Best Theme Park Events in Orlando

Best Event in Orlando Theme Parks

When I was growing up, going to Orlando theme parks was a huge event themselves. I was lucky enough to have parents that took me to Universal and Disney World about once a year. Some were field trips from our Florida schools, and some were just family vacations. I loved the parks so much that I just ended up moving here. Now, my relationship with the parks have changed. They aren’t huge events anymore. They are my third place when I am thirty minutes away from the parks. I enjoy them with local family/friends, I enjoy them with family/friends from out of town. They are great safe spaces to spend time with loved ones. There are typically some events at the different theme parks that happen all year round. They range from included events, and specialty tickets that cost more than a regular day. These events provide good excuses to get to the parks, and these times are typically when I go. Some events are better than others.

Seaworld’s Howl-o-Scream—I have been to this event a few times over the first few years that I lived down here. It is a different experience… During Halloween, due to being an employee there and also having a special pass, this event is typically the one I go to. I have to pay for the competing Seaworld, and it is head and shoulders below Halloween Horror Nights. The Seaworld haunted event was fun for a time, but I haven’t gone in two years with how low budget it is. I’d rather wait in longer lines at HHN.

Any Epcot Festival—I can’t keep up with the amount of festivals that Epcot has. I think there is a combined month out of the year where there isn’t a festival going on. When one ends, there is a few week buffer and then the next one starts. They are all great. It is a fun way to try different cuisines you typically wouldn’t go for. Try drinks and beer you wouldn’t either, and if you just go to try a few items, we try a bunch, spend $50, and go home full. They also have concerts going throughout this event as well, I don’t spend my time waiting for these, maybe hear a song or two in passing.

Seven Seas Food Festival—Seaworld has its own Epcot festival. More and more parks are trying these festivals to boost attendance, and they are providing some fun items to try. I have been able to see Jesse Mccartney and Sean Kingston during this festival which was fun to see. These were two of the few people I wanted to see. They also have various items to try around the park. This event is included in a regular park admission.

Universal Mardi Gras—Staying in the theme of limited time food items and concerts. I think this event is the best out of the bunch. Back in 2022, there was a lineup where I went almost every week to this event. I got to see: Jon Pardi, Marshmello, Lee Brice, Khalid, Jimmie Allen, and Jason Derulo. Not huge names anymore but they all gave great shows. I especially loved the country music players as they are never popular and you can almost always walk right up to the front section of the concert crowd at any time. All of these concerts were included with park admission, which is a great deal. Since that year, the popularity of artists for the event have fallen a bit. The Mardi Gras parade is awesome. I love catching some beads, and one year I rode on the floats which was also a very fun experience. They have a tribute store during the event with unique merchandise in a heavily themed space, and it is all included. I haven’t even mentioned the limited time food offerings which are hit or miss.

Christmas at Universal—Another included event with park admission. The Macy’s day parade is a great time. I love seeing all of the balloons. My fiancé and I’s first date was supposed to be watch the Macy’s day parade and then enjoy Islands of Adventure. This has been a must do during every Christmas season. Once again, there is a great merchandise location with limited merch with heavy theming. Then you walk over to Islands of Adventure and go to Seuss Land. Grinchmas takes over the land with great Christmas theming and a great limited time show. Once again, this is a yearly staple for my fiancé and I.

Christmas at Disney—Disney does not include anything with park admission. They currently have two separately ticketed events. One in Hollywood Studios and one in Magic Kingdom. I have been to the one in Magic Kingdom and the limited time parade, fireworks show, and included cookies/pretzels/hot drinks are fun but they are included with a price that is more expensive than your park ticket. The night I went to the party, it was super busy, and lines weren’t complete walk ons like I was expecting. Perhaps it was misguided expectation, but when you pay $150 a ticket, I want a quality experience. Epcot has some fun Christmas items around the countries, different shows and dining items. Animal Kingdom as well, different character opportunities like the puppets in front of the Tree of Life.

Halloween at Disney—This is along the same lines as Christmas at Disney. It was an expensive extra ticket, with trick or treat lines for candy, shows, and parades. Some interesting character opportunities as well, but the extra charge is not worth it for me.  

Halloween at Universal—This is the extra ticket that is worth buying if you are a fear fan. Even if you aren’t, as I am not into horror films but I love this event. It is around $100 for a single night ticket. They get their money from the expensive express option that is now around $170 per person. With the regular ticket you get access to a first-class event. They pump a ton of money into this event. The lines are extremely long if you go on a full night from 7PM-Midnight but before and after these times, the lines are easier to stomach. There are so many limited time food and drink offerings as well. The best food item that I got at Universal in all of my years going there was the Hellfire Club at HHN. Jalapeno cheddar bread with pork shoulder, potato sticks, spicy mayo, pineapple chutney, and Muenster cheese. It was delicious. The scare zones do a great job delivering energy and the houses…. The houses are themed masterclasses. Even the bad ones are some of the best haunted experiences. The great houses are just tremendous. Dead Man’s Pier:Winter’s Wake from a few years ago has not been topped in the seven years that I have been going to the event. They have great houses centered around IP, like Stranger Things, and coming up later this year, Sinners. The IP houses are always the most popular Fallout*, but some of my favorite houses are when Universal Creative gets to create a story. This event is also just a great time to spend with friends. It is a great date night. It is just a great way to spend your time in Orlando.