Orlando Florida, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Gatorland has kicked off its Halloween-themed event for families, featuring new attractions such as the Swamp Ghost’s Monster Movie Museum and a Cryptid Express train ride. Running on select weekends in October, this year’s lineup includes interactive experiences and beloved favorites, ensuring a fun and spooky atmosphere for visitors of all ages, complete with costume parades and candy giveaways.
Orlando
Gatorland reopened its seasonal Halloween event for the seventh year with a lineup of new attractions and returning favorites aimed at families. The Halloween-themed celebration opened on October 11-12, 2025, and continues on October 18-19 and October 25-26. All activities are included with regular park admission, and event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on event days.
What’s new and notable
This year’s program adds several new theatrical and interactive elements while keeping popular staples from prior years. New attractions include Swamp Ghost’s Monster Movie Museum, a haunted walk-through experience where guests join a character named Cyrus the Gravedigger on a tour of an abandoned movie theater using modern technology such as 3D effects and animations. The Cryptids vs. Aliens Hauntzone invites visitors to assist Skunk Ape in defending the planet from aliens, and the Cryptid Express train ride leads adventurers to search for legendary creatures such as Moth Man, Chupacabra, and Jersey Devil.
Additional new or refreshed experiences feature interactive sketches like Bubba’s Bug B-Gone, where a character named Betty battles oversized Florida bugs, and introductions to whimsical creatures including Capy Creepybaras, described as half-human, half-capybara werebeasts. Ghostly pirate captains will provide storytelling at the Gator Grotto.
Activities and atmosphere
The event includes a mix of interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, games, and candy giveaways. Younger visitors can participate in a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade and receive treat bags. Additional attractions on site will feature a live DJ, specialty vendors, and Halloween-themed shows. The organizers emphasize a safe and spirited atmosphere for guests of all ages, blending humor with spooky elements and offering both entertainment and educational aspects.
Admission and guidelines
- All activities are included with regular park admission.
- Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but they must be family-friendly.
- Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on event days.
Experience and production details
The theatrical walk-through and several attractions incorporate modern theater technology, including 3D effects and animations, to enhance immersion. Interactive characters and themed zones are designed to be approachable for families while maintaining a playful spooky tone. The event layout includes theatrical staging for walk-throughs, a dedicated train ride for the Cryptid Express, and multiple meet-and-greet locations for animals and costumed performers.
Background
Gatorland has been in operation since 1949 and emphasizes family fun and memorable experiences. The Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event is the park’s primary Halloween offering and has returned annually with new elements to attract repeat and local visitors. The seventh annual presentation continues the park’s blend of entertainment, education, and themed attractions geared toward a broad age range.
Event schedule at a glance
- October 11-12, 2025 — Opening weekend
- October 18-19, 2025 — Mid-month weekend
- October 25-26, 2025 — Final weekend
- Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on event days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the event open and what are the dates?
The Halloween-themed celebration opened on October 11-12, 2025, and continues on October 18-19 and October 25-26.
Are activities included with admission?
All activities are included with regular park admission.
What are the event hours?
Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on event days.
Are there costume rules?
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but they must be family-friendly.
Does the event mix entertainment and education?
The event blends humor with spooky elements, featuring both entertainment and educational aspects.
How long has the park been operating?
Gatorland has been in operation since 1949 and emphasizes family fun and memorable experiences.
Are there new experiences this year?
This year’s event features new experiences in addition to returning favorites.
Key features chart
| Feature | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | All activities are included with regular park admission | Single-price access to event attractions |
| Event Dates | Oct 11-12, Oct 18-19, Oct 25-26 | Weekends only |
| Event Hours | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Daily hours on event days |
| New Attractions | Swamp Ghost’s Monster Movie Museum; Cryptids vs. Aliens Hauntzone; Cryptid Express | Includes 3D effects and animations in some walk-throughs |
| Family Features | Children’s Halloween Costume Parade; animal meet-and-greets; candy giveaways | Family-friendly focus |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Central Florida Hosts Family-Friendly Events This Weekend
Orlando to Host Family-Friendly Halloween Festivities at Local Library
Significant Developments Unfolding in Central Florida
Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Event Returns
Orlando’s Halloween Events Lineup for 2025
Florida Theme Parks Expand Halloween Offerings
Family-Friendly Events in Orlando This Weekend
Florida Celebrates Fall with Family-Friendly Festivals
Orlando Welcomes a Thrilling Halloween Season
Orlando Embraces Halloween with Over 80 Days of Events
Additional Resources
- Positively Osceola
- Click Orlando
- Orlando Sentinel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Google Search: Gatorland Halloween event
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
