Candles, decorations, and candy have crept on shelves.
Greeting friends. It’s Haley, the voice of the In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter.
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The term “Summerween” originated from “Gravity Falls,” an animated mystery TV series you can find on Disney+. Nowadays, a “Summerween” search on social media can bring up watermelon jack-o-lanterns, inflatable pumpkins in pools, and skeletons flourished with flowers.
I think that Summerween inadvertently happened in Florida before it was cool. It’s just like how Halloween happens in Florida before it literally gets cool.
I admit, I have the itch to put up a few fall garlands at the moment.
Anyway, happy Summerween to all who celebrate.
I think it’s safe to say Central Florida theme parks take part in the celebration.
Walt Disney World
Boo to you! 🍫
When it comes to Walt Disney World’s after-hour events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a favorite. Of course, I liked it more when the ticket was significantly cheaper.
Not-So-Scary and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival are the headline events for fall at Disney World.
I always make a point to find and try a few Halloween treats at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.
For a full fall guide at Walt Disney World, click here.
Gatorland
Fright done right 🐊
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins — or “Triple G” as I call it — is Gatorland’s lesson to other theme parks on what a Florida Halloween should be.
Florida Bigfoot, Skunk Ape, and a new Gourd Farm exhibit are just some of the highlights you can look forward to this year.
The daytime, family-friendly event takes place over three weekends in October, and best of all, it’s included in park admission.
SeaWorld Orlando
New horrors at Howl-O-Scream 😱
When Howl-O-Scream arrived at SeaWorld a few years ago, it secured Orlando’s reputation of being a premiere Halloween destination.
This year’s event includes four all-new haunted houses, along with three never-before-seen scare zones, and two new immersive blood-chilling bars.
The Coaster Capital of Orlando knows it has to show off its top thrills at night too.
Run on Friday the 13th 👟
Orlando is a running city, and that course runs through theme parks.
When I first read about SeaWorld’s new Howl-O-Sprint 5K, my first thought was that this is what Orlando was missing in its Halloween theme park offerings.
It’s perfect for Halloween fans who want to feel like they mimic a run-for-your-life movie horror scene. What’s even more fitting, the sprint takes place on Friday the 13th of September.
There’s a lot included in this event, not just running. The party goes well into the early morning hours.
Legoland Florida
Building bricks and drone shows ⭐
Legoland Florida is roughly a month away from its Halloween bash, and the park just announced a new addition.
For the first time in Legoland Florida Resort’s history, a drone show will cap off Brick-or-Treat. Seeing that Red, White & BOOM! was a big hit for Independence Day, the park probably got feedback to keep the nighttime shows coming.
You can read about what’s coming to Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party by clicking here.
Universal Orlando
Back to school < Back to Hogwarts ✨
Harry Potter considers the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to be his first and best home, which is why he was always excited at the start of the academic year.
Universal Orlando is hosting “Back to Hogwarts,” a seasonal celebration to ring in the school year. If you’re headed to the park sometime over the next few weeks, now is really the time to sport your Hogwarts house pride.
The biggest Disney fan event in the world takes place this weekend. There will likely be a wrap of some kind of D23 in next week’s newsletter. My eyes will be peeled at what kind of “first looks” the company will be revealing when it comes to the parks.
Fill free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.
See you next week!