Halloween Arrives Early at Major Theme Parks

Major U.S. theme parks such as Disney, Six Flags, and Universal Studios are tapping into the growing popularity of Halloween by starting festivities as early as August. Parks are introducing new attractions, live performances, and themed merchandise to attract visitors and combat a slump in attendance.

Halloween has arrived earlier than ever at major U.S. theme parks, with operators like Disney, Six Flags, and Universal Studios expanding their seasonal offerings to capitalize on the public's love for spooky costumes and scares.

Theme park operators are rolling out a variety of holiday-themed attractions, live performances, merchandise, and food and beverage options starting in August. This early kickoff is aimed at attracting visitors before summer ends and well ahead of Halloween, in a bid to counteract a slump in domestic theme park attendance. Edithann Ramey, chief marketing officer at Six Flags, told Reuters that the introduction of attractions based on horror films such as 'SAW' and 'The Conjuring' resulted in attendance gains and increased guest spending in 2023.

The popularity of these offerings has led to increased investments in Halloween experiences, making it a billion-dollar industry in the last five years, according to Ramey. Jakob Wahl, CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, noted that Halloween has become a significant selling point for parks worldwide.

Walt Disney's parks kicked off their Halloween season earlier than ever with 'Mickey's Not So Scary Party' beginning on August 9. Six Flags launched a new experience, 'Saw: Legacy of Terror,' on September 14, while Universal Studios extended its Halloween Horror Nights season. Universal is adding a 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' haunted house and a 4D show in collaboration with the anime series 'Chainsaw Man' to its offerings. Both Universal Orlando and Japan will feature cast members dressed as Death Eaters during Horror Nights.

(With inputs from agencies.)