It's surprising to me how many people visit Orlando in October and have no idea of the variety of Halloween activities offered by all of the major theme parks (and even the minor ones) througout the month. Halloween at a vacation destination is nothing like Halloween at your local converted barn.

The Halloween fun season actually gets into gear in early to mid-September -- October 31st itself is just the final day of a weeks-long party. So if you weren't thinking of getting into Halloween mode on your early- to mid-Fall trip, here's a list of events at Walt Disney World, Universal, and other Orlando attractions that may have you considering investing in a costume.

Walt Disney World

Mickey's No-So-Scary Halloween Party

This annual popular Halloween-themed special event welcomes costumed guests of all ages to celebrate in spooky Disney style. On select nights throughout September and October, the Magic Kingdom park closes at 7pm to regular guests. Guests who have purchased a special, event-only ticket can enter the park at 4pm and party until midnight.

Among the party offerings:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
  
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
  
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
  
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.
  

This year's party dates:

• Tuesday, September 13, 2011
  
• Friday, September 16, 2011
  
• Tuesday, September 20, 2011
  
• Friday, September 23, 2011
  
• Tuesday, September 27, 2011
  
• Friday, September 30, 2011
• Sunday, October 2, 2011
  
• Thursday, October 6, 2011
  
• Monday, October 10, 2011
  
• Tuesday, October 11, 2011
  
• Sunday, October 16, 2011
  
• Tuesday, October 18, 2011
  
• Thursday, October 20, 2011
  
• Sunday, October 23, 2011
  
• Tuesday, October 25, 2011
  
• Thursday, October 27, 2011
  
• Tuesday, November 1, 2011
• Friday, October 7, 2011
  
• Thursday, October 13, 2011
  
• Friday, October 21, 2011
  
• Sunday, October 30, 2011
  
• Friday, October 28, 2011
  
• Monday, October 31, 2011
  

For more information, click here.

Universal Orlando

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Orlando offers a more adult alternative to Disney's Halloween party. On select nights in September and October, Universal Studios Florida theme park becomes a fearfest of haunted houses, live entertainment, and "scare zones." Monsters and maniacs roam the studio streets in a party which is the opposite of "Not-So-Scary." This year's party celebrates the 21st anniversary of the event with an appropo blackjack -- as in 21 -- motif.

This year's event dates:

• Friday, September 23
• Saturday, September 24
• Thursday, September 29
• Friday, September 30
• Saturday, October 1
• Sunday, October 2
• Thursday, October 6
• Friday, October 7
• Saturday, October 8
• Sunday, October 9
• Thursday, October 13
• Friday, October 14
• Saturday, October 15
• Sunday, October 16
• Wednesday, October 19
• Thursday, October 20
• Friday, October 21
• Saturday, October 22
• Sunday, October 23
• Wednesday, October 26
• Thursday, October 27
• Friday, October 28
• Saturday, October 29
• Sunday, October 30
• Monday, October 31
  

For more information, click here.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

Starting October 8 (and running on select nights afterward), SeaWorld Orlando becomes an oceanic scarezone, with trick-or-treating, silly and scary shows, and more! Children are encouraged to come in costume. The best part of this party is that it's included in the price of park admission!

2011's event dates:

• Saturday, October 8
• Sunday, October 9
• Saturday, October 15
• Sunday, October 16
• Saturday, October 22
• Sunday, October 23
• Saturday, October 29
• Sunday, October 30

For more information, click here.

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If the big theme park production is not your thing, not to worry. Even the smaller Orlando attractions get into their own Halloween spirit.

Central Florida Zoo

Zoo Boo Bash

On select nights starting October 22, you can enjoy the safe, kid-friendly scares of Central Florida Zoo's ZOO Boo Bash.

Trick or treat in the wildest neighborhood in town during the Central Florida Zoo’s ZOO Boo Bash, a safe, fun, and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Kids are invited to bring goodie bags and wear costumes for trick or treat stations.

2011's event dates:

• Saturday, October 22
• Sunday, October 23
• Saturday, October 29
• Sunday, October 30

For more information, click here.

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This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg for Orlando Halloween 2011. I'll update this list with more events in the coming weeks!

This information is subject to change. Always confirm with your destination before making, changing, or cancelling travel plans.