3 Must-See Halloween Events In Orlando
Celebrate the season with these spectacularly spooky events.
COURTESY WALT DISNEY WORLD
Whether you’re looking for non-stop frights and screams or a family-focused fun celebration with loads of candy and more cuteness than terror, there’s a Halloween celebration for you at Orlando’s attractions.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will not return to Walt Disney World in 2021, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get in on plenty of family-friendly fun with your “ghost hosts” at Magic Kingdom. This year, enjoy a lite version of the event with Disney After Hours Boo Bash on select nights through October 31. The party, which requires a separate ticket for entry, offers guests many of the beloved happenings from previous years, including the opportunity for children and adults to wear costumes (although adults may not wear masks), trick-or-treating, and some snacks like popcorn and ice cream novelties included with admission. However, at press time, the beloved “Boo to You” parade and “Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular” are not on offer in 2021. The party lasts three hours, from 9 p.m. until midnight on most nights, but ticket holders may enter the park as early as 7 p.m. on party nights. Purchase tickets online or by calling 407-939-4240. disneyworld.disney.go.com
COURTESY SEAWORLD ORLANDO
At SeaWorld Orlando, for the first time ever, the park will introduce Howl-O-Scream, running select nights September 10 through October 31. Previously only the purview of SeaWorld’s sister park, Busch Gardens in Tampa, this new experience comes to Orlando with a theme that’s unique to the aquatic-focused park. Try to resist the haunting call of the lake’s siren as you stumble through scare zones, houses of horror and scary shows. For an extra thrill, take to the skies and ride your favorite coasters—in the dark. For more details on this separately-ticketed, after-hours event, visit the park’s website.
SeaWorld will also host its beloved and kid-friendly Spooktacular during weekends starting September 18. Kids of all ages can enjoy the Trick or Treat Trail, Halloween Dance Parties and fun with the crew of Sesame Street during this daytime event that’s included with regular admission. seaworldorlando.com/events
COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO
Finally, Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando on September 3, and the separately-ticketed event features plenty to scream about. Jack the Clown will once again terrorize guests at the party, which boasts 10 haunted houses and five scare zones. Keep your eyes peeled for “Jack attacks” throughout the park, and watch your back!
Also joining the melee is Beetlejuice, who served as the event’s first host in 1991. The self-described “bio-exorcist” hosts his own creepy haunted house based upon the feature film by the same name. Who’s game? orlando.halloweenhorrornights.com
