Top Fall Activities in Orlando

Summer may be just around the corner, but Orlando is already gearing up for fall with food and wine festivals, Halloween celebrations and new attractions at top theme parks.

Food and Wine Events

This fall Orlando is building on the recent success of its status as host of the James Beard Foundation Semifinalist announcement with a slate of foodie-friendly activities. 

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month - During the month of September, Orlando-area restaurants are offering three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $33. This year, Visit Orlando has added a Magical Dining preview week August 25-31 to start the festivities early. 

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival - Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot will offer cuisine from nearly 30 international marketplaces throughout the park, culinary demonstrations and a concert series September  19 – November 10.

Fifth Annual Food & Wine Classic - From October 1 - November 1 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, guests can sample tastings and wine pairings. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando will offer Food and Wine Weekends from late September through early November. 

RELATED: The Riches of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (SLIDESHOW)

seaworld orlando halloween celebration

Halloween Celebrations

During the six weeks leading up to October 31, Orlando will host more than 80 individual Halloween events. 

Halloween Spooktacular - SeaWorld Orlando will host special Halloween shows and sweet treats for kids every weekend in October. 

Halloween Horror Nights - Universal Orlando Resorts holds an elaborate celebration on select nights from September 19 through November 1 with themed haunted houses, "scarezones" and live stage shows. 

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - Guests in the Magic Kingdom can dress in costumes and trick-or-treat on select nights September 1 through October 31. 

Brick-or-Treat - LEGOLAND Florida offers haunted scavenger hunts and the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world during weekends in October. 

grinchmas

Holiday Celebrations

Looking further ahead, starting in November Orlando-area attractions will host holiday celebrations leading up to New Year's Eve. 

Grinchmas - At Universal's Islands of Adventure, the Seuss Landing area will be transformed into the world of the classic children's story. 

Macy's Holiday Parade - At Universal Studios Florida, the parade will offer the same balloons found in New York City along with a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus. 

Micky's Very Merry Christmas Party - Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom will offer holiday stage shows, fireworks and snow flurries. Other Walt Disney World Resort celebrations include Holidays Around the World at Epcot and Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - From November 24 through December 31, SeaWorld will host the Shamu Christmas Miracles show and more than 100 sparkling trees at the Sea Of Trees.

Chistmas Bricktacular - LEGOLAND Florida's celebration will have a 270,000-brick Christmas tree, festive decorations and LEGO Santa Claus on select dates in December.

seven dwarfs mine trainNew Attractions

This fall will also offer visitors the chance to explore some of the newest attractions at Orlando-area parks and resorts. 

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - This new family-friendly coaster caps a multiyear project at Walt Disney World Resort that doubled the size of Fantasyland. 

RELATED: Walt Disney World Resort to Open Seven Dwarfs Mine Train May 28 (VIDEO)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Orlando Resort has expanded the Harry Potter-themed area of the park with the addition of Diagon Alley. Guests can journey between Hogsmeade and ‘London’ aboard the Hogwarts Express and experience the new centerpiece attraction Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

RELATED: Sneak Peek: Universal Orlando's Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringott's (SLIDESHOW)

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort - The fourth on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort offers family suites, a 10-lane bowling alley and two pools areas.

RELATED: Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort Evokes 50s Family Party Atmosphere

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort - Opening in August, the new luxury property will have a golf course, full-service spa, elaborate pool area and rooftop steakhouse with views of nightly firework celebrations at the area’s theme parks.

Visit VisitOrlando.com