Halloween Horror Nights
Universal’s 35th anniversary event runs 49 select nights with ten new haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and themed food. It is a separately ticketed event.
Theme-park terror capital · Updated October 1, 2026
Orlando haunted houses
Compare five Central Florida horror destinations—from the two major theme-park events to independent trail parks and a year-round haunted house.
5 current optionsOfficial sources linkedDate-based planningRoute planning
The short answer
What are the best haunted attractions near Orlando?
Build the trip around one large event per night. Halloween Horror Nights is the ten-house blockbuster, Howl-O-Scream is the SeaWorld alternative, A Petrified Forest delivers outdoor trails, Scream-A-Geddon is the road-trip scream park, and Mortem Manor is the flexible year-round option.
Last verified October 1, 2026. Check official calendars, ticket inventory and parking instructions before leaving.
Plan for your date
Check the calendar before you go
Choose your date on the attraction’s official calendar, then confirm the entry time and ticket availability before travelling. A season date range does not mean an attraction opens every night. FrightTour does not provide live ticket inventory.
Use the official attraction links below, or open the city and date calendar checker. For outdoor attractions, check weather notices and cancellation rules before leaving.
Date-sensitive planning advice corrected October 21, 2026. The attraction facts below retain their original verification dates.
Choose the anchor
5 verified Orlando-area experiences
Each attraction can anchor a full night. Use the official event links for final dates, rules and ticket inventory.
Howl-O-Scream Orlando
The separately ticketed event starts at 7 p.m. and adds five haunted houses, six scare zones, nighttime rides, shows and themed bars. SeaWorld describes it as designed for mature audiences.
A Petrified Forest
The 2026 “Chaos Reigns” season rebuilds three trails and adds limited on-site upgrades: an escape ride and an immersive touch experience requiring a waiver.
Scream-A-Geddon
The rural horror park includes six walk-through concepts plus Zombie Paintball Assault. The detailed official calendar confirms October 1 hours from 7–11 p.m.
Mortem Manor
Mortem Manor provides a compact two-story haunted attraction in Old Town, useful when a seasonal park is closed or a group wants a shorter horror stop.
Compare quickly
Orlando haunts at a glance
| Experience | Format | 2026 timing | Best fit | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Horror Nights | 10 houses + scare zones | Aug. 28–Nov. 1, 49 select nights | Major horror destination | Universal Studios Florida |
| Howl-O-Scream Orlando | Five houses + six scare zones | Sept. 11–Oct. 31, select nights | Mature theme-park night | SeaWorld Orlando |
| A Petrified Forest | Three outdoor scare trails | October, select nights | Independent trails | Altamonte Springs |
| Scream-A-Geddon | Six haunts + zombie paintball | Sept. 4–Nov. 1 | Full scream-park road trip | Dade City |
| Mortem Manor | Two-story year-round haunt | Year-round | Flexible add-on | Old Town Kissimmee |
Map the region
Open the right destination
Map the attraction before buying a timed ticket; metro-area labels can hide a substantial drive.
Four workable plans
Build the night
CityWalk + HHN
Arrive early and devote the evening to ten houses; trying to add another paid haunt is unrealistic.
International Drive + Howl-O-Scream
Eat before entry and confirm the separate event entrance and bag policy.
Altamonte Springs + A Petrified Forest
Plan around outdoor-trail weather and use the free event parking and trolley guidance.
Dade City + Scream-A-Geddon
Leave Orlando early, expect a substantial drive, and let the scream park fill the night.
Fast answers
Orlando haunted-house FAQ
What are the best haunted attractions near Orlando in 2026?
Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream are the major theme-park events. A Petrified Forest, Scream-A-Geddon and Mortem Manor provide independent alternatives.
Can I visit HHN and Howl-O-Scream in one night?
No. Each is a full separately ticketed event with multiple houses, shows and queues. Use separate nights.
How do I check which attractions are open on my date?
Choose your date on the attraction’s official calendar, then confirm the entry time and ticket availability before travelling. A season date range does not mean an attraction opens every night. FrightTour does not provide live ticket inventory.
Is there a family-friendly Orlando Halloween event?
SeaWorld Spooktacular is the daytime family program. The nighttime haunted events listed here are designed for older or mature audiences.
Is FrightTour affiliated with these attractions?
No. FrightTour is an independent planning guide. Verify dates, rules and availability directly with each venue.
FrightTour does not operate or represent these attractions. Dates, hours, prices, parking instructions, age guidance and availability can change. Official venue pages are the final authority.
Keep planning
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