I’ve been to Disney several times, but an especially fun time of year for me is Halloween time, when the decorations change up for the season. I’m very passionate about Halloween, and love to attend what events celebrating my favorite holiday I can. So, for the first time last year, I went to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and when they announced the special Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus) show earlier this year, I was ready to buy my tickets and go.

The Haunted Mansion:

The Haunted Mansion (above) is my favorite ride at Disney, so this of course adds to the awesome of Halloween at Disney, because the Haunted Mansion is celebrated in a few different ways. One, in particular, is the spooky light and fog makeover that the Mansion undergoes at night. It really gives it that “haunted mansion” feel. Unfortunately, one of the majors downfalls of this event and Halloween time at Disney in general, is that suddenly EVERYONE feels the need to ride Haunted Mansion because, you know, it’s spooky fun. This is actually the time of year I ride it the least. Typically, any other time of year, I can get around 8+ rides on it in. But the line is too crazy for me around Halloween to try that much. This time, I believe I rode about four times.

Another interesting part of the Haunted Mansion’s extra spooky goodness is that the butlers and maids (i.e. the ride cast members) get extra dressed up – makeup to make themselves look more like the happy haunts inside, and some even decked in spiderwebs. But also, a ghoul comes out to a bench put near the front of the mansion to speak with the foolish mortals preparing to head inside. Kinda cool to chat with one of the 999 happy haunts, to be honest.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular:

Last year, there was a Villains show in front of Cinderella’s Castle during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, though I never had the chance to see it because they had to cancel almost every show due to the stage being wet from rain. This year, I was determined to see the new show – Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. I was seeing the Sanderson Sisters, and no one was going to stop me.

I ended up watching twice for two reasons. The first reason was that I was so far back the first time, it was difficult to see anything over the children that were sitting on their parents shoulders. Second – I really, REALLY loved this show. It was probably my favorite show I’ve seen at Disney World. The actresses playing the sisters were PHENOMENAL. I loved the mixture of Disney villains and the Sanderson sisters. And of course, a much anticipated song closed out the show. I’d love for Disney to do this show again. I’d go back just for it.

Mickey’s Boo to You Parade:

MORE HAUNTED MASION!

*ahem* Anyway…

The Boo to You Parade is pretty fun, though I have my complaints (I’ll get to that in a moment.) The two best parts, in my opinion, being the Haunted Mansion parts and the end, with the Villains. The song is fun and catchy, they definitely convey the Halloween feel… so what could I have to complain about?

First: I don’t like the weird cowboy feeling in the middle. For me, it kills the excitement in the parade and almost ruins it for me. If it weren’t for the knowledge that the villains come in at the end, I would walk away there. But something that bothers me even more… WHY NO NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS? Before an argument comes up that maybe they can’t use the characters, I’m going to throw out the fact that they have Jack and Sally character meet and greets at the party. So, why can’t Jack, the Pumpkin King – THE KING OF HALLOWEEN FOR PETE’S SAKE – HAVE A FREAKING FLOAT IN THE PARADE?! I don’t want to see Clarabelle Cow in some weird farm scene. I want the Pumpkin King!

Anyway, as mentioned earlier – MORE HAUNTED MANSION! Dancers, grave-digging butlers, graves, and the infamous hitchhiking ghosts can all be seen in the Boo to You parade. And for them alone (and if you can survive Clarabelle, see the Villains), you should try to grab a place to stand to see the parade yourself. I’d grab a spot early, because it’s a pain to line up when the parade is about to start.

 

But what’s probably the biggest draw for most people is the fact they can come to Disney, dress up with their kids, and do some trick-or-treating throughout the Magic Kingdom. They know they’re kids are safe to eat the candy, and that the little ones will look at everything in wonder and not worry about anyone getting too scared.

Next year, my nieces get to come with me, so I’ll have more insight for any parents curious about what it’s like taking kids around in costume.

Any questions, comments, concerns? Drop me a comment below!

~Angel