Take a sinister stroll with creepy creatures during Happy Frights and Haunting Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Presented by Massey Services, Inc., the inaugural Halloween hootenanny includes two eerie encounters by the Creative City Project and Memoir Agency.
Before and during either adventure, chow down on themed concessions paired with beer, cider, wine or non-alcoholic beverages in souvenir cups.
The first option, Happy Frights, is a family-friendly, trick-or-treating adventure through 12 immersive worlds that begins at 5 p.m.
During the witching hour, an older crowd experiences frightening festivities throughout the remarkable realms at Haunting Nights starting at 7:30 p.m.
As I sauntered through a lush ambiance with my refreshing cider in Jeepers Peepers land, I felt all eyes were on me and other wanderers.
As my journey continued, the gardens were all aglow while I traipsed through the Jack-o-Lantern Jaunt, which was my favorite excursion.
My husband Dan and I are getting our pumpkin on at the Jack-o-Lantern Jaunt! Image courtesy of Sandra Carr
The next stop was Ned’s Neon Labyrinth. It would have been nice if I saw Goblin King Jareth, but that’s a different labyrinth tale. Ned was sweet and his spray-painted maze kept you in suspense and wondering what was around the corner.
Sunflowers were in bloom and provided attendees with a pretty photo-opportunity spot on the walking trail.
While traveling on the path, I encountered supernatural beings at Apparition Alley.
After I left Apparition Alley, I stumbled upon magician Terry Ward, who was doing card and coin tricks under a big-top tent at Magic and Mayhem.
When I turned the corner, I found six mythical monsters hanging out at the Dragons’ Nest.
I left my dragon pals to walk the plank with a dead pirate at The Barracks!
The atmosphere changed from scary to sweet at the Bubbly Block Party. Bubbles were floating in the air as a Sea Rider rode a seahorse and lobster was dancing in the street.
Haystacks provided attendees with a chance to be king of the mountain at the Scarecrow Summit!
Celebrate the dead at El Dia de Muertos! I truly loved this skull kingdom and taking a photo with the beautiful La Catrina. I also thought the altar was a nice way to honor lost loved ones and friends. Folks have an opportunity to write down the names on a piece of paper and display it proudly on the candlelit altar. I paid homage to my parents and Dan remembered his Uncle Al.
Sandra Carr
The spooky spectacular at Leu Gardens, located at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, runs through Halloween night. Tickets start at $25 per person. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately depending on the weather.
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