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“Until death do we part” brought on a whole new meaning at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights as April Richardson and Adam Cochran became the first to share their special day with chainsaw wielding maniacs and other scary and undead weirdos.

The Legendary Truth haunted house was the scene of the wedding as cold fog and the sounds of an eerie bridal march filled the air as April walked down the aisle. As the couple were announced husband and wife, the wedding guests cheered and scare actors snarled while the sounds of chainsaws from the Chainsaw Drill Team erupted.

The newlyweds then boarded a hearse and rode to the wedding reception as it slowly meandered through Universal Studios, followed by the wedding guests dressed in black cloaks.

At the reception, everyone enjoyed a three-tier cake decorated with spider webs and a skull cake topper and the entire wedding party then “enjoyed” the horror of Halloween Horror Nights firsthand.

Adam was born in Virginia and April was born in Connecticut. Both grew up in North Carolina and they currently reside in Vermont. They met six years ago in college and were engaged in May 2010 following his proposal in the arboretum at their alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the years, Adam, a pharmacist, and April, a graphic designer and aspiring writer, said that getting married at Halloween Horror Nights is a dream come true, as the annual event is their “holy grail of Halloween celebrations.”

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a great event held annually during September and October at the Magic Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World.  The event really started in response to the very successful Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios Florida.  Disney’s event, really caters to a family atmosphere, whereas Universal’s has more of a “fright-centered” event.

The event  is priced separately and encourages guests to dress up in Halloween costumes and celebrate the season with themed events throughout the park. Normal rules prohibit guests over the age of nine years old from dressing in costume, however, this rule is waived for the party, although anyone dressed as a Disney character is prohibited from signing autographs or posing for pictures with other guests so as not to be confused with regular cast members in those roles.

The event includes “trick or treating” throughout the Magic Kingdom and features an Alice in Wonderland themed trail on the bridge between Mickey’s Toontown Fair and Tomorrowland. It’s entitled, appropriately enough, “Alice and Mad Hatter’s Treat Party.”

A stage show and meet-and-greet with villains from Disney animated movies led by Maleficent  titled “The Disney Villains Mix and Mingle” is held at the Cinderella Castle  Forecourt Stage. Among those to visit are the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook and the Evil Queen.  Other meet-and-greet opportunities exist during the party, including two Disney Character dance parties, one in Fantasyland at Ariel’s Grotto and features  supporting characters such as Chip and Dale  and ‘Stich’s” Cosmic Dance Party”, held at Tomorrowland inside Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Starlight Room. All the other characters are available at their regular locations, such as the Princesses from the Disney animated canon at Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

A parade and fireworks  show are the centerpieces of the event. The parade, entitled “Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade,” features a pre-parade ride by the Headless Horseman from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  The parade, also features various Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and their friends in Halloween costumes and a live-action version of Ezra, Gus and Phineas, the three hitchhiking ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction.

The fireworks show  is titled Happy HalloWishes: A Grim Grinning Ghosts’ Spooktacular in the Sky, which is based on the Haunted Mansion and features Halloween-related music from the Disney library of animated films. 

2010 Dates

September 28, 30
October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, and 31
November 1

Prices for the party are as follows (all prices listed include tax):

Advance Purchase: $57.46 for adults 10 and older / $51.07 for ages 3-9*

Passholder Discounts: $53.20 / $46.81*

Day of Event (if still available): $63.85 /$57.46

*Not available October 29 and 31. Those two dates are priced at a premium: $69.17 (ages 10 and up) and $62.78 (ages 3-9), tax included.

Here’s a few pictures as we build up to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios…

Halloween Horror Nights is the premiere Halloween event annually held at the Universal Orlando theme park. Hundreds of thousands of horror fans from all over the globe look forward to this event every year and it is the largest event of its kind on the planet. The event features haunted houses, “scarezones” and live entertainment, many of which utilize Universal’s classic monsters (Wolf Man, Frankenstein), exclusive characters (Jack, The Director), and other licensed properties (Saw, Freddy, Jason).

Initially the event featured just one haunted house but as the event has grown; up to eight haunted houses have been used in conjunction with the ever popular “scarezones” which feature costumed characters, including the World famous Chainsaw Drill Team, and superb themes, costumes and makeup effects to scare people who walk from one area of the park to the next.

Halloween Horror Nights officially launched in Florida in 1991 under the name “Fright Nights.” It was renamed “Halloween Horror Nights” in 1992 and initially began as a three night event but is now a 24 night “horrible” extravaganza that has grown bigger and bigger every year.

The event was held at Universal Studios Florida from 1991 to 2001, but then moved to Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 2002. In 2004, Universal experimented with a dual-park format, which connected and utilized parts of both parks but in 2006, the event made its return to Universal Studios.

The first unofficial icon was Crypt Keeper, from the TV series Tales from the Crypt and since then some of the other icons have been Jack the Clown, The Caretaker, The Director, The Storyteller, Bloody Mary, The Usher and Fear.

2010 marks the 20th installment of the event at the Orlando park, titled “Twenty Years of Fear”, and features the embodiment of Fear itself as the event’s icon.

It’s a lot of fun so why not take yourself along for a day at Universal Studios Florida® theme park this September / October and watch as the park is transformed by day into Halloween Horror Nights at night and see why this is event is always crowned “The Best Haunted Attraction.” There are many ways to enjoy the event, with Frequent Fear Passes for non-peak nights and also VIP Unmasking the Horror tours as well. Our concierge department will be only too happy to help you decide how to enjoy the maximum amount of fear.

September is a busy month in Central Florida with lots of events happening. Here’s the highlights:

First off is Orlando Magical Dining month that runs from 1st to 30th September. I covered this event in a blog last week here. Over at the theme parks “Halloween” seems to be the thing on everyone’s mind even though the day itself isn’t until 31st October.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Night of Joy

September 10 – 11, 2010: One of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, the Night of Joy now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature some of the best Gospel Music singers.

DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

September 14 – November 1, 2010:  Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 23 evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, November 1, 2010.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Rock the Universe
September 10-11, 2010: Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation highlight the annual concert.

Halloween Horror Nights
September 24, 25, 30, October 1-3, 7-10,1 4-17, 20-24, 27-31, 2010:  Possibly the world’s most elaborate Halloween celebration with specially designed haunted houses, inescapable scare zones and hundreds of street performers.

Elsewhere, there’s a lot to choose from:

• September 02, 2010
  1st Thursday’s
  Themed happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at the Orlando Museum of Art from 6pm – 9pm.
  For more info: 407-896-4231
  Admission charge.
• September 03, 2010
  Date Night at Leu Gardens
  Bring a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy a movie under the stars at beautiful Leu Gardens.
  More info: 407-246-2620
  Admission charge: $7 for adults, $2 for children
• September 03, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 04, 2010
  Jazzed in Sanford
  Monthly Jazz Concert series held the first Saturday of the month in Magnolia Square, downtown Sanford from 4 – 7pm.
  More info: 407-688-5004
  Free admission
• September 05, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.

• September 06, 2010
  Storytelling at Leu Gardens
  Stories at 3 times for different aged children on the first Monday of the month.
  More info: 407-246-2620
  Free admission
• September 09, 2010
  Popcorn Flicks in the Park
  Each month the Enzian Theater features free movies on the second Thursday of the month at Central Park.
  More info: 407-629-1088
  Free admission
• September 09, 2010
  Alive After Five
  The second Thursday of each month, enjoy themed entertainment and activities.
  For more info: 407-302-2586.
  Admission charge
• September 10, 2010
  Movie in the Park
  On the second Friday of the month, the city of Mount Dora presents a free outdoor movie at Donnelly Park on the corner of Donnelly Street & 5th Avenue.
  More info: 352-735-7183
  Free admission
• September 10, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 10 – 11, 2010
  Night of Joy
  Listen to some of today’s most powerful voices in Contemporary Christian music at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
  Admission charge
• September 10 – 11, 2010
  Rock the Universe
  Excitement and inspiration for music fans as Universal Studios showcases the best Christian rock performers.
  Admission charge
• September 10 – 12, 2010
  Orlando Home & Garden Show
  Hundreds of vendors will be on hand at the Orange County Convention Center during this annual show. There will be plenty of remodeling ideas for your home.
  Admission charge.
• September 11, 2010
  Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
  Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a family friendly movie on the lawn in front of the tower. Bring the entire family for a fun, free evening together under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the Plaza area.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 12, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
• Free admission
• September 17, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Children’s Expo
  Orlando’s annual expo for parents and kids sponsored by Winn-Dixie with FREE ADMISSION! Featuring exhibits, entertainment, parent seminars, children’s safety information, face painting, games, child safety ID cards, car seat check stations, bicycle helmet fitting, character visits, book readings, bounce house, special offers and free product samples! Attendees can save 50% on parking by pre-registering.
  More info: 407-889-8902
  Free admission, parking charge
• September 18, 2010
  Jazz Jams Uptown
  The City of Altamonte Springs and WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 present a jazz concert series at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater from 7pm – to 10pm at Uptown Altamonte.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Cinema in the Park
  Family movies on the third Friday of each month at 9th Street and Park Avenue in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for the 7:00pm showing of this month’s movie.
  More info: 407-688-5004
  Free admission
• September 18, 2010
  Celebration Art and Wine Stroll
  The streets of Downtown Celebration will transform into 60+ art galleries on one special night between 6:30 and 10pm.
  More info: 407-566-4007
  Free admission
• September 18 – 19, 2010
  Jazz at the Winery
  Lakeridge Winery has live jazz, food and of course wine at this annual event.
  More info: 1-800-768-WINE.
  Admission charge of $2.00.
• September 19, 2010
  Music at the Casa
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
  Free admission

• September 21 – 26, 2010
  Global Peace Film Festival
  Celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert.
  More info: 407-224-6625.
  Admission charge
• September 24 – 26, 2010
  New Smyrna Beach JAZZ Festival
  Music fills the air along the seaside streets during this annual Jazz Festival. Various performance venues along Flagler Avenue.
  More info: 386-423-9760
  Free admission
• September 24, 2010
  Friday Night Live
  Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
  More info: 407-571-8180
  Free admission
• September 25, 2010
  Museum Day
  Free admission to Orlando area museums including:
  > Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park
  > Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
  > Gillespie Museum of Minerals at Stetson University in Deland
  > Maitland Historical Museum and Telephone Museum in Maitland
  > Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando
  > Mount Dora History Museum in Mount Dora
  > Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando
  > Waterhouse Residence Museum in Maitland
• September 25 – October 3, 2010
  Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia
  Preview spring 2011’s hottest fashion trends with a week-long series of in-store events, such as trunk shows and in store specials.
  More info: 407-363-3555
  Free admission
• September 26, 2010
  “Music at the Casa”
  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
  More info: 407-628-8200.
  Free admission
• September 30, 2010
  Velvet Sessions
  Rock & Roll Happy Hour held the last Thursday of the month.
  Admission charge

I just read about a convention coming to Orlando on September 14-18.  The Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Impersonators.  Who knew there was such a thing? This is the fifth or sixth year apparently.  https://www.sunburstconvention.com/home  I wonder what goes on there?  I wonder if I can find an Indiana Jones for my son’s birthday party?

Also on a more sombre note, Orlando plays host to 2008 NFDA International Convention & Expo on October 12-15.

NFDA=National Funeral Director’s Association … I wonder if they are dying to get here?  Do they have their tickets for Halloween Horror Nights?    Check out the photos of the executive board … some crackers on there … hope I never meet them on a dark night.  http://www.nfda.org/executiveboard.php … sorry I clicked that link, hope I can sleep tonight.