Halloween time has arrived and the Halloween Spooktacular is officially back at SeaWorld Orlando! This is a wonderful, family-friendly event to celebrate the Halloween season. It is included with admission to SeaWorld and includes a trick-or-treat trail, character meet and greets, fun decor, a dance party, and a Halloween parade.
This event runs on select days from September 16th to October 31st. Most event days happen on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-7 pm. However, check the calendar to confirm and also note that the Spooktacular also happens on Monday & Tuesday of Halloween week.
As I said before this is a great event for kids of all ages! If you are looking for a bit more horror, SeaWorld also has a nightime event called Howl-O-Scream that is intended for an older audience and includes haunted houses, scare zones, and specialty food & drink.
The Halloween Spooktacular Experience
SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is a lot of fun and it is even better that it is included in your park admission. The event incorporates a lot of fun Halloween decorations and fun for kids of all ages. I would say this event is much more centered around children and the events are all kid-friendly! However, even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed walking the trick-or-treat trail and checking out the festivities. It is also very enjoyable to see all the adorable costumes.
Speaking of costumes, kids under 13 are more than welcome to wear their costumes to the event. The costumes can’t include masks are hoods, must follow dress codes at the park, and any face painting must be done inside the park. As long as these rules are followed your youngins are encouraged to wear their best costume to the Spooktacular!
Trick-or-Treat Trail
In my opinion, the trick-or-treat trail is the standout aspect of the event. The trail features 12 different booths that you can stop at to receive candy. Each booth is usually sponosored by a specific company or candy brand, and you receive a specific type of candy from each booth. You don’t get a lot of candy each go, but there is not really a limit to how many times you can explore the trail.
You will need to purchase a reusable SeaWorld bag to participate in the trail. These bags cost $4.99+tax and are available at most merchandise locations. The bags have adorable sayings on them and you can bring them back throughout the season to get even more candy!
Even those with allergies can participate and collect teal tokens at the booths. After you have completed the trail, you can turn in the teal tokens at Coconut Bay Traders to receive allergy-friendly items. This is a great way for everyone to feel included and participate in the fun of trick-or-treating!
Character Meet and Greets
Along the trick-or-treat trail there are lots of chances to meet various characters and take pictures. They are usually posing in front of a decoration and encourage the kiddos to come up, interact with them, and take pictures.
Sesame Street Halloween Parade
This parade happens in Sesame Street Land and includes many of your favorite characters dressed up in their very own Halloween costumes. Be sure to check the schedule for times if you are interested in catching the themed parade.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Unfortunately, the scavenger hunt is an additional cost, but it can be a great addition to continue the fun. The map can be purchased at Coconut Bay Trader’s and after you track down some Halloween friends, you can return for a prize! This can be a good way to keep kids entertained and explore some more of the park.
How to make the most of the Spooktacular Event
The event is included with normal park admission! Most festivities are free, with the exception of purchasing a bag for the trail, the scavenger hunt, and pictures with the mermaid.
Be sure to check the calendar in advance and pick out the things you most want to see and do.
I would recommend purchasing the reusable first thing upon arrival. You do not have to do the trail right away, but then you are all set for when you decide to. Check out the picture below of some of the bag options!
If your kid is under 13, have them wear their costume! Lots of kids dress up so they definitely will not be alone.
However, also prepare them for the fact that they will not receive monstrous handfuls of candy from each booth. If your child is hoping to leave with a huge bag full of candy, they will have to go through the trail many, many times. I think just making them aware ahead of time will make for a better experience!
I have really enjoyed my time at the event! It definitely helps me get in the Fall spirit. I love that the event is family-friendly and is included with park admission. You can enjoy all that SeaWorld has to offer and celebrate Halloween all at once.
As always, I would love to hear from you! Safe travels! ~Colette