Now that school is back in session, opportunities to get out of town with the family are often fewer and farther between. When you only have a short amount of time (like fall break), you need to maximize it. You want to go somewhere where everyone in the family is welcome and can spend quality time together. For many, that’s Always Sunny Florida, and more specifically, Universal Studios Orlando. But you also want those cozy fall vibes, so what’s a mom to do? Don’t worry; you can have it all in this case.
Well, to be clear, having all this doesn’t mean cool, refreshing temperatures. In the fall in Florida, you won’t have “apple picking weather.” At best, it’s not “quite” suffocating like other times of the year (especially at night). The trade-off is that the warmer weather means you can enjoy an extra-long day at Universal Orlando’s two main parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, both of which offer plenty of opportunities if you know where to go. Fall in love with autumn. Plus, the peak summer season is over, which means the parks will be less crowded.
Are you ready to get into the fall spirit? As you plan your fall trip to the Sunshine State, add these Universal Orlando experiences to your itinerary.
Halloween Horror Nights
If falling in love with you is just the gateway drug to Halloween, then you have to make Halloween Horror Nights your go-to experience. Ten terrifying haunted houses, five treacherous scare zones, a host of fiercely committed performers…what’s not to love? You’ll be hard-pressed to find Halloween attractions anywhere This allows you to feel the ghostly spirit more closely.
Horror Makeup Show
I might even call it a hidden gem because it doesn’t get as much attention as other attractions. However, it should – especially in the fall. You’ll get into the Halloween spirit as soon as you enter the lobby, where you’ll find an unforgettable collection of authentic props, makeup effects and more from Universal Studios’ horror movies. Once the live show begins, top makeup artists and special effects talent will show you how they create the creepy characters on screen. The interactive demos are awesome, and you can even learn how to make movie-quality fake blood (a top skill if you ask me, and very handy around Halloween).
Halloween Boutique
Depending on the time of year you visit the Halloween Boutique at Lost Continent (located in Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure), you’ll get a different vibe. In the spring, you might stumble upon a Bayou Boutique celebrating Carnival. But this time of year, the store is focused on fall and Halloween. In addition to holiday decorations, you’ll find souvenirs, trinkets, apparel, backpacks, and more Universal Monsters-themed merchandise.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The entire Harry Potter universe feels like it’s inherently coded with corruption, and there’s no better place to embrace it than the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Head to Diagon Alley, where every inch is a photogenic place. On your journey underground in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, you can grab a bite of British comfort food and meet goblins at the Leaky Cauldron. Don’t forget to take a video of the fire-breathing dragon at the top! Tinker with Dark Arts items at Borgin and Berks, select your wand at Ollivander’s, then hop aboard the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade.
Hogsmeade first? Of course, a treat. It’s impossible to visit the Wizarding World in the fall without becoming a glutton for the Butterbeer Truck. (If you’re a true fall fan, warm up.) Another activity to stir up your inner autumn spirit is to catch a performance by the Frog Chorus. When you’re ready to restock, head to the Hog’s Head Bar for another butterbeer (never too much), pumpkin juice, or dragon scale beer. You can also grab a pumpkin pie at Honeyduke’s or tuck into a feast at The Three Broomsticks (a feast is a *chef’s kiss*).
Arguably, this is also the absolute best time of year for a nighttime adventure on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle (let me tell you, it’s a little different after dark!).
Other autumn rides
Nearly every ride in the Wizarding World screams of falling, but it’s not the only area of the park that offers the thrill of falling. You can’t even imagine something like this without including the iconic alien adventure. This super nostalgic ride will take you back to Steven Spielberg’s 1990 classic as you climb aboard the flying bike. After all, let’s not forget that this movie takes place in the fall!
Other rides that will bring joy to your fall-loving heart include “The Man in the Black Alien Attack” (the alien stuff just says “Halloween”) and “Revenge of the Mummy.”
Dufftoberfest in Springfield, USA
Yes, Dufftoberfest is exactly what it sounds like – a The Simpsons– Oktoberfest themed version. The perfect excuse for thirsty moms and dads to take a detour, the experience is centered around seasonal variations of Homer’s favorite beer, Duff. But it’s also a great excuse to spend some quality time immersing yourself in a world of wonder The Simpsons. Head to Kwik-e-mart for some souvenirs, buy a face-sized pink donut at Lard Lad’s, and snap some family selfies in front of the giant Duffman statue.
Autumn themed food paradise
Needless to say, butterbeer isn’t the only thing on the menu at Universal Orlando that’ll give you some serious fall vibes. Each fall, the park introduces a ton of seasonal themed snacks you’ll want to try, including special event offerings that take things to the next level during Halloween Horror Nights. Or, if you decide to pay for a babysitter so you can stay out late, head to the Dead Coconut Club for specialty cocktails and a spooky atmosphere.
So…where do you go first?
