**Show Notes for "The Family Vacationer" - Episode 141 - Halloween at Theme Parks**
- Episode 141 of "The Family Vacationer" dives into the enchanting world of Halloween at America's top theme parks.
- Host: Rob
**Theme Park Lineup**
- The episode explores the unique Halloween experiences offered by five iconic theme parks: Universal Studios Orlando, DisneyWorld, Dollywood, SeaWorld Orlando, and Hershey Park.
- Each park puts its distinctive spin on the Halloween season, offering various types of thrills and entertainment for families.
**Halloween at Universal Studios Orlando**
- Universal Studios Orlando hosts the spine-chilling Halloween Horror Nights, known for its movie studio-quality sets.
- The event runs from September to November, with separately ticketed entry.
- There are restrictions on costumes, so it's essential to check the park's website before your visit.
- The event features ten horror houses, five scare zones, themed food, merchandise, and the opportunity to enjoy thrilling rides.
- It's not recommended for children under 13, making it a top choice for thrill-seekers.
**Halloween at SeaWorld Orlando**
- SeaWorld Orlando's Howl O Scream was voted Best Halloween Theme Park Event in the USA for 2023 by USA Today's 10Best Readers Choice awards.
- This is a separately ticketed event, taking place on select nights from September to October.
- The event is intended for mature audiences, and no costumes are allowed.
- Five haunted houses, five scare zones, themed bar experiences, and operating rides are part of the fun.
**Halloween at Hershey Park**
- Hershey Park offers Dark Nights, which runs from mid-September through October 29th.
- The experience is included with your HersheyPark Halloween ticket, or you can opt for a cheaper ticket for entry after 6 pm.
- The event features five haunted houses, three scream zones, food, themed merchandise, and operating coasters.
- Dark Nights is a delightful blend of thrills, dark rides, and, of course, Hershey Chocolate.
**Halloween at DisneyWorld**
- DisneyWorld's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party offers a family-friendly experience.
- The event begins as early as August and runs on select nights, with separately ticketed entry.
- Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes, regardless of age, during the party.
- Mickey's Not So Scary includes the Hocus Pocus Spectacular, spectacular fireworks, character meet-and-greets, themed food, and plenty of candy.
- It's suitable for all ages, and even adults can enjoy the magical atmosphere.
**Halloween at Dollywood**
- Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, celebrates the season with its Harvest Festival.
- The park features thrilling rides, including the new Big Bear Mountain coaster.
- At night, the Great Pumpkin Luminights event dazzles with thousands of carved pumpkins, offering a family-friendly and non-scary experience.
- Dollywood is known for excellent entertainment, delicious food, and must-try treats like the famous cinnamon bread.
- The episode highlights a variety of Halloween experiences available at theme parks across the country.
- For more information about these parks or other destinations, you can contact Rob at [email protected].
- The episode ends by teasing the next episode, which will focus on Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Family Vacationer
A podcast dedicated to families that travel. So many of our memories come from time spent with our family. We want to help you make the most of your family vacations. We do that by covering travel destinations, travel apps, and gadgets, and talk to travel experts for ways to make family travel less stressful. Who doesn't want that?
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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