Things to do near Disney World this week: 15 events and activities
Halloween is heading into its final stretch, but there’s still time for seasonal fun near Walt Disney World. Our weekly guide rounds up events at the theme parks, Disney Springs and throughout the surrounding attractions area for visitors and Orlando locals.
This week, Oct. 20–25, 2026, brings the final weekend of Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts & Goblins, plus trick-or-treating at Sunset Walk and a “Wicked” celebration at Universal CityWalk. Halloween festivities also continue at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Legoland Florida as October winds down.
This regularly updated guide includes events near Walt Disney World, International Drive and Kissimmee, including Sunset Walk. These are some of the best events and experiences happening this week and weekend near Orlando’s theme parks.
Events near Walt Disney World Oct. 20–25, 2026
For events happening at Disney World, as well as Sunset Walk, Kissimmee, International Drive and other nearby destinations.
Allison Rook artist showcase at Disney Springs
When: Oct. 22–25, 2026; artist appearances 3–9 p.m.
Where: The Art of Disney, Disney Springs
Artist Allison Rook will showcase her artwork at The Art of Disney at Disney Springs from Oct. 22–25. Guests can browse and purchase artwork during regular store hours, with Rook scheduled to appear and sign artwork from 2–7 p.m. Oct. 22, 4:30–9 p.m. Oct. 23 and noon–4:30 p.m. Oct. 24–25.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Next week’s schedule includes Halloween artist showcases at Disney Springs, Oct. 29–Nov. 1: Noah Elias and Scott “Scooter” Burroughs will showcase their work at The Art of Disney, with both signing 2–8 p.m.
MiniCon Presents: Spooky Moonlight Market
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection, 8602 Universal Blvd., Orlando
Cost: Ticketed event; $5 general admission
Anime fans, trading card collectors and cosplayers can browse Spooky Moonlight Market, a one-day Halloween event on International Drive. Vendors will offer Pokémon, One Piece and Lorcana trading cards, kawaii merchandise, local artwork, handmade goods and collectibles.
The event also advertises interactive activities and giveaways. Halloween costumes and cosplay are encouraged but not required.
The Happiest Market: The Market Floor
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 6–10 p.m.; ticketed VIP entry from 5–6 p.m.
Where: Island H2O Water Park, 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee
Cost: Free general admission; VIP entry costs extra. Free parking begins at 4:30 p.m.
The Happiest Market: The Market Floor brings more than 50 small shops to Island H2O for an evening of monster-inspired shopping (The Market Floor theme being a nod to the scare floor in “Monsters Inc.) Browse handmade goods, artwork, accessories, apparel and treats.
The evening market is separate from the water park’s daytime activities. Free market admission begins at 6 p.m. and does not include access to water attractions.
The Patch at Sunset Walk
When: Oct. 16–30, 2026
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission and parking; pumpkins cost extra
The Patch at Sunset Walk offers pumpkins, a children’s corn maze and fall photo opportunities featuring a tractor and scarecrow. Pumpkin purchases include paints and supplies for decorating on-site or at home.
Visitors can pair a stop at The Patch with the entertainment district’s restaurants, shops and nightly live music.
“Wicked” Oztacular Spectacular at Universal CityWalk
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from noon–7 p.m.
Where: CityWalk Plaza, in front of the Universal Legacy Store
Cost: Free event admission; parking fees apply. Food and merchandise cost extra.
Universal CityWalk hosts Oztacular Spectacular, a one-day celebration of “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good.” Activities include Glinda and Elphaba character meet-and-greets, singalongs, trivia, a Yellow Brick dance floor, costume and prop displays, and themed photo opportunities.
No theme park ticket is required.
Photo by Mikey @MagicCityMayhem
Trunk or Treat Car & Truck Show at Sunset Walk
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026; lobby activities 2:30–4 p.m., car show 4–8 p.m., candy distribution beginning at 5 p.m.
Where: Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
Cost: Free admission and parking
Start the afternoon with trick-or-treating, costume contests and photo opportunities in Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s hotel lobby. Then head outside for Sunset Walk’s seventh annual Trunk or Treat Car & Truck Show, featuring Halloween-decorated vehicles, live music and street performers.
Show car and truck owners begin distributing candy at 5 p.m., while supplies last.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
When: Daily through Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Epcot, 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Cost: Festival activities are included with admission; food and drinks cost extra
The 2026 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival continues with Global Marketplaces serving dishes and drinks inspired by six continents. The festival also includes Emile’s Fromage Montage, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and nightly Eat to the Beat concerts.
The new “Cheers to Cheese” exhibit and marketplace are now open at CommuniCore Hall, along with additional Global Marketplaces that debuted Oct. 2.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Here are five little changes to Epcot to know before you visit this year’s Food & Wine Festival, and our picks for the best (and worst) eats.
Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar at Disney Springs
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, through Monday, Nov. 9
Where: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, Disney Springs, 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Halloween arrives early at Disney Springs when Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar begins its seasonal overlay Aug. 11. The Indiana Jones-inspired waterfront bar adds Halloween décor and a limited-time menu featuring new items such as Candelabra Eggs and Midnight Mayhem Popcorn Chicken.
Disney Springs offers complimentary self-parking. More Halloween and fall treats and decorations arrive at Disney Springs on Aug. 11 as well.
Photo by Carly Caramanna
Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up at Disney Springs
When: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., daily through Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Town Center at Disney Springs, near Gateway to Discovery and the Disney Springs Welcome Center
Christmas arrives early at Disney Springs with the new Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up, featuring holiday merchandise inspired by Walt Disney World and the Hallmark Channel movie “Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.” Look for Disney-themed ornaments, plush, apparel, home goods and other holiday merchandise. An in-person virtual wait list may be used during busy periods.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Spirit Christmas in Winter Garden
When: Now open for the 2026 holiday season
Where: Winter Garden Village, 3049 Daniels Road, Suite 220C, Winter Garden
Spirit Christmas is now open in Winter Garden, with holiday decorations, gifts, apparel and animated characters. The seasonal store also features a Candy Cane Express train-themed display and a letter-writing station for Santa.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Shoppers can browse merchandise inspired by Disney, “Elf,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and other familiar characters. Families should be aware that the store also carries a Creepmas collection featuring horror-themed Christmas merchandise.
Halloween Spooktacular at The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
When: Oct. 5–31, 2026
Where: WonderWorks Orlando, International Drive
Cost: $37.99 adults (13+); $27.99 children (4–12) and seniors (60+); free for ages 3 and younger
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks gets a Halloween makeover throughout October with its Halloween Spooktacular. The seasonal version of the interactive magic and comedy show adds Halloween-themed surprises to the experience, which includes dinner during the performance.
Vampirates at Pirates Dinner Adventure
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; and Sunday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.; select nights through Oct. 31.
Where: Pirates Dinner Adventure, 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando
Pirates Dinner Adventure gets a Halloween makeover with vampire pirates, cursed treasure, sword fights, aerial stunts and audience participation. The 90-minute seasonal show includes a three-course dinner.
Halloween events at Orlando theme parks
The Halloween season is entering its final two weeks at Central Florida’s theme parks. From haunted houses and nighttime scares to daytime trick-or-treating for families, several seasonal events continue on select dates.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: The separately ticketed event continues at Magic Kingdom through Oct. 31, but tickets are sold out for the remaining dates.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida: Haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment continue on select nights through Nov. 1. Separate event admission is required.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando: Haunted houses, scare zones and nighttime entertainment continue on select nights through Nov. 1. Separate event admission is required.
SeaWorld Spooktacular: Family-friendly trick-or-treating, character encounters and Halloween activities continue on select dates through Nov. 1. Included with regular park admission.
Legoland Florida Brick-or-Treat: Halloween-themed entertainment, character encounters and trick-or-treating plus new Brick or Treat Street continue on select dates through Nov. 1. Included with regular park admission.
Gators, Ghosts & Goblins at Gatorland
When: Weekends, Oct. 10–25, 2026
Where: Gatorland, 4501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32837
Cost: Included with park admission: $34.99 adults (13+), $24.99 children (3–12), plus tax; free for ages 2 and younger.
For a uniquely Florida interpretation of Halloween, Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts & Goblins combines the park’s alligators and wildlife with costumes, characters, themed entertainment and family-friendly Halloween fun.
Looking ahead: Upcoming events near Disney World
Spooky Empire
When: Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive, Orlando
Cost: $40 – $80; most autograph sessions and photo opportunities cost extra
Spooky Empire brings horror, Halloween and pop culture fans together for a three-day convention on International Drive. Visitors can browse vendors, meet celebrity guests and explore the darker side of movies and entertainment.
Check the convention’s guest lineup, schedule and ticket options before purchasing, as appearances and activities vary by day.
Worth the drive: Maker Faire Orlando
When: Nov. 7–8, 2026, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days
Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds & Expo Halls, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Cost: Advance tickets start at $20 for adults and $15 for youth and students, plus fees; free on-site parking
Farther afield from Walt Disney World, Maker Faire Orlando is a bonus idea for visitors and locals willing to travel beyond the attractions area. The annual event features more than 250 exhibits across indoor halls and outdoor spaces, including hands-on workshops, combat robots, modified electric ride-on vehicle races, cosplay and prop-making demonstrations.
This year’s stage programming also includes conversations about theme park making. Children ages 2 and younger enter free, as do first responders, active military members and veterans with identification.
Things to do near Disney World without a theme park ticket
Weekly events are only the beginning. Multiple venues in Orlando are free to explore, and others are relatively affordable. For indoor fun, browse comics and collectibles at Gods & Monsters, tackle immersive missions at The Bureau Adventure Games or compete in TV-style challenges at Great Big Game Show—both are on International Drive.
The Florida Mall also offers more than shopping. Attractions Magazine reviewed the mall’s Fever Hub and “Titanic” virtual-reality experience, while Crayola Experience includes hands-on activities such as The Cartoon Creator.
These entertainment districts, parks and local attractions can be explored without purchasing theme park admission. Walking around may be free, but food, rides, shows, activities and some parking options cost extra.
Explore Disney Springs
Disney Springs is free to enter and offers complimentary standard self-parking. Beyond its restaurants and stores, visitors can find live entertainment, waterfront views and several overlooked things to do at Disney Springs.
Disney Springs parking information
Walk around Universal CityWalk
No theme park ticket is required to visit Universal CityWalk. Regular parking fees generally apply before 6 p.m. Free self-parking is available after 6 p.m. on nights that are not Halloween Horror Nights event nights.
Universal Orlando parking information
Visit Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America’s Orlando and Kissimmee parks offer free admission and free parking. Visitors can walk around, watch the rides or meet up with friends without buying an armband; rides, games and food are priced separately.
Fun Spot America visitor information
Explore International Drive
ICON Park and Pointe Orlando are both free to enter and walk around, with restaurants, shops and separately priced attractions.
- ICON Park provides free garage parking on floors 4-7. Premium parking is also available closer to the attractions.
- Pointe Orlando has a paid parking garage, with validation available from select businesses.
In this area, you can step onto a television-style set at Great Big Game Show, see Blue Man Group at ICON Park, attempt “Legend of the Yeti” at The Escape Game or try free-roaming virtual reality at Pointe Orlando.
Courtesy of Blue Man Group
Promenade at Sunset Walk
Promenade at Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando is free to explore and offers free self-parking. Its calendar regularly includes live music, artisan markets, car shows and other free events. Restaurants, attractions and valet parking cost extra.
Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town is an open-air entertainment district on U.S. 192 with shops, restaurants, rides, live music and recurring car shows. Admission is free. Free parking is plentiful Monday through Thursday, but the large overflow lot may charge on weekends.
Stroll through Celebration
Walk around Celebration Town Center, follow the lakeside paths or stop for a meal near Market Street. The district is free to explore and offers free parking, along with markets, concerts and seasonal community events.
Downtown Kissimmee
Historic downtown Kissimmee has locally owned restaurants and shops within walking distance of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The city operates three free public parking garages downtown.
Downtown Kissimmee parking information
Visit a free museum on U.S. 192
The Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum at 4155 W. Vine St. explores the area’s natural habitats, cattle and citrus industries, and early tourism. Admission is free, and the museum is currently open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., except for listed holidays. Visitors should verify hours before going.
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