It’s true. Halloween celebrations have officially begun at Central Florida theme parks and attractions. The first edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a character-and-candy-happy event, hits the streets of Magic Kingdom on Friday night.

If you’re a holiday purist, it’s going to be a long 12 weeks as the attractions’ programming goes both mild and wild.

Why an early August start? It’s not tricky. The first five Not-So-Scary nights — plus two more of the 37 total event evenings — were already sold out a week ago.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Where: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

What’s new: Don’t say anything, but Bruno from “Encanto” will be making his first Not-So-Scary appearance. On the food front, two interesting event-exclusive items include the Oogie Boogie cupcake sold near Cinderella Castle and sweet-and-spicy beignets at Golden Oak Outpost, which is appropriately close to the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride.

What’s back: “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show, “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, multiple treat-or-treating stations

When: 7 p.m.-midnight on select nights between Aug. 9 and Oct. 31

How much: $129-$199 on remaining dates

Bottom line: Characters in Halloween costumes are abundant, and kids can rake in candy (parents can repurpose it for actual Halloween).

Halloween Horror Nights

Where: Universal Studios Florida.

What’s new: There are no returning haunted houses, although one (Major Sweets Candy Factory) repurposes a former scare zone. There are mazes inspired by the films “Insidious,” “A Quiet Place” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” In addition, Universal will have a preview event Aug. 29, the eve of the launch. Tickets are $350.

What’s back: A “Nightmare Fuel” stage show with aerialists, pyrotechnics, rock music.

When: Aug. 30-Nov. 3.

How much: A single-night ticket costs between $83 and $123, depending on date. Multinight passes also are available.

Bottom line: HHN traditionally is filled with scary, sometimes bloody scenarios. Universal suggests it’s not for folks younger than 13.

Halloween Spooktacular

Where: SeaWorld Orlando

What’s new: It’s a daylight, kid-friendly event with a Trick-or-Treat Trail and sea-inspired characters.

What’s back: Spooktacular is sprinkled across the park, but a couple of big deals are the Sesame Street Halloween Parade and the Halloween Storytime with Big Bird. On Fridays, there are costume contests for kids.

When: Select days between Aug. 31 and Nov. 3

How much: Spooktacular is included with regular SeaWorld admission.

Bottom line: It’s very gentle, down to cookie decorating and a scarecrow dance party. There’s no overlap with the park’s competing after-dark, separate-ticket Howl-O-Scream event.

Howl-O-Scream

Where: SeaWorld Orlando

What’s new: Four fresh haunted houses, including Ultimate Gamble (“where the stakes are life and death”), Farm 51 (with crash-landed extraterrestrials), Atlantis Journey Below and Water’s Edge Wellness Center.

What’s back: Live entertainment in the form of “Monster Stomp” and “Sirens Song”

When: Select nights between Sept. 6 and Nov. 2

How much: An “any night” ticket sells for $54.99. There are also multinight packages, including one that wraps in the Howl-O-Scream event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Bottom line: It’s another frightful occasion, especially in the dark scare zones.

Brick-or-Treat

Where: Legoland Florida

What’s new: “Monster Skytacular,” a drone show at the end of the day, plus a new menu of limited-time foods

What’s back: Candy stations, a dance party hosted by Lord Vampyre, “The UnbeLEAFable Halloween Night” show and a disco overlay to the Dragon roller coaster.

When: Weekends between Sept. 13 and Oct. 27

How much: Halloween activities are included with regular Legoland Florida admission.

Bottom line: The target audience is between the ages of 2 and 12.

Gators, Ghosts and Goblins

Where: Gatorland

What’s new: “Godwin’s Gourd Farm with gargantuan gourds as pumpkin monsters,” a Gatorland release says.

What’s back: Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum with Cyrus the Gravedigger, Skunk Ape at Cryptid Petting Zoo, children’s costume parade, Live DJ, vendors, candy giveaways

When: Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 12 through Oct. 27

How much: Included with regular Gatorland admission.

Bottom line: Low key, old Florida charm plus reptiles.

Look for more attractions to announce spooky programming. Some like to get past end-of-summer promotions before using the H word.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.