Orlando: The Surprising Halloween Destination

Orlando is known for Mickey, Harry Potter and Star Wars. But it's also the Halloween vacation capital of the world.

They've got four theme park events and more than a dozen experiences throughout the city ranging from the scariest horror houses to the not-so-scary Halloween parties - bumping Orlando into one of the most sought after Halloween destinations in America.

Be prepared to scream. Often. Not only are there 10 haunted houses, but you'll also be scared by random zombies and chainsaw-holding scary-looking people as you walk from house to house. We recommend you start with the Ghostbusters Haunted House, which we'd rate as a 3 on the scary side, and then escalate to the Stranger Things House before hitting the really terrifying homes. Pro tip: Watch the trailer for Us before entering that haunted house. Halloween Horror Nights is going on now through Nov. 2nd.

Pint-sized revelers can dress for the occasion and celebrate with their favorite Disney characters. There's a Halloween Parade, a sing-along and a fireworks display featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they trick-or-treat. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is going on now through Nov. 1st.

Talk a walk through Greenwood Cemetery, which apparently is filled with restless spirits. You'll wander four miles, visiting the graves of prominent Orlando figures. It's a free tour, but donations are welcome. The Moonlight Walking Tour takes place Oct 11.

You wouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary to happen at a science center, but on two nights in October, expect the unexpected. On Science Night Dead, there will be an adults-only murder mystery game, a Wheel of Torture and a scary movie. Come back for more donned in a costume for the After Dark party (21-plus), where you will dance between the dinosaur bones. Science Night Dead is on Oct. 5 and After Dark is on Oct. 25.

Brand new this year, it's a Halloween-themed speakeasy. There will be scary (yet yummy) cocktails, a Frankenstein lab and a hallway from The Shining. Enter if you dare. Cocktails & Screams is opening the first week of October.

DIY your Halloween celebration with LEGOs. Also, collect candy via the Brick-or-Treat Trail, meet LEGO characters including Lord Vampyre and Rockin' Frankenstein, and dance the night away at the Monster Bash Dance Party. Grab your camera to snap photos of the fireworks display at Pirates' Cove. Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort happens Oct. 5-27 select nights.

As if Gatorland wasn't frightful enough, they've got a new Halloween adventure this year. Monsters will be arriving at the park, bringing themed shows, scary selfie zones and an entire Oktoberfest Pavillion. Gatorland Gators, Ghosts & Goblins Halloween Event is on select days in October.

SeaWorld transforms itself into an underwater fantasea, with ocean trick-or-treating, and celebrations with Elmo, The Count and Cookie Monster. Wear a costume! SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is on weekends now through Oct. 27

Fans of Netflix's Stranger Things can walk through Byers' living room from season one, and through the ice cream shop Scoops Ahoy from season three. These pop-up rooms will be open daily, though they're exclusive to Universal Orlando hotel guests. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is hosting the event now through Oct. 31.

It's all about the slime here. They have live slime shows, a spooky art class and scavenger hunts (which may or may not involve slime). Also expect dance parties and trick-or-treating on the weekends. Screamin' Green Hauntoween at The Crayola Experience is going on now through Oct. 31.

Get your cameras out: there will be skeleton stilt walkers, zombie drum corps and a strolling piano. Come decked out in your finest Halloween costume. There will be seasonal virtual backdrops for your photo ops. Halloween at Disney Springs takes place Oct 18 - 27th.

Looking to save some money while in town? Grab a dreadfully delicious meal for your child, including a Kooky Kids Combo: A pancake that looks like a spider's web, sausage, bacon and eggs - along with other spooky surprises. IHOP Halloween Kids Eat Free is going on daily through Nov. 3.