SeaWorld’s spooktacular Halloween event for the little ones

Included in the regular admission price and running all-day on weekends from September 22nd to October 28th, a trip to SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is bound to be magical fun for all of the family!

Along with all of the regular SeaWorld rides and attractions there are additional Halloween touches that make this an extra-special day out. Although there are plenty of spook-filled events lined-up across the city and the theme parks, if you have younger guests in your party then SeaWorld’s non-scary offering is sure to fit the bill. Unlike the celebrations at other theme parks, which start in the evening, SeaWorld has entertainment on throughout the day, which makes it perfect for those with young children who could become little terrors if they are up too late!

What to see and do during this spooktacular event

Start the day the Sesame Street way, with Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast. This is an extra paid-for event, costing $29.99 per adult (those aged 10+), and $14.99 for kids between the ages of 3 and 9 (NB prices don’t include tax); children under 3 go free! A buffet breakfast is available, including tasty offerings such as sugar-glazed ham, sausages, waffles, gluten free options and much more. You even get the chance to meet with your favourite Sesame Street characters, and get a photo or two! Every diner receives a reserved seat to the first Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween of the day, which is a fun-filled stage show.

Tickets to Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast can be bought through the SeaWorld website >

The count feels lonely this Halloween so the audience and his Sesame Street friends – including Elmo and Abby – need to cheer him up! There will be plenty of singing and dancing (including bone-shaking moves from some on-stage skeletons) in this interactive show at the Seaport Theatre. As mentioned, if you have the Spooktacular Breakfast you will get reserved seating, however, you don’t need this to be able to get good seats. If you don’t mind arriving at least 20 minutes before the show starts, you should have no problem getting in, and there are several shows throughout the day. If your kids want to meet the Sesame Street characters they will also get the chance after the Countdown to Halloween show, so join the queue as quickly as possible to avoid long waits!

More meet and greets await as you go trick-or-treating around the park; look out for dressed-up characters that you can snap a photo with as you track down tasty goodies for your bag! The search for sweet treats is a big part of the Halloween celebrations, and SeaWorld doesn’t skimp on the fun here; sea-themed trick-or-treat stations are scattered round the park, where popular American sweets, including Tootsie Rolls, are available. Trick-or-treating isn’t just for children either; adults are welcome to get their fill of yummy sweets, and if anyone has allergies you can check with the park’s employees to make sure you get a supply of suitable goodies!

TIP: If you plan to stock up on sweets, you might want to do it nearer the end of your visit, as you will have less to carry around with you, which is always handy – and you probably don’t want the children eating too many as they go around the park. Don’t worry, SeaWorld won’t run out of sweets!

If your kids have had a bit too much sugar and you want them to burn off some of that extra energy, then head over to Penelope’s Garden Party, where a live DJ and plenty of crafting opportunities await, situated on the Bayside Pathway. This colourful underwater-themed party also features plenty of singing, dancing and hosted play activities.

For more fun and dancing you won’t want to miss the culmination of the day’s festivities – the Halloween Dance Party, which starts an hour before the park closes, at the Village Square in the front of the park. Surrounded by floating bubbles your children will celebrate and line dance with the undersea friends that they have met in the park throughout the day!

Fancy dress at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular

Dressing up for Halloween at SeaWorld is optional, though if you want to go all-out and get into the seasonal spirit you won’t be alone!

There are a few rules on costumes – if you are 13 or older you won’t be allowed to wear masks or hoods, and face painting on any guest must only have been done by one of the park’s artists.

TIP: If you do decide to dress up, you might want to consider bringing a change of clothes, as even though it is the autumn, it can get very hot in Orlando, which might be a problem if you are wearing heavy, layered costumes and make-up for an extended length of time.

If you are planning on attending the Halloween Spooktacular it is worth arriving as early as possible. This is a popular event, and you want to be able to park your car easily, and make the most of your day. Although it doesn’t reach the same levels of ‘busy’ that you will find at Disney or Universal, as with any of these theme parks it makes sense to have a plan before arriving; which rides and shows do you want to prioritise? SeaWorld have an app – the SeaWorld Discovery Guide, which is available on both Apple and Android platforms, which provides a map and show times – or you can look on the SeaWorld website for the same information, which is essential when planning your day.

Whatever you decide to do at SeaWorld over the Halloween period you are sure to have a fang-tastic day out! Do you have any handy tips that you can share with other travellers to make the most of their day? Let us know how many characters you manage to get photos with during the Halloween Spooktacular – we’d love to see them!