Spooky Awards: 13 of Orlando’s best-dressed Halloween homes
As the month of October marches onward, Central Floridians have been tirelessly lighting up their lawns and propping up giant skeletons for the whole neighborhood to see, preparing for the witching hour on All Hallows’ Eve.
Some Orlando-area homeowners have gone to great lengths to tell spellbinding stories with Halloween decor, each adding their own fiendish flair.
For the Orlando Sentinel’s second Spooky Awards, we’re highlighting 13 haunted homes that stand out ahead of the creepy celebration that we know as Halloween.
A Petrified Party
This Longwood home haunt is the work of the Malcolm Family, who wanted to dedicate the display to first responders and linemen (as shared by a sign the tall skeleton holds). The front lawn also features pumpkins, a projector and a dark, haunted forest trail complete with ghouls and a cemetery.
Address: 121 Tollgate Trail in Longwood
Ahoy, Monsters
Showing that even pirates know how to get into the Halloween spirit, this Maitland home has a cleverly constructed ship as the focal point of the front lawn. Complete with a flag and a skeleton crew, this spectacle is sure to impress trick-or-treaters.
Address: 2006 Mohican Trail in Maitland
Admission: 1 Soul
This clown-themed carnival (“CarnEVIL”) is the talk of the town in DeLand, according to Suzen Ivy, who nominated the home of her parents. About two months of work is now on display with a miniature carousel, creepy dolls, “Spider Girl Lydia” and countless clowns. The price of admission? Only one soul, a bargain in today’s economy.
Address: 524 W. Rich Ave. in DeLand
Monster House
In a scene reminiscent of the 2006 animated film, “Monster House,” this Orlando home looks like it might eat trick-or-treaters for dinner. In case this house has a sweet tooth, there’s a Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream shop across the street. It might want to consider going to the dentist periodically with all of those razor-sharp teeth.
Address: 1918 S. Ferncreek Ave. in Orlando
Boo’s the Boss
The front lawn of George Case is packed with wooden Halloween cutouts of all kinds: black cats, skeletons, werewolves and ghouls of all shapes and sizes. These were lovingly handmade from wood and, in many cases, painted by Case’s late wife, Beatrice, to whom he dedicates this display. At 86 years old, the longtime Orlando resident still does what he can each year to help the neighborhood get into the Halloween spirit.
Address: 1901 Mosher Drive in Orlando
Barbie-ween
In an out-of-the-box sort of Halloween twist, the Kissimmee-based Edison Family transformed their home into a Barbie Dreamhouse. This “Barbie-ween” theme commemorates the family’s first year living in the U.S. after they moved from Scotland, and it’s complete with mannequins, a Barbie doll box, banners, lights and more.
Address: 1018 Siena Park Blvd. West in Celebration
Spooky Simpsons
In a comically creepy twist, the Simpsons are the star of the Brennan family’s display in a neighborhood tucked just off Conroy Road. Gravestones mark the death of critical thinking, Beanie Babies and other ideas that this family feels have met their end.
Address: 7824 Underbrush Lane in Orlando
Malice in Wonderland
Showcasing the darker side of the classic fairy tale, this Orlando front yard displays “Malice in Wonderland.” Follow the Queen’s Way to see a skeleton tea party, the Tulgey Wood, the Cheshire Cat dangling from a tree and a tall skeleton Alice that towers over the lawn.
Address: 1401 Henry Balch Drive in Orlando
Swingin’ Spirits
In a Halloween spectacle that’s sweet, synchronized and a little spooky, Laureate Park Lights aims to dazzle the Lake Nona community with lights that dance to music. See animated candy, singing pumpkins, dancing spiders, glistening ghouls, bats and more in this animated showcase of seasonal spirit.
Address: 8195 Upper Perse Circle in Lake Nona
Midnight Cemetery
Skeletons, zombies and ghouls of all kinds have risen up to claim their place in Aaron Johnsen’s front yard, which has been transformed into a Midnight Cemetery. On Halloween night, the southeast Orlando home has a garage that transforms into a haunted house.
Address: 6276 Blue Sage Loop in Orlando
Deadly Decor
Tucked away in a Longwood neighborhood, evil spirits have taken over the yard of one family’s home. Find myriad clowns, zombies, Nightmare Before Christmas characters and plenty of skeletons, some of which are playing musical instruments or dangling off the roof.
Address: 657 Longmeadow Circle in Longwood
A Spooky Shimmering Spectacle
It’s unclear if astronauts or aliens celebrate Halloween, but this Central Florida holiday display by Randeeh and Grace Cruz might be visible from space. With thousands of LED lights that can be individually programmed and spotlights on the roof, the Lights on Cavender Creek presents a light show with a playlist of 26 Halloween-themed songs. Visitors can scan a QR code on location to select their favorite song and see fog-filled bubbles on the weekends.
Address: 1362 Cavender Creek Road in Minneola
Creepy Characters
Someone involved with this Halloween display in urban Orlando is a true artist, or at least it appears that way. What seems to be handpainted displays show characters from cult classic films and shows like “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Chucky” and “Gremlins.” On the other side of the lawn, find gravestones, hitchhiking ghosts, Sam from “Trick ‘r Treat” and more.
Address: 2205 Stanley St. in Orlando
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
