As the summer fades into the coolness of autumn, magic begins to stir at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. One of the most anticipated seasonal events is the transition into Halloween, transforming the parks into a spooky and enchanting playground for guests of all ages. Here are five early signs that Disney World is gearing up for a festive Halloween in 2023, along with what you might expect from each:
1. Early Decorations
Disney’s meticulous attention to detail is evident from the moment decorations start to appear around the parks. Here’s what you can look out for:
- Pumpkin Displays: Iconic pumpkins of various sizes, shapes, and often with fun, Disney character faces or entire scenes carved into them, start to fill the park. These are not just ordinary pumpkins; they are works of art.
- Garlands and Banners: Disney Cast Members begin adorning lampposts, storefronts, and park entrances with vibrant garlands of autumn leaves, eerie bunting, and banners announcing the upcoming festivities.
- Statue Overlays: Watch for Disney’s famous landmarks and statues to get a spooky makeover. For instance, the statue of Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney might sport a Halloween costume or have pumpkins added to the base.
💡 Note: Keep an eye on Disney’s official social media channels for sneak peeks of the early decorations to get a head start on your Halloween planning.
2. Merchandise Rollout
Merchandise is a key indicator of the changing seasons at Disney. Here are some signs to look for:
- Collection Previews: Disney often shares first looks at their seasonal merchandise collections through blogs, video reveals, or live events.
- Shop Updates: Storefronts in Disney Springs and throughout the parks begin to stock exclusive Halloween-themed items like costumes, decorations, and themed MagicBands.
- Haunted Mansion Merchandise: The Haunted Mansion, a staple of Disney’s Halloween festivities, inspires a host of merchandise from spirit jerseys to limited edition pins.
🌟 Note: Merchandise tends to sell out quickly, so if you see something you love, don’t hesitate to purchase it.
3. Seasonal Treats
Disney’s culinary team goes all out to create treats that fit the festive mood:
- Halloween Party Snacks: Mickey Pumpkin Cupcakes, Oogie Boogie popcorn buckets, and themed ice cream treats make their debut.
- Special Menu Items: Restaurants roll out special menus, including items like a “Boo Bash” burger or a “Grim Grinning Ghosts” drink.
- Scarily Delicious Treats: Look out for fun, seasonal treats like candy corn funnel cakes or spooky pumpkin-flavored everything.
👻 Note: Many of these treats are exclusive to the event or season, so indulge while you can!
4. Event Announcements
The official announcement of seasonal events is always a thrill:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Disney announces the dates, times, and ticket prices for this popular event, which includes trick-or-treating, special parades, and more.
- Halloween on the High Seas: Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween celebration gets its own share of the spotlight with festive onboard events.
- Magic Kingdom’s After Hours: Disney sometimes introduces special Halloween-themed nights for guests to enjoy the park with less crowd.
5. Themed Entertainment
Disney’s entertainment shifts into Halloween mode, enchanting guests with:
- Storytelling: Cast Members might start sharing ghost stories or detailing the lore of the Haunted Mansion, creating an immersive atmosphere.
- Costume Parties: While Disney has specific costume guidelines for guests, the parks themselves host costume parties where characters and staff show off their Halloween best.
- Special Shows: Halloween-themed stage shows and special evening performances begin to make their presence known.
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, these signs herald the onset of one of the most magical times at Disney World. Each year, the parks transform with meticulous attention to detail, creating an enchanting experience that transports visitors into a world of magic, mystery, and endless fun. Whether you’re there for the food, the festivities, or the atmosphere, the early signs of Disney World's Halloween celebrations are a harbinger of the unforgettable memories that await.
When does Disney World usually start its Halloween celebrations?
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Disney World typically begins to roll out Halloween decor, merchandise, and special events from early August, leading up to the official start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in late August or early September.
Can guests wear costumes to Disney World during Halloween?
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Yes, during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney allows guests of all ages to wear costumes. However, there are specific guidelines regarding costumes for safety and comfort, such as no masks that cover the entire face or props that could be mistaken for real weapons.
What are some must-try Halloween treats at Disney World?
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Some fan-favorite treats include the Mickey Pumpkin Cupcakes, the unique popcorn buckets featuring characters like Oogie Boogie, and various spooky-themed desserts like the Candy Corn Funnel Cake at Sleepy Hollow.
