SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular brings gentle underwater fantasy to life

For our family, the thrills and chills of Halloween still are on the tame side, especially for our elementary school-age kids. Rather than the blood and gore nightmare imagery of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, we instead enjoy the gentler fun of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

This year, we decided to check out SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, which is included in regular admission to the theme park or Fun Cards and annual passes. Spooktacular takes place on weekends in October and is designed with young children in mind. Although all children are welcome to participate, the event features characters from Sesame Street and activities for preschoolers.

The centerpiece of SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is the Underwater Fantasea Path that runs along Bayside Pathway, past the stadium and Wild Arctic, and through Shamu’s Happy Harbor. It hosts 15 trick-or-treat stations, games of skill, characters, face painting, snacks, Penelope’s Party Zone and Penelope’s Photacular. (Penelope Pumpkin is SeaWorld’s signature Halloween character.)

The trick-or-treat stations at SeaWorld are run similarly to those at Magic Kingdom, with an employee tossing name-brand candy in each guest’s complimentary bag. What is different, though, is that the trick-or-treating is only open to families. When I asked, a SeaWorld customer service representative said that adults typically will not be given candy, unless they are accompanied by children. At Disney World, all paying guests are encouraged to don costumes and trick-or-treat. Come to think of it, on the day we attended, we didn’t see any adults dressed up at SeaWorld — just young children were seen in costumes.

Along the path, there are ample opportunities for Halloween fun, but most of it comes at an additional price. Games typically are $3 per person, face painting is $12 to $15, and snack prices vary.

Penelope’s Party Zone, which is housed on the Bayside Stadium stage, however, offers young guests a selection of complimentary activities. There are character interactions, such as a meet-and-greet with Penelope Pumpkin and stories acted out by other sea creatures. Children can make themed crafts, sit at easels to decorate coloring pages or dance to a DJ’s spooky music.

Two activities on the stage have additional fees: Create Your Own Spooktacular Treat and Sand Art. At the treat counter, guests decorate caramel apples or chocolate Rice Krispie treats with sprinkles, marshmallows, Reese’s Pieces, candy corns and gummies for $5 apiece. There’s a slight discount for passholders, too. At the sand art booth, kids use pieces of rounded sea glass and sand to decorate preformed shapes of sea life, including dolphins and starfish. These pieces of art take two hours to dry, so plan accordingly.

Perhaps the best thing about the Underwater Fantasea Path is the sheer number of characters who roam among guests and pose for photos. Unlike at Disney World, face characters and furry characters are not a common occurrence at SeaWorld. But they were out in full force on the first day of Spooktacular. We saw princesses, mermaids, stilt walkers, fish and more. We also stood in line to meet Dolly the Dolphin, Shamu, and Pete and Penny Penguin. (A number of photos taken at Penelope’s Photacular, where Shamu and Dolly hang out, each day are chosen to be displayed before that evening’s Shamu Rocks! show.)

Despite much cajoling, I could not persuade my elementary-school-age children to watch the Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween musical at the SeaPort Theatre. They did not want to be reminded that they, too, once loved Elmo as much as most children do. Sesame Street fans also can start off each Spooktacular day with Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast, which includes a buffet and plenty of time with the popular characters. Prices are $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for children ages 2 to 9.

Throughout October, children with creative costumes may be chosen as “Super Starfish of the Day.” They and their families will be given VIP treatment, including limited wait times on rides, reserved seats at shows, lunch vouchers and souvenir photos with the Shamu.