It seems as if the air gets filled with exhilaration with the fall. Irrespective of every thing fall is always a wonderful time to celebrate. And the thrilling events organized by the theme parks add to the celebration. But it can always be said that the most exciting of all celebrations during this season is that of Halloween.



Until 1972 when Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California transformed its park into ?Knott's Scary Farm,? most amusement parks closed their doors by Halloween. By now many are staying open, especially decorated with a Halloween-theme, such as haunted houses and other scary, spooky attractions. Some of these are:

Legoland and Gilroy Gardens are other popular attractions in California with special Halloween events and ?Halloween Horror Nights? at Universal in California and Florida. So what else is happening in Florida? What's happening at Walt Disney World and the other Orlando theme parks?

The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in Anaheim, California is a bit tamer with its Halloween/Christmas theme of ?Haunted Mansion Holiday.? But the Tower of Terror next door at Disney's California Adventure is always scary. And an after-hours extra admission ticket required event, ?Mickey's Halloween Treat? takes place with live music, trick-or-treat stations, craft-making, activities, and other mildly spooky fun for the little ones, as well as selected rides and attractions.

While Universal Orlando has 18 nights of ?Halloween Horror Nights from September 26 through November 1, Disney World, has 24 nights of ?Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Night? catering more to the younger set. It begins September 5 and goes through October 31. Advance tickets, which can be purchased online, are $55.95 for ages 10 and up and $49.95 for ages 3-9. Advance tickets, which are discounted for select dates, can be purchased online. The event requires a separate ticket from daytime theme park passes.

But that's not all for Florida. Sea World hosts ?Spooktacular,? also for the younger set. And if you're in neighboring Tampa, you might drop in on ?Howl O Scream? at Busch Gardens Africa.

But California and Florida don't have all of the Halloween Fun. Check out these events:

??Magic Screams? at Magic Springs in Little Rock, Arkansas

?Six Flags properties across the U.S. also offer Halloween-themed activities called ?The Six Flags Fright Fest.?

?Adventuredome at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada becomes the ?Fright Dome?

?From Northern Ohio, Cedar Point has ?Halloweekends? and from Southern Ohio, King's Island has ?Halloween Haunt and Nick-Or-Treat?

??Hersheypark in the Dark? at Hershey Park, Hershey, Pennsylvania

This is just a sample of the special treats at Halloween that are available at theme parks across the U.S. Check your local theme park or travel professional for details.