Florida’s balmy climate lends itself well to autumn vacations – the hot and heavy summer humidity has abated while still remaining warm enough for shorts and t-shirts. The best benefit of Florida in the fall, however? All of those Halloween celebrations at the theme parks! If you’re looking for a spooky fall trip the entire family will enjoy, consider spending a night at one (or a few!) of these park-exclusive celebrations.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Between September 1st to October 31st, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park plays host to one of fans’ favorite events – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Like name suggests, this bash is low on the scary factor but still plenty of fun for all ages. On select nights between 7:00 PM and 12:00 AM, the park shuts down to everyone but partygoers. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and trick or treat around dozens of candy stations set up. Several classic Magic Kingdom attractions remain open, and exclusive seasonal entertainment is abound – Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade is classes Disney parade fun with a spooky twist, while Happy HalloWishes lets the Disney Villains take control of the nightly Wishes firework spectacular! New this year is the Villains Soiree – a delightfully devious dessert party with Disney’s infamous villains.
Halloween Horror Nights
If you’re looking for more intense thrills and chills, Universal Studios Florida holds their Halloween Horror Nights from September 19th to November 1st. There’s eight separate haunted houses, each experience crafted around TV and movie horror hits such as The Walking Dead and Dracula Untold. There’s also a full set of six live shows and street experiences to keep you on toes, including shows based off The Purge: Anarchy and The Rocky Picture Horror Show. Several favorite Universal Studios attractions remain open until the early hours of the morning, making this event the ultimate experience for movie buffs with a taste for horror.
Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens Tampa returns this year with their annual Howl-O-Scream event held on select nights from September 26th to November 1st. This year, the event bears the theme “Cursed”; where hearing a particular eerie song curses the listener to doom. If they can survive the night with hundreds of roaming creatures, the curse is broken. Eight haunted houses offer plenty of chilling experiences, and Busch Gardens’ exciting roller coasters are even more fun in the dark of night. For delightfully demented dining, be sure to book a ticket to Fright Feast, where you can enjoy front-row seats to the “Fiends” show while chowing down on buffet main courses and decadent desserts. If you’re in more of a party mood, drop by the Marrakesh Theater for Club Howl-O-Scream – this dance playground comes with a DJ, nonstop music and appearances by horrific personalities.
Halloween Spooktacular
Perhaps the best suited for young children, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular keeps things light and fun on weekends from October 4th through the 26th. Penelope’s Party Zone located in the Bayside Stadium, kids have the opportunity to participate in games and crafts all to the sound of fun, spooky music. There’s also park-wide trick-or-treating with plenty of candy stations for kids to tackle. The pathways are packed with costumed characters, all happy to interact with the entire family. For an extra-special experience, the Dine With Shamu Halloween Spooktacular Brunch is offered. Guests dine right alongside the whale pool, and this experience includes a complimentary family photo and frame, cookie decorating kit and a bag of trick or treat goodies.
Photo Credit: http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/index.html