5 Reasons To Celebrate A Spooktacular Halloween At SeaWorld

We launched a new tradition in our family this month – SeaWorld’s Spooktacular Halloween. Oh sure, I know it isn’t a new event. SeaWorld Orlando has been celebrating Halloween in a Spooktacular way for years, but for this reason and that we have always missed the sea-themed Halloween event. Not this year, and if we have our way, not next year either. It’s a fun event for the whole family, and here are five reasons you don’t want to miss it.

Trick or Treat – Dress the little ones in costume and get in some practice trick or treating. With 15 candy stations strategically placed along the Undersea Fantasea Path your pirates and princesses will delight in sugary goodness. Treats include AirHeads Extremes, gummy bears, Mentos, Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, Tootsie Rolls, Junior Mints and raisins (for a healthy treat). Tip – no need for your own bag, SeaWorld provides bags big enough to hold all of your loot.

Carnival Fun – Every game’s a winner at the Spooktacular carnival. Along the trick or treat path guests are invited to play a series of carnival games ranging in price from $3-5, the best part — every player gets a prize. Now that’s a treat for kids and parents. Tip – watch out mom and dad. If you win, the prize is a over-sized plush that you will have fun carting around the park for the rest of the day (not to mention what will you do with it when you get home?). I think the real winners are the losers.

Penelope’s Party Zone – In the middle of the Undersea Fantasea Path, stop and take a break at Penelope’s Party Zone for dancing, coloring, photo opps and even refreshments. Located at SeaWorld’s Bayside stadium, this zone comes to life when families dance and play along to the spooky sound waves broadcasted by a live DJ. With countless bubbles floating overhead and colorful pumpkinfish gliding beside, this Halloween party is sure to provide non-stop fun for all ages. Tip – a selection of pictures taken at Penelope’s Photacular each day make “celebrity appearance” before the Shamu Rocks show in a virtual costume parade.

Costumed Characters – In addition to wee ones dressed for trick or treating, you will find a host fish-themed characters throughout the Spooktacular. While not as well-known as its theme park counterparts, SeaWorld’s Halloween characters go all out. We were all impressed with the details, humor and beauty of the characters milling about. From hammer head sharks (with a foam hammer head) to jesting star fish and even fish friends on rollerskates and stilts, I wonder why SeaWorld doesn’t have more characters throughout the park normally. Tip – Don’t miss getting your picture taken with Shamu as a Pirate. 

Included with Park Admission* – Spooktacular fun is included with park admission, which makes it a no-brainer for season Passport holders or Fun Card holders. Single-day admission is $84.99 for adults and 76.99 for kids, but you can get a Fun Card and come back any day through the end of 2012 or an Annual pass for $119.99. Tip – Passport holders park for free avoiding the $14 charge each visit. 

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular runs on Saturdays and Sundays in October from 12 – 8 pm. Tip – if you plan to visit the park for the day, plan to hit up the Halloween fun on your way out as it get quite crowded at 12 when it opens, but it seems to thin out as the day goes on. Since there are entrances on both ends of the path, you can start in the park to the left and make your way around to the Halloween fun.

*FYI – Face painting, snack decorating,carnival games, etc. are an additional charge.

Disclosure – I received admission to the event, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.