Florida’s spooktacular Halloween events

If I asked you to describe a typical Halloween event, immediately your mind is drawn to the modern American traditions of trick-or-treating, parades and pumpkin-carving that dominate US TV and films set around the autumn festival. So where better to celebrate Halloween and all its ghoulish fun, than in Orlando, the self-proclaimed ‘Halloween Vacation Capital’?

In 2017 Orlando topped a poll of destinations for AAA travellers in the autumn season, and it’s not hard to see why. Halloween is a massive event in Orlando, and the themed celebrations and festivities aren’t confined to just the 31st October, but are spread across more than ten weeks leading up to, and following, the actual day! The Halloween experience here is catered to all age ranges – with family-friendly spooky fun sitting alongside more spine-tingling and terrifying experiences for thrill-seeking teens and adults.

A wide-ranging variety of events that go bump in the night are to be found in all of the major theme parks, as well as in various venues across the wider city. So creep it real, and read on to delve into this selection of attractions and events that you can experience this Halloween…

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

at Magic Kingdom, select nights 17th Aug - 31st Oct 2018

For the younger members of your party or even just big kids of all ages, one way that you can kick-off the frightful-festive-fun is to experience Halloween the Disney way, at Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. On select dates throughout August to October, you can add some Disney magic as you dress up as your favourite character or sparkle in a suitably spooktacular outfit for this special ticketed event. Halloween wouldn't be complete without trick-or-treating, so make sure that the little ones collect sweets and goodies as they make their way around the park in the company of some of Disney’s most iconic characters and villains. You can even dare to scare as you attend the Scream-o-Ween Dance Party with Monsters, Inc. stars such as Mike and Sulley!

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular

at SeaWorld Orlando, weekends 22nd Sept - 28th Oct 2018

For more seasonal fun why not have a splashing great time at SeaWorld? Included in the regular entry price, and running every weekend from 22nd September-28th October, SeaWorld provides plenty of family-friendly fun for their Halloween Spooktacular. Here you will get the chance to meet with all of your Sesame Street favourites, including Elmo, Cookie Monster and the Count as well as seeing live shows, attending a Halloween Dance Party and enjoying sea-themed trick-or-treating.

LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat

at LEGOLAND Florida, weekends 6th Oct - 31st Oct 2018

If you build it, they will come at LEGOLAND Florida. Fortunately the fangtastic Halloween characters at LEGOLAND’s annual Brick or Treat event are full of kooky spooky fun and are not scary! Trick-or-treating is again on the menu, along with meet and greets with various Lego characters and a themed firework spectacular every evening, and what’s more, all this is included in the regular park ticket.

Halloween Horror Nights

at Universal Studios, select nights 14th Sept - 3rd Nov 2018

If you are travelling in a group with older children or adults and don’t scare easily, then maybe a visit to the award-winning Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is up your fog-shrouded alley! As maniacal and blood-curdling screams fill the air, ramp up the fear factor as you listen out for things that go bump in the night and find yourself immersed in some truly iconic horror moments from the history of scary films. This year includes a haunted house where the terrifying characters from 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat reside.

You’ll have a scream of a time as you try to keep your wits about you and avoid the mutants, monsters and murderous maniacs who are roaming the streets of the resort, before getting on board the park’s rides or heading inside even more horrifying haunted houses and spine-tingling scare zones.

Howl-O-Scream

at Busch Gardens, select nights 21st Sept - 28th Oct 2018

Howl-O-Scream is returning for another terrifying year with tormenting surprises and unexpected scares around every corner. This adult-targeted event transforms Busch Gardens into a late-night party with haunted houses, scare zones and a live show. Florida’s top thrill rides will also be open for you to ride in the dark. You won’t be able to escape as the streets will be swarmed with hundreds of roaming creatures, so get ready for guts, gore and seriously sinister fun!

A Petrified Forest

Located in Altamonte Springs, weekends 6th Oct - 4th Nov 2018

If you travel north of Orlando International Airport you will reach the site of A Petrified Forest in Altamonte Springs; which is a truly terrifying outdoor trail for only the bravest of thrill seekers. On the site’s special Total Eclipse Nights, you are bound to be running scared as you venture after-dark in small groups with just one glow stick to light your way through a haunted forest trail, teeming with horrifying monsters and creepy creatures. Hold onto your glow stick – the monsters might steal it away leaving you to find your way to safety in the dark!

If you don’t want to be too scared, you can always head behind the scenes for the backstage tour, where you can meet the actors and even participate in some scaring yourself! There are also kid-friendly days so younger visitors needn’t miss out, with trick-or-treating, costume contests, a bouncy castle and more.

Spooky Empire Convention

at Caribe Royale Orlando hotel, 26th - 28th Oct 2018

Stepping outside of the theme parks, you will still find plenty to see and do this Halloween in Orlando. Not least of all, the annual Spooky Empire Convention at the Caribe Royale Orlando hotel on World Center Drive, running 26th-28th October. This is the ultimate attraction for fans of Comic Con and the horror genre, with visitors flocking from all over the world just to be a part of it. On the bill is the chance to meet with your favourite horror film and TV stars, including The X-Files’ David Duchovny (who is making his first appearance at the convention) and many more, buy memorabilia and collectables from vendors and trade dealers, see new and classic horror films, go on a zombie walk or even get a tattoo from one of the best artists around.

Zombie Outbreak

Located on International Drive

OK, so this isn’t strictly a Halloween-only experience, but it unashamedly fits in with the theme of the festival. Zombie Outbreak on International Drive is an interactive and immersive live-action experience where you will need to be prepared for the zombie apocalypse! Use state-of-the art military equipment to clear a base full of marauding zombies and escape with your life!

So, why not book a trip to Orlando this Halloween and face your fears of the monsters, ghosts and ghouls you will come across? You are sure to be saying ‘fangs for the lasting memories’!