By Carol Muse Evans

Families looking for a spooktacular getaway during October will find anything from the lightly frightful to hair-raising scares in Orlando at Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

DISNEY WORLD
Families may find the festivities at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom tame enough for the young and young at heart. “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” in the Magic Kingdom kicks off with 15 dates throughout October. Each date features a spectacular new Halloween-themed fireworks display, “Happy Hallo Wishes,” featuring spooky music from Disney attractions and movies, as well as voices from some of Disney’s most memorable villains.

The parties also include “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” featuring Disney’s favorite characters, all dressed up for a party, as well as the famous Disney villains. Costume parties, storytelling, live entertainment, unique merchandise and trick-or-treat stations are offered throughout the theme park. All guests are welcome to wear costumes for the special event.

The Halloween festivities begin at 7 p.m. after regular operating hours and run until midnight. Tickets are limited each night and can be purchased in advance. Because of the limited number of tickets and most rides and attractions being open during the party, this is a great time to visit the Magic Kingdom without the huge crowds.

Tickets are available for Oct. 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31, 2005, but often sell out quickly, especially for popular evenings like Oct. 31. Save $5 on tickets when you purchase in advance. Tickets are $39.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above and $32.95 plus tax for ages 3-9, with children under 3 free. Tickets can be purchased at 407-W-DISNEY or www.disneyworld.com. Check out the web for great deals and specials on accommodations, too. Many resorts are decorated with Halloween/fall themes and have other activities on site.

SEAWORLD
Also great for kids of all ages is the Halloween Spooktacular at Orlando’s SeaWorld theme park. Four weekends in October, SeaWorld offers costumed characters, ghostly activities, Halloween-themed entertainment, trick-or-treating, bewitching shows and autumn decorations, and all are part of the general admission cost.

Spooktacular highlights include Creepy Creatures at the Pets Ahoy show – spiders, cockroaches, bats and snakes scare up a ghoulishly good time. Clyde and Seamore’s Ghostly Pirate Cruise – featuring the famous sea lion comedy duo, Clyde and Seamore, offer a special “scary” adventure. At Shamu Stadium, an exciting night show features SeaWorld’s killer Whale family with Halloween-themed music. Shamu’s Halloween Harbor offers the tiny ones a chance to try out the special play area and enjoy trick-or-treating, cooking decorating, games, crafts and visits from characters.

Tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld are included with general park admission. Adult price is $53.80 and children are $43.20, plus tax. The Spooktacular runs Oct. 8-9, 14-16, 22-23 and 29-30, 2005.

A Spooky Spectacular Family Sleepover is another great way to experience SeaWorld after dark and all night. After your adventure, sleep at the Shark Encounter. Tickets for the Sleepover are $75 per person.

Tickets for the SeaWorld Halloween events can be purchased at 800-406-2244 or http://seaworld.com.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
Those with older children/teens may prefer a more horrific scare that can be found at the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios-Islands of Adventure. Halloween Horror Nights run Oct 1, 7-9, 12-16, 20-23, and 27-31, 2005. No costumes, heavy make-up or masks are allowed at the Universal event, which warns that “this event may be too intense for young children,” so check it out in advance to make sure it is appropriate for your family. (Note, no children’s ticket prices are available for this event.)

Halloween Horror Nights features new haunted houses, intense scare zones and an all-new “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure.” Many rides and attractions are open during the select hours, but this is a separately ticketed event not included with regular admission.

Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights can be purchased for $59.75 plus tax at 877-717-3318 or at www.universalstudios.com.orlando. Look for special Halloween Horror Night vacation packages online.