Just in time for the weekend, we wanted to share a few scenes from our recent visit to Orlando. One of our big highlights this time around, especially for Tad and Lily, was SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular. Now, we think October is already a perfect time to visit SeaWorld, because the crowd levels are low to medium, the park is especially lovely with its fall foliage and the added bonus of trick-or-treating in the park is too good to pass up.
SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is held on Saturdays and Sundays in October, and it is a ton of fun for the kiddos -- plus it's included with regular admission to the park!
Just FYI ... this is so much more than just a trick-or-treating experience. There are crafts, dancing, animal encounters, cookie decorating, games, and plenty of encounters with friendly sea creatures!
Lily especially loved the crafting tables and decorating cookies, and we expect your little artists will want to make time to partake in all of the hands-on activities.
SeaWorld's animal experts were lined up along the trail with a number of animals, and seeing them up close was a big highlight for Tad.
To make the most of it, we've put together a few tips for parents.
- Bring the kiddos' costumes. Even in October, it can be especially humid in Orlando, and costumes can sometimes be heavy and/or uncomfortable. Now, if you're little sea creature insists on wearing a costume, like Lily did this last time, at least bring a change of clothes -- just in case.
- Trick or treat strategically. There are 12 treat stations scattered along the trail. The type of candy varies, but kids can see what is being given out on the signs at each treat station.
- Get to the park early. Yes, we recommend this all of the time, but it's true for Spooktacular, especially since there is so much to do at this event alone. While the trick-or-treat trail doesn't open until noon, this gives you plenty of time to tour the park when crowds are lowest. We were in the park by 8:45 a.m. on our most recent visit and headed straight for Antarctica, where we all were able to ride Empire of the Penguin with a 5-minute wait, and then Kraken, which had no wait at all. We were able to make a leisurely tour of the park, catching Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island, visiting Sharks Underwater viewing and all of Shamu's Happy Harbor before the Halloween fun began.
- Bring your change. Tad and Lily really love pressed pennies, and I love that they love them because they make great -- and cheap! -- souvenirs. OK, Lily just loves turning the crank, but Tad loves collecting them on each of his visits and gets especially excited when he stumbles upon a new one. He was very excited to learn that there are four different Halloween Spooktacular-themed pennies!
- Don't forget your camera. You'll definitely want a photo of the little ones with Shamu, but there are also tons of fun backdrops and other sea creatures who are happy to pose for pictures with you.
Have you been to SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular? What do you love about SeaWorld in October?
Related: Disney World, Universal & SeaWorld Planning for October
Hoppy October!
