Halloween in Orlando

GlobalResortHomes.com is planning a special live event directly from one of the parks during October. Minute by minute updates will be posted to the site as Bill (and his family) stroll through one of the ’spooked out’ theme parks. Readers will be able to post live questions and get a near instant response. Stay tuned for additional details.

Here is a run down of the Orlando theme park events.

Halloween Horror Nights 17 — Carnival of Carnage
Tip: Order online and in advance for special discounts. This event regularly sells out and starts at 6:30 pm.

How do you feel about chainsaws - sans chains? Diet Mountain Dew bottles filled with ‘evil’ coins? If that does it for you then the ‘Carnival of Carnage’ is your best bet. I would consider Universals Halloween event to be the most adult oriented of the three in Orlando - not the best place for small children unless they recently emerged from a corn field. Get it? Children of the corn? Oh well. HHN’s is full of ‘Gotcha’ moments, lots of simulated fog, and no less then 8 haunted houses. Jason & Freddie are back to renew their friendship as Leather face joins this award winning ensemble. Of course, the whole carnival is run by everyones favorite clown - Jack. He only gets work for about 30 days a year and his frustration shows!

2007 Dates: Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, and 31, Nov. 1-3.
Cost: $64.95.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Easily scared? Gutless? This ‘Not-So-Scary’ event is for you.

2007 Dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28, 30, Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, and Nov. 2
Cost: $38.95 or $45.95 for ages 10 and up; $32.95 or $39.95 for ages 3-9

Having children crying en masse isn’t traditional Disney so you won’t find rubber knife wielding Jason wannabes walking throughout the park. The young (and the young at heart) are encouraged to come in costume to the event. A special Halloween parade, select rides (the recently refurbished Haunted Mansion just opened), storytelling, and cast members dolling out free candy make up the bulk of the event. Your teen-age children might cry “LAME!” but your pre-teen kids will howl in delight.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
FREE !!! Low-key family fun. Suitable for all ages

Seaworld’s Halloween event also has a low-scare factor (like Disney) and is best suited for those looking to do some in park trick-or-treating. Lacking some of the high-tech effects and spooked-out walk around characters (Shamu did not like the horns they wanted him to wear) Seaworld does have one thing going for it that the Disney and Universal do not … it’s free to all park guests. Kids can also come in costume.

- Bill