As summer winds down, the perfect time to visit Orlando is just beginning! The days in Central Florida are cooling and as Fall approaches there are so many fun activities to do. Whether you’re looking for an exciting outdoor adventure, a pleasant shopping experience or something that will take your breath away – any of these Orlando highlights are sure to make the most of your Autumn getaway. With vibrant outdoor markets, attractions full of unique sights and thrills, plenty of mild weather beaches and parks on offer, and show-stopping experiences – let Enjoy Florida help provide you with some fall inspiration, no matter what type of traveler you may be.
Meet All Your Favorite Animated Characters at Walt Disney World Resort
Woody, Jessie & Buzz at Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It’s Playtime, Kids! Round up the gang and get those batteries charged! Shake the snakes out of your boots and say howdy to Sheriff Woody. Yodel a hello to Jessie the Cowgirl. Remember to greet Buzz Lightyear with your best Space Ranger salute – he’s always looking for a few good toys. Moana at Discovery Island, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Take off on an excursion to Discovery Island – a place common to explorers from all over the world. During your journey, you just might find Moana, the voyager from Motunui. Whenever she passes through, she graciously welcomes new friends to visit with her and share their tales of adventure.
Mickey at World Celebration, EPCOT
Just inside the entrance of the Magic Eye Theater, say hello to Mickey Mouse in his “breakthrough” role as he steps out of a giant filmstrip to greet guests and celebrate his on-screen stardom.
Belle at Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Take your places inside the Beast’s splendid library, where Lumière the talking candlestick directs the action. When Belle appears, you’ll get a chance to play your part in her fairytale story—or just cheer along as you observe the fun!
Mr. & Mrs. Incredible at Pixar Plaza, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Join popular Pixar Characters for a super fun hangout. All you need to do is bring your autograph book, a camera and your best smile! Mr. Incredible loves being a Super Hero. He’s glad to be back in action, with his family by his side. Mrs. Incredible keeps it together, even when she’s stretched a little thin. Family first—Super Mom, then Super Hero!
Anna & Elsa from Frozen in the World Showcase, EPCOT
Chill out with royal sisters Elsa & Anna. Confident and caring, Elsa looks after those she loves. She embraces her magical abilities and has found freedom in simply being herself. Spirited and loving, Anna freely gives her heart. She always looks on the bright side and tries to do the next right thing for her kingdom and the people she cares about.
Merida from Brave at Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Join Merida, Princess of DunBroch, inside Fairytale Garden. Hear tales of her passion for archery and adventures. Merida is determined to change her own fate. When things go wrong, she learns what it means to be truly brave.
Donald Duck at DinoLand U.S.A., Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Donald just heard the news—some of his feathered ancestors were dinosaurs! To mark this inquackable discovery, he’s transformed this land into a celebration for the ages. Join the festivities featuring some of Donald’s closest companions, including Daisy Duck. You can even catch Chip ‘n’ Dale sporting some nutty dino-inspired costumes.
Treasure Awaits on Pirate River Quest at LEGOLAND Florida
Anchors aweigh! Set sail aboard the Pirate River Quest at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. This one-of-a-kind boat ride through the natural canals of historic Cypress Gardens whisks families away into a world of adventure in search of Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure, stolen by a troop of mischievous monkeys. Buccaneers can embark upon this quest daily, all included with general park admission or an Annual Pass.
The hilarious story unfolds brick by brick with a rowdy crew of LEGO® pirates, as adventurers encounter exciting sequences and exotic creatures on this captain-driven boat ride. From a sunken pirate ship to a fearsome kraken set amongst the lush Florida landscape, this tale captivates pirates and landlubbers of all ages. It’s all-hands-on-deck for this treasure quest, as riders count Captain Redbeard’s gems, coins and golden bricks along the way. This year’s opening of Pirate River Quest marks the return of the canal boats, a beloved feature of the historic Cypress Gardens for decades.
Central Florida Options for When the Weather’s Not So Sunny
Visiting Orlando with your family and worried about what you’ll do if it rains during your stay? There are still plenty of fun activities to do indoors! From immersive educational experiences at museums to indoor parks and shows, there’s a wide range of great rainy-day activities in the area that are perfect for visitors of all ages. Read on to discover just a few examples and get ready to make lasting memories on your next trip no matter what the weather.
Crayola Experience
If you’re looking for a playful and interactive indoor attraction, you won’t want to miss the Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall. With over 70,000 square feet of colorful fun, you can let your imagination run wild as you explore 26 different creative activities. You can make your own custom crayon, melt crayons to form drip art, and even design your own coloring page. There are also live shows, a playground area, and a Crayola store filled with all of your favorite products. It’s perfect for families with kids who love to create and play.
Orlando Science Center
This dynamic fully-indoor museum is the perfect place for curious minds of all ages, offering hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that allow you to explore the wonders of the natural world and beyond. From interactive displays that teach you about the human body to immersive experiences that take you on a journey through space, the Orlando Science Center is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to learn and have fun at the same time. So why not spend your next rainy day at this fascinating museum, and discover all the amazing things that science has to offer?
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Are you ready for some high-octane fun? Look no further than Andretti Indoor Karting & Games! With thrilling go-kart racing tracks, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, ropes courses, and more, Andretti is the ultimate entertainment destination for all ages. Feel like a professional racer as you speed around the track in a state-of-the-art kart, and then unwind with some friendly competition in the arcade. Andretti’s friendly staff is always ready to make your experience unforgettable. There are no rain delays at this fast-paced attraction, so strap in and get ready for the ride of your life at Andretti Orlando!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
With over 16 galleries showcasing weird and wonderful exhibits, this is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the stranger side of life. Don’t forget to snap a photo next to the world’s tallest man and spin the vortex tunnel for a truly mind-bending experience. And don’t miss Ripley’s newest attraction right next door, Ripley’s Mirror Maze! Challenge your senses as you and your family wander through a complex hall of mirrors and lighting! Both attractions are perfect for a rainy day in Orlando and offer free covered parking and proximity to ICON Park attractions.
WonderWorks
If you’re looking for a day filled with awe and adventure, WonderWorks Orlando is the perfect away-from-the-weather destination! Experience what it’s like to be in the middle of a hurricane, test your skills on a virtual ropes course, or explore outer space in the 4D XD motion theater. If it’s still raining outside, stay late for the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, a pizza party with magic and improv comedy fun for the whole family. At WonderWorks Orlando, the possibilities for indoor fun are endless!
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The future of space travel comes to life at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with Gateway™: The Deep Space Launch Complex, which features the spaceport of the future, Spaceport KSC, and an all-new restaurant, Space Bowl Bistro. With a focus on the present and future of collaborative space exploration, guests to Gateway can experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating everything happening right now within the space program. It features a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, a unique launch viewing opportunity and more.
“Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex is a bold new attraction where guests will personally experience NASA’s next giant leap and beyond, highlighting all the excitement within the space industry,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Guests can peek at the future of space travel with Spaceport KSC, an immersive experience with multiple journeys along which to travel and learn through a thrilling simulated space flight.”
The 50,000-square-foot, multi-level attraction rises majestically in the shadow of the Rocket Garden and engages and inspires guests through one-of-a-kind experiences, artifacts and exhibits. Featuring a comprehensive collection of modern-day spacecraft, Gateway gives guests the chance to see the airport of the future and experience the future of space travel in ways never before possible.
Get Ready to Soak Up Some Fun at Island H2O Water Park
Island H2O Water Park combines refreshing family fun with cutting-edge technology to provide guests with a unique, immersive and interactive experience. Take a journey on a lazy river, float in a wave pool, splash in an area for kids, play together in an interactive splash zone, challenge body and tube slides, compete on racing slides, take a spin on giant raft rides, and relax in the adult pool or a private cabana.
Riders customize their ride experience by selecting music and lighting for a number of attractions using a state-of-the-art wristband system. Selfie stations, video booths and on-ride photos capture images and video to share on social media. Guests earn points each time they ride to redeem for food and merchandise in the park. Because of high demand, we recommend buying your tickets online before you arrive to speed through the entry. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share with everyone what a great day you’re having.
Old Town’s 33rd Year of Saturday Nite Classic Car Cruise
This past spring, the Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise celebrated their 33rd year. The show has been recognized as America’s Longest Running Weekly Car Show, and continues to draw crowds every week! Every Saturday since the Kissimmee’s foremost entertainment district opened 34 years ago, Old Town welcomes show-quality classic hot rods and collector’s antiques. Cars are on display during the day followed by a cruise down the brick main street at 8:30pm that night.
A destination like no other in the Orlando area, Old Town Entertainment District features unique attractions, free weekly events, classic all-American car shows and—best of all—FREE admission. Escape the ordinary and discover why the real characters come play on our side of town. Old Town Entertainment District is a 18-acre open-air walking entertainment district filled with affordable shopping, unique gifts, attractions and rides for all ages. Come and enjoy the simple pleasures of classic American fun.
From getting up close and personal with the amazing animated characters at Disney World to taking a journey through time at the weekly classic cars cruise in Old Town, Orlando offers something for everyone this fall. Whether you’re looking for an eclectic mix of thrills or just some family fun things to do, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories in sunny Central Florida. So why wait? Get your adventure started today and check out Enjoy Florida Magazine below for more ideas on what to do when you get here!