StayAreasHalloween in Orlando: Horror Nights, Mickey's party and where to stay
Orlando's two big Halloween events are opposites: Universal's Horror Nights scares adults, while Mickey's party at Magic Kingdom is for families.
Where to stay for Halloween
Stay in Universal Orlando
Horror Nights is at Universal Studios, and Universal's own hotels let you walk or take the shuttle in, start early with Stay & Scream, and get back after the last house without driving. The airport is 20 minutes away.
- Mid-range hotel
- ~$260
- To Downtown Orlando
- 35 min
- To the airport
- 20 min
Prefer somewhere else? Compare all areas in Orlando
What's on
Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal
Ten haunted houses
Including Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and Evil Dead Burn. Start with the houses furthest from the entrance.
49 nights, 28 Aug – 1 Nov · Very scary
Scare zones and shows
Four open-air zones with the Killer Klowns and Art the Clown.
Horror Nights dates · Very scary
Stay & Scream
With a day ticket, be inside by 5pm to do several houses before the evening crowd.
From 2pm on event nights · Very scary
Express passes
One shorter-line entry per house; on October weekends it's the difference between five houses and ten.
Sold per night
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey's Boo-to-You Parade
Main Street's Halloween parade, led by the Headless Horseman. The second showing is quieter.
38 nights, 7 Aug – 31 Oct · All ages
Shows and fireworks
The Hocus Pocus villain show at the castle and Halloween fireworks.
Party nights · All ages
Treat trails
Free sweets around the park, adults included.
Party nights · Free
The rest of Orlando's Halloween
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld
SeaWorld's adults-only scare event: five houses and six scare zones. Usually quieter than Horror Nights.
26 nights, 11 Sep – 31 Oct · Very scary
LEGOLAND Florida Brick-or-Treat
The gentlest option, for kids up to about ten. 45 minutes from Disney.
Autumn weekends · Up to about 10
Harry Potter at Halloween
Death Eaters in Diagon Alley and a Dark Arts show on Hogwarts, included with entry.
Until 1 Nov · Mildly spooky
Disney Springs and CityWalk
Free to enter, with Halloween decor and themed bars.
Every evening · Free
Good to know before you go
Costume rules
No costumes or masks at Horror Nights. At Mickey's party adults can dress up, but no masks or weapon-like props.
Which one to pick
Under 13: Mickey's party or LEGOLAND. Teens and adults: Horror Nights, then Howl-O-Scream.
Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides
FAQs
When is Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando in 2026?
On 49 selected nights from 28 August to 1 November 2026, from 6:30pm to 2am, at Universal Studios Florida. It needs its own ticket; a normal day ticket doesn't include it.
Can you wear a costume to Halloween Horror Nights?
No. Costumes and masks aren't allowed on regular nights, only on the Premium Scream Night. Bags are X-rayed at the entrance.
Is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sold out in 2026?
Most October dates are, including 31 October, which sold out by late August. Check Disney's website for returns, or go to LEGOLAND's Brick-or-Treat or SeaWorld's daytime Spooktacular instead.
What age is Halloween Horror Nights suitable for?
Universal doesn't recommend it for under-13s. There's no enforced minimum age, but the houses are graphic and very loud.
Where should I stay in Orlando for Halloween?
At Universal for Horror Nights, so you can walk back after 2am, and at Walt Disney World for Mickey's party. International Drive is cheaper and works for both, plus SeaWorld.