11 SEP 2018: Orlando may be commonly called the “theme park capital of the world,” is located in the “Sunshine State,” and counts “the happiest place on earth” amongst its prime attractions, but the tourism mecca would have visitors add another sobriquet to its lengthy list of nicknames: “Halloween Vacation Capital.”
That’s because nowhere else in the world gets its spook on quite as thoroughly as this city, which has already begun celebrations and this year counts 78 days as part of Halloween season.
Indeed, in a city where excess is often the foundation for success, tourism execs ask, “Why celebrate for just one night?”
Prompted by haunted happenings at theme parks, hotel theme packages and events across the city and neighbouring Kissimmee, and a return of the largest horror convention in the US at the end of October, visitors will find something for everyone – “from mild and family-friendly to wild and terrifying.”
Visit Orlando, the city’s official visitor resource, has even gone so far as to create a special web page, VisitOrlando.com/Halloween to help agents and travellers plan a ghoulish getaway, while #OrlandoHalloween provides real-time updates.
Here is a list of just a few of the horrific highlights:
THEME PARK FRIGHTS
Halloween Horror Nights 28, select nights Sept. 14-Nov. 3:
This year visitors can expect horrors inspired by the ’80s at Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights, with a haunted house in the theme of Netflix’s mega-hit “Stranger Things,” as well as nine other haunted houses, for a total of 10 – the most ever in the event’s 28-year history. The event will also run for a total of 34 nights, tied for the longest run in its history.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights through Oct. 31:
Already underway, Magic Kingdom Park comes alive on select nights through Oct. 31 with jack-o-lanterns, special characters and entertainment for the whole family. Encouraged to come dressed for the occasion, visitors can trick-or-treat throughout the park, masquerade with costumed characters at the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, sing along at the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and end the night with a “Boo-tacular” fireworks show.
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, weekends Sept. 22-Oct. 28:
It’s an ocean of Halloween fun for the whole family at SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular.
During this daytime event, families are immersed in an underwater “fantasea” including trick-or-treating, not-so-spooky live shows, whimsical sea creatures, and the chance to mingle with everyone’s favourite Sesame Street friends including Elmo, The Count, Cookie Monster and more.
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, select nights Oct. 6-31:
Families can have fun without the frights at LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat this year. The event features trick-or-treating, the world’s largest LEGO jack-o-lantern, LEGO Halloween characters and a Halloween-themed fireworks show at Pirates’ Cove.
“BOO!” BEYOND THE PARKS
Spooky Empire: The largest horror convention in the nation returns to Orlando Oct. 26-29 at the Caribe Royale Orlando. This year’s lineup of celebrity guests includes David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson of X-files fame, and Kathy Najimy of Disney’s Halloween classic Hocus Pocus, with more to be announced. Other thrills and chills at the convention include a tattoo festival, costume contest, zombie walk and film festival.
A Petrified Forest features two outdoor scare trails for small groups to venture through a haunted forest at night. On a few special Total Eclipse Nights – which require a signed waiver for anyone under 18 – monsters can even touch the guests, and each small group is given only one glowstick to light their path, regardless if it is dropped or stolen by a creature. The event runs select nights, Oct. 5-Nov. 3.
American Ghost Adventures offers a wide variety of year-round paranormal experiences, with tour options all over Orlando, from the haunted pub tour, “Spirits with Spirits” to the “Dining with the Departed” tour, complete with a meal in a haunted restaurant.
Zombie Outbreak challenges guests to see how long they could survive a zombie apocalypse. This Halloween season and all year long, the terrifically terrifying attraction puts guests in the middle of a military base overrun with the undead.
Mortem Manor Haunted Attraction at Old Town features year-round scares, with two spooky stories, state-of-the-art animatronics and live actors. Entry is just $15, making this a bargain sure to scare the living yell out of guests.
Maitland’s Historical Haunted Tours invite curious history buffs and ghost hunters to explore the haunted grounds of the Art & History Museum‘s Maitland Art Center or the Waterhouse Residence Museum via two separate tours, available on select days in October. From ghost stories to creepy Victorian artifacts, guests will discover the chilling truth behind what is said to be one of the most paranormal places in Central Florida.
“Screamin’ Green Hauntoween” at The Crayola Experience invites guests to get “zombified” with all-new monster-ific crafts, dance parties, a themed scavenger and trick-or-treating every weekend, Sept. 22-Oct. 31.
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology brings the dead back to life, with over 40 exhibits featuring 500 real animal skeletons. Special adult-focused event nights get even spookier, like Skeletons After Dark: Forensic Night, where guests examine human skeletons and learn how to read the cause of death.
The City of Orlando’s Moonlight Walking Tours takes guests on a dark, historical stroll through Greenwood Cemetery. Trek 6.5 km and visit nearly a hundred graves of notable individuals in Orlando’s history. The tour is free, but usually sponsored by rotating charities that will be accepting donations, so guests can feel philanthropic and afraid.
HAUNTING HOTEL HAPPENINGS
Three Hyatt properties are offering a “No Tricks, Just Treats” package, through Nov. 4, to get guests into the Halloween spirit. The package includes two complimentary “spooky” drinks or beverages of choice per stay as well as a special themed treat placed in their room upon arrival, available at Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort, Hyatt House across from Universal Orlando Resort and Hyatt Place Orlando Convention Center.
Hilton Orlando is offering “A Room with a Boo” package, which includes daily breakfast, premium Wi-Fi and late checkout at 2 p.m. – perfect sleeping-in time for those “creatures of the night.”