One of my neighbors has a yard sign that warns of coyotes on the loose. Next door is a house with skeletons propped up in Adirondack chairs in the front yard. Welcome to Florida, kids. These are signs of fall and Halloween in the Sunshine State.
Hard-core Halloweeners have had a month of spookiness available at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios theme parks. But there’s more to come at other attractions as we head into October and, in some cases, they’ll seep into early November.
Brick-or-Treat
Where: Legoland Florida
When: Sept. 27, then Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2
What’s up: Lego monster interactions, dance parties, “Monster Skytacular” drone show, giant Lego scarecrow group build, in-park trick-or-treating, included with regular Legoland admission
What intrigues: The yeti-ish Lego Square Foot character. (“Stomp over before he disappears,” the site warns.)
More info: legoland.com/florida
Pirates of the Haunted Seas
Where: Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
When: Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2 (plus Friday, Oct. 31)
What’s up: Treasure hunt for stamps related to sea creatures, educational stations, interactions with Captain Sebastian from Pirates Dinner Adventure, included with Sea Life admission
What intrigues: An add-on virtual-reality experience titled “Legend of Lusca”
More info: visitsealife.com/orlando
Dead Coconut Club
Where: Universal CityWalk
When: Open on Halloween Horror Nights evenings from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
What’s up: The revamped-again Red Coconut Club this year has a sinister sorority theme. No tickets/cover required.
What intrigues: The neon “Slay, Girl, Slay” photo op
More info: universalorlando.com
Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar
Where: Disney Springs
When: Daily through Nov. 4
What’s up: The first spooky makeover of the eatery includes pumpkin scarecrows amid its not-so-scary decor. Seasonal bar bites include cursed mummy sausages and, if you dare, Skull of the Dead, a mojo pork treat.
What intrigues: Those shifty-eyed black cats in the rafters
More info: disneysprings.com
‘Omens, Premonitions and Superstitions’ tour
Where: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
When: Oct. 1-31, 2 p.m. daily.
What’s up: Limited-time offering inside the International Drive attraction with emphasis on coincidences and “unsettling history” tied to the ship. Adult tickets are $41.73, but there are discounts for Florida residents, students, seniors, military, advance purchases and others.
What intrigues: Attraction has a range of tours, ranging from self-guided and weekend kids events to four-course dinner galas.
More info: titanicorlando.com
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins
Where: Gatorland
When: Saturdays and Sundays between Oct. 11 and Oct. 26
What’s up: Family-friendly event includes tours through Swamp Ghost’s Monster Movie Museum, a cryptids versus aliens haunt zone, Gator Grotto (with “cadaverous captains”), a skittish skunk ape, animal meet-and-greets, a costume parade for kids and more. Activities are included with regular Gatorland admission.
What intrigues: Characters described as “half human, half Capy Creepybaras.”
More info: gatorland.com
Fright Nights
Where: Icebar Orlando
When: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
What’s up: Costume contests, live DJ, signature and spooky cocktails in the attraction’s seriously chill atmosphere
What intrigues: Among the cocktail choices are the Grim Reaper (“with a grenadine blood syringe”) and the pumpkin spice martini.
More info: icebarorlando.com
Trick or Treat Safe Zone
Where: Orange County Regional History Center
When: Oct. 12, noon-3 p.m.
What’s up: Trick-or-treating throughout the history center, plus a scavenger hunt, crafts and games; costumes optional; free admission and children must be accompanied by adults.
What intrigues: Activities extend next door at the Orlando Public Library from 1-3 p.m.
More info: thehistorycenter.org
Bark-o-ween Bash: Spooktacular Puppy Pawty
Where: Museum of Illusions Orlando
When: Oct. 11, 9-11 a.m.
What’s up: Dogs and their people are welcome to experience mind-bending exhibits (and furry photo ops) of the Icon Park attraction; admission is $29.99; advance reservations required.
What intrigues: You might need that room that makes a dog look enormous – think mega-Marmaduke – compared with its human.
More info: moiorlando.com
Halloween After Dark: Halloween Edition
Where: Orange County Regional History Center
When: Oct. 24, 5-9 p.m.
What’s up: Immersive storytelling and activities in the halls of the history center, as well as games, scavenger hunt, dance floor plus one drink ticket with admission (Adult tickets are $20).
What intrigues: “Historical figures roam the halls.”
More info: thehistorycenter.org
OSC After Dark
Where: Orlando Science Center
When: Oct. 25, 8-11 p.m.
What’s up: Young Professionals group sponsors adults-only event that includes open bar, food for purchase, karaoke, puppet crafting and access to night-sky observatory and exhibits. (Costumes are encouraged; there’s a contest.) Proceeds benefit the museum. Tickets are $50 ($40 if purchased by Sept. 30).
What intrigues: Dancing in DinoDigs, anyone?
More info: osc.org
Trunk or Treat Car Show
What and where: Promenade at Sunset Walk
When: Oct. 25, 4-8 p.m.
What’s up: Trick or treating, live music, street performers, Halloween-themed show cars
What intrigues: It’s in the middle of the Promenade’s Patch event, which runs Oct. 17-30 and features a nightly corn maze.
More info: sunsetwalk.com
Spooktacular Halloween Bash
Where: Old Town
When: Oct. 31
What’s up: Candy stations from 5-7 p.m. plus a costume contest. Halloween entertainment will be offered every October weekend.
What intrigues: The Kissimmee attraction will host its 20th annual VetteFest on Oct. 4, and it will co-present with Fun Spot the MADD Monster Mash & Dash event on Oct. 5.
More info: myoldtownusa.com
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