Lyndsay Fogarty
Orlando is known as a city with some of the most world-renowned theme parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. While visitors and locals alike enjoy these parks year-round, some of the best occasions to visit them are during the month of October when annual events that were founded years ago come back to give guests a scare.
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights
Recognized by the sound of chainsaws and the screams from haunted houses, this Universal Studios event started back in 1991 under the name Fright Nights. The three-night-only event was held on Oct. 25, 26 and 31, and it came equipped with only a single haunted house called The Dungeon of Terror. It cost visitors a mere $12.95 per person to attend. This year, a record-setting 10th house will be on display, in addition to five scare zones scattered throughout the park and an energetic dance and acrobatics show called Academy of Villains: Cyberpunk. While the cost of a ticket is higher now, guests can prepare to be scared on 36 select nights that began in September and run through the beginning of November.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
From jack-o-lanterns in the shape of the beloved mouse to trick-or-treating around the park, this after-hours Halloween event was founded back in October 1995. At the time, it only cost $16.95 per person to attend. When the party was first launched, it was a one-night only event, but it was so popular among Disney fans that it was extended to two days the following year then three days the year after that. Now, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party can be enjoyed for a total of 34 select nights from the end of August up until Halloween night. Guests are encouraged to attend the event dressed in their best costume, or even match some of Disney’s most terrifying villains, which wasn’t always the case.
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
This kid-friendly Halloween event was designed to have all the treats but none of the tricks when SeaWorld launched its Halloween bash back in October 2008. With dance parties and festive performances, this fright-less event was designed to target younger families. There are also trick-or-treating stations filled with candy and other goodies located throughout the park. Separate entry passes are not required to enjoy this event, unlike other Halloween theme park events, and it runs every weekend through Oct. 28.
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