Back to Orlando

By Samantha Crespo
Published: September 11, 2008
Last Updated On: March 09, 2011

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Fall means fun events, shorter lines, cooler temperatures and lots of deals in Orlando.

Most people agree that fall is for going back to school – not for going on vacation. My Floridian logic advises me otherwise: (1) If kids are in school, they're not in line at theme parks. (2) Come October, I might enjoy spending some cooler time outside. (3) Orlando's tourism gurus are promoting deals and events to coincide with what is traditionally one of the city's slower seasons. They're calling it Orlando's Endless Summer™. I'm calling it three good reasons to visit Orlando this fall:

I love a deal of any kind, but here's what I think works about this Endless Summer thing: If it's something you like to do again and again, here's a way to do it cheaper. And if it's something you're trying for the first time, take an affordable test-drive.

1. Hotel, Attraction and Golf Deals

The hook: More than 70 hotels, attractions and golf courses are offering get-one-free deals. I love a deal of any kind, but here's what I think works about this Endless Summer thing: If it's something you like to do again and again, here's a way to do it cheaper. And if it's something you're trying for the first time, take an affordable test-drive.

Case in point: Gatorland's been around since 1949. Chances are, you've been there. But if you haven't (or if you want to check out the new entrance that debuted this summer), here's your chance to return and bring a friend for free. (By the way, the old gator mouth has been restored as part of the new entrance.)

Golfers will appreciate "buy three players, get the fourth free" offers from area golf clubs, and we can all take a little help from stay-x-nights-get-the-x-night-free deals at area accommodations, ranging from kid pleasers (like Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn) to more grown-up digs (like the Royal Plaza in Walt Disney World Resort). Most Endless Summer offers run through Nov. 15, 2008.

2. A Packed Events Calendar

The big show is the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Sept. 26-Nov. 9), your chance to eat your way through the World Showcase at appetizer pace (and price – only $2-4 on average for bites like Chilean spicy beef empanadas).

Have more fun with your food during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series (Boyz II Men and David Cassidy are among the headliners). Throughout the festival, Saturday nights combine the concerts with the cooking of guest chefs (including Iron Chef America's Cat Cora on Nov. 1).

Then, get down to serious foodie business with special programs like wine school and book signings, demos and meals by culinary stars (American Public Television's Ming Tsai presents his "Kitchen Conversation" Oct. 9). Tastings are big, too. "Sweet Sundays," for example, starts with a continental champagne breakfast before melting into desserts prepared by celebrity pastry chefs. Events may require park admission and/or additional fees, so save your spending money along with your appetite.

Meanwhile, Universal, SeaWorld and Disney's Magic Kingdom will be toasting tricks and treats with Halloween Horror Nights (Sept. 26-Nov. 1), a Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 7-31) and Mickey's Not-so-Scary Halloween Party (Sept. 5-Oct. 31), respectively. Even Harry P. Leu Gardens gets its ghoul on, spinning ghost stories the evening of Oct. 17 (recommended only for older children).

My vote, however, is for the Fall Jazz Stroll on Nov. 15, which casts the Leu's roses (the largest formal collection in Florida), camellias, palms and bamboo in candlelight and sets the scene to live jazz and blues. Bring a blanket and spread out a picnic.

For free, try the 35th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival. Taking over the town's Central Park Oct. 11 and 12 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days), the festival is as much about art as it is about Winter Park. Browse the work of Florida artists at the juried show and then shop and nosh along manicured Park Avenue.

3. More Deals

Consider it the amuse bouche to Epcot's food and wine extravaganza: Orlando's Magical Dining™ Month runs Sept. 1-30 and offers three-course, prix-fixe dinners at more than 50 area restaurants divided into two categories: casual ($19) and upscale ($29).

The participant list is stacked with the usual suspects (several Universal Citywalk and Pointe Orlando restaurants fill both categories), but you'll also find independents like Graze, where the décor is as hip as its setting in downtown's South Eola neighborhood (the food's good, too – a salad of baby lettuce, lavender chevre and truffle oil makes the menu).

To plan your own fall getaway to Orlando, call 800-972-3304 or visit www.orlandoinfo.com.