SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular 2023: A Fun-Loving Fall Festival For Big and Small

SeaWorld Orlando is a fin-tastic destination for an autumnal aquatic adventure! The delight of watching shimmering sea creatures transcends age, but what about Halloween? With two different celebrations, SeaWorld Orlando has once again bridged the age gap!

The SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular is a daytime celebration where kids (and adults!) can dress up and enjoy the oceanic park as trick-or-treaters! Colorful and fun, only the light-hearted side of Halloween is on display at this soiree, making it the perfect party for families or folks like me whose scary threshold is watching Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase!

If you like watching super scary stuff—we’re talking Alfred Hitchcock or scarier—then SeaWorld’s nighttime Howl-O-Scream will be up your alley!

But for now, let’s stick to Scooby Doo level, shall we?

Spooktacular Specifics

When it comes to admission, the SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular is all treats, no tricks! Unlike other theme park Halloween parties, the Spooktacular is included with park admission. There’s no extra fee or hoops to jump through to attend. The only tricks you’ll find here are the ones performed by dazzling dolphins and outstanding orcas!

If you’d like to attend the Spooktacular, then you’ll want to plan your SeaWorld visit accordingly, as it only runs on select dates. From September 16th to October 1st, the event will be held every Saturday and Sunday. From October 6th to 30th, the party is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and will also be hosted on Tuesday, October 31st.

Participants of all ages are welcome—and encouraged—to get creative and dress up! Just be sure to follow the guidelines on SeaWorld Orlando’s website. (Basically, keep it family-friendly, with no face paint and no masks for kiddos 13 or older. You know, the usual stuff!)

All right, but the big question is: can adults trick-or-treat at the Spooktacular? I am pleased to report: YES, WE CAN!!

Spooktacular Soiree

So, what does the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular entail? Let’s dive right in!

Trick-or-Treat

First things first: candy! And lots of it! There’s a special, decorated trick-or-treating trail dotted with candy stations, pumpkin fish, and other colorful characters. As you explore, fill up your bag with tasty treats…and then go around again! (Note: in the past, SeaWorld has required the purchase of a reusable bag for treat gathering rather than letting guests bring their own. Thankfully, the price has historically been under $5.00!)

While trick-or-treating is open all day, you may want to save it for later in the afternoon or evening—that way, you don’t have to lug around your sugar stash all day long!

Go to the Pumpkin Garden

Head to Pumpkin Garden and meet the Pumpkin Queen, who’s ready to share a Halloween story with you! (The Pumpkin Queen will read stories at select times throughout the day.) You can also put your I-Spy skills to the test by hunting for adorable pumpkin fish!

Join the Scarecrow Dance Party

An element we’re excited to see again at this year’s Spooktacular is a dance party! Great for kiddos and adults alike, a SeaWorld DJ spins some tunes while you dance along with costumed characters. This year, you can bust your best dance moves alongside some happy scarecrows! It’s a super fun way to expel extra energy and get pumped for Halloween at the same time. (And after those bushels of candy, I think we’ll all want an outlet for the sugar rush!)

Have Your Face Painted

While you can’t wear face paint to the park, you can get a makeover done by a SeaWorld artist! Whether you’re going for a total face transformation or just a tasteful accent, these talented brush masters will have you covered (in paint)!

Stroll Down Sesame Street

Kiddos will love SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land at any time of year, but during the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, it’s especially fun because there’s a special Sesame Street Halloween Parade! Party along with the Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird as they sing and dance to classic songs.

This year, you can also enjoy Halloween Storytime with Big Bird, where everyone’s favorite yellow friend regales the crowd with a spooky tale (at select times throughout the day). There’s also the option to upgrade your experience to include a Spooktacular Breakfast with Count von Count!

Enter the Costume Contest

Costumed kiddos visiting the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular on Fridays can enter a fun contest for the coolest costume. Head over to the Journey to Atlantis Plaza to sign in and win!

Enjoy Halloween Indulgences

In addition to all of that candy, try some of SeaWorld’s seasonal specialties like cupcakes and cake pops! There’s also fun Halloween merch to help you ramp up your sea-themed spooky season wardrobe. (Everyone has one of those, right?)

Beyond the Spooktacular

While the Spooktacular is definitely oceans of fun, you’ll still have plenty of time to check out the rest of SeaWorld Orlando!

We recommend riding some roller coasters and definitely catching a show or two! (Dolphin Adventures and Orca Encounter are classics.) And, of course, it’s not a true SeaWorld visit if you don’t stop by the animal exhibits. You have to say “hi” to those cute little penguins!!

Having a few things picked out beforehand can help the day go smoothly, but it’s okay to go with the flow, too—this is SeaWorld, after all! The main thing is to have fun and stay spooky!

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The SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular is a truly amazing event because it’s both energized and laid-back at the same time. It might be one of the most stress-free Halloween parties you will attend this year!

Combined (for FREE!) with all of SeaWorld’s regular offerings, the Spooktacular adds that perfect touch of fall to your visit and makes for an incredibly well-rounded day!

Are you planning to attend the SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular? What costume do you have planned? Let us know in the comments below!

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Featured photo: Brett Reints via Flickr