Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

2011's kid-friendly theme park Halloween events

September 13, 2011, 3:51 PM · Love trick or treating? How would you like if Halloween came twice a year?

Or more?

If you've got the money, several top theme parks will be making Halloween happen dozens of times between now and Oct. 31. We're not talking about haunted mazes and scare zones of gouls and gore - other parks will have plenty of those. These are three of the best kid-friendly Halloween events at year-'round theme parks. Some offer everyone the chance to trick or treat - even the grown-ups.

Halloween candy
Mickey's Halloween Party at Walt Disney World begins tonight, believe it or not. Here's my haul from last year's Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland.

Mickey's Halloween Party

Dress up and line up to collect candy in any of the several "trick or treat zones" that Disney sets up during these five-hour "after hours" parties in the Magic Kingdoms. If candy's not your thing, or even if it is, you also can enjoy a Halloween-themed parade and a fireworks show, and meet many of the Disney characters who'll be decked out in Halloween garb.

At Disneyland, you'll also be able to ride special holiday-themed versions of the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. (Those versions are available to day guests during the Halloween party season, too.) Do note that not all theme park attractions will open during the party, and most food locations will be closed, so ward off the sugar high by getting dinner beforehand. I don't know about Florida, but at the Disneyland party, Halloween party ticket holders can enter Disneyland up to three hours before the party's official start time, at no additional charge. (Update: Yep, same deal at Walt Disney World.)

Halloween Spooktacular

SeaWorld's annual Halloween event gives costumed children the opportunity to "trick or treat" at stations marked throughout the park map. The park also offers a Halloween-themed Sesame Street show, and in San Diego, a Halloween themed version of the Clyde & Seamore show, too. In both parks, you can meet Penelope the Pumpkin Princess and walk through themed party zones.

Brick or Treat Party Nights

Selected park attractions are open during these four-hour "after hours" events, which feature special entertainers, shows and contests, as well as a fireworks show at the end of the evening. (Legoland's Brick-Or-Treat trick or treating trail is open after noon during regular park hours on weekends in October, but is not advertised as being open during the party nights.)

Replies (8)

CentralFloridian99
Dominick D
September 13, 2011 at 4:29 PM · Robert, MK lets geusts in 3 hours early aswell. I want to do MNSSHP.
coasterdude
Writer
Anthony Murphy
September 13, 2011 at 8:50 PM · Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party is pure fun no matter how old you are!

I feel that it has the best parade that Disney has put on!

zuzzy
Zena Sharpe
September 14, 2011 at 2:59 AM · I would love to take my children to this as they loved the Christmas event. Maybe in a couple of years when I've completed my Disney Vacation saving again! On a personal note, I would love to visit Universal Studios for Halloween but nobody will come with me - there all to scared!
beastmaster
Mike Gallagher
September 14, 2011 at 8:23 AM · HersheyPark, of course, does a traditional Halloween walk-through trick-or-treat area for kids. This year, they're giving out muddy water instead of candy...sorry, couldn't resist. Seriously, they do a great job with Halloween at that park..and the trick-or-treat area gives more candy than you might think. I talked an attendant into letting me collect a bagful for a friend who was unable to meet me due to illness a coupla years ago, and got a nice selection of activity booklets AND candy.
CentralFloridian99
Dominick D
September 14, 2011 at 10:53 AM · I think Ill go to MVMCP, because after seeing all that peanut candy (Im allergic), Ill pass. However, I will take note on how many Skittles you got :)
Anonymous878
Anon Mouse
September 14, 2011 at 2:12 PM · My toddler can go for free (under 3 years are free). I decided to take advantage of the offer especially since I can go in 3 hours earlier at 4pm. This is my first trip to Disneyland this year. You can't beat $59 especially with the high ticket prices. I heard the treat goodies are very good and generous. I will bring extra bags for myself and wife. There is free parking too. Unfortunately, I'm disappointed The Pirates ride is shut down for rehab.
OrlandoRob
Rob McCullough
September 16, 2011 at 9:09 AM · Wow! I went to the Halloween party last year at MK at WDW and let me say, I did get a bucket full of candy. However, like everything else compaired between DL and MK, the "quality" of candy you got is far better than what they were giving out in Florida.
anonymous
65.32.192.149
September 16, 2011 at 4:03 PM · Yes this a very good event! I went there last year for the first, my kids an myself where so impress! We really enjoyed it!

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