No-one does Halloween better than the Americans, let’s face it. Every year, from California to Connecticut, the month of October sees a huge celebration of all things creepy and Orlando is a top place to visit if you want to join in the festivities and have some family fun.


The top theme parks have gone all out for Halloween in recent years and 2009 is set to be no different. At Universal Studios trick-or-treaters can take their pick from no fewer than eight haunted houses, six scare zones and two live shows, as well as having the opportunity to come face-to-face with some truly terrifying baddies including the infamous Chucky and star of the Saw quadrillogy, Jigsaw.


The equally terrifying Busch Gardens has seven ghost houses on offer, alongside four scare zones and two creepy shows. There’s even a nightclub within the park, offering exclusive cocktails, character meet-and-greets and Halloween tunes to keep grown-ups dancing, rather than screaming, all night long.

For those who fancy themselves as real-life Ghostbusters, a number of Ghost Tour companies operate out of Orlando city centre. For a small fee they take groups to spooky sights such as The Greenwood Cemetery and allow guests to conduct their own paranormal investigations with professional ghost hunting equipment. With Florida said to be the eighth most haunted state in the USA there’s a good chance of spotting something scary!

If real-life ghosts are a bit too terrifying, there are a number of ‘Haunted Houses’ in which professional actors re-create gruesome ghost stories for your entertainment. At Bludwurthz Casket and Urn Company you can see what goes on behind the scenes of a twisted family business. The nature of the business changes every year but past guests have witnessed chilling events inside a slaughter house, a state prison and a circus freak show. For extra peace of mind a local police officer is onsite during every performance.

That alone may not be enough to keep the heart-rate steady and if that’s the case then fear not, Orlando also has some more relaxed options on offer this October! Nothing says Halloween like a pumpkin and at Green Meadow’s Farm you can ride on a train and take a trip on a tractor before picking your very own pumpkin from the giant vegetable patch. The kids will love Jack-O-Lantern carving!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Walt Disney World Resort is another perfect solution for families wanting a treat without a trick. Little ones can watch a Disney-themed Halloween parade followed by a ‘Happy Hallowishes’ firework display. Alternatively, head to SeaWorld to see the cast of Sesame Street celebrate Halloween alongside dolphins, whales and manatees! Either way, a nightmare-free, Halloween holiday is guaranteed.

If a Florida fright fest is for you, Jetsave are offering ten nights at the Continental Plaza Hotel in Orlando with flights and car hire for just £1956 for a family of four, saving £410 - money which could surely be spent on Halloween treats! To book visit www.jetsave.com