We love hopping to the lands of wizards, superheroes and minions any time of the year, but there's just something special about the fall season. Whether it's the beautiful weather, the seasonal spirit in the air or all-new experiences, we have quite a few reasons why we enjoy visiting Universal Orlando Resort in the fall. Let's explore all of the fall fun in store this year, starting with the nation's premier Halloween event! If you're visiting this fall, take advantage of the current Buy 3 Days, Get 2 Days FREE ticket deal from your favorite frogs!
Spooky Seasonal Fun
Universal Studios Florida has once again pulled out its greatest tricks and treats to deliver 10 houses, five scare zones and one spectacular show at Halloween Horror Nights. From "A Quiet Place" — which pits you against the sonically-sensitive aliens from the film franchise — to "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" — where specters new and old are rampaging about New York City — every house is sure to have your frog legs hopping several inches off the ground. Additionally, Nightmare Fuel has returned with a brand-new show. It's a great opportunity to slow down and catch your breath in between scares. (Do you have what it takes to escape the Nocturnal Circus?) The event runs from Aug. 30 to Nov. 3, 2024, so there's plenty of time to get in on the terror!
Save some green on a single-night ticket when you purchase through us and read up on all the event has to offer over on our ghastly guide to Halloween Horror Nights. If you're not a huge horror fan and are just looking to test the waters — er, fog — before conquering all the event has to offer, be sure to check out our scaredy-frog's guide to Halloween Horror Nights Orlando to see how you can enjoy all the treats without any — er, most — of the tricks.
Once again, Death Eaters from the Harry Potter universe will be making appearances in Diagon Alley on select nights through Nov. 3, 2024. Keep your eyes peeled for these dark wizards about and have your wands ready — you never know when you might cross paths with one of these sinister wizards!
If you're not ready to come face-to-face with the creatures of the night over at Halloween Horror Nights, this is a good starter scare zone to test your (spell) limits — especially since they make appearances at 4 and 4:30 p.m. before the park closes on Wednesdays through Sundays. (Young wizards are even encouraged to "duel" with the Death Eaters. Tad was more than ready to take on the challenge!) If you're lucky, you might even catch some magical effects when you least expect it!
From exploring the Tribute Store and All Hallows Eve Boutique (if you dare) for HHN merch and event Easter eggs from years past to braving some of the creepiest coasters and their queues (looking at you, Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island: Reign of Kong!), there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping experiences at Universal. You can also get some laughs at Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show. Even better, themed treats and eats can still be found all around the park!
Scrumptious Seasonal Sweets and Treats
Two words: HOT BUTTERBEER. Universal Orlando made this once-seasonal drink a year-round treat. However, there's truly no better time to enjoy this toasty beverage than when the temperatures start dropping. You can find this Hogwarts favorite at select food and beverage locations in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
While Horror Nights favorites such as Pizza Fries and Twisted Taters are only available after hours during the event itself, you can still find lots of festive food and drinks all around Universal Orlando throughout the fall and into the holiday season. Stop by the Dead Coconut Club for some creepy cocktails and menacing live music. This infamous CityWalk lounge has once again transformed with a new theme and menu this year! (If you thrived in the Vamp scare zones or are a diehard Blumhouse fan, this version of the club is sure to get your blood pumping.)
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is also offering a bewitching Dia De Los Muertos Shake (chocolate chili ice cream, milk, sugar, skull chocolate cookie, edible marigold, orange streaked whipped topping in a color-changing mason jar).
Voodoo Doughnut is keeping up its Halloween tradition by offering two new devilishly delicious doughnuts: the Coffin (yeast shell filled with cookie and cream velvet top, dipped in vanilla frosting) and the Mocha Mummy (yeast shell filled with rich mocha Bavarian cream dipped in coffee icing, and decorated with candy eyes to resemble a spooky mummy).
Over in Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel and Universal Endless Summer — Dockside Inn and Suites, the lobby bars have all received menacing makeovers and are serving up wretchedly refreshing drinks such as Radioactive Slime (Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Mango Puree, Blue Curaçao, Sprite) and Witches Brew (Rum, Blackberry Syrup, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice, Blue Curaçao, Orange Bitters).
Lastly, the Tribute Store, Today Café and San Francisco Pastry Co. all sell some devilishly delicious desserts throughout the park day, including festive cakes, Pumpkin spice crème brulee and sugar cookies. We're absolutely in love with Mel's Die-In Black Forest Trifle Cake and Candy Corn Blondie at the Tribute Store!
Lower Crowd Levels at Universal Orlando in Fall
Harry Potter heads back to Hogwarts on Sept. 1, just like many other tadpoles in the muggle world who have to hop back to school by the time Labor Day weekend is over. Because school is newly in session, generally there are fewer frog families planning trips to Universal Orlando in September. Not to say there aren’t any crowds, but they are usually lower this month. For that reason, September is generally one of the best times to visit Universal Orlando! Crowds should even be fairly level through the rest of October and November, with the exception of Thanksgiving week.
Toadally Awesome Hotel and Ticket Deals
This Halloween season, horror has once again spread to all eight Universal Orlando hotels, with themed lobby experiences and photo opportunities awaiting you in the different lobbies. Whether you want to jam out with zombie punk rockers or have a close encounter of the third kind, the Universal Orlando hotels are the places to be for frightful fun this Halloween.
Be on the lookout for amazing rates at the Universal Orlando hotels. Help your wallet out even more by booking through your favorite frogs! Whether you’re sticking to a budget or wanting to splurge, Universal Orlando has a variety of options, ranging from value to premier hotels.
Take advantage of the special perks you get when you stay on-site, such as Early Park Admission. If your frog squad is staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, the entire party will be able to skip the lines with free Universal Express Unlimited passes at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Already thinking about making a reservation? Take the leap, and book your hotel stay for the fall!
What's more, Universal Orlando Resort is offering some toadally great ticket deals this fall. Be sure to check out all of the deals available now before they hop away!
Wonderful Weather at Universal Orlando in Fall
When fall hits in Florida, there isn’t much of a significant change in temperature during the day compared to the summer months. It remains warm and toasty, so you can still wear a T-shirt and shorts and hop on those water rides! But once the sun sets, it cools down and you may actually need a light jacket or sweater. September can still have moments with inclement weather (be prepared with a poncho or an umbrella!), but the overall rainfall begins to decline this month, which makes it less humid too. It isn’t usually until November when the first cold front of the season passes through. Generally, you’ll get enjoyable weather if you visit Universal Orlando in fall!
Hoppy Holidays at Universal Orlando
Halloween transitions into Christmas faster than you can say, “Jack-o’-lanterns and jingle bells.” After Halloween, colorful garlands quickly replace the somber decorations from spooky season.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter toadally gets you in the holiday spirit, as does Grinchmas in Seuss Landing! We're so frogcited for The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle and The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular to return to the parks this year. However, it's truly not the holidays without Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, and we're always hoppy to see the larger-than-life balloons floating down the streets of Universal Studios Florida.
The holiday cheer even continues over at the on-site hotels. With Christmas Tree and Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremonies, Holiday Meal Specials, Strolling Carolers and so much more, there's no need to sacrifice partaking in any holiday traditions just because you're not at home.
Thrillifying "Wicked" Offerings
Get ready to "defy gravity" as Universal Orlando celebrates the upcoming cinematic event based on the beloved Tony Award-winning musical. Starting in late October, you'll be able to step into the fantastical land of Oz in the most magical way! Wicked: The Experience (housed in the former location of the UNIVRS store and adjacent retail locations) will whisk you along the yellow brick road and into a variety of memorable moments and iconic locations from the film, from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Here you'll find fanciful costumes and props created by the designers of the film alongside a frogciting variety of merchandise including elevated apparel, home goods, accessories, toys and more.
Shop the Shiz University Collection, inspired by the famed school where Glinda and Elphaba cross paths, featuring back-to-school must-haves, such as Spirit Jerseys, duffle bags and tumblers. Add to your MinaLima collection with apparel, accessories, home goods and more donning "Wicked"-inspired graphics and prints developed by the legendary studio. You'll even find products from "popular" brands, such as Mattel, Funko, LEGO and Loungefly, as well as cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection!
Hungry for more? Be sure to try the "fantabulous"-themed limited treats inspired by the world of "Wicked" that will be available at Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. And don't froget to see "Wicked" when it flies into theaters Nov. 22, 2024.
What do you like most about visiting Universal Orlando in the fall? If you're planning a fall trip this year, let us know in the comments and share this post with the rest of your frog squad!
Related: Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando
Hoppy planning!
