Orlando Halloween Events: 6 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Season

Orlando Halloween events cater to fans of all ages. As one of the top destinations in the world, the city offers guests several ways to celebrate the season in their own way. From intense theme park attractions to not-so-scary fun, those visiting Orlando can pick one event or see it all during the spookiest time of year. Read more to learn what to expect at these Orlando Halloween events.

Top Orlando Halloween Events for the Family

orlando halloween events vacation

Photo: Chad Sparkes

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Held annually at Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party delights guests as one of the most popular Orlando Halloween events. Purchase a separate ticket, and enjoy access to live shows, parades, fireworks and entertainment.

The event runs scheduled days from early September until Halloween night, and allows guests to dress their best while trick-or-treating through the park. Popular events include Scream-O-Ween Dance Party, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

This Halloween event is suited for older adolescents and adults. Universal Studios hosts Halloween Horror Nights, which feature the best in horror pop culture and entertainment. Themes include The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, American Horror Story, and classics such as Halloween and The Exorcist.

In addition to the monsters and ghouls, the park houses nine haunted houses, scare zones, live shows and thrill rides. Visitors are not allowed to wear costumes or masks inside the park. Children under 13 may find this attraction too intense.

Howl-O-Scream

Scream your way through thrill rides at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream in nearby Tampa. The park’s annual Halloween event allows guests to ride in the dark and test their will on Falcon’s Fury, the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America.

In addition, guests can explore seven different haunted houses located throughout the park. Halloween themes include creepy motels, circus, zombies and voodoo. While roaming, watch out for hordes of people looking to scare every guest.

orlando halloween events itrip

Photo: Rain0975

Screamin’ Green Hauntoween

Younger kids have a blast exploring the activities at Screamin’ Green Hauntoween hosted by Crayola Experience. The event runs from early October until Halloween, with trick-or-treating available during weekends. In addition to monsters, werewolves and witches, guests can also create their own crafts, take photos with characters and attend a themed scavenger hunt.

Walk Through A Petrified Forest

Less than 20 minutes from Orlando, visitors will find Altamonte Springs, home to A Petrified Forest haunted experience. Rated as one of the top Halloween attractions in central Florida, A Petrified Forest offers two outdoor spooky trails to explore: Nightmares and Spooky Tales.

Both offer different scares, with a focus on the not-so-happily-ever-after fables from childhood. The attraction runs select nights throughout October, features live bands, and reserves specific dates for children and those with special needs.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

One of the top events in Orlando, this event caters to those looking for fall-themed fun. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which occurs from mid-September until mid-November, brings the best flavors from all over the world to Orlando.

Guests enjoy special events, live demonstrations, celebrity chefs and more food options than imaginable. The famous World Showcase Marketplace features tasting booths that allow guests to eat around the world. More than 30 booths are located throughout the area and range from fresh produce to sweet treats.

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