Have you signed up yet for Best of Orlando’s Halloween Photo Contest on the BestofOrlando Facebook to win a Halloween Horror Nights Vacation for four? You only have until Tuesday September 17 to do so and if you’re having a little trouble coming up with a winning costume, we’ve come up with some pretty fun ideas you may want to try.
First up is a Haunted Mansion Costume Theme. Who doesn’t love riding the Haunted Mansion attraction at Walt Disney World? And why not celebrate your love for this spooky attraction by dressing up as some of the mansion’s most finest residents. 
One of the most resonating images of the Haunted Mansion for us has always been the mansion’s gallery, specifically the haunted mansion paintings that stretch to reveal the immediate and untimely death of the subject. The patron on the barrel of dynamite always made me laugh, and it’s a great idea for a child costume that doesn’t take that much to do. All you need is child tux with tail that you can find on Amazon for $30 bucks, and then pair that with a silly boxer. Before you know it he’ll look exactly like one of the Mansion’s former guests “as they appeared in their corruptible, Mortal State.” 
Another Haunted Mansion idea is the Hatbox Ghost. Here you need a hatbox or make a hatbox from a cardboard box and then go in search of a Ghastly Gentleman Ghost costume. You shouldn’t have a problem finding one of those this season. They’re quite popular. But if you want to do it yourself, a top hat, a raggedy coat, cane, and cape will to the trick. Some black and white makeup is also a good touch for the face. Once you have your costume, try out your best hitchhiker’s thumb and you’ll be ready to submit your photo, or at least scare your neighbors! 
For mom, take an umbrella, a frolic dress and a petticoat skirt to give the dress a nice plump look and become another character from the Haunted Mansion Gallery! This one, you can remember tightrope walking under what seems like a very carnivorous alligator. You may have to raid your grandmother’s closet or check out Goodwill for these items, but once you do; it’s a fairly easy costume to throw together.
Haunted Mansion aside, there’s a ton of the Orlando Theme Park ideas for you Halloween costume this year. For your daughter, you can always head to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom ® or at Downtown Disney ® for any of the Disney ® princess costumes. From Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella, and more, the experience is much more than just a costume. Your kids will actually feel like a princess while being pampered with makeup, shoes, and don’t forget the magic fairy dust that’s glimmer’s like glitter! Kids can also be turned into heroic knights at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Magic Kingdom ® also offers kids the chance to become a part of a pirate crew with The Pirates League of Magic Kingdom. Here the whole family can be turned into scurvy pirates for the day But if you want to skip the makeup and professional pirate transformation, there is also plenty of attire at the Pirates of the Caribbean store to turn your little one into a swashbuckler next door.
Other fun Halloween costume ideas include characters from Transformers. This one is huge, especially since Transformers: The Ride 3D opened at Universal Studios a few months ago. There is also Minions! Loads of Minion wear available at the park. Another great Universal Studios costume idea would be anything relating to The Walking Dead since the series will appear for a second year in a row at Halloween Horror Nights. There is always the ever-popular Harry Potter and wizard costume too. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure is a great place to shop all things Hogwarts including wands, robes, hats and even chocolate frogs! And the littlest of Halloween fans will love hitting up Dr. Seuss Landing for thing one and thing two shirts, hats and more.
Make sure you submit your photo by Sept. 17 to be in the running to win four Halloween Horror Nights tickets on October 31. Happy costume shopping!
Orlando, FL – 09/13/13 | 
