Guests will be goblin’ up the fun beginning Sept. 27 when Gaylord Palms Resort kicks off its annual Goblins & Giggles Weekends celebration. The event runs through Oct. 26.
There’s family fun for everyone with live shows, character meet-and-greets, Halloween decor, costume contests, and plenty of candy. Guests can solve puzzles on a haunted ship in a riddle-filled escape room, get their bones moving in a dance party, enjoy a movie at the pool, and more.
A Halloween-themed drone show will be presented four times during the celebration, with hundreds of choreographed drones taking to the skies above the 65-acre resort.
Here’s a rundown of the family-friendly frights in store for Gaylord Palms guests this year:
Monster Mash Bash Dance Party
Young ghosts and goblins are invited to put on their Halloween costumes and join a few fun-loving frights like Morgana the Witch, Vlad the Vampire, and Grimm the Good-Hearted Goblin, for the Monster Mash Bash Dance Party. Presented inside the resort’s replica of St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos fort, Monster Mash Bash takes place multiple times on select Friday and Saturday nights during the Goblins and Giggles Celebration.
Spooktacular Symphony in the Sky Drone Show
Sparkling, synchronized drones take to the sky in the “Spooktacular Symphony in the Sky” drone show, and create spooky and seasonal animated imagery, accompanied by an original musical score. Guests can view the colorful show on one of the resort’s outdoor event lawns (check with the front desk for the viewing lawn for each show). Shows are scheduled at 9 p.m. on Sept. 28, and Oct. 5, 12, and 19.
Dive-In Movie at Cypress Springs Water Park
It’s time for a delightful dive-in movie as the animated feature film “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is presented for overnight resort guests in Cypress Springs Water Park each Friday and Saturday evening during the event. In the film, Spookley shows how our differences make everyone special.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin Meet-and-Greet
Spookley the Square Pumpkin also will make multiple character appearances each Saturday during the event at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., offering sharable photo moments for guests.
Jack-O’-Lantern Walk
Elaborate pumpkin art is showcased on the Jack-O’-Lantern Walk inside the 4.5-acre garden atrium, with crafty pumpkin carvings inspired by the spirit of the Sunshine State.
Trick-or-Treat Expedition
Youngsters can add to their candy collection with tasty treats on the Trick-or-Treat Expedition. Trick-or- treaters are encouraged to wear their best costumes as they meet some cheerfully spooky characters in the Gaylord Palms’ atrium. Trick-or-Treat Expedition is presented 4-5 p.m. on Saturdays during the event and is an exclusive activity for Gaylord Palms’ overnight guests.
Adventure Kids: The Hunt for Hidden Treasure Scavenger Hunt
Guests can embark on an adventurous Halloween-themed scavenger hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms atrium. Families work together as a team to learn, imagine, discover, and explore inside the atrium as they search for hidden gems to record in their scavenger hunt booklet.
Phantom of the Atrium Light Show
Gaylord Palms’ animated LED light curtains, suspended high above the atrium, create a colorful spectacle that tells the musical tale of “The Phantom of the Atrium.” The show centers around a mysterious figure who lurks in the atrium rafters while composing his latest musical masterpiece. Presented nightly at 9 p.m., the show can be viewed at many spots inside the atrium, while guests with select atrium-view rooms can enjoy the show from their balconies.
Adventure Kids: A Spooky Celebration
The Adventure Kids join Seth the Sea Turtle and Ava the Alligator to showcase some of Florida’s creepy creatures inside the resort’s garden atrium in “A Spooky Celebration.” The live show is presented at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays during Goblins & Giggles Weekends.
The Pirate’s Haunted Treasure Escape Room
Locked in the Captain’s Quarters of a spooky pirate galleon, guests are challenged to find Captain Hornswaggle’s treasure in The Haunted Treasure Escape Room. The captain’s wife, Emerald, is on hand to help guests set sail as they solve puzzles and disembark the ship before the crew discovers their pilfering plans of plunder. The escape room, recommended for ages 10 and older, is presented on Friday and Saturday evenings at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. during Goblins & Giggles Weekends.
Advance tickets are needed for all Goblins & Giggles Weekends events. For updated schedules and reservations, or to book a guest room or special package, guests can go to GaylordPalmsTickets.com.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83