s toys with more than 20 teams from the BattleBots show on the Discovery Channel and Discovery+. For more information visit robotruckus.org.
Maker Faire Orlando Early Bird Tickets
From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Makers showcase hobbies, experiments, and projects.
Immerse yourself in Maker culture with exhibits, a performance stage, big art, and spectacle.
One Day Tickets: Early Bird Youth and Student $12, Early Bird Adult $15
Two Day Tickets: Early Bird Youth and Student $18, Early Bird Adult $25
Experience hands-on learning by people who make, play, tinker, and hack to include robotics, cosplay, STEM & STEAM, crafts, science, electronics, tools, and crazy things you’ve never seen!
Maker Faire Orlando is a non-profit, community-organized, celebration featuring local do-it-yourself science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music, and hands-on activities.
This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.
We continue to work with local health officials to follow current COVID guidelines with respect to the safety of our staff, exhibitors, and attendees.
Disclosure: I am working with Feld Entertainment to spread the word (and deals) for Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at the Amway Center in exchange for tickets to see the show. All opinions, bad puns, and overuse of exclamation points are 100% my own.
In just a few weeks Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party will be bringing its magic to Orlando’s Amway Center September 3-5, 2021, and I know that my family is SUPER excited to once again experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air!!!
The story behind DisneyOnIce presents Mickey’s Search Party
During Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party guests will embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.
Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family.
Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room.
Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts, and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook.
Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.
And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.
Keeping families safe
While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events.
Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state, and local guidelines. Face coverings are strongly encouraged, regardless of vaccination status.
The CDC recommends face coverings if you are not fully vaccinated. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here.
Tickets for you and your family to join this magical search are on sale now for the following performance dates:
Friday, September 3: 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 4: 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 5: 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm
AND I am REALLY excited to share that you can save $5 on select seats when you use code DOI5FQ to purchase your tickets in advance at www.DisneyOnIce.com.
Offer valid on select price levels and performances. Offer valid only on the following performances: Friday, September 3 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, September 4 at 7 pm; Sunday, September 5 at 5 pm. No double discounts. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply. Tickets are subject to market supply and demand. This Offer expires 8/29/21.
If you are excited to see Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party you can find even more fun by following #DisneyOnIce on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram!
The Universal Orlando Resort has finally unveiled the complete lineup of unfathomable terrors for Halloween Horror Nights 2021, including an array of twisted original haunted houses, five scare zones, and two live shows.
Guests will brave this collection of haunts and more when the world’s premier Halloween event returns to Universal Studios Florida to celebrate 30 years of fear on select nights September 3 through October 31.
Halloween Horror Nights Complete Line-Up of Terrors
10 HAUNTED HOUSES
Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House
Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House” will bring its ominous presence to the Universal Orlando Resort in an all-new maze, awakening the imposing and mysterious Hill House as it beckons guests to embark on the dark journey experienced by the Crain family.
Iconic scenes from the Netflix series will be featured throughout the maze, including the omni-powerful Red Room – the heart of Hill House – and the infamous Hall of Statues, where deceptive powers overtake everyone who enters.
Testing even the bravest guests, they’ll attempt to escape the entanglement of the estate’s eternal stranglehold or succumb to the powerful forces of Hill House – leaving them to wander the endless halls forever…alone.
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice was the first “ghost host” of Halloween Horror Nights – originally called ‘Fright Nights’ – during the event’s debut in 1991. As Halloween Horror Nights 2021 celebrates a milestone year, this former host will become the supernatural star of a bone-chilling haunted house based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Tim Burton’s Academy Award-winning horror-fantasy film. Guests will be at the whim of the self-described “Bio-Exorcist” as they shadow Beetlejuice’s every move through artfully recreated scenes from the popular film. From the infamous haunted attic within the Maitland home to the model graveyard and Dante’s Inferno Room, guests will have the extraordinary chance to enter the movie surrounded by its most iconic characters. With brash defiance, Beetlejuice is ready to turn on the juice and see what shakes loose – and his plans don’t include returning to the land of the unliving.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Inspired by the 1974 iconic slasher film “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” the “Halloween Horror Nights” maze will depict a disturbing and intense experience as guests try to outrun the maniacal Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw.
Guests will embark on a killer journey through a series of familiar scenes from the film and eventually fall victim to a family of cannibals.
From a dilapidated gas station to an eerie, old farmhouse, they will witness unimaginable horrors around every corner, soon discovering that nowhere is safe from the demented Leatherface.
Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives
At its core, Halloween Horror Nights is an extension of the horror film legacy originated by Universal Pictures, and the event continues to honor its blockbuster history with a haunted maze highlighting one of the studio’s most sinister creatures – The Bride of Frankenstein.
“Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” picks up where the 1935 classic film “The Bride of Frankenstein” left off, thrusting guests into chaos as the Bride becomes an unstoppable scientist and begins her mission to revive Frankenstein’s Monster.
Her unwavering quest to find eternal life will come at a cost, and guests will soon find themselves entwined in a frenzied battle in their daring attempt to escape.
Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured
The most notorious Halloween Horror Nights icons in history are joining forces to inflict unimaginable terror upon guests in Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured.
Guests will quickly realize they’re the hunted as they encounter a monstrous “Hell of Fame” where they’ll have no choice but to face the brutal cruelty and madness of this foreboding collection of Halloween Horror Nights legends, which include:
The Caretaker, a once well-respected surgeon who has become eerily infatuated with the removal of internal organs – especially while his patients are conscious
The Director, an aspiring filmmaker obsessed with capturing the suffering and torture of his victims on film – placing them in their very own living horror movie
The Usher, who seeks to invoke violent vengeance on those who don’t follow the rules of his theater
The Storyteller, who stops at nothing to entrap guests into her latest tales of terror, where no one lives happily ever after
Jack the Clown – the original Halloween Horror Nights icon and the most feared of them all – and his assistant Chance, a deadly pair who thrive on tormenting victims in ways that embody their sick sense of humor
Welcome to SCarey: Horror in the Heartland
Some of the most haunting original stories from Halloween Horror Nights over the years have been set in the mysterious town of Carey – and this year, Welcome to SCarey: Horror in the Heartlandwill combine these stories and bring them to life once again in a first-ever haunted house that pays homage to the event’s 30-year history.
Guests will be transported back to the shady township of Carey and enter familiar settings that will leave fans shrieking from nostalgia and horror.
From the ghastly cave of vampires from The Hive, the decrepit attic of Dead End, and the disturbing Meetz Meats human deli from Leave it to Cleaver, they’ll find no escape from the evil of Carey once and for all.
Case Files Unearthed: Legendary Truth
The world of Legendary Truth, an evolving story following a mysterious paranormal research group, has haunted guests via unique haunted houses throughout Halloween Horror Nights history.
In Case Files Unearthed: Legendary Truth, guests will step into the well-worn shoes of the infamous Boris Shuster – the elusive private eye investigating the supernatural – as he endlessly searches for clues to a series of strange occurrences throughout New York City.
Falling further into the shadowy, dark world of the paranormal, guests will face an overwhelming onslaught of ghouls, poltergeists, and terrors, all while trying to solve the biggest mystery of them all – how they’ll survive…
The Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin
The beloved tradition of Halloween has more sinister roots waiting to be unearthed and as the grower of this ritual, the Pumpkin Lord is preparing for his yearly human harvest in Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin.
Lured in by the familiar sights and sounds of the holiday, guests will find themselves trapped in an endless maze of traditional Halloween domains, including a dilapidated haunted house, an ominous graveyard, and even a wicked witch’s cottage – all overrun by ruthless creatures engulfed in ghastly pumpkin growth.
They’ll follow the ceaseless vines as they twist and turn right into the Pumpkin Lord’s lair, where he eagerly awaits new victims and is never truly satiated.
Puppet Theatre: Captive Audience
The demented side of puppetry and theatre will take center stage in Puppet Theatre: Captive Audience as guests are transported to San Francisco’s abandoned Grandeur Theatre in the early 1900s.
They’ll find the Pasek’s Puppet Troupe trapped within its ruins in the midst of rehearsing for their next grisly performance.
With a fanatical need to entertain any captive audience, the troupe has turned to transforming trespassers into living puppets – dismantling and sewing them back together as life-sized marionettes for additions to their horrific encore.
Will guests escape in one piece or will it be their final curtain call? No matter what, the show must go on…
Revenge of the Tooth Fairy
Revenge of the Tooth Fairywill entice guests to uncover the darker ritual behind an innocent childhood tradition.
Long ago, parents struck a bargain with vicious, goblin-esque tooth fairies to protect their children from these evil creatures who crave pearly whites – all children must give up their baby teeth or pay a gruesome price.
Guests will step into a heinous realm of blood, teeth, and gore where these fairies extract their toothed bounty by force and the only way out is to hold in their screams and keep their mouths shut.
FIVE SCARE ZONES
Crypt TV
Guests will step inside Crypt TV, a dark universe of monsters that reside in the same reality on their screens, in their pockets, and now, in real life.
In this nightmare world that’s overtaken San Francisco, creatures of all shapes and sizes exist, including The Look-See, the Sunny Family Cult, Harclaw, and Miss Annity. Now, they’ve been brought to life in a world of fear that will engulf any guest who enters.
30 Years, 30 Fears
The most infamous characters from past Halloween Horror Nights scare zones will reunite to take over the Avenue of the Stars in 30 Years, 30 Fears.
Guests will enter a gory reunion where the past has come back to haunt them with creatures of blood and bone, beastly monstrosities, and chainsaw-wielding fiends lurking around every corner.
Seek and Destroy
In Seek and Destroy, guests will find themselves in a New York dystopia where a ruthless alien cyber regime, led by The Controller, has taken over – relentlessly scanning the city streets for humans and turning them into fuel.
With the regime’s loyal followers hiding in the darkness endlessly hunting for new victims, guests must either join them or be destroyed.
Gorewood Forest
The heartless Terra Queen is back and her wicked plans to remake the world in her terrifying image will take root in Central Park, transforming it into the grisly Gorewood Forest.
Guests will find nowhere to hide from her menacing minions as they harvest fresh blood to feed her ever-growing power.
Lights, Camera, Hacktion: Eddie’s Revenge
Eddie Schmidt, Jack the Clown’s diabolical brother, is returning to Halloween Horror Nights to film a gory Hollywood sequel in Lights, Camera, Hacktion: Eddie’s Revenge– except this time, the monsters are real.
Vampires, evil clowns, creatures from the watery depths, and other horrific beings from the event’s past will roar on the scene where guests will make their short, and painful, cameo.
TWO LIVE SHOWS
Marathon of Mayhem: Carnage Factory
An all-new Universal Studios lagoon show will make its horrifically hypnotic premiere at Halloween Horror Nights in Marathon of Mayhem: Carnage Factory.
Jack the Clown will lure guests into a trance, and they’ll awaken in the heart of an insidious factory with pulsing lasers and pounding, electrifying music.
Frozen with fear, a nightmare machine will extract guests’ deepest fears one-by-one and project them onto giant water screens, showcasing the notorious Halloween Horror Nights icons and frightening scenes from Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House,” the legendary Universal Monsters classic movies and the iconic slasher film, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”
Halloween Nightmare Fuel
A fearsome and unforgettable performance will ignite guests’ waking nightmares in the all-new show, Halloween Nightmare Fuel – where nocturnal creatures, aerialists of the night, and frightful fire performers will come alive to the crackling beat of rock, metal, and electronica music.
Orlando’s first drive-thru Halloween experience, The Haunted Road, is ecstatic to bring back some socially distant scares to Central Florida this fall. Admission to the road will be open select evenings from September 30 through November 7, 2021 and tickets will – fittingly – go on sale on August 13, the only Friday the 13th of 2021.
The Haunted Road will return to Lake Pickett Road in the same location as Corn Maze Orlando and Painted Oaks Academy.
While the 2020 experience featured an original, twisted storyline centered around Rapunzel and other familiar fairytale characters, this year’s experience is far from fictional. By day, the land is seemingly ordinary, but after sunset, eerie occurrences, paranormal phenomena, and ghost sightings are the norm.
Noticing that last year’s cast and crew were constantly discussing bizarre happenings, the team did a deep dive into the area’s history and discovered that the site is truly haunted. People in the area often recount similar, inexplicable experiences such as issues with their radios and the appearance of a glowing green orb on damp and stormy nights. Through trial and error, The Haunted Road’s team have learned how to disrupt these spirits and conjure up on-demand ghost sightings for visitors to witness. In addition to encouraging frequent ghost sightings along the roadside attraction, enhancements have been made for entertainment purposes.
“After a few seriously spooky things happened along The Haunted Road, we decided to harness the natural scary occurrences and allow visitors to navigate into ghost sighting areas to witness it for themselves.” said Jessica Mariko, executive producer for The Haunted Road.
Mariko is leading a team of award-winning creative minds who have worked on globally-renowned attractions to identify and define the ghost-sighting areas on The Haunted Road.
Visitors are invited on a 40-minute drive down The Haunted Road to seek out some of these mysterious occurrences from the “safety” of their car. Admission to the main experience starts at $15.99 per person and takes place primarily from within the vehicle with an optional outdoor add-on excursion in The Barnyard, located at the end of the road. The $79 upgrade to The Barnyard allows all of the vehicle’s passengers to explore a Haunt Market, purchase smoked BBQ and beverages, and attempt to awaken the spirit of The Butcher in a walk-in haunted experience located in an abandoned barn.
The Haunted Road has timed-entry ticketing and tickets must be purchased online in advance. The majority of the 2020 time slots sold out so fear enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up online for access to the pre-sale, an opportunity to reserve tickets at their preferred times before sales open to the general public Friday at noon. Get more information and sign up at www.thehauntedroad.com.
Disney’s After Hours Boo Bash is a special ticketed event that takes place at the Magic Kingdom from August 10 – October 31, 2021, and like any new event, there are a few things you should know before you go to make the most of your Halloween fun!
Disney After Hours Boo Bash 2021: 5 Things To Know Before You Go
Eeerie Early Entry
After Hours Boo Bash ticket holders will be admitted to the Magic Kingdom park as early as 7:00 PM on the valid date of their ticket for their party wristband—giving them up to 2 and a half hours of extra time in the park.
Event-goers should note that these dated tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.
Chilling Character Cavalcades
While there is no event parade, throughout the night guests will be sporadically swept up in the Halloween spirit with captivating, themed cavalcades rolling through the Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Happy Halloween Cavalcade: Delight as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and pals—dressed in hauntingly boo-tiful Halloween costumes—parade through the park in this musical procession.
Disney Villain Halloween Cavalcade: Behold a legion of villains unleashed to revel in this sinister season. Look out for fiends like Dr. Facilier, the Queen of Hearts and Jafar as they celebrate just how wonderful it is to be wicked.
Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade: Prepare for a procession worthy of the Pumpkin King! Jack Skellington—along with Sally and Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—take to the streets to share thrilling, chilling tricks and treats!
Here is the full Disney Boo Bash Entertainment Schedule:
Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade – 10:30pm, 11:45pm
Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade – 10:40pm, 11:55pm
Maleficent’s Fiery Prowl – 10:50pm, 12:05am
The Cadaver Dans in Frontierland – 9:40pm, 10:20pm, 11:05pm, 12:10am
And don’t forget to be on the lookout for Maleficent…in the form of a fire-breathing dragon!
Kooky Costumed Characters
It wouldn’t be a Halloween event without character sightings, and during the Disney After Hours Boo Bash you’ll be able to see:
Goofy
Chip ‘n’ Dale
Miss Carlotta, Miss Renatta and Broome the Butler at the Haunted Mansion
Foulfellow and Gideon
The characters can be found at the following locations:
Crystal Palace
Frontierland Balcony
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Haunted Mansion
Pinocchio Village House
Be sure to catch the Cadaver Dans as they make a special comeback (from the dead) appearance. These spooky songsters emerge from their tombs for performances. You won’t want to miss this—it’s to die for!
Spooky Sweets Included with Admission
Anyone with a sweet tooth will want to make sure that they make time to trick-or-treat throughout the park—featuring Mars Wrigley confectionery products.
For those with dietary concerns, allergy-free options will also be available.
Full List of Disney Boo Bash Trick-or-Treat Locations
Ariel’s Grotto
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Pecos Bill’s
Pete’s Silly Side Show
Splash Mountain
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
In the midst of all the fun and festivities, take time to refuel at carts stationed throughout the park with ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select beverages—included with the cost of the event.
Looking for more treats? Guests can purchase select menu items at several of the park’s dine-in locations.
Disney After Hours Boo Bash Exclusive Treats and Locations
Mocha Chocolate Chip Frozen Drink at Golden Oak Outpost – Frozen Mocha topped with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Chips, and a Sugar Acorn
Apple Ginger Dale Frozen Drink at Golden Oak Outpost – Frozen Apple Cider mixed with Ginger Ale and topped with Whipped Cream and TWIX Cookie Bars Chopped
Prince John Sucker Frozen Drink at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – Tart Green Apple Lemonade Slush topped with a Ring Pop
Maleficent Churro at Main Street, U.S.A. Snack Cart – Churro covered in Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, drizzled with Purple Icing topped with Green and Purple Sprinkles
Attractions
During the Boo Bash over 20 Magic Kingdom attractions, and with a limited number of Guests in the park guests will experience shorter waits at popular experiences.
Full list of Disney Boo Bash Attractions
Adventureland
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Frontierland
Country Bear Jamboree
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Peter Pan’s Flight
“It’s a small world”
Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid
The Barnstormer
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Speedway
Space Mountain
Astro Orbiter
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Admission to Disney After Hours Boo Bash can be purchased online for $129 to $199 per adult or child (plus tax), depending on the event date, but note that all October dates are currently sold out. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount on event dates in August and September.
Disney After Hours Boo Bash Fine Print
All attractions and experiences are subject to change without notice.
Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
The number of tickets available is limited.
Tickets are valid only during specific event dates and hours.
Prices, entertainment, attractions, experiences, ticket types, entitlements, and other event elements subject to availability, closures, and change or cancellation without notice or liability.
For more information about being On the Go in the Parks for Halloween follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Starting this month, if you are On the Go in the Parks you will find new and returning spirited Halloween festivities and I’m breaking down what you need to know about each one!
The Magic Kingdom is hosting an all-new, spirited Halloween-themed event this fall at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Disney After Hours Boo Bash takes place select nights August 10 – October 31, 2021, and fills the park with l cavalcades full of characters popping up throughout the night, the lovely Miss Carlotta at the Haunted Mansion, the Cadaver Dans on Main Street, U.S.A., complimentary snacks, exclusive merchandise, specialty treats, and more!
Ticket holders will be admitted to Magic Kingdom park as early as 7:00 p.m. on the valid date of their ticket—giving them even more time to enjoy park favorites before the event begins!
Admission to Disney After Hours Boo Bash can be purchased online for $129 to $199 per adult or child (plus tax), depending on the event date.
The world’s premier Halloween event, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, is returning this fall for its much-anticipated 30th year and unleashing a sinister line-up of horrifying experiences on select nights beginning on September 3 through October 31.
Guests will face ten terrifying haunted houses, five twisted scare zones, and two live shows based on some of the biggest names in horror and pop culture.
Select Halloween Horror Nights tickets are available online now, and guests can save by purchasing them in advance.
Suppose you are looking to take your scares to a new level. In that case, there are various event upgrades, including the R.I.P. Tours with V.I.P. access to the haunted houses and daytime, lights-on tours of the haunted houses that offer a glimpse into how the scare is brought to life.
Parents will want to take note that Halloween Horror Nights is an intense event that is not recommended for children under the age of 13 and no costumes or masks are allowed.
Halloween Spooktacular is back at SeaWorld Orlando with candy, costumes, 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 31, 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!
SeaWorld Orlando is known for its family-friendly Halloween fun, but this year the park is unleashing Howl-O-Scream, where guests will evade roaming haunts rampaging through scare zones and seek shelter indoors, only to find they have entered a house of horrors.
Adventuresome guests can deepen the thrills with terrifying coaster rides in the dark, quench their thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar and feel the monstrous electricity of a live show.
This terrifying Halloween event will occur on select nights, Friday, September 10 through Sunday, October 31, from 7 p.m. to as late as 2 a.m.
Please note that Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience and contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. No costumes are allowed during the event.
LOCK + LAND, Edward Linsmier for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
The LEGOLAND Florida Resort will once again be filled with the spooky, kooky fun of Brick or Treat weekends in October.
Brick or Treat activities are perfect for little builders under 12 and include trick or treating around the Theme Park, larger-than-afterlife LEGO builds, and meet-and-greet opportunities with ghoulish LEGO characters.
Guests can also enjoy one-of-a-kind live shows, special decorations throughout the park, and take a bite out of a variety of Halloween-themed snacks.
These exclusive Halloween events are included with theme park admission and select annual passes.
Creeping closer each day, Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a hair-raising, skin-crawling celebration of ghoulish delights beginning September 10 through October 31 for 28 select nights.
While family-friendly trick-or-treating and shows fill fall days with fun, by night, five horrifying haunted houses, eight expansive scare zones, and unpredictable hordes of nightmarish creatures will soon cover the 300-acre park, leaving nowhere for guests to hide.
With iconic haunted houses, including two ALL-NEW horror-filled houses at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2021 will be Tampa Bay’s BIGGEST haunt event.
For more information about being On the Go in the Parks for Halloween follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Hollywood Drive-In Golf has two state-of-the-art 18-hole courses that are unlike any other miniature golf experience.
Inspired by the 1950’s era, guests enter a classic drive-in theater box office area where they select either a “single-feature” (18-holes) or “double-feature” (36-holes) with a choice of two family-friendly courses, “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders From Planet Putt.”
Based on vintage horror flicks and “little green men” science fiction films, guests putt through elaborate movie-style scenes, passing through a cemetery, under a giant spider, around an enormous alien robot, through the open mouth of a giant space worm, and into the basement lab of a towering haunted house.
Cutting-edge interactive elements and special effects immerse guests further into the “double feature,” and LED neon edge-lighting allows play during the day, night, and late night.
KSCVC is the epicenter of humankind’s greatest adventures, a launchpad to experiencing and exploring a space adventure.
With attractions that allow you to view the Space Shuttle Atlantis and to go back to the race to the moon and look forward to exploring other planets, KSCVC delights and inspires.
And don’t forget that while you learn there are exhibits, photo ops, and of course freeze-dried ice cream.
What’s super exciting is that they announced the new Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex experience that will showcase NASA and commercial spaceflight and an immersive “journey” through space taking off March 2022.
Leave Central Florida, and step into a tropical world that is home to some of our planet’s rarest animals as well as local wildlife like the Florida black bear and the American alligator.
Throughout the day there are opportunities to learn about the animals in the Keeper Chats, take a spin on the carousel or hop aboard the miniature train.
The adventurous can experience the Seminole Aerial Adventure zipline or cool off at the Wharton Smith Tropical Splash Ground.
Want to really get wild? You can feed giraffes and book special experiences like a rhinoceros encounter.
This fall Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios Florida, unleashing some of the most nefarious names in horror to prey upon guests, and today the resort announced two new mazes coming to the much-anticipated event!
For this year’s event, classic films that have influenced the horror genre will come to life in two disturbingly real haunted mazes with the return of the legendary Leatherface in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and the resurrection of one of Universal Pictures’ most iconic monsters – the Bride of Frankenstein – in “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.”
Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives
At its core, Halloween Horror Nights is an extension of the horror film legacy originated by Universal Pictures, and the event continues to honor its blockbuster history with a haunted maze highlighting one of the studio’s most sinister creatures – The Bride of Frankenstein.
“Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” picks up where the 1935 classic film “The Bride of Frankenstein” left off, thrusting guests into chaos as the Bride becomes an unstoppable scientist and begins her mission to revive Frankenstein’s Monster.
Her unwavering quest to find eternal life will come at a cost, and guests will soon find themselves entwined in a frenzied battle in their daring attempt to escape.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Inspired by the 1974 iconic slasher film “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” the “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes will depict a harrowing and intense experience as guests try to outrun the maniacal Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw.
Guests will embark on a killer journey through a series of familiar scenes from the film and eventually fall victim to a family of cannibals.
From a dilapidated gas station to an eerie, old farmhouse, they will witness unimaginable horrors around every corner, soon discovering that nowhere is safe from the demented Leatherface.
Plus, guests at Universal Orlando’s “Halloween Horror Nights” will face another pop culture and horror legend as they brave this year’s event. The destination previously revealed the first haunted house of the season featuring the ‘ghost with the most,’ “Beetlejuice,” based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Tim Burton’s Academy Award-winning horror-fantasy film.
This summer I have been sharing fun ways you can be On the Go in MCO, and this week the series continues with some fun ways to sneak some learning into your summer break.
Orlando Science Center Moon Fest, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Celebrate Mars exploration with astronomy and engineering-themed activities throughout the Orlando Science Center this weekend.
Learn how the amazing telescopes, satellites, and landers have been analyzing the history of Mars and searching for life in another world.
During the event, visitors will also enjoy special live demonstrations, cosmic chemistry, and more during this special weekend celebration that’s included with admission to the Orlando Science Center.
Through July 25th at the Crapola Experience, located at the Florida Mall, you can join the mission to find the elusive giant squid when OceanX takes over the creative world of Crayola for a once-in-lifetime event.
So get your mission log, create your ID badge and begin your journey through the sea kelp as you:
Take an “underwater” photo in a Crayola OceanX sub
Sculpt your own ocean creature and place it on a 3D mapping table
Learn about undersea wonders and conservation efforts
View sea creatures in their natural habitat through colorful “portholes”
Help build a “coral reef” made of recycled marker caps
And ultimately come face to face with the elusive Giant Squid!
This limited-time fun is included in your admission to the Crayola Experience Orlando, which is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day of the week.
The Pioneer Village is comprised of a permanent collection of authentic structures which once stood in different areas of Osceola County that were carefully relocated to our present location and gently preserved to demonstrate how life was once lived before our modern times.
The village includes a general store and post office, schoolhouse, church, train depot, homesteads from Osceola settlers, Seminole settlement, a cow camp, and working structures such as a blacksmith shop, citrus packing plant, cane grinder, and barn.
Pioneer Village is open Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm, and guided tours are available on Wednesday from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and by appointment.
EPCOT, at the Walt Disney World Resort, is always my favorite way to sneak ‘Edutainment’ into our theme park fun, but during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, there are even more ways to learn…I mean have fun!
From July 15 to November 20th, families can learn about cuisine around the world, try new delicious bites, and enjoy family challenges that will stretch their food knowledge and taste buds.
Halloween Spooktacular is back at SeaWorld Orlando with candy, costumes, 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!
Halloween Spooktacular Family Fun
Trick-or-Treat Trail
Find waves of Halloween fun when your costumed youngsters trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies.
Each candy station on our trick-or-treat trail features an assortment of favorites including Tootsie Rolls, Smarties, and Airheads to name a few.
Halloween Dance Party
Children can join a cast of silly characters for a Halloween Dance Party where they participate in line-dancing favorites as music and fun fill the air along the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
Meet a Mermaid
Meet friendly Halloween mermaids each event day in this immersive experience along the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
Reusable Bags
To trick-or-treat along the SeaWorld trail a bag is required, and guests can find an assortment of reusable bags available for purchase at the entrance of the Trick-or-Treat Trail for a special souvenir.
Show off your Costume
All guests are welcome to dress up in costumes.
Please note that guests who are ages 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods, and all costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park.
In addition, face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park artists.
When the Sun Goes Down a New Terror Surfaces
Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and this time, the fear is everywhere. Experience the family fun by day and the bone-chilling terror by night.
For more information about SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Celebrationa and Halloween in the Parks follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
For the first time ever, Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House” will bring its ominous presence to the Universal Orlando Resort in an all-new maze for Halloween Horror Nights 2021, which officially begins on September 3, 2021 at Universal Studios Florida!
Upon its release, Netflix’s “The Haunting of Hill House” became a worldwide phenomenon of unsettling proportions that elevated the horror television genre. Created, directed, and executive-produced by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Gerald’s Game) and executive produced by Trevor Macy via their Intrepid Pictures, the chilling horror story follows members of the Crain family who are haunted by long-dormant fears stemming from their time living in the menacing Hill House as children and then forced to face the ghosts of its grisly past.
“I have loved Halloween Horror Nights for so long,” said Flanagan, Creator, Director and Executive Producer of “The Haunting of Hill House.” “Some of my favorite memories of Halloween were made at Universal Studios, screaming and laughing with my friends. It is such an honor to be included among such fantastic Haunts, and I’m so glad that fans will be able to walk the halls of Hill House this Halloween. This is – without a doubt – one of the coolest things that’s ever happened to us at Intrepid. We are so excited to visit the Red Room again – we hope to see you all there!”
Reincarnated as a Halloween Horror Nights Maze, the imposing and mysterious Hill House eerily comes to life beckoning guests to embark on the dark journey.
Iconic scenes from the Netflix series will be featured throughout the maze, including the omni-powerful Red Room – the heart of Hill House – and the infamous Hall of Statues, where deceptive powers overtake everyone who enters. Apparitions will appear around every corner, from William Hill – The Tall Man, whose towering stature overwhelms everyone he encounters; to The Ghost in the Basement, who feverishly crawls throughout the bowels of the House in search of his next victim; to The Bent-Neck Lady, whose disturbing scream and ghastly appearance invoke a constant state of unnerving dread.
“It’s a nightmare come true to bring Netflix’s “The Haunting of Hill House”to life for our guests this year at ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’” said Charles Gray, Senior Show Director for Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort. “The show brought true horror to the masses, similar to what we’ve provided our guests at this event for nearly 30 years – Hill Houseis a perfect fit for “Halloween Horror Nights” as it enters a new decade of fear.”
The Haunting of Hill House maze will test even the bravest guests as they attempt to escape the entanglement of the estate’s eternal stranglehold or succumb to the powerful forces of Hill House – leaving them to wander the endless halls forever…alone.
To keep up with the latest Halloween Horror Nights news, make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
