Certainly, the calendar shows that there will be 11 weeks until Halloween. But Florida theme parks say they are trying to get creepy in these parts.
Mickey’s less-scully Halloween party, The Ark After and extra-ticket events at Magic Kingdom begin on Friday nights. And while it may seem scary early, the demand is here. Five nights out of the first seven non-scully nights – all sold out in August, including opening night.
There is still time to get tickets and your actions together. This one-stop list covers big Halloween events at theme parks in the Orlando area.
Walt Disney World / Corteza
Marching Pirates is the flashy part of the Halloween parade to Mickey Boo during a non-Mickey Halloween party at Magic Kingdom. (Courtesy of Walt Disney Co.)
Main Street Treat
Mickey’s less-scully Halloween party runs on some nights from August 15th to October 31st. Once the park is approaching regular guests, the event begins and you will need your own admission ticket.
In the evening, favourites such as Mickey’s booty Halloween parade returned. “Disney’s not so whimsical epic,” a presentation of fireworks and lasers. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” is a Sanderson Sisters Stage Show at the foot of Cinderella Castle.
There’s also a dress-up character interaction, a dance party (one inspired by Disney Channel’s “Zombie 4: The Dawn of the Vampire”), as well as a park-wide trick-or-treat included in the less-than-wise entrance. Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Area is geared towards families with younger children, Disney says.
Ticket prices vary depending on date and range from $119 to $229 per night. Ticket holders will be able to enter Magic Kingdom at 4pm on the event day. More information: DisneyWorld.com
Haunted House Party
Halloween Horror Night is a fierce terrifying festival that was performed at Universal Studios in Florida. It will be held on some nights from August 29th to November 2nd.
An important part of HHN is the elaborate haunted house program. This year there are 10 mazes. Four of these are based on existing media, including the villains of the “13th Friday” franchise, including the “Terrifier” movie, “Fallout” video games and television series, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and Jason Universe. One home has a WWE theme and is named Wyatt Sids’ Fear.
Five original homes, Play Tomb of Meat, El Artist: Unforgettable of Spain, Garkun: The North Monster, Doll: Dead Hatch and Chains: Death Bounty Hunter.
This event features 4 scary zones, essentially outdoor cue-free haunts. Themes include a corrupt conservatory, a vampire masquerade ball, a 1920s gang in radioactive cargo, and a cat woman. Universal introduces two “street experiences” with little explanation: Mel’s Dye-in Zombie and Club Horror (featuring an undead DJ).
As these descriptions and details show, Horror Night is for mature audiences. Even Universal Orlando believes the event will be rated PG-13, but participants do not have an age requirement.
HHN’s shows include “Nightmare Fuel: The Collapse Circus” on stage and “Haunt-o-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey” on the lagoon.
One-night tickets purchased online range from $85.99 to $131 depending on the date.
There are several types of paths in which lane power can be added to a ghost house. These prices range from $199.99 to $1,199.99 (peak on the ultimate frequent fear path (valid every night).
Universal also offers behind the scenes lip tours of the maze. The new feature this year is tours that include a buffet lunch, but read all the detailed printouts about the availability and timing of these activities.
Finally, Horror Night will once again offer Premium Scream Night on August 28th, the eve of the opening night. It includes limited capacity (meaning short waiting times), stocky entrance to the house, food and drink opportunities, and self-packing. It’s $415 per person.
More information: universalorlando.com
Gentle anti-heart
SeaWorld Orlando is the only local park that presents two different types of Halloween events. Spooktacular, from August 30th to November 2nd, is a calm and family-friendly time included with regular daytime entry to the theme park.
It is Howl-o-scream, an out-of-hours/independent ticketing event, resting firmly in the bloody/intense category. Howl runs on some nights between September 5th and November 1st.
Howl-o-scream has five ghost houses, three of which appeared at the event for the first time. The freshest are the rave reviews of gardens (in the underground party, so to speak, in the cemetery), the curse of the collector (artifacts, secrets, mutations), and the nest of the widow (a tailor who is mad at sadness). The mazes on the way back are Farm 51 and Water’s Edge Wellness Center.
According to the SeaWorld website, six fear zones are planned, with four new zones reflecting on glass, featuring a festive swamp and abandoned scrappy with souls that spoil the exterior.
Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow will be featured in The Grave Danger Strill Show, featuring stunts and illusions and a “Monster Stomp” stage show.
If purchased online, Howl-o-scream single night tickets range from $34.99 to $58.99. The event sells unlimited admission tickets for $109.99 and offers two park tickets, including the Howl-O Scream event at Siste Park Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Daytime spooktacular includes Sesame Street Halloween Parade, Scavenger Hunt, Crafts, Scarecrow themed dance parties, pumpkin gardens with storytellers, costume contests (Fridays only), and interactions with the arid land with mermaids. The park has a trick-or-treat trail for guests who purchase reusable bags.
More information: seaworldorlando.com
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
Lord Vampire will be appearing at a dance party during the LEGOLAND or Treat celebrations in LEGOLAND Florida. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Take the bricks
LEGOLAND Florida throws what is known as a monster party at a brick-built event at a Winter Haven theme park. It occurs on the choice date from September 20th to November 1st and sticks mostly to the weekend.
Halloween events leaned heavily towards monster minifigures, including rarely seen characters such as the LEGO Shark Suit Guy and LEGO Square Foot. They are also featured at Brick-or-treat Dance Party. Responding to the demographics of ages 2-12, LEGOLAND has spread trick-or-treat stations throughout the park.
Every day is covered in “Monster Skytacular,” a drone show with fireworks.
Brick-or-treat is included in regular Legoland Florida admissions.
More information: legoland.com/florida
As October approaches, there are hopes for a small attraction that will unveil more Halloween plans. Check again for more information on adding these Central Florida holidays. Please email dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Bluesky: @themeparksdb. Thread account: @dbevil. X Account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Original issue: August 13, 2025 7am EDT
