Halloween in Orlando, Universal and Disney-Style
Halloween Horror Nights vs. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Sep 4, 2009
Universal Studios' Orlando and Walt Disney World's theme parks thrive in a dense market over-populated by real-deal sources of fun and excitement and imitations offering cheap thrills. With both companies vying for every tourist dollar, competition can lead to some ugly results. According to the CNNMoney.com article, "Disney to Buy Marvel for $4 Billion," the Walt Disney Company announced on August 31, 2009, that it will purchase Marvel Entertainment. Though not immediately, this ingenuous move will force Universal Orlando, whose very successful Islands of Adventure theme park is largely based on Marvel characters, to revamp a top-grossing location.
As two heavy hitters with competitive ambitions, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World should be at each other's throats in all respects. However, the two offer starkly different Halloween festivities catering to entirely different crowds. Both provide unique experiences, luring in tourists with quality presentation and performances. However, vacationers should know what to expect before buying tickets to either event.
Universal Orlando's "Halloween Horror Nights"
Parents beware - Universal's Halloween Horror Nights are not for children. No costumes are allowed, and there are vastly more tricks to be had than there are treats.
Beginning late September and continuing through Halloween, Universal's scare festival is based in part on the company's R-Rated horror films, both past and present. The Halloween Horror Nights website warns, "This event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13." Universal makes no secret of its intent to frighten, and its production is not for the feint of heart.
What exactly is Halloween Horror Nights? Well, Universal changes its theme every year, but basically, it is perhaps the biggest Halloween extravaganza anywhere on the planet. With eight, elaborate haunted houses, multiple "scarezones," (outdoor creepfests), masked parades and performers, and live shows (e.g., "Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute" and "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure"), Universal makes sure its customers won't possibly be able to see it all in one night. Tourists will certainly get their fill of blood-stained vampires, hacked-up bodies, rampaging mutants, and chainsaw-wielding psychopaths. And the ghouls love to pounce where they know they will have the element of surprise.
For mature Halloween fans, there is no better event than Halloween Horror Nights. Universal Orlando spares no expense in bringing gritty, unblemished, in-your-face horror to its all-too-wanting customers.
But Universal's great expense comes with great costs. 2009 General Admission ticket prices are posted at $69.99. Florida residents and annual pass holders who aptly time their visits can get in for much less. Universal also offers Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes, which allow purchasers to skip lines for most of the attractions at an additional cost.
All in all, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is a great time and definitely worth attending for teenagers and adults traveling without children.
Walt Disney World's "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party"
For more family-friendly Halloween fun, Disney offers its aptly-named "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party." Costumes are allowed at this event; in fact, children are encouraged to dress up. This insures that the hundreds dressed in the garbs of Disney's most famous princesses and pirates won't always, or even normally be, part of the staff.
Generally beginning in early September, Disney's Halloween bash takes place at its Magic Kingdom theme park. Families can trick-or-treat around the park, collecting candy in a safe and spectacular environment. Disney heroes, villains, henchmen, and sidekicks playfully interact with children, doing their best to insure each child has a time to remember.
Magic Kingdom's day-time parade is a highlight of the theme park. Its Halloween parade is no different. Beginning with the fantastic ride of the Headless Horseman, probably the scariest part of the night besides Necco Wafers, the parade features an endless stream of Disney's older and newer staples. The elaborate floats are well-crafted, with movable parts and lots of lights.
At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween, the treats far outweigh the tricks. Trick-or-treat bags are provided and can be filled at candy stations at the exit if not filled beforehand. Many of the rides and attractions remain open most of the evening. The entire park is decked out in seasonal fashion, eye-catching to children and adults alike.
Of course, it wouldn't be Magic Kingdom without the fireworks. The display, called "Happy HalloWishes," features the voices of several of Disney's biggest villains, including Jafar from Aladdin and Ursula from The Little Mermaid. It's sure to dazzle the young and the young at heart.
Ticket prices are generally $59.00 for ages ten and up and $53.00 for ages three through nine. Discounted prices are available for certain dates and times. No news yet if the Marvel characters will be working their way into future events.
The Verdict?
Both Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights and Walt Disney's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are excellent products for their intended audiences. They provide unique and memorable experiences for all who attend. Whether those experiences are favorably memorable depend on whether the vacationer has chosen his or her Halloween festivities appropriately. If seeking scares, thrills, and gore, go to Halloween Horror Nights. If craving the modern equivalent of good, old-fashioned family fun, go see Mickey.
BNC101
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