It’s that time of year again, where ghosts and goblins hide behind every corner, ready to strike fear in unsuspecting victims and where fun means dressing up in crazy costumes and stuffing our faces with candy.
This can only mean one thing: Halloween season is in full swing. What better way to spend it than at one of Florida’s spooktacular Halloween events? Here are some of the best places to spend those scary Halloween nights.
Halloween Horror Nights
When: Sept. 21 – Oct. 31
Where: Universal Studios, Orlando, Fla.
If you’re looking for a good scare and are willing to drive to Orlando, then the 22nd annual Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios may just what you’re looking for. Halloween Horror Nights is synonymous with fear, and this year’s haunted house themes reflect that. First, there is a haunted house based on the AMC show “The Walking Dead”, where a horde of relentless zombies will stop at nothing to torment their victims. There’s also a haunted house that comes from the demented mind of rocker Alice Cooper and a house featuring a magic trick by magician duo Penn & Teller that has gone terribly wrong. If that’s not creepy enough, the video game Silent Hill comes to life as an eerie and desolate Haunted House filled with the terrifying characters from the game.
General admission for Halloween Horror Nights is $88.99. For Florida residents, tickets run from $41.99 to $66.99, depending on the date. There are even some hotel packages for those who want to stay multiple nights, starting at $319 per adult, which include three-night hotel accommodations, two-day tickets to both Universal parks, and one-night admission to Halloween Horror Nights. For more information, visit www.halloweenhorrornights.com.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary
Halloween Party
When: Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
Where: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Fla.
During this event, guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes while trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom. The Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with great entertainment, including the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade with Disney Characters and stars of the Haunted Mansion ride. Happy Hallowishes — a magnificent firework show — features many Disney Characters and Disney villains dressed in Halloween costumes. This event is exactly like the title: “Not-So-Scary”, and appropriate for all ages. Mickey Mouse’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party starts at 7 p.m. The purchase of an additional event ticket, is required to attend. For more information visit www.disneyworld.com.
House of Horror Amusement Park
When: Sept. 27 – Oct. 31
Where: Miami International Mall, Doral, Fla.
This spooky setting includes a two-acre haunted house, filled with surprises around every corner. Admission to the park also includes amusement rides, carnival food and games. House of Horror Amusement Park at Miami international Mall is open Mondays through Thursdays from 6 p.m. to midnight, and Fridays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight. Entrance to the park and haunted house is $23; children six and under pay $15 for the park entrance and are not admitted to the haunted house. For more information, visit www.houseofhorrorpark.com.
Hall of Terror Haunted House
When: Sept. 30 – Oct. 31
Where: The Super Wheels Skating Center, Miami, Fla.
Every year, The Super Wheels Skating Center transforms into a spooktacular haunted house. Its 27 nightmare-inducing “scenes” include a journey through “the vortex”, a crawl through the recreation of a plane crash, and a “Jurassic” visit.
Admission is $13 and an additional $5 to skate. For more information, visit www.thehallsofterror.com.
Vizcaya Halloween Sundowner
When: Oct. 27, 7 p.m. – 1 a.m
Where: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, Fla.
This popular Halloween costume party, for adults 21 and over, is held at the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Tickets are $75 for members and $125 for non-members, including cocktails, snacks, music, dancing and a costume contest. The money collected goes to raise funds for Vizcaya’s preservation and restoration. For more information, visit www.halloweenatvizcaya.com.
Spooky Zoo Night
When: Oct. 26 – 27, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Zoo Miami, Miami, Fla.
This spooky family event includes entry into “Dr. Wilde’s Creepy Haunted House”, tram rides, carousel rides and storytelling around a fire pit. This is a chilling event, sure to surprise the entire family.
Admission is $10.95. For more information, visit www.miamimetrozoo.com.
