Fall Festivities at Disney World vs. Universal Studios

Fall Festivities at Disney World vs. Universal Studios

You know I love both Disney World and Universal parks, but which one has the best fall decor and Halloween celebration? Fall and Halloween is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp outside weather that only requires a comfy sweater (or spirit jersey), the beautiful changing colors, cuddling up at night by the fireplace watching Halloween movies, and of course pumpkin spice everything!

I know, I know, I’m a basic bitch.

My partner and I passed down our love of Halloween time to our toddler who changes what costume she wants to wear trick-or-treating every other day!

If you also love fall decor, pumpkin spice, and Halloween, then a fall trip to Disney and/or Universal should be on your bucket list. I’m telling you, there is nothing better than walking down Main Street on a crisp Florida morning in your seasonal spirit jersey and stopping at Starbucks for pumpkin spice chai.

Disney World vs. Universal Studios, which Halloween celebration is right for you? Let’s get into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Halloween Horror Nights, and everything you need to know about traveling to Florida in fall.

Disney World: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Every year, this Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights from August to October. It is a silly spooky event for all ages.

Tickets

This is a separate ticketed event that typically starts late afternoon and usually goes until midnight. With this ticket, you will only be admitted to the park at the allotted ticket time for the party. If you want to go to Magic Kingdom in the morning, you will need a regular park ticket.

VIP experience and Lightning Lanes are not available during the Halloween Party.

What to Expect

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party is filled with themed, parades, castle shows, dance parties and more! This special event allows everyone to wear a costume! If you are not familiar with Disney rules, anyone over the age of 14 cannot wear costumes on a regular visit to the park.

There is also trick-or-treating all around the park including allergy friendly treats! Talk to a cast member at the party about how to participate in the allergy friendly trick-or-treating.

Most rides are open during the party and some even have a spooky fun twist!

Planning Your Park Days

If your not down to party but still enjoy the fall decor at Magic Kingdom, going in the morning on a party day is a good idea. The park is sometimes less crowded because people tend to skip Magic Kingdom on party days due to the park closing early. If you don’t have the party ticket, you will need to leave the park an hour before the party starts. Having park hopper tickets will only make this plan better because you can just hop to another park when Magic Kingdom closes for the party!

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Universal Studios: Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights is at Universal Studios Park on select nights from August to November. This event is recommended for ages 13 and older and costumes are not allowed!

Tickets

This is also a separately ticketed event that starts at night at Universal Studios Park. Just like at Disney, this ticket will get you into the Halloween event only and not Universal Studios during the day. If you want to go to Universal Studios in the morning, you will need a regular park ticket.

Express Passes are available to purchase for Halloween Horror Nights to have shorter lines at select rides and haunted houses. You can also book a R.I.P Tour which is Halloween Horror Nights version of a VIP tour, where you get priority VIP access to haunted houses and reserved seating at select shows. There is a “Unmasking the Horror” tour, where you go behind the scenes and walk through the haunted houses with the lights on.

If you live near Orlando and want to attend Halloween Horror Nights many times, it might be worth looking into fear passes, that allow you to attend multiple nights throughout the season.

What to Expect

Halloween Horror Nights is really scary! Universal does a great job in creating terrifying sights, sounds, and monsters. If you are traveling with young kids, consider skipping the event until they are old enough. I know the event says 13 and older, so base this off of your child and how you think they would handle extremely well done haunted houses.

This year there are 10 Haunted houses that include themes such as “Five Nights at Freddy’s”, “Terrifier”, “Jason”, “Fallout”, and more!

There are Scare Zones as you walk down the streets of Universal Studios. These Scare Zones are usually lined with horrifying characters and creatures plus more that may chase you. If this feels too much for you, you can walk around the outside without anyone targeting you.

There are only a few open rides during the event. Return of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Transformers, and Men in Black.

Planning Your Park Days

If not going to the party, use a park-to-park ticket to hop to another park at party time or choose to go on a day when the event is not taking place.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Florida is June through November. I HIGHLY recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance can help you rebook or even cancel your trip for a refund in case of an emergency, like a hurricane. Luckily, Disney and Universal both have a travel protection that can be added on to your package. If you plan on flying, be sure to book tickets that can be changed or refunded. You can always ask your travel agent what they recommend too.

Delayed or Canceled flight? You may be able to receive compensation with AirHelp!

As your trip gets closer, keep an eye on the weather and NOAA Hurricane Center. If a hurricane is approaching during your trip, follow NOAA and local information and guidelines on if you need to reschedule.

If you are on your trip and a hurricane hits, it is best to follow local guidelines and protocols for staying safe. Just like with any travel be prepared for the unexpected and do your best to go with the flow.

Orlando is in the middle of the state and very well equipped in the event of a hurricane. Many beach towns are often evacuated to Orlando (and even Disney specifically) to shelter during extreme hurricanes.

Cinderella's Castle under a cloudy gray sky

Conclusion: Halloween at Disney World vs. Universal Studios

I hope this guide helped you choose which event is right for you. Both is also a fun and valid answer! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions at theresa.bauman@academytravel.com