You can still use tickets that were issued when the Magic Kingdom was new!

The Walt Disney World admissions system is highly complex. Besides making a brand-new purchase, you can also upgrade your current tickets or even exchange older passes for new RFID-enabled plastic cards. These transactions are complicated and, depending on the type of ticket you have, you might be unable to verify how many days of admission are left without visiting Guest Relations. If you are willing to put in the legwork, however, upgrades and exchanges can result in significant savings.

Upgrades
You can upgrade your ticket at any Guest Relations location within 14 days of your first use. If the ticket is completely unused, you can upgrade it at any time. In addition, official Walt Disney World resort hotels can handle upgrades that do not involve annual or seasonal passes. However, a number of special rules apply.

You will receive the full value that you paid as a credit toward the price of the new ticket, but if you bought your original ticket through a wholesaler or other discount program, you will effectively lose the discount. For example, if you bought a 5 day Park Hopper at the 4 day Park Hopper price, you will not receive credit for the extra day you received but did not pay for. A program called price bridging, which brought the ticket value up to full current gate price, is no longer in effect.

All tickets must be converted to RFID for admission.

Unless you are a Florida resident, your ticket must have at least one entitlement remaining in order to upgrade it, even if you are within the 14-day window. You may upgrade on the last day of validity as long as you do so before leaving the parks that day. Florida resident Magic Your Way tickets do not have to have entitlements remaining, but must be within the 14-day window. Some special Florida resident tickets are eligible for upgrades for up to six months after first use.

When upgrading, you must choose a similar ticket type. For example, if the original ticket had the Park Hopper option, the new ticket must have that option. If the original ticket had Water Parks Fun & More, so must the new ticket. This gets particularly sticky if you want to upgrade to an annual pass. If you have the Water Parks Fun & More option, but have NOT used any of those admissions, you may upgrade to a regular annual pass. If you have used even a single WPF&M option, you are only eligible to upgrade to a premium annual pass. The difference in price between a regular annual pass and a premium is more than $125 as of 2014, a sizeable amount to pay for one day at Blizzard Beach or a round of mini-golf!

Note that prices are not prorated. If you add Park Hopping or WPF&M, you will pay the full price based on the length of the ticket, even if you have already used some days. Likewise, if you upgrade from an annual pass to a premium annual pass, you will pay the entire difference between the two, but your expiration date will remain the same.

Exchanging Old Tickets

If you prefer, you can move your park tickets to the all-in-one MagicBands.

Before Magic Your Way tickets were introduced in 2005, all Walt Disney World tickets were automatically non-expiring. Disney continues to honor those tickets, as well as older Magic Your Way tickets with the No Expiration option, but not in their original form. In 2013, Disney switched to RFID-equipped plastic tickets, and changed the turnstiles accordingly. To use an older ticket, you must first visit a ticket booth, Guest Relations location or Disney hotel concierge desk to convert it to the new format.

All older tickets will be exchanged to exactly what they were before. For example, if your old ticket had two park days and three WPF&M options (previously under other names, such as Plus options), that is exactly what your new ticket will have. You cannot upgrade old tickets.

Disney’s policy has always been not to punish children for growing up. If you have an old child’s ticket, your child can still use it for admission, even if he or she is now an adult. The only rules are that the child must be present, and his or her current age must make sense with the date on the ticket. For example, in 2014, a child’s ticket from 1984 should be accompanied by someone who is now in his or her 30s. The ticket will be exchanged for an RFID adult ticket with exactly the same entitlements as those remaining on the original ticket.

Pirates is packed with swashbuckling excitement.

Orlando, Florida, is home to a dizzying array of dinner shows. Whether you want to solve a murder mystery, join singing and dancing gangsters at a speakeasy, or take in a Hawaiian luau, the area offers something for everyone. A friend and I have birthdays three days apart, and are both big fans of everything pirate-related, so we decided to take in Pirates Dinner Adventure.

About Pirates Dinner Adventure
Created by Spanish brothers and artistic directors Ramon and Antonio Riba, Pirates Dinner Adventure was born in Orlando. Its success led to the 2005 opening of a sister show in California. Both venues provide a spectacle of singing, dancing and drama aboard a replica 18th century Spanish galleon. The ship is anchored in a 300,000 gallon indoor lagoon with audience seating in six sections running down both sides.

Like most dinner shows, the ticket price includes a full meal along with the show. As of 2014, full-price tickets are expensive, at $64.95 plus tax for adults and teens, and $39.45 plus tax for kids ages 3 to 12. However, Pirates runs frequent special offers that cut prices by nearly half. Visit the official website, http://www.piratesdinneradventure.com/, and choose your location for details. Note that most specials require at least 24 hours advance purchase.

Our Experience: The Preshow
Since we were celebrating our birthdays, my friend and I considered upgrading our tickets. Upgrade packages vary in price and amenities, but generally include guaranteed better seating, upgraded menu items and even a birthday cake. Ultimately, however, we decided against spending the extra money.

As recommended, we arrived 90 minutes before showtime. The check-in line was long, but moved at a reasonably speedy pace. When we checked in, we had to show our printed reservation form and a photo ID. We were asked for our dinner order (beef or chicken), but it seemed unnecessary as we were asked again by our server later.

After checking in, we moved to the sprawling lobby area. The bars were open and selling drinks that were relatively inexpensive for a tourist attraction. A long gift shop counter spanned one wall, selling a blend of kid-friendly plastic pieces and higher quality, more expensive, collectible items. Complimentary small-bite appetizers were available at a station near one of the bars, though it was somewhat hard to spot through the crowd. The food was of decent quality and portions were adequate.

A small stage in one corner of the room was used for a high-energy preshow that got the audience pumped up. Impressively, at one point the preshow spilled over into the main lobby floor, and we just happened to be standing in the right spot for a fantastic view of an aerialist performing on a Spanish web.

The loose premise is that the audience is shanghaied, and the friendly staff played it up as they organized us by seating section based on color designations we were given at check-in. I must say, it was certainly the most good-natured shanghai I could have imagined. We got to stand back and watch the spectacle, as we were in the last group to be called.

Our Experience: Dinner and the Main Show

The show is heavy on audience participation, involving both adults and kids.

Inside the main theater, we were seated in the front row at one end of the three-section seating on the starboard side of the ship. We had an excellent view of everything that was happening, and both agreed we were glad we hadn’t paid extra to upgrade.

Our server seemed a bit scattered. She ran out of beer in her pitcher and kept forgetting to bring more. Despite the fact that everyone at our long table ordered chicken, she had trouble remembering the order. She left us sitting for a long time with our salads, to the point that everyone else in the place was halfway through their entrees before we received ours. Then at the end of the meal, she made a big point out of the fact that tips are not included in the price of admission. Though the recommended gratuity is $5 per person (cash only), we ended up tipping $5 between us, as that’s what we felt the service was worth.

The food quality was decent, on the order of what you might receive from a large industrial kitchen. Nothing spectacular, but large, hearty portions of crowd-friendly meat and potatoes. A kids menu is also available.

The show was well done, with a loose but exciting plot line that was heavy on audience participation. I thought I had escaped notice, but toward the end of the show, a staff member asked me to follow her. A group of us young women were costumed in pirate hats and vests and given treasure chests to carry aboard the ship. It was kind of a kick, and I was impressed by how much attention was paid to the adults as well as the children.

My only complaint about the show is that the audio system is in desperate need of repair or replacement. Although the volume was reasonably loud, the dialogue was heavily muffled through the speakers. I spent a good portion of my time explaining what was going on to my friend and the gentleman on my other side, neither of whom has a diagnosed hearing problem.

A dance party with the actors is held in the lobby for approximately 30 minutes after the show. As we had to work early in the morning, we elected to skip it, but it looked like both kids and adults were showing off their best moves.

Tips for Parents
If you or your kids are pirate fans, definitely give Pirates Dinner Adventure a chance. With that said, don’t go into the experience expecting a Broadway-quality evening. Plan to relax and enjoy some silly fun while dining on cafeteria-quality beef or chicken. Odds are reasonably good that at least one person in your group will be selected to appear onstage, but prepare your kids for the possibility that this will not happen. In my opinion, Pirates is not worth paying full price, but taking advantage of one of the many specials makes it a great choice for a fun family evening.

Buying tickets to Walt Disney World requires a great deal of research and planning.

In 2005, Disney completely dismantled its previous ticket structure in favor of a new program called Magic Your Way. Although a few things have changed since then, the essence of the program remains the same. The more days you buy, the cheaper your per-day price. Special add-ons allow you to further customize your vacation. Decoding the system and figuring out the best option for your family requires a great deal of planning and research.

Magic Your Way Tickets and Options
Everyone starts with a Base Ticket, which is available in increments from 1 day to 10 days. This allows you to enter any one of the four major theme parks per day. If you want to visit, say, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom on the same day, you need to add the Park Hopper option.

The Water Park Fun & More option adds admission to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, as well as the Wide World of Sports, DisneyQuest, the two miniature golf courses and one championship golf course. However, you only get the same number of entries as you have days on your ticket. While theme park visits are counted in days, WPF&M visits are counted in entries. If you go to Typhoon Lagoon and DisneyQuest on the same day, you will use two WPF&M entries. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, and visit the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on the same day, you will only use one park day.

You can buy Magic Your Way tickets online and pick them up at a vending machine at any of the four parks. Thanks to Michael Gray for the photo!

Magic Your Way tickets expire 14 days after the first use unless you pay for No Expiration. Many people buy more days than they need, with No Expiration, in anticipation of a future trip. If you know that you will visit again in the future, this can be a cost-effective way to lock in your next trip at today’s prices.

You can upgrade your tickets at any time within 14 days of the first use, but Disney typically does not give refunds for downgrades. Start by buying the lowest-tier ticket you know you will you use, and go to Guest Relations to upgrade it if needed.

Annual Passes
The factors that go into deciding whether to purchase an annual pass are highly subjective, but one thing is certain. Unless you are buying your tickets in another country, you cannot purchase a Magic Your Way ticket that is valid for more than 10 days. An annual pass is roughly the same price as two 10-day tickets, or a little less if you qualify for discounts. If you know you will visit again within a year, an annual pass is generally the way to go.

Additionally, if you will drive to the parks from a non-Disney hotel, an annual pass saves you the parking fee, which is $15 per day as of 2014. Annual passes also provide a variety of discounts throughout Walt Disney World. Some people buy one member of their party an annual pass specifically to take advantage of the savings.

Discounts

If someone in your family is military or DoD, active or retired, you can buy discount tickets at Shades of Green.

Discounted tickets for those who qualify are available at military installations including Shades of Green, an official military retreat on Disney property, as well as at AAA offices around the country. If you are a Disney Vacation Club owner or Florida resident, you are eligible for special ticket offers. If you know an annual passholder or cast member, that person might be able to get you a small discount.

Some ticket wholesalers are legitimate, but always do your due diligence. Steer clear of anyone holding a sign on the side of the road or who approaches you in an odd location. Scams are rampant, and there is no way to find out if a particular ticket is valid until you arrive at the park and try to use it for admission. By the time you find out your ticket is no good, the person who sold it to you might be long gone.

Image (c) Capones

As one of the tourism capitals of the world, Orlando, Florida, is teeming with attractions of every description. Dinner shows, like most attractions, come and go with surprising regularity. But the best remain, changing things up as needed to stay relevant in a very fickle marketplace. With more than 20 years under its belt, Capone’s proves that ambition, talent and a great premise can be a recipe for success. Besides, who doesn’t like spending the evening at a speakeasy?

About Capone’s Dinner Show
Capone’s founder John Kucik attributes his show’s ongoing success to a company-wide commitment to guest satisfaction. The team works hard to respond to guest feedback and to grow and evolve to meet changing expectations. For example, dinner is served buffet-style, rather than plated, as Kucik believes this is the best way to keep it fresh.

As of 2014, when you purchase online (http://www.alcapones.com/) or mention the “Capone’s Internet Special” by phone, tickets are just $29.99 for adults or $19.99 for kids ages 4 to 12. The price includes a vast all-you-can-eat buffet with soups, salads, an extensive pasta bar featuring homemade pastas, numerous entrees, a meat carving station and seasonal dessert. Unlimited beverages are also included, with both nonalcoholic and a variety of alcoholic beverages available.

The Experience

Image (c) Capones

It all begins when you roll up to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, knock three times and give the password. The door will open, immersing you in the 1931 underworld of Gangland Chicago. If you purchased VIP tickets (a $10 upgrade for adults, $7 for kids), or are willing to pay the price of admission (one drink per person, $2.50 sodas count), you can go straight up to the Four Deuces Lounge. This is improv at its finest, where you can mingle and even play a game of cards with mobsters and molls in full character. If you prefer to wait outside, a few mobsters are on hand to draw you into the action.

The show is heavy on improv and audience interaction, so every night is slightly different. What remains the same, however, is the talent and earnestness of the cast. From well-produced musical numbers to a nightly gangster shootout with prizes for the audience, the entire evening balances high energy and a fast pace with enough quiet moments for you to catch your breath.

While all local dinner shows heavily promote merchandise, including the standard photo taken when you arrive, Capone’s does a great job of seamlessly weaving its merchandise into the experience. Although the dress code is casual, visitors are encouraged to dress the part—and the gift shop sells such finishing touches as boas and fedoras for surprisingly reasonable prices. You can even get 10% off your order by purchasing it in advance on the website. As for the obligatory photo, let’s just say you shouldn’t be surprised if you end up leaving with a newspaper in hand!

Tips for Parents

Image (c) Capones

Despite the gangster theme, Capone’s is incredibly kid-friendly. The majority of the menu is familiar and comforting, with options such as chicken nuggets, pizza and spaghetti. The show is no more risqué than anything shown on prime time broadcast TV, and the cast goes out of their way to make children feel welcome. If your kids are shy, however, you might want to request a private table to avoid interaction with the actors.

The half-price tickets and unlimited buffet make Capone’s one of the best values in the Orlando area. Be sure to purchase your tickets early, especially if you will visit on a major holiday.

Universal’s Mardi Gras parade floats were custom-built by New Orleans’ famous Blaine Kern family.

Universal Orlando is well known for its thrills and chills, especially the frighteningly intense Halloween Horror Nights. Yet the two gated theme parks are packed with opportunities for families to have fun together. For parades, bands, food and fun, check out Universal’s version of Mardi Gras, held every spring inside Universal Studios.

What Is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is many things to many people, depending on where they are located and what their particular interests happen to be. Officially, Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, and the last hurrah before the solemn season of Lent begins. The season surrounding Mardi Gras is more properly titled Carnival season, but modern day usage makes the terms interchangeable, with Fat Tuesday often known as Mardi Gras Day.

The undisputed epicenter of Mardi Gras in the United States is New Orleans, though Mobile, Alabama’s celebrations actually began first. Outside of a few select cities, however, Mardi Gras is not generally celebrated across the U.S. The holiday is not officially recognized in Florida, but Universal Orlando mounts a several-month party that is well worth a visit.

About Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando began as a small celebration during the 1990s. Over the course of a few nights, guests could experience Louisiana-style music, watch parades and eat Cajun food. Even in the early days, however, the attention to detail was mind-blowing. In New Orleans, one family has been responsible for the majority of the Mardi Gras parade floats since 1947. Universal contracted with those float creators, the Blaine Kern family, to rent and transport authentic floats each year for its celebration. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, many floats were destroyed. Blaine Kern family members traveled to Orlando to design and build custom floats specifically for Universal Orlando.

The concerts are included with park admission and are held on a well-equipped permanent stage.

Today, Universal’s Mardi Gras has expanded dramatically. The event runs on select nights from mid-February through the first week of June. Each night features a concert by a major performing artist in genres ranging from country to hip hop to rock and roll. The concerts are held on the large stage near the Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coaster inside Universal Studios, and open-admission viewing is in a massive plaza that replaced the former prop boneyard.

In the French Quarter Courtyard, located near Battery Park in the New York area, food vendors provide a vast array of traditional New Orleans foods from po’boys to beignets, and even traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Local New Orleans bands show off their skills on a small, intimate stage, playing such traditional sounds as blues and zydeco.

Of course, the highlight is the parade, which winds its way through the majority of the park. Towering floats, riders clothed in colorful costumes, and even stilt walkers recreate the fun and excitement of an authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. And just like in New Orleans, expect the beads and doubloons to fly freely! Try giving the traditional shout, “Throw me something, mister!”

Tips for Parents
All Mardi Gras events and activities are included with your regular Universal Studios admission. Expect reasonably large crowds, as the festivities draw quite a few locals. However, the crowds are usually much smaller than those at Christmas and other peak travel times, and everyone is generally laid back and having fun.

The French Quarter Courtyard opens at 4 p.m., while the parade steps off around dusk. The concert is held after the parade. Note that there is little seating along the parade route and none at all in the concert viewing plaza. If you don’t mind not actually seeing the band, benches are available just outside the plaza and throughout Battery Park, and it is easy to hear the music. Chairs, even foldable camping chairs, are not allowed inside the park.

The Mardi Gras parade travels through the majority of Universal Studios, providing great viewing in several areas.

If your kids have enough stamina, it is entirely possible to tour the parks during the day and then focus on the Mardi Gras festivities at night. However, many families prefer to break up their experience, arriving for Mardi Gras in the late afternoon and touring the parks on a different day.

If you happen to have annual passes, you can sign up to ride on the floats. You must submit your request by noon on Friday one week prior to the day you would like to ride. Visit the annual pass holder section of the Universal Orlando website for details. Note that all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult when riding on a float.

Keep in mind that the parade floats are large, moving pieces of machinery. Keep your kids off the barricades and well back from the parade route. Also keep in mind that while the crowd is generally relaxed, some people get overexcited about catching beads. For the best results, follow the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade rules: If something lands on the ground, put your foot on it to claim it. Do not bend over to get it until the moment has passed, or you risk having your hand stepped on. If you and someone else catch opposite ends of a string of beads, the one with the larger section gets it—of course, it is always better to let it go if the other person becomes agitated or upset. Being hit in the head by a flying strand of beads hurts, but at least the Universal Orlando float riders throw one string at a time. Being hit by a flying bag of beads hurts significantly worse, and is not an uncommon experience in New Orleans!

If you want an up-close view of the concert, position yourself along the portion of the parade route closest to the stage. As soon as the parade ends, make your way directly to the viewing plaza without stopping. Room is often available toward the sides of the stage even when the center section is packed. If you anticipate that you or your kids will need to use the restroom or water fountains, head to the right when facing the stage. Restrooms and fountains are located just across the street.

Old Town is well known for its classic cars and vintage Ferris Wheel. Thanks to Leigh Caldwell of Flickr for the great photo!

In the Orlando area, things change rapidly. The theme parks are constantly updating their attractions rosters, pulling the plug on old favorites in exchange for newer, faster and more thrilling experiences. Hotels change ownership at a dizzying pace, and that roadside attraction you loved on your last visit might be a condo complex when you return. Thankfully, the region is also home to a few venerable locations that have withstood the test of time. Kissimmee’s Old Town is one of my favorites.

About Old Town
Built during the 1980s, Old Town was just one of many Highway 192 attractions designed to lure tourists visiting Walt Disney World. The complex struggled during the 1990s and early 2000s, as Disney and Universal Orlando developed into multi-day experiences complete with their own nighttime entertainment districts. In recent years, however, Old Town has undergone a rebirth. The shopping, dining and entertainment complex is open during the day, but it really comes to life at night. There is no charge for admission to Old Town, although the rides and attractions are separately priced.

Our Experience
Encompassing several short, easily walkable blocks, the pedestrian-only Old Town is a fanciful recreation of a town square. I have visited numerous times with various combinations of friends and relatives. It is a great spot for families, a fun place for an old-fashioned date night and a relaxed venue to catch up with someone you haven’t seen in a while. Much more laid back than the theme parks, it is the kind of place that is equally fun whether you stay on the move or kick back and people-watch.

Old Town is definitely a destination rather than a place to run through in an hour. I typically spend between four and six hours there, beginning between 5 and 7 p.m. The shops, rides and attractions are normally open until 11 p.m., but exact hours vary by season. The bars and restaurants generally stay open later, again depending on the season.

The rides are located at both ends of the complex. Thanks to Jared of Flickr for the terrific photo!

Rides and Attractions
Carnival rides are located at the front and back of the complex. Offerings are standard fare and largely geared toward children, though adults are welcome on all but the smallest. The Ferris Wheel provides an excellent view of the 192 strip, which is particularly pretty at night. A rock climbing wall, adventure ropes course and zip line are also available, and are great for all ages. Old Town also offers more extreme adult and teen-oriented rides in the Vomatron and the Slingshot—two death-defying experiences, not actually run by Old Town but located next to the Checkers at the front of the complex, that I refuse to set foot on. I love thrill rides, but I have my limits! Attractions include the Legends haunted house, an arcade, a shooting gallery, lazer tag, bumper cars and even a mechanical bull.

Shops and Restaurants
The shops run the gamut from t-shirts to theme park merchandise to handcrafted Asian souvenirs. A particular favorite is Black Market Minerals, a vast space dedicated to gemstones of every variety. A 1950s store and a 1970s hippie shop are filled with the typical mix of genuine nostalgia and kitsch, while the gourmet popcorn shop does a booming business year round.

The streets of Old Town are like a fanciful town square. Thanks to Leigh Caldwell of Flickr for the excellent photo!

Restaurants range from fast food to full service, although casual dress is definitely expected everywhere. Whether you prefer pizza or sushi, hot dogs or Tex-Mex, Old Town caters to a wide range of appetites. Many of the restaurants provide take-out service, and benches and tables are plentiful throughout Old Town. This makes it easy to feed the kids their favorites while the adults enjoy something slightly more upscale. Of course, ice cream and other treats are available throughout the complex.

Concerts and Car Shows
Part of Old Town’s rebirth has been a renewed dedication to free events. A concert stage sits roughly in the middle of the complex. Every Wednesday night is the Little Darlin’s Doo Wop tribute to the music of the 1950s and 1960s. On Friday nights, the All American Muscle Car Cruise showcases American-made muscle cars from 1964 and later, and American classics from 1988 and later. On Saturday nights, the highly popular Classic Car Cruise shows off the finest in vintage automobiles from 1974 and earlier, including a number of very early, fully-restored, antiques. Sunday nights bring Old Town Gone Country, with country bands taking the stage. Bigger car shows and additional concerts are held throughout the year, and admission is nearly always free.

Tips for Parents
Old Town is the kind of place where you can spend a lot of money, or almost no money at all. Set ground rules with your kids before your visit, whether you instruct them to pick out one toy (perhaps from the vintage recreation toy store) or give them a maximum dollar limit. Decide in advance whether rides and attractions are on the agenda, and how much you are willing to spend.

Old Town has quite a few bars, and drinking is permitted throughout the complex. Although I have encountered only a handful of drunks in all my visits, be aware that this is a possibility. If you are concerned about your kids’ exposure to alcohol, consider visiting during the afternoon rather than the evening. However, be aware that many venues are closed on Mondays, and others do not open until evening even on the weekends.

Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekend nights. If you are staying along 192, consider walking. Otherwise, plan to pay $10 for preferred parking or circle the free lots until you find a space. I have never completely failed to find a spot, but I have ended up parking between the Red Lobster and the mini-golf place down the street.

Halloween means big-budget events like Halloween Horror Nights.

Central Florida is well known as the theme park center of the world. The crowded landscape ensures healthy competition as each park fights for its share of the tourist dollar. With Halloween now a multi-billion dollar industry, second only to Christmas in consumer holiday spending, the parks have turned their attention to putting on ever more elaborate seasonal events. Some are intensely scary and best for brave older kids and adults, while others celebrate childhood wonder with trick-or-treating and beloved characters decked out in their Halloween costumes. No matter what your family is looking for, Central Florida is sure to provide it. Here’s a look at the local Halloween landscape for 2014.

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Orlando’s 24th annual Halloween Horror Nights is filled with all-new scares. Each of the 8 walk-through haunted houses and 4 designated street scare zones is brand new for this year, and is packed with actors lying in wait for their chance to terrify you. This year features a terrific mix of houses based on popular franchises, including The Walking Dead and Halloween, alongside original creations from the twisted minds of the Art and Design department. Two shows, the wildly popular Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure and the Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute, provide a chance to sit down and catch your breath.

Halloween Horror Nights is extremely intense and purposefully scary. The event is rated PG-13 and, while children are admitted with an adult, there are no child-priced tickets and no refunds. Although many brave kids have a wonderful time, you know your children best. We have seen 10-year-olds laugh their way through the haunted houses, and full-grown adults run screaming out the front gates at the first scare. Also note that HHN is a bit of an adult party with readily available alcohol, dim lighting and often-rambunctious guests. Although security will not hesitate to intervene at the first sign of trouble, some parents are uncomfortable with exposing their kids to drinking and adult humor. Use your own discretion when making the decision to attend.

Howl-O-Scream

HOS Shop of Horrors. Image: Snowman Guy, Wikimedia Commons.

Like Halloween Horror Nights, Busch Gardens Tampa’s Howl-O-Scream is intensely frightening. The event features 7 walk-through haunted houses and hundreds of roaming street scare actors, with a mix of returning scares and all-new experiences. For an extra fee, you can also add The Experiment, an extreme challenge that allows you to face your fears alone or in a group of up to 4 people traveling together. One show, Fiends, provides a respite from the terror.

Howl-O-Scream, like Halloween Horror Nights, is primarily designed as an adult party. There are no child-priced tickets, and refunds are not available. Alcohol is sold throughout the park. Only you know whether your child is ready to handle the intensity and the party atmosphere.

ZooBoo
Lowry Park Zoo, located in Tampa, offers what is arguably the best Halloween option for families with a range of ages, interests, and scare thresholds. ZooBoo features 6 walk-through haunted houses, each with its own “skull rating.” Skull ratings range from one to seven, with seven being the most intensely frightening. This allows the adults and older kids to experience thrills and chills, while the little ones take in haunts that are more to their liking. A family carnival and some kids’ rides are also open during the event. Children’s tickets are available, and those ages 2 and under are free.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Donald and Daisy show off their Halloween costumes. Image: Loren Javier, Flickr.

If your family’s Halloween tastes run more toward trick-or-treating than frights, head to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World for a family-friendly party. Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party features trick-or-treat stations for all ages, along with a fantastic “Boo to You” parade complete with the Headless Horseman. You’ll also see a special Halloween-themed fireworks show and a stage show featuring the Disney Villains. For an extra per-person fee, a dessert party with the Villains is also available.

Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress in costume (nothing revealing, gory or obscene) and get into the fun. Children’s tickets are available, and those under age 3 are free.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular
Specifically geared toward the youngest kids, SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is a daytime weekend event included with regular park admission. Trick-or-treating, special shows and dress-up opportunities are available, and all the characters are friendly under-sea dwellers. Though there is not much to appeal to older kids and adults, the rest of the park is also open. This is a great way to get your little ones some Halloween fun while the older members of your group go on rides that the youngest ones can’t ride.

Brick-or-Treat
Legoland, located in Winter Haven, is geared primarily towards young children, and its Brick-or-Treat party is no exception. This daytime weekend party, included in regular park admission, features a variety of child-friendly Halloween experiences. Kids can trick-or-treat along the Brick-or-Treat trail, help build an 8-foot tall Lego ghost, take photos with the largest Lego pumpkin in the world, join in a scavenger hunt, and even enter an age-bracketed costume contest (limited to ages 12 and under). Every night ends with a family-friendly dance party.

The costume contest drew a wide range of both zombies and zombie hunters.

I was raised in the sleepy small town of Lakeland, Florida, about halfway between Tampa and Orlando. When I left for New Orleans in 2001, Lakeland was growing rapidly, but it still maintained its small town feel. Conservative and quiet, Lakeland seemed to enjoy being quaint. So imagine my surprise when I returned to discover that Lakeland has gotten cool! Started in 2012, ZombieFest is the face of the newer, hipper Lakeland.

About ZombieFest
Lakeland has long been known for its downtown community events. SnowFest, Mayfaire by the Lake and the annual Christmas parade have always drawn the city together. ZombieFest is the natural marriage of Lakeland’s historical civic pride and its 21st century facelift.

Like most Lakeland community events, ZombieFest takes place throughout the downtown corridor surrounding Munn Park. For 2014, there are three designated scare zones, or walkthrough outdoor haunts. Live performances take place throughout the day on the main stage. Visitors are encouraged to dress the part, and the costume contest and zombie walk are open to those of all ages. A car show, approximately 50 vendors, and a designated kids’ zone with games and play areas are also available. Most of the shops, restaurants and bars throughout downtown are open.

Local celebrity Dr. Paul Bearer was on hand for the festivities.

ZombieFest is always held on the second Saturday in October. For 2014, the hours are 3 till 10 p.m. Basic admission is free, although many activities cost a few dollars. For example, the scare zones cost $3 to $5 each. Bring cash, as most vendors and activity leaders are not set up to handle cards.

You can purchase a wristband for $10, which includes admission to two scare zones and special discounts at a variety of Lakeland restaurants, bars and attractions. Some discounts are available only during ZombieFest, while others are offered through the end of October.

Our Experience
Dad and I attended in 2012 with my cousin and his daughter, who was 10 at the time. She is very skittish about Halloween, haunted houses and anything frightening. She dressed in costume and had me put zombie makeup on her. She was a bit hesitant when we first arrived, as the streets were crawling with zombies, but she relaxed when she realized that they were not actively trying to scare her. Eventually, she was able to comment on different people’s costumes and makeup, taking a more “technical theater” view of the experience.

The reimagining of Michael Jackson’s Thriller was incredible.

We spent several hours wandering the streets, watching the main stage shows, eating and shopping. We were all highly impressed by the quality of merchandise for sale, and my cousin really enjoyed the kids’ area. Her father left around 8 p.m., and Dad and I offered to drive her home later if she wanted to stay. She agreed, and we caught some more entertainment.

Near the end of the night, my cousin decided she wanted to try a scare zone. We stood in a very long line (close to an hour), and she spent the time going back and forth on whether she really wanted to go through. The people in line around us were very friendly, and they gave her pep talks to help work up her courage. She finally decided to do it, and we paid our money to enter. As we were about to go inside, my cousin was startled by a pop-up prop at the entrance. Her bravery gave out, and we had to leave. Nonetheless, she was glad she went, and she said she really enjoyed the rest of the event.

Tips for Parents
The majority of ZombieFest is great fun for all ages. Although a good portion of the crowd is dressed as zombies, they are just hanging out enjoying the event rather than trying to scare anyone. The main stage shows are excellent, and the vendors have some truly unique craft items. Although it draws more than 20,000 visitors, the event retains a small community feel.

Many of the vendors had professional-quality masks and props for sale.

As for the scare zones, only you know what your child can handle. While watching the crowd, we realized that every child truly is different. Several kids who looked no older than 5 or 6 went through the scare zones more than once and came out laughing each time. Others who appeared to be teenagers intentionally crossed the street to avoid the scare zones. There is no magic age at which all kids are ready to be scared.

Munn Park is a designated “safe zone.” ZombieFest participant zombies are not allowed to roam the park. While they cannot prevent visitors dressed as zombies from using the park, they are encouraged to be as friendly and nonthreatening as possible. In our experience, it seems that everyone works together to keep the park scare-free.

If you or your kids want to dress up but are unsure how to do your makeup, artists are on hand to help for a nominal fee. Their work is excellent and their prices are reasonable. You can choose a truly gory look or something a bit more restrained—just tell the makeup artist what you have in mind.

Terror on the Lake is a creepy local haunt in Clermont, Florida.

While Central Florida is well-known for its major theme park haunts, including Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Gardens Tampa’s Howl-O-Scream, as well as the permanent Legends: A Haunting at Old Town, what is less widely advertised is the area’s plethora of smaller local haunts. From tiny backyard walkthroughs to fully realized haunted houses with all the latest technology, no matter where you are staying, there is sure to be a haunt near you. Here is a look at what 6 local favorites are doing for 2014.

Terror on the Lake
Located just outside the library in Clermont’s Cagan’s Crossing, Terror on the Lake has rapidly developed a well-deserved reputation for professionalism and fun. With high-quality props, sets, costumes and scares, it is clear that the team knows what they’re doing. The designers put together a new storyline every year, and the 2014 event is known as The Legend of Fear Manor.

What is particularly unique about Terror on the Lake is the intensely personal experience the haunt provides. You might be asked to participate in some way, and don’t be surprised if your group is split at some point. The house is intentionally scary, and kids aged 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Other onsite attractions include a zombie shooting gallery, a Buried Alive coffin simulator, and a small assortment of carnival games. If the youngest kids are too scared to go through the haunted house, they can enjoy the carnival while the others walk through.

The Shallow Grave

The Shallow Grave
photo by Ricky Brigante

Winter Haven’s The Shallow Grave is a true competitor to the bigger and better-known haunted attractions. Featuring two walk-through haunted houses, each with its own storyline that connects seamlessly with the other, the experience is purposefully scary. The haunt bills itself as one of the most intense haunted attractions ever mounted in Florida, making it a rival to even the legendary (now closed) Terror on Church Street.

The Shallow Grave is not recommended for kids under age 12, although all ages are permitted. Note that, unlike most haunted houses, the attraction stresses that you might receive minor physical contact from the actors. If you take the kids, prepare them for this possibility.

A Petrified Forest
Located outside Orlando in Altamonte Springs, A Petrified Forest is a highly-rated outdoor haunted trail. New for 2014, the attraction has added a second trail, doubling the scares. The trails are intentionally scary, but offer two special experiences that allow guests to fine-tune their desired level of fright. Total Eclipse Nights are for those who want an extreme experience—each group gets only one glow stick, and all the lights are turned off. On those nights only, the scare actors are allowed to touch you, pick you up, move you around, and so forth. They can also steal your glow stick, forcing you to make your way through without light!

At the opposite extreme, Kids’ Day is the best choice for squeamish little ones. This morning event provides trick-or-treating on part of the trail, arts and crafts, games and even a bounce house. Other options for all ages include nightly Laser Tag, live music and food. Nightly backstage tours are also offered for both kids and adults. These tours allow you to see behind the scenes, meet some of the cast and crew, and even try your own hand at scaring people who walk through.

Hellview Cemetery

Hellview Cemetery
photo by Ricky Brigante

Located in St. Petersburg, the entirely free Hellview Cemetery has been a local charity house since 1996. The attraction continues to grow in both size and scope, but maintains its commitment to free fun for all. The haunt is intentionally scary, but many kids make it through just fine. Only you know what your child can handle.

Please note that this year’s haunt is based on some old religious and spiritual belief systems including serpent worship and ritual sacrifice, and there are some references to cannibalism. Although nothing is extreme, use your discretion when deciding whether the haunt is appropriate for your family.

The Radley Haunted House

The Radley Haunted House
photo by Ricky Brigante

The Radley Haunted House is a local St. Petersburg haunt with big aspirations and the talent to match. The designers truly understand what goes into a successful haunt, and despite a limited budget, they have managed to create something special that is a worthy rival to the biggest theme park haunts. For 2014, they ran a successful KickStarter campaign, raising more than $4000 to fund their expansion. The storyline changes every year, but always focuses on the adventures of the mysterious Radley family.

The attraction is intensely scary, utilizing many of the same tricks and secrets as the big-budget haunted attractions. However, the haunt is theatrical rather than pointedly gruesome, and many families return every year.

Haunted Angelus Scream Park
Located in Hudson, the Haunted Angelus Scream Park is a family-friendly haunt complex. There are two main walk-through haunted houses, a haunted hayride, and a special children’s haunt. Glow sticks are available for little ones and squeamish adults. Although everything except for the children’s haunt is scary, the designers work hard to strike a balance that is entertaining rather than terrifying. If you have any doubts about your child’s ability to make it through one of the haunts, consider purchasing unlimited tickets and previewing the attractions before bringing your kids inside.

The Caretaker was one of Halloween Horror Nights’ most beloved icon characters.

At one time a minor holiday best known for trick-or-treating and costume parties, Halloween has become big business in the United States. From tiny home-based haunts through elaborate high-dollar events, Halloween is now a season packed with the opportunity to go out and get scared. With a 100-year legacy of horror, Universal Studios is among the best in the business. For an average of 28 nights in September and October, Universal Studios Orlando is transformed into a fright fest worthy of any blockbuster horror film.

Halloween Horror Nights History
In 1991, Universal Orlando decided to throw a Halloween party at its year-old park. Then called Fright Nights, the three-night event included one haunted house, a few walk-around actors and several street shows. The name changed to Halloween Horror Nights in 1992, and that year’s party was billed as the second annual Halloween Horror Nights. The event has evolved dramatically over the years as the dedicated Art and Design team learned what worked and how to streamline the mechanics for an ever-growing audience.

Trapped in a Plexiglas coffin, the Rat Lady has been a fan favorite since the earliest days of Halloween Horror Nights.

The Haunted Houses
The haunted houses are the heart of the Halloween Horror Nights experience. Each year brings seven to eight fully developed houses packed with live actors, animatronics, movie-quality sets and professional lighting and sound effects. Some years, the haunted houses are part of a larger cohesive event storyline. Sometimes they are based on hit films, such as the Saw series, or video games, such as Silent Hill. Some years bring sequels to previous houses alongside all-new frights. In 2012, Universal partnered with master magicians Penn and Teller to develop New(kd) Las Vegas, a post-apocalyptic comedy horror house set in Las Vegas after the accidental detonation of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Penn and Teller were involved in every step of the design process, and even surprised fans by making random appearances in their house on some event nights.

The haunted houses are highly immersive, intentionally scary and often extremely gory. The actors take advantage of the distractions provided by low lighting, fog and animatronics to produce in-your-face scares. Some kids absolutely love the experience, laughing their way through the houses, while others are frankly terrified. Even some adults are unable to handle the intensity of the haunted houses.

If your kids are brave and you don’t mind gore, there is nothing inappropriate inside the haunted houses. Universal’s Art and Design team carefully crafts its scares, avoiding such sensitive topics as religion and keeping racy suggestiveness to a minimum. In addition, each year generally brings a comedy house. While still scary, the comedy houses bring laughs along with the frights. They are a good way to test your kids’ mettle before taking them into the more intense houses.

Most years, the streets are divided into scare zones, each with its own theme.

The Streets
The haunted houses are not the only places that can make you jump at Halloween Horror Nights. Universal Studios’ streets are also packed with live actors capable of delivering a great scare. Some years, the actors are divided into dedicated, heavily themed “scare zones.” Other years, the entire park is considered a scare zone, and the actors even make their way into the shops and restaurants.

In general, the streets are less scary than the houses due to their open nature. Many of the actors are willing to pose for photos, unlike the houses, where photos are strictly forbidden. Nonetheless, it is good to always be on your guard. As a former scare actor who now runs a small local haunt each year, I am almost impossible to scare. Yet two years ago, a street actor got me good. I was cutting through a small, dimly lit walkway on my way to the restroom, and paying more attention to my phone than to my surroundings. An actor had completely hidden himself in the bushes. He leapt out, growling loudly, and landed directly beside my right ear! I am embarrassed to admit that I shrieked before bursting into laughter and applause.

The Shows
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure has been a Halloween Horror Nights staple since 1992. Hosted by Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan from the films Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, the show is a wildly popular spoof of the previous year’s pop culture.

Bill and Ted, from the movies of the same name, have hosted a pop culture spoof show every year since 1992.

The Bill and Ted show is somewhat racy and suggestive, but not blatantly inappropriate. Most of the adult humor seems to go right over the heads of the kids in the audience, but the singing and dancing is catchy for all. If your kids are into the latest movies, music or celebrities, they will enjoy the loving send-up of their favorites.

Most years, Halloween Horror Nights also hosts one or two additional shows. Bizarre magicians are a perennial favorite, but recent years have brought the Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute. Compressing the full plot of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show into half an hour, the Tribute incorporates film clips, live actors and a great deal of audience participation. If you have never seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight, in a theater with a live cast, attend a showing without the kids before deciding whether to attend the Tribute. Universal tries to prevent some of the raunchiest audience callback lines, but many of the attendees are dedicated fans who shout questionable comments at top volume.

Security is taken very seriously, with park security guards and police officers stationed throughout the park.

The Crowd
Halloween Horror Nights is rated PG-13 and is billed as an adult party. Children of all ages are allowed to attend, but do not receive a discount on admission. Alcohol is readily available at stands and restaurants throughout the park, and women in bloodied nurse outfits sell Jello shots in miniature blood bags.

Between the alcohol, the scares and the general excitement, rowdiness is not uncommon. However, Universal takes security very seriously. Uniformed and plain clothes police officers, as well as uniformed and plain clothes security guards, are prevalent throughout the park. Fighting, line jumping and other bad behavior is immediately dealt with, usually by eviction from the park and sometimes arrest. Therefore, the risk of physical harm to you or your children is exceptionally low.

When to Go
In general, the best times to go are late September, Halloween night, and any event nights that run into November. Opening weekend is generally crowded with hardcore fans, who are very friendly and respectful, but can create long lines. The second and third weekends are relatively uncrowded, and the actors have begun to find their characters. The crowds gradually get bigger as the event progresses, culminating in the week between October 19 and 26, popularly termed “Hell Week.” Florida schools are on holiday at this time, and the crowd is a bit rougher than usual. Crowds are surprisingly low during Halloween week, and very small on Halloween night, as people attend parties and other events that are held on a more limited schedule. If any event dates fall in November, the park is generally uncrowded, except on the very last night of the run.

The Chainsaw Drill Team is great at parting any crowd!

When traveling with kids, consider avoiding Friday and Saturday nights as well. Although the event is open extended hours and more scare actors are on duty, the locals tend to come out to party on those nights. Lines are longer and people are generally rowdier. Choose a night in the middle of the week, or a Sunday, whenever possible. If you must visit on the weekend, Friday is usually less busy than Saturday.

Practical Considerations
As of 2013, a one-night ticket was $92, but few people pay full price. If you plan to visit just one night, and will also visit the parks during the day, a Stay and Scream pass is as little as $39 depending on the night of the week. If you will attend multiple nights, season passes are only slightly more expensive than one-night tickets. Annual pass holders, Florida residents and those staying in an official Universal resort hotel receive major discounts.

Visiting the parks earlier in the day is highly recommended due to the way crowd control is managed. If you are inside Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure before the park closes for the day, and already have a Halloween Horror Nights ticket, you can make your way to your choice of holding areas at park closing. Our favorite is at Finnegan’s, an Irish pub-style restaurant that remains open during the wait. Those in the holding areas are released before the front gates open for the event.

If you are not in the park before daytime closing, you must wait in a long line outside the park gates for an additional security check beyond those performed during the day. The security lines move slowly, potentially taking away from the time you have to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights.

On an Unmasking the Horror tour, a VIP guide will show you the lights-on secrets of two Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses.

Express and RIP
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the event, Express passes are absolutely essential for those trying to see everything in one night. Even on slower nights, the more popular haunted houses regularly draw lines of up to an hour. On busier evenings, it is not unusual to see wait times of two hours or more. Express passes allow you to utilize a shorter line at all haunted houses and some shows. Season passes are available with Express access for all eligible nights at a higher fee. The Express pass benefit included with a stay at an official Universal resort hotel is not valid during Halloween Horror Nights.

RIP tours are the Halloween Horror Nights version of VIP tours. RIP tours are led by long-time Universal employees with an encyclopedic knowledge of both Halloween Horror Nights and the parks in general. RIP tour participants receive immediate access, ahead of Express, to the haunted houses and the Bill and Ted show. Private RIP tours are very expensive, but you can sign up for a public tour, in which you will tour with a small group of strangers, for much less.

Unmasking the Horror tours are an excellent choice for Halloween aficionados. These daytime tours take you behind the scenes of the event, including previously unprecedented access to two haunted houses. These reasonably-priced tours are also great for kids who love Halloween but are not quite ready for the full nighttime experience.