10 Things to Do in Orlando in October

Thanks to its impressive mix of art and culture, natural beauty and great attractions, Orlando has become a favourite destination for thousands of travellers from all over the world. And October is the best time to visit, as not only are there far fewer tourists, but prices are also lower.

In addition to all that Orlando has to offer, there are activities, festivals and events unique to this time of year. Highlights include, for example, Halloween celebrations, commemorative events at the Kennedy Space Centre or simply strolling through the gardens to enjoy the autumn colours.

Orlando is known for its theme parks, which are packed with special events. If you've travelled in October and are a fan of thrills and terror, Halloween Horror Nights is the event for you.

This annual celebration transforms Universal Studios in October into a world of terror, mystery and fun for adults. During this party, you'll enjoy themed mazes, live shows, scary character dinners and dozens of spooky attractions. In addition, there are many unique food and drink options offered exclusively as part of this event.

The best thing about Halloween Horror Nights is the atmosphere and ambience. Everything is decorated in detail: spooky music and special sound effects to create an atmosphere of terrifying fun.

So now you know, if you plan to travel to Orlando during the month of October, make sure you book your tickets in advance so you don't miss out on the scariest party in town.

For years, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party has become a spookily charming tradition in Orlando. This special event, held at the Walt Disney Kingdom during October, offers a unique experience for those looking for family fun celebrating Halloween.

During Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, the park is transformed into a realm of shadows and surprises. You'll enjoy parades of Disney characters dressed in spooky costumes, themed shows and a variety of hilariously terrifying activities.

But best of all is the Trick or Treat Trail, where children and adults can collect treats throughout the park. Imagine the delight of seeing iconic Disney characters handing out candy!

The festive atmosphere and ambience make this celebration a must if you're looking for things to do in Orlando with kids. To get there, my advice is to take the city's sightseeing tram, which also tends to be very appealing to the younger members of the family.

While you'll find plenty of activities in Orlando to get your adrenaline pumping (such as visiting Gatorland to see the big alligators), sometimes you might prefer a slightly quieter plan: in October, there's nothing quite like strolling through the Harry P. Leu Gardens.

During this month, the gardens become a spectacle of warm, vibrant colours. As the leaves change colour, the landscape is transformed into a mosaic of reds, oranges and yellows.

October is also a special month at the Harry P. Leu Gardens due to themed events. You can participate in gardening workshops, seasonal plant talks and enjoy outdoor art exhibitions. In addition, there are options to celebrate Halloween in the garden, such as pumpkin carving festivals and autumn-themed family events.

Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own garden, want to enjoy a leisurely stroll out doors or simply appreciate the natural beauty, the Harry P. Leu Gardens is the perfect place to get lost among the flora and connect with nature in the heart of Orlando.

Are you passionate about space and exploration? If so, you can't miss the opportunity to take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando. In October you will also find special activities to commemorate important events such as the launch of the 'Hubble' telescope or the arrival of the 'Voyager' probe to Saturn.

During the tour you will learn about the history of space exploration at the Space Museum, witness a simulated Space Shuttle launch and visit the impressive launch pad and Mission Control Center, where you might have the opportunity to meet astronauts and hear their exciting stories.

If you're looking for an educational and entertaining experience in Orlando during the month of October, a visit to the Orlando Science Center is a must. This science centre offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, with interactive exhibits, science experiments and more.

During October, the Orlando Science Center offers special programming for all ages, including Halloween and Day of the Dead themed events. Some of the most popular activities include laser shows in the Planetarium, chemical explosion demonstrations, and the robot lab.

There is also a permanent exhibition on space technology and innovation, as well as other life science themes.

To complete the experience, I recommend you also visit the Orlando Museum of Illusions. Although not as educational, its exhibits are well worth a visit.

One of the advantages of travelling to cities like Orlando is that you'll find activities of all kinds. Some of them will even make you feel like you're on the other side of the world. This is the case of Oktoberfest, the traditional German beer festival, which also has its own version in this Florida city.

Although events are held all over the city, the best place to feel like a real German is Icon Park. At this theme park you can taste authentic German beer, sample German food and enjoy a variety of shows.

Highlights include Bavarian-style musical performances as well as dances typical of the German Lander. The party lasts for several hours, making it one of the best things to do in Orlando at night.

Of course, you will have time to enjoy the park's attractions, especially the big Ferris wheel which is its main symbol of identity.

If you are looking for a unique experience during the month of October, don't miss the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride. This activity will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views from the air of what you will have already seen if you have taken a guided tour of Orlando.

On this hot air balloon ride you can experience the tranquillity and serenity of floating in the air and see the city from a completely different perspective. October is the perfect time to do it as the temperature is pleasant and the weather is stable.

There are several options of companies offering hot air balloon rides in Orlando, and many include breakfast options or a champagne toast after the flight. Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can also book a helicopter ride over the theme parks.

"A foodie paradise that delights the senses" is the best way to describe the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Celebrating culinary diversity from around the world, this annual event offers visitors the opportunity to savour an impressive variety of international dishes and beverages.

From Mediterranean specialties to Asian dishes, from French wines to German beers, they are served by expert chefs and sommeliers from around the world.

In addition to food and drink, Epcot also offers entertainment in the form of live concerts, celebrity chef presentations, wine seminars and cooking demonstrations. Visitors can learn culinary techniques, discover wine pairings and enjoy live music from renowned artists. To participate in the festival, all you need to do is purchase a ticket to Disney World's Epcot park.

In October, one of the best ways to relax in Orlando is to take a boat ride on the lakes of Winter Park. This enchanting destination, located 10 kilometres outside Orlando, offers natural beauty that becomes even more breathtaking during the autumn.

The Winter Park Lakes River Tour is a wonderful way to explore the area and admire the local vegetation and wildlife. The approximately one-hour boat ride takes you past tranquil lakes, meandering rivers and tree-lined canals lined with autumn-coloured leaves.

Along the way, you'll see beautiful waterside mansions, stone bridges and magnificent local birds such as herons and ospreys.

Another option for river and swamp lovers is to book an airboat ride in Orlando. The feeling is totally different, and so are the marshy landscapes you can ride through.

October is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing stroll through Lake Eola Park. This dreamy park, located in the centre of the city, is an oasis of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

During this month, the weather is pleasant and refreshing, which makes walking around the lake ideal. The well-maintained paths will take you along the shores of the lake, offering panoramic views of the water and the iconic swan fountain.

In addition to its beauty, the park offers other activities for visitors. You can rent a swan-shaped boat and cruise the lake, or simply relax on the benches and take in the scenery while listening to the sounds of nature.

In October, the month of Halloween celebrations, the park may also be adorned with seasonal decorations, such as pumpkins and autumnal colours, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere.

Being the off-season and retaining its characteristic warm weather, October is a good time to visit Orlando.

Although it can feel chilly on some days, the weather drops by around 6 degrees during October, and rain becomes a possibility, the temperature drops from an average of 32 degrees in September to 26 degrees in October.

October is an economical month to visit Orlando compared to other times of the year, as it is low season you'll find discounted hotel rates as well as affordable airfare.