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'Tis The Season To Be Scary

Snap! photo by dmb4762

Americans are expected to spend more than $5 billion this year on candy, costumes, decorations and going out to spooky-themed events, according to the International Association of Haunted Attractions.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

Updated:

TAMPA - Halloween night isn't here yet, but ghosts and ghouls are haunting theme parks early because the holiday is second only to Christmas in terms of spending and celebrations.

Americans are expected to spend more than $5 billion this year on candy, costumes, decorations and going out to spooky-themed events, according to the International Association of Haunted Attractions.

And we've got some of the best chills and thrills right in our own backyard.

Walt Belcher

ZOO BOO: A family-friendly Halloween experience waits after dark in Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, where you can stroll by real tarantulas on Creepy Crawler Lane or join a skeleton pirate crew for the Bubblegum Boneyard Carriage Ride. Sneak a peek from 7 to 11 p.m. today and Saturday; admission is $12.95 (ages 3 and up). Afterward, the attraction is open Fridays through Sundays (Oct. 3-19) and Thursdays through Sundays (Oct. 23-Nov. 1), with admission of $17 for ages 12 and older and $14 for ages 3 to 11. A $27 pass is good for unlimited admission Thursdays and Sundays; Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa; (813) 935-8552 or lowrypark zoo.com.

HOWL-O-SCREAM: Busch Gardens' ninth season of gruesome scares is built around a couple of witchy women, the deadly Raven Twins. It also includes a bloody body lab, the maniac antics of Killer Klownz, undead roaming in Zombie Junction, vampires at the Taste of Blood and insane back-from-the-dead prison inmates at Death Row Revenge. Sneak peek is at 7:30 tonight and Saturday ($29.95). Afterward, admission is from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays, 7:30 to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2 through Nov. 1; $64.95 ($99.95, VIP passes); Busch Gardens, 10001 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa; 1-888-800-5447 or RavenTwins.com.

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS: The 18th annual event, with a "Bloody Mary" theme, offers a nightmarish labyrinth of haunted houses and live shows and an army of mutants, monsters and maniacs roaming the park (may be too intense for young children). Times are 7:30 tonight and Saturday; Thursdays though Sundays (Oct. 2-19) and Wednesdays through Sundays (Oct. 22-Nov. 1); $69.95 (discounts available for Florida residents); Universal Studios, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando; (407) 224-4233 or halloweenhorrornights .com.

MICKEY'S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY: Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom offers all treats and no tricks featuring friendly ghosts and Disney characters in costume. Guests also can wear Halloween costumes. Included are "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade" and the "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks show; 7 p.m. today, Sunday, Tuesday and select weekend nights through Oct. 30 (Oct. 31 is sold out); $55.95 (ages 10 and older), $49.95 (ages 3 to 9); Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Orlando; (407) 934-7639 or disneyworld.com.

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