Halloween In Orlando: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Orlando that are sure to be a scream.
— Barbie Carpenter

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights features eight haunted houses, six "scare zones" and two live shows for a frighteningly good time. The event, which runs from late September through Halloween, offers elaborate haunted houses, including The Thing, an abandoned scientific-research facility where a mysterious alien creature resides. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes -- but leave the costumes and masks at home, per Universal Studios' policy. General admission tickets are $81.99, but Florida residents can get in for as little as $41.99.

6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 | Get Directions

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Parents can take the spookiness out of Halloween at Walt Disney World's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Running from mid-September through October, this event features Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes, a nightly fireworks show. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom and meet Disney's costumed characters. Tickets for this annual event run from $47.95 to $67.95.

3111 World Dr., Orlando, FL 32830 | Get Directions

Spooky Empire

Fans of horror movies and books can enjoy a frightful weekend at Spooky Empire at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Held in October, this annual weekend event features a zombie walk, creepy car and hearse show, costume contest and Freak Show Film Festival. Guests can hobnob with their favorite horror-film stars and authors, including Sam Trammel from True Blood and Barry Bostwick from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A weekend pass to all Spooky Empire festivities costs $50.

8001 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 | Get Directions

Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to press their luck.

Did we miss a Halloween event in Orlando? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Miami, Florida and Alabama.