+1 321-394-9361
Orlando’s theme parks pull out all the stops for their Halloween events. Whatever you are looking for from your Halloween celebrations, you’ll find a theme park event to suit you.
Here’s our run down of which of Orlando’s theme parks will really give you something to scream about!
Scream for sweets at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Magic Kingdom is hands-down the best Halloween event for children. From the magical Halloween themed parade, magical Disney character meet and greets, to the Halloween Trick or Treat events, this is a special time of year to visit Orlando’s most popular theme park.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights between August 15 and October 31. Your kids can collect candy as they go through the park. And you get to enjoy special shows, including the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, the Boo-to-You Parade and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks.
Guests of all ages are welcome to wear costumes, which is a special privilege for this event. You must purchase a separate ticket for the party; regular park admission or an annual pass does not grant entry. Guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm, while Magic Kingdom closes to day guests at 6pm on party nights. Tickets do sell out, so you need to buy them early, especially for dates in October.
Scream for the jump scares at Universal’s Horror Nights
This is the Halloween event that most of the White Rose Villas team has been waiting for all year! Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is the biggest event in Universal’s calendar and if you’ve ever been, you’ll know why. The late night atmosphere, the in-costume characters, the haunted houses and the jump scares will definitely have you screaming – part in fear, all in fun!
This year, Halloween Horror Nights invites you endure ten different haunted houses – including Fallout and Five Nights at Freddies. There’s also live shows, rides, scare zones and more.
We’re especially looking forward to the This Circus is Fire live entertainment, where a once-vibrant circus has festered into an unending nightmare – a sinister spectacle of pyro, aerialists and illusions – and the Masquerade: Dance with Death scare zone. Universal says, “Your First Dance May Be Your Last! You’re invited to a masquerade ball where blood thirsty vampires lurk behind ornate disguises. When their masks fall, you’ll be their prey.”
If you just can’t wait, watch this preview from Universal about what else you can expect!
The World’s Premier Halloween Event runs on selected nights from 29 August until 2 November, with tickets and packages on sale now (an Express Pass is available for these specially ticketed events). We recommend getting to the park at least 45 minutes ahead of the official opening at 6:30pm to make the most of your time – often, gates will open early. The event finishes at 2am.
If you doubt the intensity of the event, please note that universal does not recommend it for children under the age of 13. No costumes or masks are allowed.
Scream for something different
If you’d like to get in the Halloween state of mind with a slightly more wallet-friendly price tag (especially for the early bird tickets), there’s another option for horror fans: Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld in Orlando. Howl-O-Scream runs on select dates between September 5 and November 1, 2025.
Howl-O-Scream is a relative newcomer to Orlando’s Halloween scene. Although it can trace its origins back to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 1999, it didn’t come to SeaWorld until 2021. It’s a nighttime scare event with five haunted houses and six scare zones. We’re tempted by the new for 2025 Rave Yard. SeaWorld warns, “What looks like an abandoned cemetery is anything but quiet. The undead have taken over, turning crumbling tombstones into dance floors and mausoleums into neon-lit party zones. As the bass drops and the graveyard pulses with light, the dead rise for one reason only: to party forever. The music never stops. The dead never sleep. And if you’re not careful… you’ll be the next to join their eternal rave.”
You can also enjoy themed bar experiences and live shows. As with the Halloween special events at Orlando’s theme parks, Howl-O-Scream is not included within standard admission tickets. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed night event. However, early bird tickets have big discounts applied. Note, no costumes are allowed at this event either.
Scream for more!
Our team is always happy to offer advice about things to do in Orlando during your stay with us. Feel free to chat with us online, email us at reservations@whiterosevillas.com or pick up the phone for a chat.
USA: 321-710-8779
UK: 0333-332-1411
White Rose Villas is excited to announce that we are sponsoring the Bayside Football Club’s U-16 boys’ team.
Our logo will be on the players’ home and away kits for the 2025-2026 season.
Supporting the local community in Dalgety Bay
White Rose Villas UK operations are based in Dalgety Bay, Fife, in a beautiful corner of South East Scotland. Our owner’s son played at the Bayside Football Club for several seasons, so it’s an absolute privilege to be able to support this fantastic local team.
Bayside Football Club ran its first training session in Dalgety Bay Primary School hall on 3rd March 2003. In the twenty or so years since then, the club has expanded quickly.
Today, the club has 29 teams ranging from over 35’s to “the Minikickers” – the club’s youngest age group. There’s also a girls’ branch of the club, which currently has over 120 members.
The emphasis at the club is firmly on development and fun. It welcomes all children regardless of ability. The teams are coached and run by 80 dedicated volunteers and club officials whose main objective is supplying affordable football for all families.
Looking forward to the 2025-2026 season
Shaun Glass is the assistant coach and team secretary for the boys’ U-16s side for which White Rose Villas is sponsoring the kit. He’s been coaching the same group of lads since they were five or six years old and has been part of their progress through the age groups.
“Our club is a community club that caters for children from all backgrounds,” says Shaun. “So having White Rose Villas sponsor the shirts is really important. We give the boys a fresh set of home and away kit at the start of every season. Having White Rose Villas sponsor the kit means the funds we do have can be used to support our players in other ways. It’s really important to us.”
The U-16 boys’ team was promoted to the first division of the local Fife league in 2024. The 2024/25 season has been challenging, but the team have stepped up and we managed to finish a respectable 4th place in the 1st division. The 2025-2026 season is anticipated to be a very exciting year for the team.
“We have finished in the top half of the league for the 2024-2025 season,” says Shaun. “Next year, we have even bigger ambitions! We want to win the local league.”
The team has also just played in the Edinburgh Cup during the off-season. The new kit arrived ready for those matches to be played in August. As well as playing in the Fife League, the team will also play in the Scottish Cup next season – starting this coming weekend. We wish the team luck!
Shaun says, “The sponsorship from White Rose Villas is really important to the team. It helps us in our mission – not just to promote the sport and the health and wellbeing of the individual players, it’s good for the health of the community.”
Special offer for Bayside coaches, parents and supporters
To celebrate our sponsorship of the boys’ U-16 team, White Rose Villas has a special offer code for Bayside Football Club coaches, parents and supporters.
Use BAYSIDE$150OFF when you checkout to receive a $150 credit on each booking for every 7 nights you book with us.
Shaun says, “I’ve actually stayed at a White Rose Villas property in Orlando when we met some of our South African friends in Florida. The home was very high quality, with all the amenities. Our South African friends were very impressed with the vacation home. It was well located. The service was good all around. And Disney and Universal were within striking distance!”
Sean and his family and friends stayed at Grande Villa
White Rose Villas Operations Director, Lisa Ellis, says, “It’s an absolute privilege to sponsor the Bayside team. My son Isaac played at Bayside for several years so I understand just how important the club is to our local community. It’s wonderful to be able to give something back and I wish the team and all the players a great season! I’m looking forward to seeing their progress.”
She adds, “The discount we’re offering is just another way to celebrate our sponsorship of the team’s kit and say thank you to the coaches, parents and supporters who give up their time week in, week out.”
How to use your exclusive offer code
It’s easy to use your Bayside offer code when you book with White Rose Villas.
Step one
Step two
Book a vacation for 7 nights or more.
Step three
Add BAYSIDE$150OFF at checkout.
Step four
Get a $150 credit on your booking for every 7 nights you book with us.
Find out more about Bayside FC
You can find out more about the Bayside football club on its website.
Or follow the club’s Facebook page.
We’ll keep you updated about the progress of the boys’ U-16 team as the 2025-2026 season progresses.
Follow the White Rose Villas Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss any of the updates.
Fancy a Florida vacation?
Universal’s EPIC Universe is now open – and, according to one of our homeowners, is the most exciting opening in Orlando this year.
Our White Rose Villas homeowner Pauline Upson shares her view on what makes EPIC so, well, EPIC… and why it should be top of your Orlando to-do list this summer!
“Even as a Disney fan, I have to tell you that EPIC absolutely blew me away!” says Pauline.
Pauline, what are your first impressions of the new EPIC Universe?
“I was lucky enough to visit EPIC Universe at the start of May during one of the park Previews. I subscribe to the Universal blog so, when I saw there were preview tickets available, I bought two – one each for my husband and me.
“EPIC is completely unbelievable! Everything – from the organisation, to the theming and the phenomenal attention to detail. It is like nothing else! It is miles ahead of all the other parks!”
What did you like most about Universal EPIC Universe?
“How to Train Your Dragon is one of my favourite films, so I loved the How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk. It looks just like the films and is incredibly well done.
“Isle of Berk is not a big area, although it feels more spacious than it is. We had dinner in the Great Hall, which was wonderful. I recommend that sharing platter – it could feed several people. It also has some great rides. And the show is spectacular.”
What did your husband like most about Universal EPIC Universe?
“He loves the existing two Universal Parks already – probably because he doesn’t have to wait for me to swap Disney pins! I am an avid collector! The Universal Parks tend to attract an older demographic and they feel a bit more relaxed. He enjoys the atmosphere. I think he also liked that he could wander around with a beer in EPIC Universe, which is something you can’t do in some of the other, dry parks.
“My husband is into classic horror. So he really enjoyed the Dark Universe area of the park. We visited the Burning Blade pub, which feels very authentic – like a seventeenth century British tavern – and you can see traditional horror characters like Frankenstein. It had a really good cocktail menu, so I enjoyed a cocktail there while my husband had a beer. My cocktail was delicious, bright green and served in a Bunsen burner flask!”
Do you have any advice for anyone planning to visit Universal EPIC Universe?
“I would start at Dark Universe on the far side the park. EPIC Universe is built around an artificial lake, so most people start by visiting the worlds at either side of the entrance, depending whether they choose to make their way clockwise or anticlockwise around the park.
“I’d suggest making your way back to the worlds close to the entrance in the middle of the day, as they are likely to be a bit quieter.”
What did you think of the new Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts “Ministry of Magic” world?
“I think we were very lucky when we went to the preview because the queues in the Ministry of Magic world were not that big. The world building is unbelievably good and there is a lot more to see in that section of the park than just the ride.
“We really enjoyed the Le Cirque Arcanus show. It is very cleverly done with a mix of live performers, puppets and videography. I can’t say too much about it as I don’t want to give away all the surprises – but it is very clever. The special effects are amazing: you come face to face with fantastic beasts!
“Although we were lucky with the queues when we visited, it’s worth noting that you can’t use your Lightning Pass on the Ministry of Mayhem ride. The lines can be as long as seven hours! We waited for over two hours, but the time went very quickly because there is lots to see and do while you are queueing. There are characters and little shows to keep you occupied.
“I’d suggest going to the Ministry of Mayhem ride after four o’clock when the lines tend to be a bit shorter. Even then, be prepared to queue for two to three hours.”
You’ve said you loved the How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk. What about that world most impressed you?
“I loved the character meet and greets in How to Train Your Dragon. And it was amazing to see the dragons. I was really overwhelmed to see the show and the dragons flying about! Some of the dragons are enormous. It blew me away. I couldn’t believe that something so huge could move so gracefully.
“It was well and truly EPIC – and outstripped all my expectations!”
What did you think of the Nintendo world?
“Be prepared! It’s very visual. It’s like being in the middle of a computer game! Obviously, it is designed for younger children and it was very busy when we visited. The queues were huge! It was the one area where we didn’t get to go on any rides. The lines were longer in the Nintendo world that they were for the Harry Potter rides when we visited.
“If you want to enjoy the Nintendo world, I would definitely recommend that you purchase a Lightning Pass.”
What advice can you offer anyone considering visiting Universal EPIC Universe to help them get the most out of their day?
“Whenever you visit any park, it’s really important to stay hydrated. So I’d suggest buying a refillable mug. This way, you can enjoy soft drinks as you travel around the park. It’s a good way to keep costs down and you get a souvenir to take home at the end of the day.
“Another important consideration when visiting Universal EPIC Universe is that it isn’t near the other two Universal Parks. Although there is a shuttle bus linking the parks, EPIC Universe is a considerable distance away. We had been planning to eat at Universal City Walk after visiting EPIC Universe. However, when we got back into our car at the end of the visit, the last thing we wanted to do was drive over to the other parks.
“I’d definitely advise that when you visit EPIC Universe, you plan to eat at EPIC Universe. And, although you could in theory travel between the parks on your day entrance ticket, I would advise planning to stay all day at EPIC.”
What else should people know before they go?
“In the Harry Potter World it can get busy in the shops. That’s because the Ministry of Magic world has some exclusive Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise that you can’t get in either of the other two Universal parks.
“The other thing that really impressed me about EPIC Universe was the amount of thought that Universal has put into making the park enjoyable during adverse weather. In most of the parks, especially Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the rides close when it is raining. However, in EPIC Universe there remains a lot to do. You’re not going to be huddling in a shop waiting for the rain to stop!
“You could do the Harry Potter ride or the Frank’s Manor show or the Ministry of Magic Cirque de Arcanus show. You’ve got a lot of options.
“The other thing I really liked about EPIC Universe is the fact there are plenty of rest places where you can sit down and take a break – and not just in the food courts.
“Finally, I recommend taking a moment as you go into each land. Pause and look at the gate. The gates have moveable screens, like a video projection, and they really set the tone for the world you are about to enter.
“All in all, I have to say that EPIC is aptly named!”
Has Pauline inspired you?
If you’d like to know more about Universal EPIC Adventure, you can discover more on our blog: EPIC News: Enjoy an EPIC adventure in Orlando!
If you’re ready to book a vacation to Orlando, check out our homes here: Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas
To book Pauline’s beautiful home: Balmoral Breeze – White Rose Villas
Why families should book a vacation home
Orlando has some of the world’s best amusement parks. And the best way for families to experience them is by booking a vacation home close to the parks. Here’s why!
#1. The parks are tiring
Long days, packed with excitement and miles of walking… Orlando’s amusement parks are great days out. But they’re long days out. And they are tiring days out.
There’s nothing better than being able to escape to the privacy of your own vacation home at the end of the day. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape and unwind together.
#2. Your own private pool
All of our vacation homes have a private pool. Many of them also have a jacuzzi. You can relax while the kids play. It’s a simple, quiet joy you simply can’t get in the parks.
#3. You can schedule some down days
Between days at the parks, you can relax and chill out at home, by the pool, or with your kids’ favorite shows playing on TV. It’s easy. It’s relaxing. It’s how your vacation ought to be…
#4. Space to play
Having your own space gives you the freedom to keep the kids amused in simple, fun ways. Why not build them a den? Or play a board game? Enjoy a few peaceful moments without all the high-octane energy and expense of the parks.
#5. Get together at your “home away from home”
Many of our vacation homes have games rooms and/or movie rooms, so you can get together and create some lasting family memories.
#6. Your kids can have their tantrums without the audience!
After your kids have met their heroes and you’ve finally managed to tear their tired little selves from the always-on magic of the parks, to say they can get a little overwrought is something of an understatement.
Isn’t it so much better to be snuggled in the comfort of your own vacation home when the inevitable meltdown comes? Surround them with all their familiar comforts, put on a Disney movie, prepare their favorite snacks, read them a story, whatever they need – all in your own time and in your own space.
#7. It’s a great excuse to broaden your horizons
It’s easy to focus all your attention on Orlando’s amusement parks, but Florida is so much more than that!
The state boasts some of the best beaches in the world. And some of the most wonderful natural parks in the country. Staying in a vacation home can be an impetus to go further afield. Explore!
#8. Mac’n’cheese is on the menu
Having your own kitchen facilities isn’t only a great way to keep the costs down. It’s also super convenient for preparing healthy snacks and making sure your fussy eaters can enjoy the home comforts they love.
No need to dress for dinner. Eat at a relaxed time and place to suit you.
#9. Make an occasion of it
Our vacation homes come with concierge service – so you can order in birthday baskets or other treats if you wish. We even partner with a caterer if you want to give everyone the night off!
#10. Your space is your own
In a vacation home, you really can kick back and relax in a way that is impossible in a hotel room. Spread out. Kick back. Enjoy.
Book your own Orlando family vacation!
If you’d love nothing more than to spend some quality time with your family while enjoying all that Orlando has to offer, please:
Browse our homes now.
St Patricks Day celebrates St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It’s a day to wear green and celebrate your love of all things Irish!
It’s a big day in the USA since many Americans have a claim to some Irish ancestry.
But how should you celebrate St Patrick’s Day? If you’re visiting Orlando today, on 17th March, why not try some of these ideas? Head over and join the revelries!
Raglan Road at Disney Springs
The party is already in full swing over at Disney Springs. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant kicked off its annual St Patrick’s Day festival on Friday 14 March, with events and celebrations through until today.
The Irish themed pub serves up traditional and contemporary Irish dishes made with the finest local ingredients. Feast on hearty favourites like bangers & mash, fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, boxty potato pancakes and braised beef short ribs. And, of course, you can enjoy a pint of Guinness or an Irish whisky.
On St Patrick’s Day, you can enjoy the St Patrick’s Day celebration atmosphere with live Irish dancing performances during the day and then with live music later into the evening.
View the performance list here.
Mulligans in Celebration
Mulligans Irish Pub on Blake Boulevard in Celebration, too, has been partying all week in preparation for today. The Irish pub in the charming lakeside town of Celebration has been winding up to St Patricks Day with a series of events from Monday 10th March.
Sadly, it’s located away from the downtown Celebration area, but it’s close to the Publix supermarket at Water Tower Shoppes. You can read more about its St Patrick’s Day events here.
Today, you can head over there to enjoy a pint of Guinness in a convivial atmosphere before the party kicks off at 5pm with a live DJ.
The Harp and Celt Restaurant in downtown Orlando
If you’re willing to venture as far as downtown Orlando, you can check out The Harp and Celt Restaurant and Pub, which has been serving up Irish hospitality in Orlando for some 15 years.
Since 2007, The Harp and Celt has been pouring the perfect pints of Guinness and cooking up classic Irish dishes, like Irish stew, fish and chips and traditional Irish breakfasts, from its Magnolia Avenue location.
The Magnolia Avenue part of downtown Orlando is known for its lively atmosphere, with bars, restaurants, and cultural spots like theatres and galleries. The area is popular for its nightlife and events, so it can be bustling and energetic depending on the area and time of day.
St Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to explore the area while enjoying some authentic Irish hospitality.
St Patrick’s Day at SeaWorld
If you have little ones with you or you would simply prefer the slower pace of a more family-oriented event, SeaWorld has an option for you. There, you can enjoy a little of the St Patrick’s Day spirit as part of your park admission.
The SeaWorld Orlando St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is a lively and family-friendly event that takes place as part of the park’s Seven Seas Food Festival. The event is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all ages, making it a great outing for families.
SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival runs from January 31 to May 4, 2025, on select dates. It features over 190 internationally inspired dishes, along with a variety of wines, craft beers and cocktails. There’s also live music and concerts from popular artists every weekend, included within the park admission. The festival incorporates themed events like Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day.
This year, the St Patrick’s Day festivities run from March 13–17 and March 20–23, 2025.
The heart of the celebration is the Irish Market Plaza where you’ll discover live Irish music, stilt walkers and vibrant entertainment throughout the day. You can enjoy live performances from talented musicians and performers who bring the spirit of Ireland to life with traditional melodies and dances. Dig into some traditional Irish cuisine, with classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and themed drinks such as the Shamrock Sour.
Happy St Patrick’s Day!
We hope we’ve inspired you with some St Patrick’s Day ideas… However you are celebrating, we wish you a very happy St Patrick’s Day!
If we’ve whetted your appetite for a March 2026 stay – so you can enjoy Orlando’s St Patrick’s Day festivities next year – browse our homes and book here!
Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas
We are now more than halfway through our Advent 12 Days of Christmas prize draw challenges and we would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and participation.
Thank you for your support
The team is absolutely delighted by the results so far. We’ve seen great comments, brilliant answers to our challenges and some wonderful photos. Thank you to everyone who has shared and joined in.
For those of you who haven’t posted yet – there’s still time. We’re running challenges every two days right up to the 22nd December.
And you can keep answering and commenting and sharing photos to all of the challenges until the 23rd December.
Engagement leads to bookings
The great news is that during the period which we’ve run the promotion so far, we’ve increased the followers of the White Rose Villas Facebook page from just over 300 to over 400. That’s an increase of more than 25 percent!
This is an amazing achievement and testament to all your wonderful comments and contributions. So thank you.
We know that the more engagement we have, the more we can drive traffic to our site and, ultimately, the more bookings we will receive for your homes. Your engagement will benefit us all over the long term.
A wonderful response
This is the first time that White Rose Villas has run a holiday promotion. It has been an ambition of ours to run a promotion like this for some time. We have been blown away by the response.
We are really looking forward to the prize draw when we’ll be announcing our winners. There will be more details to follow on this soon – so stay tuned to our Facebook page!
Please continue to support our marketing efforts and join in the holiday spirit by answering our challenges! Keep the photos rolling in – they are fantastic. And please share the posts on your own feeds and with your own friends and family so that we can reach as big an audience as possible.
Thank you.
This autumn season, the Orlando theme parks are determined to keep guests safe without spoiling the fall fun! You can continue to enjoy the fantastic Halloween events and seasonal surprises. First up is SeaWorld, where the annual Spooktacular opens today.
SeaWorld Spooktacular
There have been some changes this year, with new socially distancing measures in place. COVID secure safety measures have been implemented across the parks, with staff checks, hand sanitising stations, and mask wearing all designed to keep you safe.
Please remember: we all need to follow the guidelines and keep ourselves and others safe.
Meanwhile, there is still plenty of ghostly trick-or-treat fun and a feast of candy this Halloween!
SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is running on Saturdays and Sundays, from September 19th through November 1st.
It’s included in park admission and this year your little ones can look forward to:
- A trick-or-treat trail bursting with candy and adventure
- A special Halloween breakfast with Sesame Street friends
- Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster
- Halloween Maze
- Meet a Mermaid
All park attractions have the necessary measures, enhanced cleaning procedures and physical distancing in place, to ensure everyone can still have a fun-filled experience with peace of mind.
Because of this, there have been some changes to the Trick-or-Treat Trail this year:
- Costumed youngsters go through in a single direction, with limited capacity, so they can have loads of fun whilst staying safe.
- At the entrance to the Trick-or-Treat trail guests must purchase a new reusable bag, from an assortment available, in order to prevent contact between individuals.
For the Grown-ups: Flicks & Frights
This year, you can enjoy a spooky film night under the stars at SeaWorld.
This is a brilliant drive-in experience! With a nostalgic twist, you can enjoy a classic Halloween movie from the comfort and safety of your car. There’s also local food trucks to visit before the feature. It’s $40 to park your vehicle and for all seated passengers to view the movie.
Saturdays, Sept. 19 – Oct. 31 and Friday, Oct. 23 & 30
Family-friendly Halloween film: 7:45 p.m.
Fright-filled Halloween film: 10:30 p.m.
Book your Halloween fun now!
While we now prepare to enjoy our much-loved theme parks in this different environment, we can still experience and enjoy the magic.
You can find out more about SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular here.
If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy a visit to SeaWorld Orlando or any of the fun-packed fall events that are happening in central Florida and its wonderful attractions this year, please check out our homes here.