Destination Theme Parks: Halloween Fun

On your autumn timeshare resort vacation consider one within driving distance of a theme park that pulls out all the stops for Halloween, with ghoulish parades, trick-or-treating for the kids and attractions that just might scare your socks off!

Here’s a peek at some celebrations at amusement parks across the country:

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio:
This theme park on Lake Erie has the biggest concentration of roller coasters anywhere in the world, plus tamer rides for young children, loads of carnival-style games and live shows. Kids’ events during Halloweekends include a non-frightening “magical house,” with surprises around every corner. Sweet treats are offered at the end of a walk through the “Magical House on Boo Hill.” A costume contest, magic shows and afternoon family-friendly “Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade” entertain children, as well.

For older kids and adults, it’s all about the spooky, outdoor walk-through attractions called Fright Zone, CarnEvil, Fear Faire, Terror Island and Corn Stalkers. At night, fog machines and eerie lighting help create a frightening atmosphere for “Screamsters” who sneak up on visitors. Indoor haunted houses like Club Blood and Undertaker U, also scare the pants off anyone who is brave enough to venture inside.

Halloweekends at Cedar Point take place September 12 to November 2, Friday nights from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Halloweekends events are included in the cost of daily admission.

Legoland, Carlsbad, California:
Designed for children toddler to tween age, this manageable theme park presents the “Brick or Treat” trail every Saturday and Sunday in October, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Here, kids 12 an under stop by different stations on the trail for candy and other surprises. Walking the Brick or Treat Trail is included in the admission cost.

Saturday evenings at Legoland, it’s time for Brick or Treat Party Nights, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a costume contest for the kids and entertainment from the “Boo Crew.” Some rides and theme park attractions are open late for Party Night guests. Evening festivities are included with the cost of daily admission, or pay $35 for entrance after 5 p.m.

Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California:
At Disneyland from September 26 to November 2, kids can listen to spooky tales, enjoy Halloween arts and crafts, and decorate cookies at Woody’s Halloween Round-up. Meanwhile, the theme park’s Tower of Terror and Haunted Mansion are especially decked out for the Halloween holiday.

Halloween decor throughout the park includes cleverly sculpted pumpkins, including a 16-foot-tall Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern. Life-size Disney characters make their rounds decked out in Halloween costumes. And festive treats like pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pie will be available for purchase.

Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party takes place at California Adventure, and is a ticketed event that includes live music, trick-or-treating, arts activities and more. Tickets are $29, and event takes place several weeknights in October, including Halloween night (when the price increases to $37).

Disney World, Orlando, Florida:
At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that happens select evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight, September 5 through October 31, little guests enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the park, a parade, a fireworks extravaganza and more. Some of the park’s most popular attractions are open late, as well. This is a ticketed event that costs between $43 and $56, depending on age, and whether you purchase tickets in advance.

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