Orlando theme parks and nearby attractions have already started their Halloween events. Seasonal activities await your children at nearly every theme park. If you have little ones, a daytime visit to any theme park is fun, however, if you want the scary screams and thrills, night-time is the best time at some parks, without the kids.
If your child wants to trick-or-treat in Orlando, you have 3 great alternatives:
- Walt Disney World’s “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” at Magic Kingdom
- SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular
- LegoLand’s Brick-or-Treat
On September 10, Walt Disney World’s “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” at the Magic Kingdom started. It will run on select days/nights through November 1. This Orlando theme park event lets children trick-or-treat in costume at various locations within the park. Nightly Halloween special events are scheduled, such as the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade, the nightly Happy HalloWishes fireworks display and other events just for children (and their parents). ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: Check out Cinderella’s Castle during the evening show. Is it a spell? Special merchandise and food items are available only during this special event too. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is perfect for children. It provides a wholesome fun activity that the entire family will enjoy. Tickets are required and are only available on certain nights. Visit Disney’s website for more information.
Every weekend now through the end of October, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place and is included with your admission. This Halloween event allows children to trick-or-treat and take part in other Fall-like activities within the Orlando theme park. Check out Penelope’s Party Zone and let your kids have fun dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish, as well as create sea-themed art and crafts. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: Enjoy a Spooktacular breakfast (additional fee) with Count von Count. This is a very fun and memorable meal for the entire family.
Children can trick-or-treat at LegoLand’s Brick-or-Treat event every Saturday and Sunday in October. Let your children wear their costumes and participate in fun activities such as a scavenger hunt with ghouls, ghosts and goblins. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: The world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern will be there, which makes a great backdrop for a memorable family photo. This Halloween event is perfect for children 12 years and under, especially if they like to build things.
September 27 through October 26, Busch Gardens features their annual Howl-O-Scream event on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am. 2013’s event features thirteen evils, such as “The Possessed” or “The Torturer,” where you’ll experience thrilling haunted houses and scare zones. Tickets at this Central Florida theme park Halloween event vary, as there are many “evil” upgrades. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: Check out the dinner & show fright feast for an additional $26 and receive other perks too. This event is not recommended for children.
It wouldn’t be Halloween at the Orlando theme parks without Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. This annual event started September 20th and runs through November 2 on select nights. This event is for adults. Visit all eight haunted houses in between spine-chilling street experiences and outrageous live shows. This year’s haunted houses include:
- Afterlife: Death’s Vengeance
- An American Werewolf in London
- Evil Dead
- Havoc 2: Derailed
- Resident Evil: Escape from Raccoon City
- The Cabin in the Woods
- The Walking Dead: No Safe Haven
- Urban Legends: La Llorona
The shows include:
- Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure
- Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute
Ticket prices vary with several upgrade options. You might even find special passes on sponsoring products.
ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: If you are looking for something fun to do on Halloween night, but prefer less-ghastly events, how about enjoying a chilling beverage at Capone’s Dinner & Show? This fantastic Orlando dinner show will host a costume contest on October 31, and their tickets are half price. Dress up for the fun and join Al and the gang. The cast will pick three winners from the crowd after the show and award them treats (without the tricks), such as cash prizes and Capone’s gift cards. This event is suitable for children, so choose your costume with care or the wise guys might deny your entry into the joint.
Whatever Orlando theme park or Halloween event you attend, be safe and enjoy.
