Best Halloween Events in Orlando for 2024

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
by Vacation Central Florida

Prepare for a spooktacular celebration as Orlando transforms into a Halloween paradise this year. The city's theme parks, attractions, and neighborhoods come alive with excitement, offering a thrilling mix of Halloween events in Orlando for every preference and age group. From family-friendly fun to spine-chilling frights, this year's events will make your Halloween unforgettable.

 

Whether you're looking for trick-or-treating with a twist or heart-pounding scares, Orlando's Halloween scene has it all. Get set to explore the most enchanting and terrifying Halloween events in Orlando, Florida, that will leave you spellbound and craving more of the seasonal magic.

 

Theme Park Halloween Extravaganzas

Orlando's theme parks will transform into Halloween wonderlands in 2024, offering a range of spooky experiences for all ages. From terrifying haunted houses to family-friendly fun, these events promise unforgettable Halloween memories.

 

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

This popular event at Universal Studios Florida turns the park into a frightening Halloween paradise. Guests can explore haunted houses based on horror movies, TV shows, and video games featuring detailed sets and impressive special effects. Scare zones in every park corner add to the thrilling atmosphere, with costumed performers startling visitors in themed areas like post-apocalyptic wastelands and creepy carnivals. Halloween Horror Nights dates are from August 30 to November 3, 2024.

 

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom hosts this special ticketed event from August 9 to October 31, 2024. The party features Halloween-themed entertainment, including:

  • Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, now starting earlier for younger guests
  • "Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular" fireworks show hosted by Jack Skellington
  • "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" stage show
  • Character meet-and-greets with Disney favorites in Halloween costumes
  • Trick-or-treating throughout the park

 

New for 2024:

  • Mickey and Minnie in neon spiderweb outfits
  • Increased villain sightings throughout the park
  • DescenDANCE Party in Tomorrowland
  • Bruno from "Encanto" joins Mirabel at their Casita

 

SeaWorld's Spooktacular

Spooktacular: A family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed shows, and a costume contest. SeaWorld Spooktacular runs select days, August 31 to November 3, and is included with park admission.

 

Family-Friendly Halloween Events

Orlando offers a variety of family-friendly Halloween events in 2024, ensuring that even the youngest visitors can enjoy the spooky season. These events provide a perfect blend of fun and mild frights for children of all ages.

 

LEGOLAND's Brick or Treat

LEGOLAND Florida Resort transforms into a Halloween wonderland with its Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party event. Running from September 13 through October 27, 2024, this spectacular offers 14 nights of Halloween fun on weekends. Families can enjoy the following:

  • Safe trick-or-treating with seven themed candy stations throughout the park
  • Spooky LEGO® decorations and Monster mischief
  • Live shows and character meet-and-greets
  • A new Monster Skytacular aerial show featuring 500 drones over Lake Eloise
  • Halloween-themed rides like the Disco Party Coaster

 

All activities are included with the general admission to the park and select Annual Passes, making it an excellent value for families seeking Halloween excitement.

 

Gatorland's Gators, Ghosts and Goblins

Gatorland returns its famous Gators, Ghosts and Goblins™ event for the sixth consecutive year. This daytime, family-friendly celebration occurs over three weekends in October, from October 12 through 27, 2024. Visitors can experience:

  • The Swamp Ghost's Monster Museum with Cyrus the Gravedigger
  • A Cryptid Petting Zoo featuring Gatorland's own Florida Bigfoot, Skunk Ape
  • The Cryptid Express ride to spot hidden mythical creatures
  • Godwin's Gourd farm with pumpkin monsters
  • A Children's Halloween Costume Parade with treat bags
  • Live DJ, specialty vendors, and games

 

Crayola Experience's Screamin' Green Hauntoween

The Crayola Experience hosts its Screamin' Green Hauntoween event from September 21 through October 31, 2024, which gives Halloween celebrations a colorful spin. This event comes with admission and features:

  • A themed scavenger hunt to help de-monsterify the crayon crew
  • Spooky crafts like Werewolf or Bat Masks and Mummy Door Hangers
  • Character photo opportunities
  • Weekend trick-or-treating at various stations
  • DJ dance parties on Saturdays
  • A Slime Lab experience (additional fee applies)

These family-friendly events provide a range of Halloween activities for children of all ages, creating lasting memories and fun-filled celebrations for the whole family in Orlando this Halloween season.

 

Haunted Attractions for Thrill-Seekers

For those thrill-seekers this Halloween season, Orlando and its surrounding areas offer a variety of spine-chilling experiences. These haunted attractions allow brave souls to confront their fears in controlled yet terrifying environments.

 

A Petrified Forest

Located in Altamonte Springs, A Petrified Forest has gained a reputation as one of Central Florida's premier scare trails. With opening night starting on October 4, 2024, This attraction has been voted the fourth best haunted house in the country by USA Today's "10 Best" Reader's Choice 2023. What sets A Petrified Forest apart is its commitment to innovation—the entire haunt is torn down and rebuilt every year, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors.

The attraction features:

  • Multiple scare trails
  • Backstage tours
  • Laser tag
  • Special event nights

 

Visitors can expect to encounter various themed areas, including a laser swamp described as "off the chain" by previous attendees. The attraction's popularity is evident from customer testimonials, with one visitor stating, "Best haunt I've been to in many years! First time and now a lifetime customer!"

 

Haunted Halloween Maze at Lake Catherine Farms

Lake Catherine Farms presents its Haunted Halloween Maze, offering a unique blend of farm atmosphere and Halloween frights. The 2024 edition, titled "Catherine Returns," builds on the success of the previous year's "Catherine's Nightmare." This attraction weaves together 100 years of ghost stories about the farm and a mysterious disappearance from a century ago.

Key details:

  • Open from September 27th to October 28th, 2024 (Friday and Saturday nights)
  • Hours: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Admission: $17 online (advance purchase)
  • Not recommended for children under 8
  • Strict age restrictions apply

 

The maze promises an intense experience, with organizers warning that "those who enter may not survive." Costumes, masks, and flashlights are prohibited to enhance the eerie atmosphere.

 

Scream-A-Geddon

For thrill-seekers looking for an even more intense experience, Scream-A-Geddon in Florida offers a multi-attraction haunt. This expansive event features a variety of terrifying experiences, including:

  • A haunted house
  • A zombie-infested forest
  • Multiple themed scare zones

 

Scream-A-Geddon combines state-of-the-art special effects with skilled scare actors to create a realistic, immersive, and frightening experience. The attraction's diverse offerings ensure that even the bravest visitors will find something to make their hearts race.

 

Conclusion

As Halloween approaches, Orlando emerges as a premier destination for spooky festivities, offering various events that cater to all ages and thrill levels. There's no shortage of excitement, from the family-friendly Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party located at Walt Disney World to the spine-chilling Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando.

 

To make the most of your Halloween adventure in Orlando, consider booking a vacation rental close to these major theme parks and attractions. Vacation Central Florida offers a variety of accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Don't miss out on the chance to experience Orlando's Halloween magic—book your vacation rental today and prepare for an unforgettable spooky season!