Halloween is big business. One city, the theme park capital of the world, is also the ultimate Halloween vacation capital. Are you ready to be scared?
Fall vacations can have many purposes. From viewing fall colors to annual wine trips, fall is a popular vacation time. Halloween has become a huge vacation holiday. Instead of traveling to haunted destinations, Orlando has become the Halloween vacation capital. The theme park capital of the world is capitalizing on the Halloween travel experience.
While real life haunted venues can offer a unique Halloween experience, those destinations may not offer the complete Halloween experience. What else can Halloween fans do those particular locations beside that single haunted venue? In Orlando, the Halloween festivities are numerous and span over two months. From the terrorizing adult Halloween events to family friendly mild scares, Orlando can be a ghoulish destination.
Before exploring the theme park activities, Orlando hosts the largest horror convention in the nation. Spooky Empire is the annual largest horror convention in the nation. Held from October 27 through 29, this convention brings together horror fans for a weekend filled of scary fun. From celebrity guests to the annual zombie walk, the event is a must attend for horror fans.
Spooky Empire in Orlando, ultimate Halloween vacation capital, photo provided by Visit Orlando
This year’s Spooky Empire is bigger than ever. From celebrity guests like John Cusack and Richard Dreyfuss to special effect seminars from the pros like Face Off’s Glenn Hetrick, the horror fans will have a jam packed weekend of gory fun. More importantly, fans can join together with other horror fans. Whether you dress up as your favorite character or just wander the convention floor, this event is must attend for the Halloween season. Ticket prices vary. For more information, please visit the Spooky Empire website.
For horror fans who are willing to roam an outdoor trail in search of the looking scare, the Petrified Forrest is for the brave. If you are afraid of entering a dark forest at night, this Halloween experience isn’t for you. For those fearless of the forest at night, select dates, Total Eclipse nights, come with the added scare factor of actors being able to touch guests. Additionally, guests are only given one glow stick to light their path. Drop the stick or have it stolen and you will be plunged into darkness. Petrified Forrest tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
HHN 27, Dead Waters haunted house, photo provided by Visit Orlando
Halloween at Orlando theme parks are a huge draw for horror fans. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal has been named the top Halloween theme park experience for several years. On select nights at Universal, Halloween Horror Nights transforms the theme park into a scary, creepy event of people’s nightmares. From terrifying mazes like Saw and American Horror Story to scare zones throughout the park, this Halloween event is always a jammed packed event. Special Halloween Horror Night tickets are required.
photo provided by Visit Orlando, (David Roark, photographer)
The younger Halloween fans aren’t left out on the fun. Disney’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular and Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort offer age appropriate Halloween fun. At Disney’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party make sure to search for the special treats, like the candy corn ice cream. SeaWorld incorporates its beloved sea creatures, like the pumpkin fish, into whimsical sea life Halloween experience. These family friendly events are available on select nights and additional park admission may be required.
Next: 5 reasons to book at fall trip to Walt Disney World
If you are a Halloween or horror fan, Orlando is the place to be. The ultimate Halloween vacation capital offers some of the best scares for the Halloween season. Are you afraid or are you brave enough to experience them all?