Get into the Halloween spirit: Orlando event brings 12 immersive worlds, thrills

Choose your experience with Happy Frights, Haunting Nights at Leu Gardens

ORLANDO, Fla. – Twelve different worlds are taking over Orlando’s Leu Gardens with an immersive Halloween event this season.

Happy Frights and Haunting Nights is giving unique experiences for the young ones and those looking for a little more fright.

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Families can go trick-or-treating with Happy Frights throughout the gardens, see live magic shows, go through a neon-light maze and more in the early evening. There will be eight trick-or-treating stations along the way.

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Once night falls, those brave enough for Haunting Nights can experience the more spooky with jump scares and thrills.

Cole NeSmith is the artistic director of Creative City Project, the company that created Happy Frights and Haunting Nights events. The nonprofit arts organization had a vision to create unique immersive worlds, and it took a lot of engineering.

“For the haystack pyramid, we had to first build it with Lego blocks and using 3D printers, measuring it all out and understanding how it can fit together to create a fun and safe experience for guests,” said Nesmith, who encourages visitors to play on the display.

Troll on bridge (Quay Hu)

Here are the 12 worlds you can experience:

  • Fall Festival
  • Jeepers Peepers
  • Jack-o-Lantern Jaunt
  • Ned’s Neon Labyrinth
  • Sunflower Fields
  • Apparition Alley
  • Magic and Mayhem
  • Dragons’ Nest
  • The Barracks
  • Bubbly Block Party
  • Scarecrow Summit
  • El Día de Muertos

“We wanted every space to have its own identity, its own personality so even in the daytime you see the eerie fabric hanging down, but at night it comes to life with fog and orange light shining through,” NeSmith said. “Leu Gardens is an incredible place daytime or nighttime, and we love bringing it to life and letting guests see it in a totally different way. These beautiful old oak trees lit up at night become so incredibly beautiful.”

Behind the scenes with Creative City Project as they work on elements from “El Dia de Muertos,” part of the "Happy Frights" and "Haunting Nights" events (Creative City Project)

In El Día de Muertos, there are large Calaveras, or skulls, that are colorfully decorated, as well as La Catrina. Learn more about the reasoning behind bringing this Mexican tradition by clicking here.

There are also fall-themed food and drinks available at the event and even merchandise you can buy to commemorate the visit.

Be sure to get your tickets before it’s too late! Click here to purchase.

Happy Frights and Haunting Nights Map (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

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About the Authors

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

Crystal Moyer is a morning news anchor who joined the News 6 team in 2020.

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