Our travel story tip sheet today focuses on new developments for fall fun – all adapted in creative new ways for COVID safety. Contact us for more at media@visitorlando.com.

In this Issue:

  • Creepin’ in Your Car: Drive-Thru Halloween Events
  • School- and Work-cations
  • LGBTQ+ Come Out with Pride – 2020 adaptations
  • Foodie Events Extended
  • Florida Resident Deals

New Drive-Thru Halloween Festivities

This fall, Orlando debuts ALL NEW events to celebrate Halloween fun with creative social distancing drive-thru events designed by the award-winning creative minds behind Orlando’s famous attractions. Each drive-thru experience offers two versions - extreme or family friendly:

The Haunted Road: A Drive-Thru Halloween Experience includes twisted creatures, immersive theatrical storytelling and bloodcurdling encounters as guests drive and park their car at each scene. A tamer, family-friendly version will be available on select weekends during the day and include hands-free trick-or-treating.

At Scream n’ Stream Haunted Drive-Thru at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures visitors drive their cars “into” a movie screen to see a horror film unfold in front of their eyes, while live performers roam all around them. The milder drive-thru experience entails contactless candy distribution, fun Halloween props and music.

“Flicks & Frights” at SeaWorld Orlando is a spooky drive-in movie experience under the stars where guests can enjoy locally sourced food trucks followed by a classic Halloween feature film (options range from family-friendly to horror flicks) from the comfort and safety of their car ($40 per car).

More information about Orlando Halloween festivities is available here

New ‘School-cation’ and ‘Work-cation’ Packages

As families add virtual schooling to work-from-home arrangements this fall, Orlando’s famous resorts offer a welcome change in scenery with new creative ways to facilitate school- and work-cations in a setting where safety is taken seriously. New package savings, kid and parental sanity savers, personal “business butlers,” supervised schoolwork sessions and, of course, incredible recess breaks are just a few new ways families can escape the house and relax -- while still staying connected as students and employees. Come experience it yourself for a story or let us connect you with a family who has.

Popular LGBTQ+ Event Adds Virtual & Car Parade Elements

As GayCities.com’s the first-ever “City of the Year” designee, LGBTQ-friendly Orlando prides itself on renowned annual events such as Come Out With Pride, which takes place Oct. 10-11 this year and has been adapted with creative virtual and drive-through celebrations.

  • “Pride in the House Virtual Extravaganza” a supersized evening event that will include fun interviews, variety performances, special guest stars and local artists, while also showcasing outstanding local businesses and organizations serving the community
  • Drag Race Virtual 5K
  • “Pride In The Streets” vehicle procession, a 15-mile parade passing by local LGBTQ+ establishments and landmarks to signify that we are all still very much connected.

More information about LGBTQ+ planning resources can be found at VisitOrlando.com/lgbtq.

More Fall Fun for Foodies

Orlando’s fall food events are re-imagined for 2020 version with several new and recently extended favorites:

  • NEW: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has launched new weekly events with Sip, Savor and Stay Saturdays: A New Twist on the Food & Wine Classic Experience. The limited-capacity events are available only to those staying overnight at the resort, and includes a Champagne Lounge, barbecue and Oktoberfest. The events occur every Saturday evening through Oct. 24.
  • NOW EXTENDED: Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month has been extended through October 31 -- the longest in the program’s history -- offering a $35 three-course, prix-fixe dinner at participating Central Florida restaurants. This year’s event includes new safety measures; designations for venues with outdoor dining; and takeout and delivery options (for visitors who wish to dine in the comfort of their accommodations or outdoors in Orlando’s scenic natural parks).
  • NOW EXTENDED: SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival has been extended to weekends through Nov. 1, featuring samples of more than 100 crafts brews -- including domestic, international and local Florida favorites -- alongside more than 20 food items expertly paired to match preferred brews. New health and safety enhancements include physically distanced food and beverage locations, modified serving procedures, expanded areas of seating and touchless transactions.

New Fall Florida Resident Deals

With 54% of travelers saying that they are more likely to travel in the fall this year than in previous years, Florida residents ready for a fall getaway can take advantage of special Orlando deals at hotels, attractions and the theme parks - all decked in holiday finery.

  • Walt Disney World Resort: Exclusive Florida Resident Deal starts at $134.99 per person for 2 days at any Walt Disney World Resort park for visits through the end of 2020.
  • Universal Orlando Resort: Buy a day, visit every day through Dec. 24 for free with a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket, starting at $164 per person.
  • SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando: Enjoy unlimited visits throughout 2021 -- plus the rest of 2020 for FREE -- when you buy a 2021 Fun Card.
  • ICON Park Play Pass: Residents save 40 percent with entry to seven attractions for just $55 – including a private capsule on The Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando and more.
  • Caribe Royale Orlando: Rates from $105, including free self-parking and $15 food and beverage credit.