Even though Walt Disney World has four themeparks, two water parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports, if you want to celebrate Halloween, you’ll have to visit the Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to do so. Disneyland, on the other hand, has spread the season out over both its theme parks. Of course, Disneyland has its own ticketed event (on 14 nights this year), but there is plenty to do during regular park hours too
I love this commercial released by Disneyland to entice guests to visit during the season. It features animated classic villains enjoying the parks in their own special way:
The Halloween season at Disneyland runs through October 31st. And includes special transformations of the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, dance with the Mad T Party band, and a chance meet Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes. New this year are special experiences at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch and more mysterious fun joining the Astounding Cauldron of Magic.
For the 16th annual season, ABC Family will host “13 nights of Halloween” a special selection of thrills and chills that will help you celebrate as you countdown to Halloween. The popular programming block starts Sunday October 19th and concludes on Friday, October 31st.
The fright fest features brand-new Halloween-themed episodes of “Melissa & Joey” and “Baby Daddy,” an all-new “Pretty Little Liars” fan appreciation special, plus the hilariously scary prank specials “Freak Out.” The stunt will also include the network television premieres of “Dark Shadows” and “ParaNorman,” and a ghoulish mix of Halloween-themed programming.
Other shows include old favorites like: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Addams Family, The Haunted Mansion, and Hocus Pocus.
I’ve already seen some amazing cosplay characters from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In fact, two local cosplay artists were hired by Disney to be Gamora and Starlord at the recent “Unlead the Villains” event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Those were pretty cool, but this home made Groot costume is simply fantastic.
Calen Hoffman does make some pretty amazing custom cosplay props at Propcustomz, but his tutorial to make Groot is quite detailed and uses materials you can find just about anywhere there’s a hobby store and home improvement store. Those feeling courageous can probably do this themselves at home.
In order to create the rough tree-like look of the costume, Hoffman used tissue paper in a paper-mache glue and water mixture to add a bark like texture over foam pipe insulation attached to a body suit. Moss, he got from a hobby store’s train aisle, adds that great detail.
Guests attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year have a new upgrade option to consider. Make Villain’s Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle, your last stop of the night and enjoy preferred viewing for the parade and fireworks, plus a new dessert party.… Read More »Villain’s Sinister Soiree adds an upgrade experience for MNSSHP
I took a quick stroll through World of Disney at Downtown Disney last night and spotted some of the 2014 Halloween merchandise already out on the shelves. There are a few returning items updated for 2014, some great new Mickey and Minnie themed gifts, a… Read More »2014 Halloween Merchandise Now at Walt Disney World
The last few years at the Disneyland resort has seen one of the holidays traditionally neglected by the park, become a huge special event that really helps drive attendance during an otherwise slow period of the year. Mickey’s Halloween Party is back with an expanded offering this year. There are now 14 nights to pick from, so you’re sure to be able to find a night that fits your schedule.
Mickey’s Halloween Party invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at Disneyland Park, enjoying candy and healthy treats. Party guests get the extra benefit of being able to arrive early and play in Disneyland for three hours prior to the start of Mickey’s private bash.
The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party)
“Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace, where guests can join Mike & Sulley and their fellow students of Monsters University in a fun and family-friendly frat party.
“Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade featuring some favorite characters, performed twice nightly
Disney villains arriving amid thunder and lightning to transform Town Square into Villains Square, on Main Street, U.S.A.
The Cadaver Dans ghoul quartet, performing Halloween-themed tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the Rivers of America
An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costume.
Photo locations with popular Disney and Pixar Pals, and Disney Villains
Nearly all the Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
Parking for one standard-size vehicle is included with the purchase of Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets.
Tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party go on sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card members on Wednesday, July 16, and for the general public on Wednesday, July 30.
Of course there are the regular treats of the season that you can enjoy without attending the hard-ticket event:
Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Cuckoo Clock is a beautiful handcrafted sculptural wall clock featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, LED lighting, beloved movie music, Zero popping out on the hour and much more. It’s the perfect think for fans of the movie who want a… Read More »Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Cuckoo Clock
I’ve already written about what a great value the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular is, but now I’ve had a chance to experience the 2013 edition and can tell you my original assessment still stands.
Here are a few tips to enjoy the day:
The Spooktacular trail is least busy shortly after opening and again just before the area closes for the day.
You can start at either end of the trail, but most of the treat stations are oriented for easiest access from the front of the park.
Although SeaWorld provides bags for trick-or-treating, you’ll want to have a larger bag to consolidate all your candy into as you enjoy the rest of your day in the park.
There is a lot to do besides just trick or treating. Take time to interact with the characters, decorate a cookie, or stay for the dance party at the end of the night
Dress your kids up in costumes that are appropriate for the weather and bring a camera to capture the memories.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission and runs over the remaining weekends in October.
