It's the first weekend in October. That of course means that the haunt season is in full effect. You have so many different haunts happening from HHN to HOS to various different halloween events around the country that you can get lost in them all. But what about the events for kids?
Sure you can go to the Magic Kingdom and shell out a bunch of cash for Mickey's Not So Scary. It's fun, and there's candy and you can go to the Magic Kingdom after dark...or you can do something a little bit different.
Shamu's Halloween Spooktacular
Basically it's like this, they decorate the park in a kid friendly spooky atmosphere, and let the little ones, big ones, costumed ones, and non costumed ones go trick or treating. The best part of it? It's FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION!!! We were able to take the kids for a quick trip yesterday and rather than write a review, I'll do a FAQ that I've read on other sites.
Q:Is it Scary?
A:No! It's cute! They have a variety of different Sea World based characters roaming around the designated area taking pictures, and having fun with the kids.
Q:What does it Cost?
A:Park Admission. That is, you pay to get into the park, and the Spooktacular is absolutely free. There are other events such as face painting, cookie decorating and other events that you have pay for, but the main event, the Trick or Treating is free!
Q:How Does the Trick Or Treating Work, do we need costumes and bags?
A:The trick or treating starts at 12 noon, and lasts until the park closes. You are given a bag if you need one, but you can bring your own. They love costumes and comment on them, but they are not required. They also encourage mom and dad to trick or treat, which we did, and we got a lot of candy!
Q:Is there a limit on the Candy?
A:Yes, you go around to the little candy stations and they give you one or two pieces of candy. However, we went back later in the day, and were able to trick or treat again. It was great, and we ended up walking out with full bags.
Q:What kind of Candy do they give you? Is it the cheap stuff?
A:Well, define cheap stuff. They give out candy and items given to them by those who sponsor the event. Right now you have Baskin Robbins, Palmer Chocolates, Airheads and Chiquita bananas spnosoring the event. We got all assortments of candy from Airheads and twizzlers to various gummi snacks, little chocolate vampire teeth,Pretzel Crisps, Bananas, Peanut Butter, Crayons from Crayola....It really is a well rounded event.
Q:What else is there to do besides trick or treating?
A:The event takes place during normal operating hours of the park, so there are the normal rides and shows. There is also a special Sesame Street Maze where you help Abbey Cadabby find her wand and you get a picture and candy when you do. Also there is the "Countdown to halloween" with Count von Count. Decorations are all over the park that give the Florida landscape as much of a fall feel as you can get. You get a special Shamu Rocks show at night, as well as the fountain show. There is no parade, or fireworks, but there is so much going on during the day.
Q:Is it worth it?
A:The park opens at 9a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. most nights of the spooktacular. The event happens every friday and Saturday in October, and on top of all the normal fun stuff that Sea World offers, you get this Halloween wonderland for kids. If you have older kids they might get bored with all the happy go lucky characters, or if your kid is brainwashed by Disney they won't like that there isn't really any recognizable characters, but Sea Worlds own creations, but the candy they give out is enough to put any kid into a candy coma. Add in more activites and free stuff throughout the park, and yes it is completely worth a trip to Sea World in October.
Q:What did you like about it?
A: I loved that it was completely family friendly and that I didnt have to pay extra for some candy. It was a relaxed atmosphere and it was just a lot of fun. The Sea World characters are so great and into their roles that it makes you forget that you don't know who a single one of them are. The costumes are elaborate, but not as elaborate as you may find over with the mouse. What I didnt like is that the lines to see the characters weren't very organized and you had to wait for each kid to get done then push your kid in front of everyone else who walked up after you. That needs a little attention. On that note, the characters actually talk to the kids and interact with them, instead of just the pose and push that you get over at the mouse. Also there is no parade and fireworks, which I heard a lot of people asking and saying "disney has it".....this aint disney, its different, enjoy it and have fun. I love that they let everyone participate and bubbles are a good alternative to smoke and fire.
