{"id":14579,"date":"2019-05-08T18:50:12","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T16:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/floridaandbeyond.com\/halloween-in-disney-and-universal-theme-parks-in-orlando-2\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T15:47:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T13:47:43","slug":"halloween-in-disney-and-universal-theme-parks-in-orlando-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/floridaandbeyond.com\/en\/halloween-in-disney-and-universal-theme-parks-in-orlando-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Halloween in Disney and Universal Theme Parks in Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re visiting Orlando in the fall, experiencing Halloween at the theme parks is something you should not miss. Halloween season in Orlando has become a huge event, and both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando offer incredible\u2014but very different\u2014experiences.<\/p>\n

From family-friendly trick-or-treating and magical parades to terrifying haunted houses and intense scare zones, Halloween in Orlando can be as cute or as scary as you want it to be.<\/p>\n

The big question is: should you choose Disney or Universal?<\/p>\n

The answer depends mainly on who you\u2019re traveling with and the kind of experience you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

At Walt Disney World Resort, Halloween is fun, festive, and designed for families. At Universal Orlando Resort, Halloween is darker, louder, and built for thrill seekers.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s everything you need to know about Halloween at Disney and Universal Orlando.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe1 Book a Vacation Rental<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Mickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney<\/h2>\n

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Disney\u2019s signature Halloween event, held at Magic Kingdom on select nights from August through Halloween.<\/p>\n

As the name suggests, this is not a scary event<\/strong>. Even very young children can enjoy it.<\/p>\n

This special-ticket event transforms Magic Kingdom into a Halloween wonderland filled with pumpkins, decorations, themed music, rare character meet-and-greets, and exclusive entertainment.<\/p>\n

The atmosphere is magical rather than frightening.\u00a0 Of course, you can also dress up and take part in the famous Trick-or-Treat<\/strong> throughout the park in specific areas (see the map below). You will also have access to Magic Kingdom attractions. More information can be found here<\/a> about Halloween at Disney Orlando.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe8 Book Your Hotel<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What can you do during Mickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary?<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest highlights is the Mickey\u2019s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade<\/strong>, one of Disney\u2019s most beloved seasonal parades. You\u2019ll see Disney characters in costumes, haunted mansion dancers, gravediggers, villains, and even the Headless Horseman riding through the park.<\/p>\n

Another major highlight is Disney\u2019s Halloween fireworks spectacular, featuring projections, special effects, and villain-themed sequences over Cinderella Castle.<\/p>\n

Fans of Disney villains also love the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular<\/strong>, a live castle-stage show inspired by the cult Halloween movie Hocus Pocus.<\/p>\n

Of course, one of the most fun activities for kids remains trick-or-treating<\/strong>. Candy stations are set up throughout the park, and guests receive treat bags to collect candy at multiple locations.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude97 Rent a Car<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

One of the things that makes this event extra fun is that costumes are allowed<\/strong> (within Disney guidelines), so you\u2019ll see children and adults dressed as princesses, pirates, villains, and favorite Disney characters.<\/p>\n

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Is Disney Halloween worth it?<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re traveling with toddlers, young children, Disney fans, or families who dislike horror, this is usually the best Halloween event in Orlando.<\/p>\n

It feels festive, charming, and uniquely Disney!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando<\/h2>\n

If Disney is cute Halloween, Halloween Horror Nights is the exact opposite.<\/p>\n

This is one of the most famous Halloween events in the United States and takes place at Universal Studios Florida.<\/p>\n

During the event, the park becomes a full horror experience.<\/p>\n

Fog fills the streets. Chainsaws roar in the distance. Actors dressed as monsters, killers, zombies, and creatures suddenly jump out to scare guests.<\/p>\n

It feels like stepping into a horror movie.<\/p>\n

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What can you expect at Halloween Horror Nights?<\/h3>\n

The event usually includes:<\/p>\n