Trick or Treat & Get Sweets at Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando is undoubtedly one of the best places to have spooky Halloween fun, with great October events like Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream. However, what can kids do for some good old-fashioned trick or treating on Halloween, especially if these events are sold out or too scary for young ones? Never fear, for Orlando theme parks always have you covered. Families can always throw on their costumes and head down to Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney or Universal Studios CityWalk for some trick or treating in a safe and friendly environment. And boy, will they score some candy!

On Halloween, Downtown Disney always has something going on unofficially for families and children to enjoy. From 5 pm to 9 pm, enjoy an evening of “Happy Haunting”; explore the myriad of Disney shops and restaurants, and you’ll be rewarded with special gifts and treats. Be sure to hit up Goofy’s Candy Company, Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, Team Mickey, Pooh Corner, Disney’s Days of Christmas, World of Memories, Disney’s Pin Traders, Mickey’s Pantry, Mickey’s Groover, Pin Cart West Side, and DisneyQuest Emporium to fill up your Halloween candy bag. Before you head out, stop by the pumpkin patch set up in the town center to snap some memorable Halloween 2008 pictures.

There’s also usually plenty of other entertainment on hand; this year, you can look for storytelling at the iron gate near World of Disney throughout the evening, and magicians and performers near the Earl of Sandwich. Throughout the night, a DJ will spin for a dance party at the Fountain Stage, and skeleton stilt walkers will be surfing through the crowd.

And over at CityWalk at Universal Studios, a similar event called “Big Treats for Your Little Monsters” will be underway on Halloween from 4 pm to 8 pm. Children ages nine and younger can visit their favorite CityWalk shops and restaurants for candy and treats. And for adults who are never too old for Halloween, the groove nightclub is hosting a costume contest for prizes beginning at 9 pm. And you never know what characters you might spot prowling the CityWalk streets – in past years, SpongeBob SquarePants, Scooby Doo, The Incredible Hulk, and Woody Woodpecker have been known to make appearances.

Trick or treating at CityWalk and Downtown Disney is a great alternative to door-to-door trick or treating because it’s much safer and more convenient. Kids can get a lot of candy all in one location, and best of all, it’s free! Downtown Disney and CityWalk have no charge for admission, and Downtown Disney offers free parking as well. Parents will also have the comfort of knowing that their children are getting their candy from a safe source – although you will still want to practice good trick or treating safety and not let the kids take any candy that isn’t wrapped.

So for a boo-tiful Halloween with lots of candy goodness and fun for the kids and young at heart, make Downtown Disney and CityWalk your trick or treat destinations this year. And check out Halloween Horror Nights and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party if you get a chance – there’s still time to get discount tickets to these great Orlando theme park events at DWTickets.com. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Howl-O-Scream: Doubling Your Fun This Halloween!

Appearing for its 9th season, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa plans to double the screams and double the fun this time around. As the sun goes down, the evil spirits, ghosts, goblins, creatures, and more come out to play throughout the park. Busch Gardens changes from a happy go-lucky park to an amusement park of inescapable fear! For 17 select nights, Howl-O-Scream will run from October 2 – November 1, with two Freaky Preview nights on September 26 and 27. Loaded with six haunted houses, three scare zones, three shows, and the best roller coasters in Florida to keep you on your toes, you will not want to miss this event.

But, beware! There is a reason that Busch Gardens promises double the fun and scares this year…the Raven Twins! Born conjoined at the head, Laura and Lana Raven grew up as any other children would. As they grew up they started to develop unique personalities, but they still could agree on one thing and that was their love for the same boy. But, the young boy wanted nothing to do with the twins! He mocked and joked about them, just as the rest of the town did. This heart break LITERALLY tore the twins apart. The twins forcefully separated themselves, ruining their faces forever, looking for revenge to all of those who caused them cruelty and pain. Beware of these girls if they are to cross your path. They are dieing to meet you…

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets must be purchased separately from Busch Gardens Park Admission tickets. This event is intended for mature audiences and may prove to be too intense for young children. The event contains adult content of violence, gore, and blood.

Dates:

• Freaky Preview: September 26 – 27
  (7:30 pm – 1 am)


• October 2 – November 1
  (Thursdays 7:30 pm – 1 am; Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 pm – 2 am)