Orlando in September

UPDATED JULY 2024

Wondering what to do in Orlando? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’ve never been to Florida, there's no better place to start! The entertainment capital of the South is packed with everything from world-famous theme parks and waterparks to fantastic shopping destinations and museums. The city is also home to many beautiful parks and wilderness reserves to be discovered. Come autumn time, the area has a lot of exciting activities and events, so be sure to check those out! So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Wherever your interests may lie, there’s sure to be something for you.

Explore the Area

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In September, Orlando can get pretty hot, and well... humid. If you’re looking to get away from all of the heat, why not head over to the Orlando Museum of Art? Founded by a group of art enthusiasts in 1924, the institute works to bring seminal pieces to a broad audience. Upon entrance, visitors can view an impressive collection of over 2,400 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. These works span from the 18th to 20th century and come from a broad spectrum of acclaimed international artists. We recommend setting a good few hours aside for this one since there’s a lot to see here.

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Since Florida is known for its beautiful tropical weather, it only makes sense that the state is home to some of the best nature reserves just waiting to be explored. Part of Everglades National Park, the Disney Wilderness Preserve stands out for its entirely unique ecosystem. No, really – this habitat is the only one of its kind currently found on earth! A total nature lover’s haven, the park has over 1,000 species of plants and animals on-site. At the park, you can take scenic strolls or off-road buggy tours to learn more about the environment and the animals which thrive there. Just remember to wear your comfiest walking shoes!

Find Fun Activities

Looking for something a little different? Well, look no further than the Museum of Illusions! Breaking away from the typical museum experience, the institute offers a totally unique sensory experience where nothing is quite as it seems. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to explore over 50 immersive exhibits which play with motion, color, shape, and space to twist the mind. Fan favorites include kaleidoscopes and holograms and tilted and reverse rooms. Don't forget to bring your phone so you can capture some snapshots of the incredible exhibits!

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If you’re looking to get into the true Florida spirit, what better place to be than Repticon Kissimmee? Taking place in late September, this two-day reptile show is a total must for any animal lovers in the area. Held in over 50 cities and 20 states, the festival recognized as one of the biggest animal expos of its kind. At the event, you’ll be able to get up close with a wide array of exotic reptiles in a safe and considerate way. In addition, you can attend live seminars and demonstrations to learn more about the animals and the different habitats which they come from. As fun as it is engaging, the festival provides a totally one-of-a-kind experience to remember.

Those who are travelling with family might be interested in the next item on our list. Spanning over 50 acres of gorgeous greenery, Harry P. Leu Gardens is an unmissable sight any time of the year. Standing out from other green spaces in the city, these tropical gardens showcase a wide array of exotic plants, thanks to founders Mr. And Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who scoured the world for unusual vegetation to bring back from their excursions. In early September, the park transforms into a magical forest with its Fairy Doors exhibition. At the event, you’re tasked to spot the beautiful wooden doors hidden around the park on some of the centuries-old trees. Bringing magic to life, this event would make the perfect family day trip.

Relax!

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Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of September in Orlando is checking out the Lakeridge Wine and Cheese Festival. Now over 10 years old, the event celebrates local artisan vendors and outstanding winemakers on the beautiful grounds of their lush vineyard. Culinary offerings cover a wide variety of cuisines and can be meat and seafood-forward, though Lakeridge also offers many alternatives for those with special dietary requirements. Throughout the weekend, there are outdoor performances, activities, winery tours and wine tastings to be enjoyed. If the aim of the game is to spoil you, then the festival sure does its job.

If you want to indulge your inner foodie, then Magical Dining might just be the festival for you! Running the whole way throughout the month, this event gives diners the opportunity to try out some local favorites at lowered prices. Living up to its name, the event offers delectable dishes across a wide array of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a quiet romantic date spot, or something a little more casual, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Explore the best that the city has to offer, with no holding back! Oh, and the best part? For every magical meal bought, $1, is donated to charity, so everyone benefits.

Orlando is known as ‘’The City Beautiful’', and with good reason. Spend a day in the area, and it defies you not to fall in love with it. Fall is a fantastic time to visit since the crowds will have thinned out, whilst the weather will still be summery. The best things to do there run the gamut – it‘s just up to you to choose! Looking for great family day trips? Head the Museum of Illusions for the ultimate day of fun. Or, discover the city’s artsy side at the Orlando Museum of Art. If you’re an outdoorsy type, spend a day at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Whatever your pleasure, the city provides a wide array of attractions, activities, and festivals to be enjoyed. And now, you don’t have to miss a thing - to get the most out of your trip, try Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Orlando's Hidden Gems
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Orlando's Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path

Heading to a new city on vacation and seeing all experiencing all the top attractions is all well and good, but sometimes, you want to head off the beaten path and check out an area's hidden gems. Not only will you have smaller crowds and shorter queues, but it also gives you bragging rights when discussing said vacation with friends and family. That's why we're here to help. Check out our picks of Orlando's hidden gems, and get ready to blow people away. Including: Boggy Creek Airboat Tour Congo River Adventure Golf Gatorland Lion Country Safari and more! Boggy Creek Airboat Tour Orlando is known for many things; giant seaside properties, massive theme parks, and much more. But what Orlando also boasts is swamp land, and a lot of it. So, if you're in the city and want to see the side of it untouched by people, why not take an airboat tour of Orlando's swamps? With your expert pilot/guide in tow, you'll dash across murky waters in one of the most desolate places in America. Keep a camera or phone on hand because you'll need to take photos of alligators, turtles, birds, and many more species that call the swamp home. But let's be honest; the 'gators are the star of the show. If you want to almost guarantee you'll see them, you best take one of the earlier tours, because the best times to see them are before 10AM. Sure, that's an early start for a vacation, but it's worth it. Then when your tour ends, head to the gift shop for some 'gator-themed souvenirs. Congo River Adventure Golf There are many small joys in life. And while plugging a USB cable in the right way first-time is unarguably top of that list, right beneath it is mini golf. Nothing quite beats putting balls in holes without the pressure of impressing wealthy people. But have you ever mini-golfed in the Congo? No, of course not. Well, at Congo River Adventure Golf, you absolutely will. Featuring a full course of 18 challenging yet fun holes to overcome, you and some buddies will slowly work your way to the end, all the while surrounded by waterfalls, caves, and sneaky gorillas watching from behind rainforest. And, because it's in Orlando, you can also pet alligators, because of course you can. Congo River Adventure Golf is arguably one of Orlando's hidden gems, but it's absolutely worth a visit for a fun-filled afternoon. Gatorland What were we just saying about Orlando and alligators? While often overshadowed by the likes of Kennedy Space Center, SEALIFE, and a certain rodent-faced theme park, Gatorland may not be considered one of Orlando's hidden gems by locals or alligator enthusiasts. But for the rest of us, it probably is, and it more than earns its place on our list. For more than 50 years, Gatorland has brought the joy of alligators to the masses. And what joy is that, you ask? Well, you can watch a 'gator feeding frenzy at the Gator Jumparoo Show, watch death-defying shows of bravery at Alligators: Legends of the Swamp, and even pet some of the less-toothy animals at a petting zoo. There's plenty more to enjoy here, but you'll have to head there yourself to see it all. Lion Country Safari Orlando - and Florida in general - clearly has a love for wild and dangerous creatures. It must be from growing up so close to all them alligators. But the Lion Country Safari is 'gator-free, so if you're looking to see some exotic wildlife in their unnatural habitat - yes, including lions - then head on down for a rip-roaring time! You'll see giraffes, zebra, rhinos, and wildebeests all wandering around, doing what they do. And those are just some of the many wonderful beasts you'll encounter on your trip. Some will even come right up to your jeep, so prepare to snap some close-ups! And best of all, many people don't even know Orlando has a safari park, not only making it one of the city's hidden gems, but ensuring you won't have to queue for hours to see it all. Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour We're going back to the water for our next pic of Orlando's hidden gems, but we're getting a bit more up close and personal now. Sure, you can look beneath your feet on this Glass Bottom Boat tour, but why not take the plunge and go snorkeling instead? Hop aboard a 45-foot, fully-outfitted catamaran as you make your way to the not-so-famous Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges, where your ship will drop anchor and give you a chance to meet some sea life up close. Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and a range of colorful fish as they swim all around you. Whether you're a snorkeling pro or a complete newbie, you're more than welcome to put some kit on and get in the water, so don't let a lack of experience stop you! Just make sure you bring your camera, and preferably a waterproof one! Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Cruise And finally, we'll end our exploration of Orlando's hidden gems by exploring the world of those who can afford plenty of them. Yes, we're entering the world of the rich and famous, seeing where the money lives, and feeling deeply envious about the whole endeavor. Take this Millionaire's Row sightseeing cruise, and you'll board a luxury yacht to go and see luxury houses. You'll pass by Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, Millionaire's Row, and much more, and your multi-lingual guide will be on hand to tell you what you're looking at. No matter rain or shine, you'll be well-served thanks to a fully air-conditioned viewing platform below deck, snacks and drinks to tuck into, and, of course, plenty of rich people's houses to photograph. And those are our picks of Orlando's hidden gems! Of course, there's plenty more to Orlando than the lesser-known attractions. So, if you want to see all of the city's best bits for one low price, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you're in complete control.
Dom Bewley
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Best Time to Visit Orlando

A popular entertainment hub, Orlando draws in millions of visitors each year. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from iconic theme parks to fantastic cultural amenities, you’ll never be bored here. Whether you’re taking a selfie outside the iconic Cinderella Castle at Disney World, making a splash at Aquatica, or strolling through the winding walking trails of Kraft Azalea Garden, the City Beautiful promises a vacation to remember. But with so many draws also come some drawbacks – big crowds, high heat, and heavy price tags. If you’ve never visited before, you might just be wondering when it would be the best time to go. Thankfully, that’s what we’re here for! Keep scrolling to read through our comprehensive overview of when to make your way to Orlando! November - December Sure, the first thoughts that come to mind when you think of Orlando are sunny blue skies and high temperatures. But for those who are looking to beat the heat, the holidays are a great option. Though you’ll be miles more comfortable, the major attractions are still likely to be pretty busy (this is the holiday season, after all). Still, there’s a reason that so many are drawn towards visiting during this time of the year – during these months, the popular sites pull out all the stops for the holidays - and quite frankly, it couldn't be more magical. Some top things to do during this time of the year include: Disney Very Merriest After Hours - This event includes four hours of holiday festivities, including Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, as well as an exciting stage show. And as if that wasn’t enough, on select nights you can catch captivating ‘’snowfalls’’, transforming the park into a magical winter wonderland. International Festival of the Holidays - A fantastic celebration of culture, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays rings in the merriest time of the year with a global celebration of Christmas. Don’t miss out! Dazzling Nights - Thousands of lights bring Harry P. Leu Gardens to life purely for our enjoyment. Enjoy live music and interactive elements in this wonderful seasonal dreamland. October While the City Beautiful is enjoyable any time of the year, we especially love October. Though hurricane season isn’t quite over yet by this point, temperatures are a little lower than in the summertime, making it great for visiting outdoor attractions. The major plus of visiting during October is, of course, Halloween. If you’re anything like us, your favorite holiday incites total fear - and luckily, Orlando knows how to do it right. Of course, the theme parks go all out for this one – so much so that it’d be rude not to check them out. As for nightlife, the best Halloween events take place downtown. And for those who like to play it cool, you’ll find a lot of interesting and crafty festivals cropping up all across the city. Additionally, you can get great value on accommodation and activities during this time of the year. Some of the best things to do during October include: Oktoberfest – Who doesn’t love an Oktoberfest? Held each year in Avalon Park, this traditional Bavarian festival has a beer garden, live music, and plenty of food to go around. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a festive afternoon in Orlando. Disney After Hours Boo Bash – Held each year at Magic Kingdom, this three-hour-long event features seasonal entertainment, exclusive culinary offerings, and more. Don’t forget to dress up! January - February Another good time to visit Orlando is at the start of the year. If the city’s famous tropical weather is what concerns you about making the trip, then this is the coolest time to go. With lowered temperatures and drier weather, the period between January and February is an especially great choice for those who are planning to visit a lot of theme parks. We recommend packing clothes which you can layer with, since it can get pretty chilly in the evening, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. This is also a prime period to explore the city’s most iconic sites since it’s during the school term, and the area will be less crowded. Though there aren’t any holidays during these months, Orlando is one of those places where there is a lot happening all year round. No matter what you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic! September If crowds are your enemy, we recommend going in September. Sunseekers and adrenaline junkies alike will love this period since it's still hot-hot-hot, but without all of the hustle and bustle compared the that of peak tourist season. Since schools are back into action the first week of September, you’ll find that even the city’s most popular attractions are much quieter. We recommend packing summery clothing since it’s still likely to be warm and humid during September. Because it’s low season, this is one of the more affordable times to visit Orlando. Around this time of the year, you’ll be able to find some great deals for hotels, events and dining. Whether you’re travelling as a large group, a couple, or a solo traveller, September is a fantastic option for those looking to explore all of the city’s main draws. Some of our favorite things to do in September include: Fairy Doors Exhibit – Throughout the month of September, Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms into a magical forest with its Fairy Doors exhibit. At the event, you are tasked to spot the intricate wooden doors hidden around the park on some of the centuries-old trees. Lakeridge Wine and Cheese Festival – Kick back and relax at Lakeridge Winery with a wide variety of culinary offerings from local artisan vendors and of course, plenty of wine to go around! Orlando is truly a special place to visit. Boasting spectacular theme parks, wondrous nature attractions, and interesting cultural institutions, there’s never a shortage of awesome things to do here. To make the most out of your trip, it’s important to have structure. Remember – there's no single perfect time to visit, only a time that’s right for you. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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