The Top 5 Fall Activities in Orlando

Fall is generally an adult friendly time in Orlando. Kids everywhere are back in school and the summer crowds are all gone. There are a few activities that I highly suggest if you find yourself in Orlando between September and November, here are the top 5:

1. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select nights September 14th-November 1st at the Magic Kingdom

Now, this is generally kid-friendly, but it doesn't mean it isn't fun. Even I have second thought's about getting dressed for the occasion and trick-or-treating at The Magic Kingdom (you don't have to worry about someone answering a door and you know where to go for the candy). Special parades, fireworks, and shows make this event worth the added price of admission for anyone of any age.

Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9). Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for the parties on Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26; and Nov. 1.

2. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Daily October 1st-November 14th

If you want to taste the world and have a love for fine wine (or beer) than this event is for you. I get very defensive when people say Walt Disney World is only for kids, because you will never see a more adult oriented event than the Food and Wine Festival. It would take hours to explain everything that this event has to offer. In short, the marketplaces around World Showcase offer something for everyone, but if you are a true connoisseur, there are a plethora of seminars, tastings, and more to keep you busy your entire trip.

3. Halloween Horror Nights
Select Nights September 24th-October 31st at Universal Orlando

Now, I've never been to this, but it is a local favorite. If you enjoy having the $&*% scarred out of you, you'll probably like Halloween Horror Nights. No body does the haunted park better than Universal, and you won't find anything of this sort at Disney. This is one place where Universal excels, and while it's not my taste, I'll admit it is impressive. Leave the kids at home for this one.

Since I am no expert on this topic, you may want to check out the coverage from Inside The Magic or Orlando Attractions Magazine.

Horror Nights will take place on Sept. 24-25, Sept. 30-Oct. 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-24 and 27-31. Tickets are on sale now at HalloweenHorrorNights.com/orlando, or by calling 1-888-467-7677 (HORROR-7).


4. Arriving at Parks Later
Early September-Early November

Any other time of year, you should get to the Orlando theme parks at opening if you expect to get everything you want done. This is one time of year where you may be able to get some extra sleep in. The crowds are light for the most part, so don't be afraid to wake up and get in the parks by noon, you shouldn't find too many people there.

5. Golf
Early September-Early November

I love to golf, and golfing in the fall is the best, especially in Orlando. Disney's courses are wonderful, but Orlando is also the golf course capital of the world. Disney's Palm and Magnolia course would be my personal preference. The courses are well-kept and the scenery is pretty breathtaking, which really adds to the experience. The nine-hole Oak Trail course is one to skip, even if you're looking to not play a full 18-holes. It isn't very well kept and doesn't offer a whole lot of exciting things to look at.

Via Napoli Offers Best Dining in Town

It is very rare that a new restaurant stuns Orlando locals and becomes an instant favorite, but the new Via Napoli at the Italy pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase has done it. Looking around the internet, it is near impossible to find a bad review of this place. The restaurant opened inside the Walt Disney World theme park about a month ago and is operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, which is best known for their Naples 45 restaurant in New York City.

Not only is this restaurant beautiful inside and out, the entire menu is incredible. The wood burning ovens produce an authentic Italian pizza that would embarrass most pizzerias in Italy. The entrees are all authentic as well, each better than the next. My personal suggestion would be to start with the Calamari, but beyond that, there are no bad decisions. All of the entrees are phenomenal and any style of the authentic pizza is to die for. 

While some would expect a meal here to cost quite a bit, it can be surprisingly affordable. The 1/2 meter pizzas are only $36 dollars and can feed 3-4 people. Doing the math, that is only $9-12 dollars a person. You can still have an appetizer and dessert with this and only rack up a bill near $30, including a reasonable tip. Despite higher entree prices, the quality of the food matches the cost. If you are looking for a quality restaurant where your entire group of family and friends can find something they'll love, Via Napoli is the best choice.

The restaurant is already very popular, so advance dining reservations are highly suggested. You can make reservations online at disneyworld.com or by phone by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463).