We fly out on 23rd October and have planned what I genuinely think is one of the best ways to experience Orlando if you love Disney, Halloween, Christmas AND Universal.

Our Itinerary ✨

🎃 1 night Fort Lauderdale

🚢 5 nights onboard the BRAND NEW Disney Destiny in a Balcony Cabin during Halloween on the High Seas

🏰 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Resorts

👻 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Halloween night

🎢 4 nights at Universal Endless Summer

It gives us a little bit of everything:

•⁠ ⁠cruise relaxation

•⁠ ⁠Disney magic

•⁠ ⁠Halloween atmosphere

•⁠ ⁠Christmas decorations

•⁠ ⁠and big Universal thrill rides!

Starting The Trip With A Cruise 🚢

One of the reasons I’m so excited about this itinerary is that we’re starting with the cruise before heading into the parks.

After a long flight, there’s honestly something so nice about slowing down for a few days first instead of jumping straight into early park mornings and 20,000 steps a day 😂

We’ll have time to:

✨ relax onboard

✨ enjoy the entertainment

✨ settle into holiday mode

✨ enjoy sea views from our balcony cabin

✨ and fully embrace Halloween on the High Seas!

The Disney Destiny feels PERFECT for spooky season too, with its darker heroes-and-villains theme and dramatic styling.

We’re also secretly hoping for some Nightmare Before Christmas fun onboard 👀🎃

Why This Time Of Year Is SO Special

If you know… you know 👀

Late October into early November is honestly one of the BEST times to visit Orlando because you get this amazing seasonal crossover that Disney adults absolutely live for 😂

One minute Magic Kingdom is full of:

🎃 pumpkins

👻 spooky music

🧡 autumn decorations

…and then almost overnight it transforms into:

🎄 giant Christmas trees

✨ wreaths and garlands

🎅 festive music

🍪 gingerbread smells everywhere

We’re lucky enough to be attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Halloween night itself before heading back into Magic Kingdom on 1st November to see the Christmas decorations!

Honestly, seeing Magic Kingdom dressed for Christmas for the first time each year feels genuinely emotional every single time 😂🎄

Thinking Of Recreating This Trip?

Halloween night is already sold out for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but if you wanted to recreate a similar itinerary, I’d recommend booking the 29th October party instead.

You’d still get all the amazing Halloween atmosphere while also getting to experience the Christmas transformation afterwards!

Then… Universal! 🎢

After Disney, we’re finishing the trip with 4 nights at Universal Endless Summer.

I actually LOVE splitting Disney and Universal rather than trying to cram everything together.

Universal has such a different energy:

🎢 huge thrill rides

🦖 VelociCoaster at night

🪄 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

🌃 incredible nighttime atmosphere

It feels like the perfect second half of the holiday.

Why I Recommend Split Stays

I know some people worry about moving hotels, but honestly split stays can completely transform a trip.

Instead of feeling like one long blur, each section of the holiday feels different:

🚢 cruise relaxation

🏰 Disney magic

🎢 Universal thrills

…plus you can take advantage of the free resort transportation, so saves you money!

It also lets you experience different hotels, different atmospheres and different locations without needing multiple trips.

Thinking About Planning Something Similar?

This kind of trip can be completely tailored depending on:

✨ budget

✨ how many park days you want

✨ whether you prefer Disney, Universal or both

✨ cruise length

✨ Halloween vs Christmas timing

And honestly? That October/November crossover period is one of my absolute favourite times to visit Orlando.

If you’d like help planning a Disney, Universal or cruise holiday — or combining all three like we are — feel free to get in touch 🎃🎄🚢