Pandemic or no pandemic, we’ve seen a LOT of attractions ramp up their Halloween programs and exhibits this month, providing a sizzling array of seasonal fun that is both family-friendly and a little scary. So, are you ready for Halloween? Here are nine haunting Orlando ideas to get you in the spooky spirit.
We thought it would be a smart idea to compile a compendium of all the pumpkin-related offerings for this year’s Halloween season –only Visit Orlando thought of it first, and sent out a press release with all the details!
It highlights all the fun of the theme parks, plus some all-new attractions that have opened specifically for this year, with creative social distancing measures, including unique drive-through events, virtual lines, and limited capacity.
According to top global travel marketing specialists MMGY, 54% of travelers say they are more likely to travel in the fall this year than in previous years, due to missed summer vacations and new flexibilities with remote working and schooling. So, with no further ado, here are Visit Orlando’s Fine Nine…
Drive-Thru Halloween Haunts
With car trips accounting for 97% of travel this summer, according to AAA, and the trend expected to extend through the fall, the family car is a new way to enjoy Halloween celebrations in Orlando. Each car-friendly option below offers two versions, depending on whether guests want extreme adult-level frights or a milder fun version for the whole family.
NEW: The Haunted Road: A Drive-Thru Halloween Experience (select dates Sept. 25 – Nov. 7) includes twisted creatures, immersive theatrical storytelling, and bloodcurdling encounters as guests drive and park their car at each scene. A tamer, the family-friendly version will be available on select weekends during the day and include hands-free trick-or-treating.
NEW: Scream n’ Stream Haunted Drive-Thru at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures (Sept. 25 – Nov. 1) lets visitors drive their cars “into” a movie screen to see a horror film unfold in front of their eyes, while lighting, sound, sets, props, special effects, and live performers roam all around them. Also includes a milder, family-friendly drive-thru experience complete with contactless candy distribution, performers, fun Halloween props, and music.
NEW: “Flicks & Frights” at SeaWorld Orlando (Saturdays Sept. 19 – Oct. 31 and Fridays Oct. 23 and 30): A spooky drive-in movie experience under the stars where guests can enjoy locally sourced food trucks followed by a classic Halloween feature film (options each night include both a family-friendly and horror flick) from the comfort and safety of their own car ($40 per car)
Thrills & Treats at Theme Parks & Attractions
New this year, many of the famous theme parks and attractions are inviting both adults and children to dress in costume. some very fun ways these nine haunting Orlando ideas are changing things up a bit. Select theme parks may require reservations; please check respective websites prior to arrival.
NEW: “Orlando Forum of Fear” (Oct. 1-31) includes a rotating, socially-distanced walk-thru haunted maze by the masterminds of Halloween Horror Nights and a three-course haunted séance dinner experience. On select dates, the event will feature a kid-friendly maze.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular (Sept. 19 – Nov. 1): Guests can safely explore a slightly spooky trick-or-treat trail; twist and turn through a new Halloween maze; decorate cookies with Cookie Monster and meet silly Halloween characters with physical distancing protocols in place during this family-friendly event.
Fall & Halloween Activities at Universal Orlando Resort (Sept. 26 – 27, and daily Oct. 3 – Nov. 1): New this year, two of Universal’s famous themed haunted houses are included in daytime admission instead of a separate ticket event, including Revenge of the Tooth Fairy and Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives at Universal Studios. The Virtual Line experience may be available for guests to select timed entry. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged for all guests in both parks for the first time, and trick-or-treating is available to guests 12 and under throughout Islands of Adventure.
Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort (Sept. 15 – Oct. 31): For the first time, adults can join the fun as guests of all ages can wear Halloween costumes at the park. Guests can celebrate the spooky season amid glowing decorations, parades with infamous villains, as well as beloved characters dressed in Halloween costumes with themed photo opportunities and festive seasonal merchandise and foods.
Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins (weekends Oct. 10 – Nov. 1): A family-friendly event where Oktoberfest collides with Halloween fun featuring spooky areas like the “Graveyard of the Darned,” a live polka band with German beer and food available for purchase; costumed character meet and greets; a trick-or-treat trail; a spooky train ride and more. Family-friendly costumes for adults and kids are encouraged.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Brick or Treat (select days Oct. 3-31): Celebrate the spookiest time of the year with contactless trick-or-treating on the Brick-or-Treat candy trail; take a family selfie with a 280,000 LEGO brick hearse or a 10’ tall LEGO ghost; and get into the Halloween spirit with “The Groovin’ Graveyard” and “A Candy-Coated Curse Show,” featured throughout the day.
Information and planning tips on these new, creative autumn getaways in Orlando are available at VisitOrlando.com/blog. SO get ready for Halloween with these nine haunting Orlando ideas.
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