Great deals, new attractions, spooktacular Halloween events and more!

 

There are so many reasons to take a break and head to Orlando’s International Drive Resort Area this fall! How about a vacation that offers lots of opportunities to save while enjoying special events, new and exciting attractions and as much fun as your time allows? Take advantage of the cooler weather, great deals, fall festivals and more!

 

Plan your fall getaway now with Orlando's best deals and values. I-Drive accommodations are available to fit every budget from exclusive resorts spas to suite hotels that include breakfast to budget-minded properties. Whether you are thinking about a family vacation, a romantic escape, some quality time at your favorite attraction or a golfing weekend, it is all conveniently located within the world’s most famous tourist destination.

 

Home to six of the world’s most famous attractions: SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica SeaWorld’s Park, Wet ‘n Wild, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, it is easy to see why the area is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. And don’t forget great restaurants, dinner shows, shopping experiences, mega entertainment complexes, smaller family style attractions, spas…the fun never stops!

 

And this time of year is known for the best values! Plan a girlfriend’s getaway. Visit a spa. Play some golf. Enjoy your favorite attraction with short lines! The fun is all conveniently located within the world’s most famous tourist destination and now is the time to make your plans.

 

Be sure to check out I-Drive’s “Hot Deals” for the latest discounts on dining, attractions and more! When contacting accommodations, ask about fall packages and special rates. Most have special deals and cost saving offers for fall. Just ask.

 

Enjoy three course meals for $33 this month at I-Drive area top restaurants during Magical Dining Month: Capital Grill, Ming Court, Cuba Libra Restaurant and Rum Bar, Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar, Funky Monkey Wine Company, Kobe Japanese Steak House, Capriccio Grill and many more. Plan to stay overnight with packages at area properties including Caribe Royal, Hilton Orlando and Rosen Shingle Creek. For a complete listing, menus and details, visit www.orlandomagicaldining.com

 

And Orlando’s Deal Season is back! Travel now through September 30 to take advantage of shorter lines and the best deals of the year on Orlando’s world-class attractions, restaurants and hotels. Many deals are available in the I-Drive area. www.visitorlando.com/offers/

 

Don't miss the annual Orlando Fall Home & Garden Show Sept. 6-8! Turn your home and garden dreams into reality! The entire Orange County Convention Center will be completely transformed, for one weekend only, into a home and garden extravaganza. Meet the stars of Animal Planet's, Tanked! The show follows a family-owned business of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) led by business partners, best friends and constant rivals Wayde King and Brett Raymer. No job is too big, too far, or too outlandish as Wayde and Brett travel the world to make fellow fish enthusiast's dreams of having their own little piece of the ocean a reality by creating tanks to look like pyramids, spheres, phone booths, cars, kegs and much more. www.orlandohomeandgardenshow.com

 

SeaWorld Orlando welcomes celebrity wildlife expert, Jack Hanna, Sept. 14-15. Recognized around the world for his boundless enthusiasm for animals and conservation, Jack Hanna helps fans share in his connection to wildlife and the world. The weekend includes two daily shows where he showcases a variety of wildlife. Shows are included in regular park admission. www.seaworldparks.com or 888-800-5447.

 

Have the fright of your life! On select nights September 20 - November 2, your worst nightmares will take shape as Universal Studios Florida® theme park is transformed into the award-winning Halloween Horror Nights®. See if you can survive all-new haunted houses, spine-chilling street experiences, outrageous live shows, and more. There's no better way to end your day at Universal Orlando® than with the winner of Amusement Today's "Best Halloween Event" Golden Ticket award. For all of the horrifying details, visit www.halloweenhorrornights.com

 

The largest in Central Florida, the Orlando Boat Show takes place at the Orange County Convention Center Sept. 27-29. For details: www.orlandoboatshow.com

 

A fully themed Springfield has opened at Universal Studios Florida. Next time you visit the park get ready to be transported to your favorite cartoon's world. The new area offers themed eateries as well as a new ride (coming soon) in an exciting expansion and is added to the already anchored The Simpsons Ride. Fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that they have come to love from television. They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi's Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a "Taco Fresho" with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe's Tavern. www.universalorlando.com/Rides/Universal-Studios-Florida/The-Simpsons-Ride.aspx?Intsrch=Simpsons

 

King's Bowl has opened on International Drive with 22 lanes and a full-service, upscale restaurant. In addition, visitors enjoy four billiards tables, outdoor Bocce ball court, over 60 giant HDTV’s and HD projector screens and more! The venue is part of Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s $200 million I-Drive Live project, the redevelopment of the former Mercado retail and entertainment complex on I-Drive. www.kingsorlando.com. 407-363-0200.

 

Come explore the biggest and most expansive attraction in SeaWorld Orlando's history, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™. This epic exploration of a mysterious world blends animal encounters with an exhilarating family ride for a one-of-a-kind experience the whole family will enjoy. Be transported to an icy world like you've never seen before. Experience the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind family ride. Then, step out and explore their colony in an expanse that envelops you in cool extremes: bringing you above and below their icy world. www.seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/Antarctica

 

Fans of classic roller coasters won't want to miss the new White Lightning wooden coaster, a 2,000-foot coaster that sends riders speeding through the park at Fun Spot America. The park's expansion plans include tripling in size from 5 to 15 acres and adding a family steel suspended coaster that combines the best of skydiving and hang gliding and will drop you from 250 feet in the air and send you screaming across the Orlando skyline! Locally operated and owned Fun Spot America was named the “Best Family Entertainment Center in the USA” by the Brass Ring Awards portion of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The 14-year-old attraction has four go-kart tracks, 13 rides and 100 arcade games. www.FunSpotAttractions.com

 

Universal Orlando Resort's: Transformers: The Ride 3-D, is open! The ride. in 3D and based on the Transformers movies, incorporates guests getting into a mobile car with 3D glasses to face the ongoing struggle of the Transformers. A science fiction series about two warring clans of alien robots with the ability to transform their bodies into modern-day vehicles, The series debuted as a cartoon and spawned movies, toys and other television versions. www.universalorlando.com

 

Orlando Improv on International Drive has a series of special engagements lined up, including shows John Witherspoon (Sept. 6-8), Pablo Francisco (Sept. 19-22) and Tony Roberts (Sept 27-29). www.theimprovorlando.com 407-480-5233

 

Hash House A Go Go, which serves "twisted farm food" in massive portions, recently opened its doors on International Drive. Hash House features fresh farm foods and old-fashioned recipes mixed with unique styling and flavors.| www.hashhouseagogo.com

 

Pirate's Town Dinner Theater Complex announces a new show, The Three Musketeers. The show features sword fights, comedy, and romance. Tickets include three-course dinner and are $63.95 for adults and $39.45 for children ages 3 to 12. www.pirates-town.com

 

A juried art show with a 30-year tradition, more than 40,000 people attend this free event held in Central Park that features work by outstanding Orlando artists. The event features live entertainment and food provided by local restaurants. Children's art workshops are also offered. Admission: Free. Details: www.winterpark.org or 407-644-8281.

 

With a full moon as a backdrop, guests enjoy a leisurely evening of live jazz music in a beautiful garden setting at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. Visitors can bring their own dinner picnic basket or purchase beverages and pastries onsite. Lawn seating only. Details: www.leugardens.org or 407-246-2620.

 

The fifth annual Orlando Film Festival features events in and around the heart of Orlando, where patrons are able to enjoy great films in exciting venues while experiencing Orlando's downtown lifestyle. The festival seeks to inspire student, future and current filmmakers in the art of filmmaking and to enhance the movie viewing experience. Admission: Free. Details: www.orlandofilmfest.com.

 

Oct. 17-20

Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach is a rousing, fun-filled weekend that attracts more than 125,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from near and far. Activities include rides, concerts, food and much more. Admission: Free. Details: www.biketoberfest.org or 386-255-0415.

 

Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo. This event is a fun and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Children can wear costumes for trick-or-treat stations and face painting. Visitors can take a haunted hayride, visit the pumpkin patch for a fun photo and learn about the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Details: www.centralfloridazoo.org or 407-323-4450.

 

This nationally ranked, juried event continues to attract more than 250,000 visitors and more than 350 of the best crafters in the country. Admission: Free. Details: www.mountdoracraftfair.com or 352-735-119.1

 

This two-day event held at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando features more than 600 juried artisans in all media, including ceramics, glassware, jewelry, photography, wood and clothing to name a few. In addition to a fabulous lineup of art and live entertainment, the fiesta offers an array of tasty fare. Admission: Free. Details: www.cityoforlando.net or 407-246-2121.

9/2013