This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
It’s finally here…fall! As much as we Floridians enjoy the summer, we all know we secretively long for the humid heat to turn into cool, cardigan-wearing weather. Though our weather doesn’t change as drastically as the northern states’, we know the season is upon us. With fall bringing thoughts of pumpkins, costumes, scares, and candy, it is common to want to feel festive and embrace the season to its fullest! So to help you fear-seeking, hayride-loving people out, I’ve gathered an awesome list of events taking place in the Orlando area that can help you feel more in the “mood.”
- Long and Scott Farms: Located only thirty minutes from campus is a farm filled with fall festiveness! They have a giant corn maze, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a corn cannon, a jumping pillow (you have to see this thing), food vendors, and more! Last year I went with some friends and it really helped brighten my fall season. It’s open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, and your wallet won’t suffer a blow either.
- Terror on I-Drive: Lux Ultra Lounge will be transforming into a torture chamber of terror on October 26th. This 13th annual party is one of the best Halloween parties in Orlando, so don’t miss out! Costume contests even offer a chance to win over $2,000 in prizes. Party both indoor and outdoor to a variety of music until 3am. Tickets are $15.
- Halloween Horror Nights: Being one of the biggest Halloween events held here in Orlando, I’m sure you’re not a stranger to Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights. The haunted houses, spooky shows, and dreaded scare zones are sure to provide some screams. If you want to take full advantage of the terror, be sure to get there right when they open at 6:30 P.M. You can brace yourself for the horror on select Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Florida resident tickets range from $43-$70.
- A Petrified Forest: Want a cheaper and more convenient alternative to Halloween Horror Nights? This haunted scare trail located in Altamonte Springs is 85,000 square feet of forest – and pure horror. Groups entering the trail are limited to six people, which allows the forest’s inhabitants to focus entirely on you, ensuring you run out screaming. It started out as just a family haunted house, but its spooky fun is gaining popularity. The event returns for its 6th year on October 4th, and runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until November 2nd. Their outdoor Halloween festival includes live bands, food, Laser Tag, Backstage Tours, and other surprises. Tickets for this scare trail are only seventeen bucks.
- Orlando Zombie Ball: Orlando Weekly is hosting its very first Halloween party at the awesome Firestone Live. You can’t get in without a costume, so don’t be caught dead without one! The event will have live entertainment, free drinks for the first hour, and a costume contest that could land you $1,000 richer. The Zombie Ball is Wednesday, October 23rd at 8pm, so don’t miss out! Tickets are $10-$15.
- Orlando Ghost Tours: Downtown Orlando hosts a number of ghost tours which are sure to provide you with that spooky, Halloween feeling. Investigate paranormal activity in local buildings while learning the creepy history behind them. You also explore a cemetery that is sure to provide some chills. Tours for two people in a party are $30 per person, and groups of three to five are $21 per person. With it being a little pricey, I suggest gathering two or three friends to tag along!
- Annual Pet Costume Contest: Don’t let your pets miss out on the Halloween fun! The Doggie Door on Park Avenue is hosting its 14th annual Pet Costume Contest on October 27th from 10am-3pm. Put your wiener dog in his hot dog costume and head to Winter Park to see tons of cute animals show off their Halloween spirit.
- Spooky Empire’s Ultimate Horror Weekend: This horror convention is perfect for the blood and gore loving individual! The Double Tree Hotel at Universal will host the event October 25th-27th. Get the chance to meet horror movie celebrities, join in on the zombie walk, enjoy live performances and spooky vendors, tour the Monster Museum, scream at the Freak Show Film Festival, or get your blood pumping at the costume after parties. Tickets for the weekend are $50 and $65 at the door.
- 13th Annual Church Street Halloween Party: Not so much into the blood and scares, but need an excuse to drink in a costume? Then downtown Orlando’s street party may be perfect for you. Don Jefe’s Tequila Parlor, Chillers, Latitudes, and Big Belly will once again host Orlando’s biggest Halloween party on Thursday, October 31st. You could even win $3,000 cash if your costume kicks butt! Only downside is that you have to be twenty-one to party. Doors open at 8pm.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: If you can’t be forced to watch anything scary but still want to join in on the fun, then Mickey’s Halloween Party is the perfect destination. On select nights, Disney’s Magic Kingdom welcomes you and your best costume to come enjoy a Disney-style Halloween. Watch your favorite Disney villains dance in front of the castle to start off the party, gather candy around the park, ride your favorite rides, and catch the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade. Make sure not to miss the fireworks!