September is one of the most exciting times to visit Orlando.

While Florida may not have the crisp temperatures traditionally associated with fall, Orlando knows how to bring the season to life. Throughout September, visitors can experience Halloween celebrations, incredible food festivals, live entertainment, sporting events, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of ways to enjoy the city beyond the theme parks.

And if you’re planning an Orlando vacation this fall, there’s another reason to start planning now: Magical Vacation Homes is offering 15% OFF select stays for a limited time.

With spacious accommodations, private pools at select properties, resort-style amenities, and homes designed for families and groups, you can turn your Orlando accommodations into part of the vacation itself.

Why Visit Orlando in September?

September brings a different kind of energy to Orlando.

The theme parks begin embracing Halloween season, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is underway, restaurants throughout the city participate in Magical Dining, and Orlando’s cultural calendar fills up with concerts, theater, art, sports, and community events.

According to Visit Orlando, September 2026 includes everything from Halloween events and food festivals to live sports and free family-friendly experiences throughout the destination.

For families staying in an Orlando vacation rental, September can also be the perfect opportunity to create a vacation that balances big adventures with plenty of downtime.

Spend a day at Disney. Take the next morning to relax by your private pool. Head to Universal that evening. Enjoy dinner somewhere special the following night.

With your own vacation home, you have the space to make the trip your own.

Experience Halloween at Walt Disney World

If Halloween is one of your favorite parts of fall, Orlando is the place to be.

Walt Disney World begins its Halloween celebrations well before October, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience seasonal entertainment throughout September.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

One of the biggest fall events at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

The separately ticketed event takes place on select nights from August 7 through October 31, 2026. September party dates include September 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, and 29.

Guests can enjoy Halloween entertainment, trick-or-treating, special character appearances, themed attractions, the Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks.

There’s also something new for 2026, with Stitch, Lilo, and Angel joining an evolving masquerade experience in Tomorrowland.

The party runs from 7 p.m. until midnight, with event guests able to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m.

For families who want Halloween fun without the intensity of a traditional haunted house, this is an excellent addition to a September Orlando itinerary.

Planning tip: Because this is a separately ticketed event and dates can sell out, check availability before building your vacation itinerary around a particular party night.

Watch Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular

One of the highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.

The nighttime show features projections, lasers, lights, and fireworks above Cinderella Castle, with Jack Skellington serving as the host for the Halloween-themed story.

For families attending the Halloween party, it’s a great way to finish the night before heading back to your Orlando vacation home.

Celebrate Halloween at Universal Orlando

If your ideal fall vacation involves a little more fright, Universal Orlando is the place to be.

Halloween Horror Nights 35

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th year in 2026.

The event runs on select nights from August 28 through November 1 at Universal Studios Florida and features haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and immersive Halloween experiences.

The 2026 event is particularly exciting for horror fans because it marks the event’s 35th anniversary.

Unlike Disney’s family-friendly Halloween party, Halloween Horror Nights is designed for mature audiences and is known for its intense scares.

If you’re traveling with older teens or adults who love horror, September is a fantastic time to experience the event.

Visit SeaWorld Orlando for Halloween Spooktacular

Not every Halloween experience in Orlando has to be scary.

Families traveling with younger children can head to SeaWorld Orlando for Halloween Spooktacular, a family-friendly celebration featuring seasonal entertainment, trick-or-treating, costumes, characters, and Halloween-themed activities.

The event takes place on select dates through November 1, making September a great time to experience it before the Halloween season reaches its peak.

SeaWorld also hosts Howl-O-Scream for guests looking for a more intense nighttime Halloween experience.

With both family-friendly and adults-focused options, Orlando really does offer a Halloween experience for almost everyone.

Taste Your Way Through EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival

Orlando’s fall season isn’t just about Halloween.

September is also one of the best times of year for food lovers to visit Walt Disney World.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 27 through November 21, 2026.

The festival features Global Marketplaces offering dishes and drinks inspired by destinations around the world, along with entertainment and special experiences throughout EPCOT.

It’s a great option for couples, families, and groups who want to add something different to their theme park itinerary.

Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, take your time exploring World Showcase, sampling different dishes, and enjoying the atmosphere.

Search for Pumpkins at EPCOT

If you’re visiting EPCOT later in September, you can also add a little Halloween fun to your day with Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.

This seasonal scavenger hunt begins September 25 and runs through November 2, 2026, while supplies last.

Guests search throughout EPCOT for hidden Disney-themed pumpkins using a game board and stickers before redeeming the completed game for a special keepsake.

It’s a fun activity for families who want to turn their EPCOT visit into a little more of an adventure.

Enjoy Magical Dining Throughout Orlando

If you’re searching for things to do in Orlando that don’t involve a theme park, September is an especially exciting month for foodies.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining presented by Orlando Health continues through September 30, 2026.

This year’s program features more than 180 participating Orlando-area restaurants, with three-course prix-fixe menus priced at $40 or $60 per person. The 2026 lineup includes numerous MICHELIN Guide honorees and first-time participants.

It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary evening into one of the highlights of your Orlando vacation.

Consider planning a special dinner after a day at the pool, or make it a date night while the kids enjoy some downtime back at your vacation home.

Discover Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks

Orlando’s theme parks may be famous around the world, but there’s a whole city waiting beyond the gates.

September is a great time to explore neighborhoods, restaurants, museums, outdoor spaces, local markets, and cultural attractions.

Visit Orlando’s September calendar includes free and low-cost experiences throughout the city, making it easier to add something different to your itinerary without spending another full day at a major attraction.

Explore Lake Nona

Lake Nona is one of Central Florida’s most modern communities and offers restaurants, outdoor spaces, entertainment, and sporting events.

Sports fans can check out the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, taking place September 16–19 at the USTA National Campus.

It’s a great opportunity to experience a different side of Orlando while you’re here.

Catch a Show or Experience Orlando’s Arts Scene

If you’re looking for an evening away from the theme parks, Orlando has plenty of live entertainment and cultural experiences.

September’s calendar includes theater, concerts, museums, festivals, and other cultural events.

Come From Away

The award-winning musical Come From Away is being performed at Orlando Shakes on select dates through September 27.

The production tells the true story of airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland following September 11 and the community that welcomed them. Visit Orlando includes the production among its September cultural recommendations.

For adults or families with older children, a night at the theater can be a wonderful change of pace from the theme parks.

Global Peace Film Festival

The Global Peace Film Festival takes place September 15–27 at multiple Central Florida locations, with films, filmmaker discussions, and panels.

It’s another example of the cultural experiences available throughout the Orlando area during September.

Plan a Fall Day Trip Beyond Orlando

Want to see more of Central Florida?

A vacation rental gives you the flexibility to venture beyond the theme parks and explore nearby communities.

Visit Amber Brooke Farms

Starting September 19, Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis hosts its annual Fall Festival.

The seasonal experience includes pumpkins, flowers, farm animals, live music, food, playgrounds, photo opportunities, tractor rides, and other family activities.

It’s a fun option for families who want to experience a more traditional fall atmosphere during their Florida vacation.

Don’t Forget to Schedule a Pool Day

With so much happening around Orlando, it’s easy to fill every day of your vacation with activities.

But one of the best things you can do during an Orlando getaway is absolutely nothing.

Sleep in.

Make breakfast together.

Take a swim.

Relax outside.

Play a game.

Watch a movie.

Have dinner at home.

Then wake up the next morning ready for another adventure.

That’s one of the biggest benefits of choosing an Orlando vacation rental over a traditional hotel.

Your accommodations become part of the vacation.

Stay in an Orlando Vacation Home With Room for Everyone

When you’re traveling with family or friends, space matters.

Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, an Orlando vacation home allows everyone to stay together while still having room to spread out.

Magical Vacation Homes offers a wide selection of vacation properties throughout the Orlando and Kissimmee area, including homes with multiple bedrooms, private pools, game rooms, home theaters, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and resort amenities at select communities.

For larger families and groups, having a shared living space can make the trip significantly more comfortable.

You can gather for meals, relax together after a long day, and give everyone their own space when they need a break.

Experience Resort-Style Amenities

Some Magical Vacation Homes properties are located within popular Orlando-area resort communities, giving guests access to even more ways to enjoy their vacation.

Magical Vacation Homes is a Preferred Partner of Reunion Resort, and qualifying properties may provide access to resort amenities including pools, the five-acre water park, lazy river, golf, fitness facilities, dining, and other resort experiences.

This combination of a private vacation home and resort-style amenities gives families the flexibility to create the vacation experience that’s right for them.

Save 15% on Your Fall Orlando Vacation

Planning a September getaway?

For a limited time, Magical Vacation Homes is offering 15% OFF your stay* on selected properties.

That means you can spend less on your accommodations and have more room in the vacation budget for the experiences that make Orlando so memorable.

Whether you’re planning a Disney vacation, a Universal getaway, a family trip, a couples escape, or a large group vacation, a private Orlando vacation home gives you the space, comfort, and flexibility to make the most of your stay.

More space. More comfort. More time together. And now, 15% off select stays.

Make This Fall One to Remember

From Halloween nights at Magic Kingdom and Universal Orlando to food festivals at EPCOT, Magical Dining, live entertainment, sporting events, and relaxing pool days, September is packed with ways to experience Orlando.

And there’s no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.

With Magical Vacation Homes, you can spend the day exploring everything Orlando has to offer and come home to a private retreat where you can slow down and enjoy time together.

Start planning your fall Orlando getaway today and save 15% on select stays.

September 2026 Orlando Events at a Glance

Event dates, schedules, ticket requirements, and availability can change, so always confirm details with the official attraction or event before visiting. Current September highlights are based on Visit Orlando and official attraction information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Orlando in September

Is September a good time to visit Orlando?

Absolutely. September offers seasonal Halloween events, food festivals, entertainment, sports, and family activities throughout Orlando. It’s an especially good month for travelers who want to combine theme park experiences with other Orlando attractions.

What Halloween events are happening in Orlando in September 2026?

Visitors can experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, and Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld.

What is there to do in Orlando besides theme parks?

Orlando offers restaurants, food festivals, museums, theater, sports, outdoor activities, shopping, cultural events, and seasonal festivals. September’s calendar includes more than just theme park experiences.

Where should I stay for an Orlando vacation?

An Orlando vacation rental is a great choice for families and groups who want more space, privacy, and flexibility. Magical Vacation Homes offers properties throughout the Orlando and Kissimmee area, including homes with private pools and resort-style amenities at select properties.

How can I save on an Orlando vacation rental?

For a limited time, Magical Vacation Homes is offering 15% OFF select stays. The promotion is available on qualifying new reservations and selected properties, subject to the offer’s terms and availability.

15% Off Your Fall Getaway

Fall is calling, and Orlando is ready.

Find your perfect Magical Vacation Home, gather the family, and start planning a September getaway filled with Halloween fun, incredible food, unforgettable attractions, and plenty of time to relax.

Book your Orlando vacation rental and save 15% on select stays.

Offer Terms & Conditions

This offer is valid only on new reservations with stays arriving and departing between now and 9/30/2026, excluding holidays. The reservation must meet the minimum required nights. It cannot be used in combination with any other promotion or specials. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid only on new bookings and is subject to change and availability. Valid only on selected properties. Coupon auto applies.