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Halloween in Orlando is an experience you won't soon forget. As soon as summer gives way to fall, the parks and streets transform into a colorful backdrop full of pumpkins, lanterns and impressive Halloween decorations. From merry trick-or-treat parties to terrifying haunted houses, Orlando packs a big punch every year.
At Walt Disney World, experience the magic of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, complete with shows, parades and unique Halloween costumes. Instead, are you looking for excitement and thrills? Then the world-famous Universal Halloween Horror Nights are an absolute must. And there's plenty to do outside the major parks, too, from atmospheric festivals to fun events in the village of Celebration.
In this blog, we take you through the best Halloween events in Orlando, share practical tips and tell you where to score tickets to make your Halloween trip extra special.
During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Magic Kingdom transforms into a world full of pumpkins, lanterns and atmospheric decorations for Halloween. This special Disney Halloween event is perfect for families and anyone who wants to experience the merry side of Halloween in Orlando.
Enjoy the colorful Boo-To-You Parade, where Disney characters pass by in their finest Halloween costumes. Throughout Magic Kingdom you will find trick-or-treat spots where children and adults alike can collect candy. In addition to the parade, there are exclusive shows developed especially for this event. You can meet rare Disney characters, taste unique snacks and discover new souvenirs.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights from mid-August through October 31. The event starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until midnight. Because tickets for the event often sell out quickly, especially in September and October, it is wise to reserve your admission well in advance. Want to learn more about Walt Disney World and how to book a trip? Then read on at our Walt Disney World destination page for all the details and tips.
For those who love thrills and suspense, Universal Halloween Horror Nights are an absolute must-see during Halloween in Orlando. As soon as night falls, Universal Studios Florida transforms into a terrifying world. With more than ten impressive haunted houses, interactive scare zones and exciting live shows, this is one of the best Halloween events in Orlando.
What makes these nights so special is the complete transformation of the park. Each year, new haunted houses are designed with original themes ranging from horror movies to completely new stories. In the scare zones, actors and sound effects ensure that you are constantly on edge. In between the excitement, you can enjoy snacks and drinks or get your hands on limited-edition merchandise released especially for this event.
The event takes place on select nights from early September through early November. Admission to Universal Halloween Horror Nights starts at 6:30 pm and lasts until 2 am. Because tickets for the event often sell out quickly, especially for weekends in October, it is wise to reserve your admission well in advance.
Want to discover what else this impressive park has to offer beyond the spooky months? Then check out our Universal Orlando Resort destination page for comprehensive tips and practical information. Or view our special group trip to Epic Universe for a unique travel experience including admission to the newest Universal park!
Halloween is also celebrated in a big way at SeaWorld Orlando with two completely different events. During the day there is SeaWorld Spooktacular, perfect for families with young children. You'll walk past special Halloween decorations, enjoy shows, meet mermaids and collect candy during trick-or-treat trails.
’At night, the park is taken over by Howl-O-Scream. Expect haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment in a dark atmosphere. A completely different experience than during the day, but perfect for Halloween lovers!
SeaWorld Spooktacular takes place on selected days during the day, while Howl-O-Scream is held in the evenings. This event takes place every year from early September through late October.
In addition to the major theme parks, there are also numerous fun activities outside the well-known attractions during Halloween in Orlando. The city is full of atmospheric festivals and creative theme nights. This makes Orlando the destination for anyone who wants to explore more than just the famous parks.
Highly recommended is Icon Park Orlando. It is the perfect place to combine a night out with great food, live entertainment and attractions.
In addition, you'll find plenty of local events in and around Orlando, including pumpkin patches, Halloween markets and special trick-or-treat routes for families. Want a complete and up-to-date list of all the Halloween activities in Orlando? Then be sure to take a look at Visit Orlando!
Dreaming of a trip to Florida, but don't really like Halloween? Then check out 10 other reasons to visit Florida in the fall.
A 15-minute drive from Walt Disney World lies the village of Celebration. During the spooky months, this quiet place turns into a cozy Halloween paradise. As soon as you drive into the neighborhood, you see pumpkins, lanterns and the most creative decorations everywhere. Some residents keep it subtle, while others turn their whole house into a haunted house. There are often small Halloween activities, such as markets, food trucks or live music, which makes it extra fun to walk around.
Want to make the most of your Halloween Orlando experience? With these practical tips, make sure your trip goes smoothly and you don't miss anything from the best Halloween events in Orlando.
1. Choose the right dates
Most events take place from mid-August through the end of October, but crowds at the parks vary by period. September is often quieter and tickets are more readily available, while October is the month for the ultimate Halloween experience.
2. Combine multiple events
Don't limit yourself to just one park! Many travelers combine Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Universal Halloween Horror Nights AND SeaWorld Spooktacular. That way you get a unique experience in all the parks, from family-friendly to Halloween horror.
3. Plan smartly around evenings
The big events, such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Universal Halloween Horror Nights, take place in the evening. During the day, you have time to relax by the pool or visit Icon Park or one of the local pumpkin patches, for example.
4. Take advantage of exclusive snacks & merchandise
During Halloween, special treats and limited-edition souvenirs are sold that you won't find in the off-season. Think unique cupcakes, other snacks, cocktails, ice creams and more.
5. Clothing & Halloween costumes
6. Discover local hidden gems
Outside the major parks, Orlando has many unique events. Think Gatorland's Gators, Ghosts & Goblins, Winter Garden Fall Festival or atmospheric trick-or-treat nights in villages like Celebration. For a complete overview, check out Visit Orlando
7. Keep in mind the weather
In September and October, Orlando is still warm (25-30°C) and short, heavy showers fall regularly. Bring airy clothes, as well as a rain poncho.
Join our group trip to Disney and Universal and experience Orlando together with other theme park enthusiasts, including access to the finest theme parks.
Whether you choose convenience with our group tour or have a custom trip created, we'd love to help make your Halloween Orlando experience unforgettable. Feel free to contact with us!
Halloween events often start as early as mid-August and run until early November.
The most popular are Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and the Universal Halloween Horror Nights.
Disney focuses more on families, Universal on horror and suspense.
Yes, but not all of them. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and SeaWorld Spooktacular are kid-friendly. Universal Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream are better suited for adults.
When you book a trip to Orlando with Florivida, we can take care of this for you.
October is usually busier, especially around the weekends and right before Halloween itself. September tends to be a little quieter and tickets for the events are easier to get.
Sure! We offer a group trip to Disney and Universal including admission to the theme parks. In addition, we can also put together a customized trip including Halloween tickets.
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