Florida may not have crisp fall mornings, changing leaves or apple picking, but it has the best Halloween attractions in the country. We’re definitely not biased or anything.
As the theme park capital of the world, there are of course spooky and not-so-scary events happening at all of Central Florida’s major parks. But there are also a number of haunted trails and drive-ins, immersive spooky carnivals, and attractions filled with Florida wildlife. In fact, there’s a little something Halloween for everyone, so here are our top picks for candy and treats in Orlando and beyond.
Theme park haunts
Universal Orlando is hosting arguably the biggest Halloween event in the state – Halloween Horror Nights.
The very spooky after-hours event features 10 haunted houses, half a dozen scare zones and live entertainment themed around hit IPs and original scary stories.
The most popular houses at this year’s event include The last of us, inspired by the legendary Playstation game, and Stranger Things 4. There is also a Exorcist: believer house, which is a heartbreaking presentation of the trailer for the upcoming film.
Beyond the fears, there are lots of inspired dishes plus some liquid courage for the night – from cordyceps corndogs and Surfer Boy Pizza to rations of FEDRA ravioli and the monstrosity that is Dr. Oddfellow’s “evil” dog.
And while you’re wandering around the Vamp 69 scare zone or waiting in line for twisted tater tots, be on the lookout HHN Fans Exchange Creepy Friendship Bracelets. Halloween Horror Nights 32 runs on select nights through November 4.
Down the street at SeaWorld Orlando, the park has brought back a mermaid-themed statue. Howl-O-Scream. There are five haunted houses, as well as numerous scare zones and roaming scare actors, two live shows and several themed bars. One of the coolest aspects of SeaWorld’s Halloween event is that many of its attractions are themed around sea creatures and water theme park sections. There are spooky mermaids and pirates, a Carn-Evil pier, a haunted tavern, and attractions inspired by the horrors of the freezing Arctic. Scream-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando runs on select nights through October 31.
Family rate
Although Disney World isn’t known for being spooky, its Halloween events are still popular. Magic Kingdom hosted Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party since the beginning of August. The separately ticketed event is a Disney-style Halloween blast with costumed characters, in-park treats, themed snacks and drinkslive entertainment and a grand finale fireworks display.
One of the most popular parts of the event is the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, whose stars include the Haunted Mansion happy places and the Headless Horseman. This event is also the only one where guests can meet Jack and Sally Skellington from A nightmare before Christmas. The party runs on select nights until November 1st.
During the day, Magic Kingdom is covered in fall decor and its famous Mickey pumpkins. Seasonal food, drinks and merchandise are available at all parks as well as Disney Springs, which is equally decorated for the holidays.
In Winter Haven, Legoland Florida celebrates its popular festival Brick or treat until October 29, and it is included in park admission. The family-friendly event features trick-or-treating in the park, a new fireworks show, Halloween Lego characters and fall food and drink specials. The park is new Monster Party menu includes apple fries with pumpkin spice soft serve, Churros de los Muertos, seasonal beer and cider and more. As for attractions, there is the VIM (Very Important Monster) dance party with Lord Vampyre, a new Lego plant monster and the Jammin’ Jacks singing a trio of jack-o’-lanterns. The Dragon Party Coaster also gets a Halloween makeover with monster mash music for rides in the dark.
A fun event for the littlest Halloween fans takes place at the Gaylord Palms Resort. It is Goblins and laughter the festivities will last until October 29. The weekend event features shows and activities available even to those who are not resort guests, including the musical light show “The Ghost of the Atrium” at 9 p.m. every evening. Saturdays feature trick-or-treating in the atrium (hotel guests only), movie screenings with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, and animal encounters with some of Florida’s scariest creatures. There’s also the Jack-O’-Lantern Walk with Florida-inspired carved pumpkins, free for everyone.
Check out all the other Halloween activities and fall vacation packages at GaylordPalms.com.
For an authentic Halloween experience in Florida, head to Gatorland to check out the park Alligators, ghosts and goblins. In its fifth year, the event features a new exhibit from Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum, family-friendly haunt areas like the Creepy Creature Carnival and the Wild West-themed Frightful Frontier. Then there’s the Cryptid Express, which takes you on a mission to find the Florida skunk monkey and mythological creatures like Moth Man and the chupacabra. There are also interactive Halloween characters, animal encounters, a costume contest for kids, candy giveaways, games and vendors. Alligators, ghosts and goblins is included with park admission and takes place on October 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29.
Don’t forget to say hello to Gatorland’s new alligator resident, Jawlene, who was found with the upper half of her jaw missing and taken for rehabilitation by this park’s wildlife experts.
Haunted houses, trails and drive-ins
If you’re looking for a truly unique and immersive scare, Shout-A-Geddon has been dubbed the scariest in the state. The event in rural Dade includes six haunted attractions, a Monster Midway and Bonzo the Clown’s beer garden.
What sets Scream-A-Geddon apart from other haunted house centers is its interactivity. Attractions like Breach and Ravenhill Asylum include the ability to sign up and “genuinely interact with the creatures there.” You must be at least 18 years old to be “marked,” meaning the scare actors can grab you, hold you, send you to hidden cells, separate you from your group, or force you to stay inside the haunted house. So, if that’s your thing, Shout-A-Geddon is open every evening until November 4.
In Altamonte Springs, A petrified forest is back with Storytime Slayhouse, a mix of horror and laughter. There are three spooky trails to explore and varying levels of spookiness. The purest might opt for “Total Eclipse Nights” (October 18 and 25), when the lights are out and it’s just “you and your glow stick, and our monsters trying to take it from you!” Please note that this event is not for the faint of heart. A waiver is required because “monsters WILL hit you!” » For those of weaker constitution, fear-free, daytime, behind-the-scenes tours are available, called “Daytime, Not Slaytime.” (All this and laser tag too!) A petrified forest runs on select nights through October 28.
In Plant City, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail celebrates 10 years of spooky holiday attractions this year. There are themed horror trails, escape experiences, laser tag and a new haunted hayride. There is also a group of roving scare actors, ax throwers, and food and drink vendors.
This year’s three haunted trails include the werewolf-filled Moonlight Massacre, Tales of Sir Henry’s Dead, and Wicked Waters. To get the full experience and refresh the original story, check out the book series of Sir Henry’s Haunted Tales And Sir Henry loves revenge. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is open Fridays and weekends until November 4.
In Tavares (northwest of Orlando in Lake County), Far Reach Ranch transforms into Fear reaches the screaming park on Fridays and Saturdays as well as Halloween evening (a Tuesday that is not very festive this year). The Haunted Ranch features three attractions – Blood Line Barn, Grimoire Manor and Chainsaw Chase – as well as a full bar, Halloween band, carnival games, and food and drinks. Get more information and tickets and watch a great homemade teaser video for the attraction at FearReachScreamPark.com.
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