Frightfully Fun Events for Families This Halloween

Universal Studios Orlando - Movie monsters such as the Wolfman, Jigsaw and Chucky come to life on Halloween Horror Nights. The Wolfman movie doesn't hit theaters until February but Universal guests will get a preview of the character and his obsessions at the park. Other horror films and characters include re-imagined classics like Frankenstein and Dracula, along with haunted houses, live shows and costumed actors.

Walt Disney World® Resort – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom features trick-or-treating with Disney characters in their finest Halloween outfits, a HalloWishes fireworks show where the Disney villains go trick-or-treating in the sky, and Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade. Separate event ticket is required, for select dates between Sept. 4 and Nov 1.


Disneyland® Resort – Halloween Screams, a bewitching display of fireworks and breathtaking effects, will be shown select nights between Sept. 25 and Nov. 1. Space Mountain will turn into Ghost Galaxy with sinister sound effects and creepy cosmic creatures lurking around every corner. Jack Skellington and his creepy crew are back for another Halloween/Christmas monster mash-up at Haunted Mansion Holiday. And guests of all ages can enjoy crafts & activities plus lots of spook-tacular entertainment at Mickey’s Trick or Treat party (separate event ticket required).

Hawaii – Lahaina (Maui) is famous for having the biggest Halloween party in Hawaii. The festivities are often compared to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, although more family friendly, at least until sunset when things can get a bit rowdy. In fact, events are kicked off with a Children's Costume Parade. Ichabod's Haunt" spooky attraction on Front Street offers not-so-scary children's shows from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu offers a Haunted Lagoon canoe ride beginning Oct. 2. The Hallowbaloo Music and Arts Open Air Street Festival will take place in the Downtown Honolulu Arts District on Oct. 31. Kauai activities include a cornfield maze at the Kauai Christian Fellowship Church in Koloa, and a haunted house and costume parade at Hanapepe Town Park. And the Big Island features an all day block party in Kailua-Kona on the Alii Drive waterfront, including live entertainment and costume contests.

Las Vegas – I don’t normally recommend Las Vegas as a kid-friendly destination, but older children who enjoy haunted houses and horror movies may enjoy the award-winning Fright Dome at Circus Circus. Beginning Oct. 2, the hotel's Adventuredome theme park transforms into a frightful experience, including five haunted houses (two themed after the legendary SAW horror movies), 23 rides & attractions, a Freak Show, and a haunted 4-D FX theater.

California - In San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House offers special flashlight tours and trick or treating in the gardens. And Half Moon Bay is host to a world famous pumpkin festival on October 17 & 18. Here families can see pumpkins bigger than Volkswagens and watch the "Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers" create a masterpiece out of a 1000+ lb gourd. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay has rooms beginning at $399 per night including these exclusive amenities for clients of Virtuoso agencies:

• Breakfast for two daily ($60 Credit)
• $85 Wine Flight Voucher to Eno
• Upgrade at check in based on availability

For more information about planning a fun family vacation for Halloween or any other holiday, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.