The weather goes from the 90s to the 80s, leaves turn a shade lighter and noon football games become more bearable. These are some of the things that come to mind when I think about October in Florida, but Florida also has some of the best Halloween events in the nation that are definitely worth attending. From Halloween events that will leave you up scared at night, to fun costume parties, there’s something for every Halloween lover in Florida. You’ll want to get your calendar out and pencil in a date to head to each of these frighteningly fun places.
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando is known for going all out for every holiday in regards to decorations, shows and fun. Halloween Horror Nights is no exception. In fact, Amusement Today has rated HHN the Golden Ticket Award for Best Halloween Event for eight years in a row. This year, Halloween Horror Nights has nine haunted houses with themes of some of your favorite movies and television shows. Some of the houses include The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, Krampus and The Exorcist. There are also tons of “scare zones” where the monsters can follow you through the park. This year’s scare zones include “Survive or Die Apocalypse,” “Dead Man’s Wharf” and “Lair of the Banshee.” HHN is also known for it’s incredible and hilarious shows. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure is a favorite of pop culture enthusiasts. So, if you want to head to one of the most frightening Halloween events in the country, head to Universal this month.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Walt Disney World Resort is another Orlando destination that’s perfect for Halloween fun. If you love Halloween, but get scared way too easily, and don’t enjoy being chased by monsters, than this event is for you. “It’s the happiest haunting on Earth!” At this event, you can trick-or-treat throughout the amusement park, ride your favorite rides, watch a special Halloween themed fireworks show and see the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular” show. There are also Halloween themed food items and decorations throughout the park. You’re never too old for Disney, and this seems like the perfect Halloween event.
Howl-O-Scream
I didn’t grow up in Florida. I actually grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia where every Halloween I would head to Busch Gardens multiple times in October to attend Howl-O-Scream. Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida also has a Howl-O-Scream event that’s sure to leave you scared. Similar to Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream contains multiple haunted houses throughout the amusement park. Some of these house themes include “Motel Hell,” “Circus of Superstition: The Last Laugh,” and “Zombie Containment Unit 15.” The amusement park will also have tons of rides open when you need a break from the scares.
Corn Mazes and Town Fun
Now, if your schedule is so crazy busy that you don’t have time to take a mini road trip to one of the spots above, then tons of towns in Florida have local corn mazes, festivals and Halloween related events. Look up your local town’s calendar and I’m sure you’ll find one close by!
Whether you decide to take a road trip out to a huge amusement park this Halloween season or decide to stay in town, I hope you have a frighteningly good time collegiettes! Happy Halloween!
Photo Credits: ellistuesday.com