It’s time for your Orlando theme parks Halloween 2023 guide

The witching hour is upon us. Halloween celebrations begin in Orlando’s theme parks Thursday with the new Taste of Terror event at Universal Studios and on Friday for the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, like it or not. Calm down, villagers. Pouring pumpkin spice into the streets can’t stop it.

There will be oh-so-scary options, too, with more attractions piling on as we approach actual autumn. But for now, here’s a roundup of what we know, what to expect, what’s new and what the fear factors may be at each event, presented in order of appearance.

Taste of Terror, Universal Studios

• What’s new: This is an all-new event spotlighting foods to be served at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

• What’s there: Select HHN menu items will be available, Universal says, although it was not specific when the event was announced. On the general Horror Nights menu are “Bloody Campground Poutine” and sour apple pie funnel fries.

• Fear factor: Expect it to be … atmospheric. The event is inside Soundstage No. 33, just beyond the far-end loop of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.

• When: 11 nights between Aug. 10 and Aug. 26.

• What it costs: $159.99 plus valid admission to Universal Studios.

• What else: It’s “all you care to enjoy” on the food front in tasting-size portions, and it includes beverages, a souvenir Halloween Horror Nights cup and a digital download of one photo taken at Taste of Terror.

• Tickets and more info: universalorlando.com.

Disney: ‘Haunted Mansion’ movie a jumpy ride

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Magic Kingdom

• What’s new: Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow have fresh Sanderson sisters garb for Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, a Not-So-Scary staple.

• What’s back: “Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks, “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, Disney Junior Jam dance party, trick-or-treating across the park.

• Fear factor: It can be dark but, as the title proclaims, it’s not-so-scary. The Headless Horseman before the parade can be unnerving.

• When: 38 nights between Aug. 11 and Nov. 11. At least five evenings, including Oct. 31, are sell-outs already.

• What it costs: Ticket price varies with date, ranging from $109 to $199 per person.

• What else: It’s the first Halloween for Tron Lightcycle / Run, and there will be a chance at 6 p.m. to join the virtual queue for the coaster. There will be no standby line.

• Tickets and more info: disneyworld.com.

New Disney ticket offer good for 2 days at Epcot, Animal Kingdom

Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios

• What’s new: All 10 haunted houses are new, and they feature elements such as Jekyll and Hyde, Yeti, moon-worshippers, Chucky the serial-killer doll and Clickers and Hunters from “The Last of Us” video game.

• What’s back: “Stranger Things” gets another house, this year based on the Netflix series’ fourth (and most recent) season.

• Fear factor: This is an intense event, sometimes bloody and icky, with scares aplenty in and outside the houses. Universal has described it as rated PG-13.

• When: 48 nights between Sept. 1 and Nov. 4, after the park closes for the day.

• What it costs: Ticket prices vary with date. Single-night tickets range from $79.99 to $119.99. There are several levels of multi-night ticket options for sale.

• What else: “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream” stage show will feature pyro, aerial acts and electronica.

• Tickets and more info: halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando.

Universal Studios sets opening day for Minion Land

Howl-O-Scream, SeaWorld Orlando

• What’s new: SeaWorld is still unveiling its Howl lineup, but listed as new are Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown house and the Blood Light District scare zone.

• What’s back: The “Monster Stomp” stage show and Blood Beckoning house.

• Fear factor: The after-hours event is dark, foreboding and intense with “roaming haunts” featuring sirens and their minions and one called “Camo.” (“Even the trees and plants are after you.”)

• When: 24 nights between Sept. 8 and Oct. 31.

• What it costs: SeaWorld’s site lists an “any night” ticket for $52.99, but also date-specific options from $37.99 to $49.99. There is a combo deal that includes a night at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

• What else: The new Pipeline roller coaster will be open during Howl-O-Scream, as will the Manta, Mako and Ice Breaker rides.

• Tickets and more info: howloscream.com/orlando.

Halloween Spooktacular, SeaWorld

• What’s new: Spooktacular has settled into spots near the Dolphin Theater, mostly out of sight of the more intense Howl-O-Scream.

• What’s back: Trick-or-treat trail, mermaid meet-ups, Scarecrow dance party, a scavenger hunt and a Halloween parade in Sesame Street Land (plus Big Bird’s Halloween story time).

• Fear factor: This is a kid-centric event, and little ones are usually drawn to characters, even unfamiliar ones.

• When: 19 days between Sept. 16 and Oct. 31, mostly on weekends.

• What it costs: Spooktacular is included with regular SeaWorld admission.

• What else: SeaWorld requires the purchase of a reusable bag for treat-or-treating purposes.

• Tickets and more info: seaworldorlando.com.

Brick-or-Treat, Legoland Florida

• What’s new: Legoland plans a new fireworks show called “Spellbound: A Monster Party to Last Forever” and introduces the Zombie Pep Rally activity.

• What’s back: Themed zones of trick-or-treating, character interactions, Jammin’ Jacks group and the V.I.M. Dance party.

• Fear factor: Low. You’re not even likely to step on a Lego block.

• When: Select dates from Sept. 16 to Oct. 29.

• What it costs: It’s included with regular admission to the Winter Haven theme park.

• What else: There’s a disco overlay to the Dragon coaster.

• Tickets and more info: legolandflorida.com.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. My Instagram and Threads account is @dbevil. You can subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.