Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Depp Part Deux: WDW’s revamped version of “Pirates of the Caribbean” opens to the public

JHM columnist Seth Kubersky checks out the newly “plussed” version of this Magic Kingdom favorite and finds a lot that he likes

Published

18 years ago

July 4, 2006

Seth Kubersky

Yo ho, …o h… irates life fo… me.

Since 1973, that’s what visitors to WDW‘s Pirates of the Caribbean have (figuratively) experienced. Start with Disneyland‘s 1967 classic, arguably the greatest E-Ticket ever built, and whittle it down to the barest essentials. Trim off the mood-building first act and the uphill finale, and shoehorn what’s left into half the running time. What you get is still a great ride, a life-long favorite of this New Jersey-raised kid who never knew the wonders of the West Coast version. But it’s a ride always destined to be a weak sister to its big brother in Anaheim.

So when plans were announced to update POTC with elements from the popular films, there was trepidation and anticipation. Trepidation mainly for the original; fans have a deep emotional connection to it, and their ire was raised in the past by Tony Baxter’s 1997 “PC” rehab. In Florida though, there was more anticipation. We’re less likely to toss around words like “untouchable” and “desecration,” and more likely to dream about ways our version could be re-Imagineered into more than an abbreviated afterthought.

The idea of transforming WDW’s ride into the equal of the original (or even a near competitor) is an impossible dream. That would require a dramatic lowering of the Floridian water table, and the construction of a massive new show building. The water table may be dropping faster than you think (seen any new sinkholes today?). But even the biggest POTC fan would probably rather see the effort and money a complete overhaul would take invested in something brand new. Since early 2005 rumors of the rehabs have been swirling, ranging from an alternate nighttime flume at Disneyland, to only WDW getting a Jack Sparrow AA, to a new finale show scene in WDW’s uphill lift (Jason Surrell shot down that rumor for me at a book signing last fall).

Disneyland’s POTC reopened with great publicity last month, and the changes there have been well documented. (Check out this link for some incredible videos). WDW’s version opened to the public with much less fanfare on Saturday July 1st. So few people seemed aware of it that I was able to ride half a dozen times in the evening with no more than a 15 minute wait. Since readers here are probably already well aware of the nature of the new additions, I’ll confine my comments to how well they’ve been executed in the Florida attraction.

The Caribbean Plaza area has been refreshed with new signage, most notably the ship’s mast with a black “Pirates of the Caribbean” sail planted outside the ride entrance. It’s a striking visual, and the skeletal pirate looking through a spyglass in the crow’s nest is a beautiful touch. The clock tower window has some battle-damage scorch marks (but no cannon fire while I was there), and there are banners and painted scrolls with familiar phrases from the ride. The area sound loop now features cues from the film’s score instead of steel drums. The overall effect is to make the initial impression of a darker, scarier, more adventuresome ride – not to excess, but just enough to slightly heighten the anticipation of danger. (I heard more than one small child in line asking how scary the ride was, something I hadn’t heard too often previously). Some might say that this is tipping the ride’s hand too early, but I think with WDW’s greatly shortened ride time, you can’t waste a moment in building the mood. One sad change is the loss of the barker bird; one CM, when asked if he might return, said emphatically “He’s dead.”

Inside the queue, once past the new electronic-eye turnstyles (thank you!), not much is changed. Some new (old-looking) paint, a slight lowering of light levels, and a cleaned up sound system that let’s you hear some music that you may never have been able to hear before (a recurring theme in the upgrade). The dock area props have been minorly refreshed, and the “dead men tell no tales” line can be heard echoing faintly as you board.

Immediately after your boat launches you’ll see the first major addition. As you pass under the control booth window and round the first turn to the right, you will see the new Davy Jones fog screen effect. It is truly an amazing feat of technology, even better in person than on video. The realistic shimmering waterfall, and your ability to pass through it completely dry, makes me smile every time I see it. But while it’s a technical home-run, it’s only a triple artistically. For one, it comes far too early in the ride. It’s literally the first thing you see, and there is little to no time to establish the atmosphere of the cave. The new effect means the colorful waterfalls have been muted. Worse, the key “dead men” line is barely heard before you see the new effect. Though it’s heard echoing very faintly at the launch, first time riders will not have time to key into it. It’s especially vexing because one of Davy Jones’ 3 lines of dialogue is “Ah, but they DO tell tales. So says I, Davy Jones.” If you haven’t established the original line, then the response becomes a non-sequiter. Another problem is that the effect is not triggered by a sensor, but is just on a timed loop. That means that sometimes you’ll see Davy and then pass thru him, as is most dramatic. But sometimes he’ll appear when your boat is already halfway through, and sometimes you’ll just see him talk to the boat ahead of you. All of this combines to mean that the effect, while sure to generate gasps of delight as is, could have been more effective from a storytelling point of view. The puzzling thing is, if the effect had been set a dozen or so yards further downstream (just before the beach) some of these problems might have been avoided. I can only assume that there was some technical reason why the projector and fog screen had to be mounted where they were.

The rest of the grottos have not been noticeably improved, and there is one major loss. Hurricane Harbor did not get DL’s lightning effects, nor did the beach receive any movie prop treasure. Shockingly, the iconic Jolly Roger is gone. Not only has that memorable talking skull been evicted, but his safety warning spiel is AWOL, something I can’t imagine warms Disney’s lawyers’ hearts. I’m of two minds on this change; on the one hand, combined with the overall lower light levels, this makes for a much more unexpected, and therefore thrilling, drop. On the other, that skull is ingrained in my memories of the ride, and without him that scene is a bit too quiet.

After you splash down, you’ll immediately notice the rousing new music pulled from the film – to my mind, a great improvement. Then, you’ll notice the copious amounts of atmospheric fog in the harbor; so much that it makes the harbor seem smaller than before. The fort is much the same, as is the Wicked Wench, with the exception of what looks like some new rigging on the bow. There are 2 new stars of this scene; the first is a Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa AA who replaces the former ship’s captain. This figure, while not “terrible” as some have complained, is not as fluid and dynamic as the one in California appears to be, though they were having trouble with him as of Friday so perhaps he will improve. As long as he continues to say “blooming cockroaches” along with his demands for Jack Sparrow, he’s alright by me. The other new star is the cannon effects, which have been enhanced with new subwoofers and air cannons. They certainly sound much more percussive (a huge improvement on the old “hiss”), and splash water higher. On one trip I even felt a slight breeze. But they are nothing compared to the forceful blast of mist I experienced at DL. I wish they could adapt those simple rubber-band-powered air launchers that are (annoyingly) sold in parks and malls; they would seem perfect for an effect that would really knock you hat off.

Moving into the well scene, you’ll notice the new costume and dramatic new arm movements of the lead pirate. He looks great swinging his cutlass, I only wish I’d seen the Mayor spit water in response. Just past them is the 1st Jack Sparrow AA, and he’s truly a work of art. Unlike Ellen, Bogie, or just about every other celebrity AA, this isn’t some fugly Halloween-mask approximation. It is Johnny Depp in the flesh, down to the last fleck of eyeliner. Taken from a life-mask, and built with obvious care, it’s a dead ringer standing still, and eerily accurate in motion. Hiding behind some dress forms, Jack leans and cranes his neck in a way that is not merely lifelike, but that captures the quirky essence of Depp’s performance. I was initially wary when I heard they were doing a “realistic” AA, as opposed to a stylized caricature in the classic Marc Davis style. But when you think of it, the POTC films feature attractive leads surrounded by a grotesque, almost cartoonish cast of characters – much as the rides now do. Whatever qualms I might have had, now that I have seen it first-hand I can only applaud the decision to add Captain Jack.

After sailing past the more-or-less untouched auction scene (is it just me, or is the Redhead’s smirk diminished?) we enter the always-controversial chase scene. At WDW, the ladies are still chasing the pirates, but that’s not the point. The reason that this scene has been the focus of so much controversy is that there wasn’t anything else to focus on. As Tony Baxter has pointed out, this was always the weakest scene in the village portion of the show. Whatever you think of the result, I take him at his word that he was sincere in his desire to “plus” this scene in 1997. Now, that goal has finally been achieved. By replacing the girl hiding in the barrel with Sparrow, the scene finally has a dramatic focal point. This is no mere static head on a stick, as the old one was. It’s a complete head and shoulders that can lift, lean, turn, and duck with amazing dexterity. It seems to communicate subtleties of performance, like the shifting of eye focus or the tilt of the head, with uncanny naturalism. If they could sell a replica Depp-in-a-barrel (have you seen the chimp AA sold at The Sharper Image?), they’d make a mint.

And the new figure is ably complimented by a radically improved Pooped Pirate AA, who now moves and gestures with more lifelike enthusiasm than the real David Crosby. I believe the WDW version of this scene is even an improvement on the West Coast in its staging. In the original, the dog is positioned behind the pirate and to his left, directly against the barrel holding Jack, and the pirate faces the opposite way. In WDW, the dog is in front of the pirate and to his right. The pirate is looking at the dog, the dog is looking at Jack, and Jack is looking at the map. This is much better blocking from a theatrical point of view; the more dynamic triangle allows the pirate to relate to the dog, as opposed to blindly tossing the occasional comment over his shoulder.

The burning town remains much the same, with repaired but not improved fire effects – though a CM I rode with insisted the loaded-down pirate balancing on the boat was new. The jail is also unchanged, though the improved audio system lets “grab ’em by the ears” ring out clearly.

The final addition is in the treasure room, which used to be unique to WDW, but is now duplicated in a vault along the uphill lift in DL. The room has been reconfigured, with some new treasure added but all the original figures removed. In their place sits Jack, rocking back and forth with one leg swung over the arm of his throne, holding a goblet in one hand and some treasure in the other. He’s joined by a parrot (not the barker bird, but perhaps a second cousin) as he sings along to the theme song – the only talking Sparrow in the ride, voiced by Depp himself. Jack’s animation and dialogue here are both first rate. He leans in his chair with precarious grace, and his hand animation perfectly captures the drunken swish of Depp’s gestures. The audio track here is so long that I heard new bit on every ride. In addition to singing snippets of the theme song and saying “there’s treasure enough for all”, as he does in DL, WDW’s Jack has some great interaction with the parrot that is unique to this version. Some of my favorites are when he asks “do you know the words to this song, parrot? If so, feel free to join in at any time,” and when the parrot responds to the lyrics “maraud, embezzle, and even hijack” with “Hi, Jack! Hi, Jack!” Like the pooped pirate and the dog, giving Jack another character to play off of heightens the drama of the scene and the realism of the AA’s performance.

Unfortunately, these improvements were undercut by some technical choices. The 3rd Jack AA at WDW is set deep in the treasure room, approximately where the tied-up soldier used to sit. It is much further from the boat than the vault in the West Coast version. Also, the dim indirect lighting put the AA’s face in shadow for much of the animation cycle. As a result, guests can’t see the figure and appreciate the effect as much as they otherwise might.

As the ride ends, now sans the pirates firing guns, you disembark onto the newly-reconfigured unload dock. Stepping onto the moving exit ramp, notice the peg-leg footprints newly painted on. And you can’t miss the avalanche of movie-themed tchotskes in the gift shop.

So, was it worth it? Should we consider this renovation a success? If you’re like me, you’ll answer that question by turning around and getting right back in line, if only to see the amazing new fog screen and AAs again. Though a few beloved elements are gone (perhaps a few more than were necessary), the new additions are the kind that add great re-ride value, and will have people talking for some time to come. Nitpicks aside, I feel this update has breathed new life into this WDW attraction, even if it’s still no substitute for a trip west to the original.

Now, when do we start debating the next round of additions? I say, if they’re going to add Orlando Bloom, he better be swinging a sword Paris-style. As for Ms. Knightley…

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney and Macy’s 90-Year Thanksgiving Day Parade Partnership: From Mickey’s First Balloon to Minnie’s Big Debut

Published

1 month ago

November 15, 2024

Jim Hill

Now, folks, if you’re like me, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a coffee, a cozy seat, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV. And if you’re really like me, you’re watching for one thing: Disney balloons floating down 34th Street. Ever wondered how Mickey, Donald, and soon Minnie Mouse found their way into this beloved New York tradition? Well, grab your popcorn because we’re diving into nearly 90 years of Disney’s partnership with Macy’s.

The Very First Parade and the Early Days of Balloons

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes way back to 1924, but if you can believe it, balloons weren’t part of the festivities until 1927. That first lineup included Felix the Cat, a dragon, and a toy soldier, all towering above the crowds. Back then, Macy’s had a pretty wild idea to end the parade: they would let the balloons drift off into the sky, free as birds. But this wasn’t just Macy’s feeling generous. Each balloon had a message attached, offering a $100 reward (about $1,800 in today’s dollars) for anyone who returned it to the flagship store on 34th Street.

And here’s where it gets interesting. This tradition carried on for a few years, right up until 1932, when Felix the Cat almost took down a plane flying over New York City! Imagine that—you’re flying into LaGuardia, and suddenly, there’s a 60-foot balloon drifting toward your wing. Needless to say, that was the end of Macy’s “fly away” stunt, and from then on, the balloons have stayed firmly grounded after the parade ends.

1934: Mickey Mouse Floats In, and Disney Joins the Parade

It was 1934 when Mickey Mouse finally made his grand debut in the Macy’s parade. Rumor has it Walt Disney himself collaborated with Macy’s on the design, and by today’s standards, that first Mickey balloon was a bit of a rough cut. This early Mickey had a hotdog-shaped body, and those oversized ears gave him a slightly lopsided look. But no one seemed to mind. Mickey was there, larger than life, floating down the streets of New York, and the crowd loved him.

Mickey wasn’t alone that year. He was joined by Pluto, Horace Horsecollar, and even the Big Bad Wolf and Practical Pig from The Three Little Pigs, making it a full Disney lineup for the first time. Back then, Disney wasn’t yet the entertainment powerhouse we know today, so for Walt, getting these characters in the parade meant making a deal. Macy’s required its star logo to be featured on each Disney balloon—a small concession that set the stage for Disney’s long-standing presence in the parade.

Donald Duck in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – Donaldism

Duck Joins and Towers Over Mickey

A year later, in 1935, Macy’s introduced Donald Duck to the lineup, and here’s where things got interesting. Mickey may have been the first Disney character to float through the parade, but Donald made a huge splash—literally. His balloon was an enormous 60 feet tall and 65 feet long, towering over Mickey’s 40-foot frame. Donald quickly became a fan favorite, appearing in the lineup for several years before being retired.

Fast-forward a few decades, and Donald was back for a special appearance in 1984 to celebrate his 50th birthday. Macy’s dug the balloon out of storage, re-inflated it, and sent Donald down 34th Street once again, bringing a bit of nostalgia to the holiday crowd.

A Somber Parade in 2001

Now, one of my most memorable trips to the parade was in 2001, just weeks after the 9/11 attacks. Nancy and I, along with our friends, headed down to New York, and the mood was something I’ll never forget. We watched the start of the parade from Central Park West, but before that, we went to the Museum of Natural History the night before to see the balloons being inflated. They were covered in massive cargo nets, with sandbags holding them down. It’s surreal to see these enormous balloons anchored down before they’re set free.

That year, security was intense, with police lining the streets, and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani rode on the Big Apple float to roaring applause. People cheered his name, waving and shouting as he passed. It felt like the entire city had turned out to show their resilience. Even amidst all the heightened security and tension, seeing those balloons—brought a bit of joy back to the city.

Balloon Prep: From New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to California’s D23 Expo

Each year before the parade, Macy’s holds a rehearsal event known as Balloon Fest at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This is where handlers get their first crack at guiding the balloons, practicing with their parade masters, and learning the ropes—literally. It’s an entire production unto itself, with dozens of people rehearsing to make sure these enormous inflatables glide smoothly down the streets of New York on parade day.

In 2015, Macy’s took the balloon show on the road, bringing their Buzz Lightyear balloon out to California for the D23 Expo. I was lucky enough to be there, and watching Buzz get inflated piece by piece in the Anaheim Convention Center parking lot was something to behold. Each section was filled with helium in stages, and when they got around to Buzz’s lower half, well, there were more than a few gas-related jokes from the crowd.

These balloons seem to have a personality all their own, and seeing one like Buzz come to life up close—even outside of New York—had all the excitement and anticipation of the real deal.

Mickey’s Comeback as a Bandleader and Sailor Mickey

After a long hiatus, Mickey Mouse made his return to the Macy’s parade in 2000, this time sporting a new bandleader outfit. Nine years later, in 2009, Sailor Mickey joined the lineup, promoting Disney Cruise Line with a nautical twist. Over the past two decades, Disney has continued to enchant parade-goers with characters like Buzz Lightyear in 2008 and Olaf from Frozen in 2017. These balloons keep Disney’s iconic characters front and center, drawing in both longtime fans and new viewers.

But ever wonder what happens to the balloons after they reach the end of 34th Street? They don’t just disappear. Each balloon is carefully deflated, rolled up like a massive piece of laundry, and packed into storage bins. From there, they’re carted back through the Lincoln Tunnel to Macy’s Parade Studio in New Jersey, where they await their next flight.

Macy’s Disney Celebration at Hollywood Studios

In 1992, Macy’s took the spirit of the parade down to Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando. After that year’s parade, several balloons—including Santa Goofy, Kermit the Frog, and Betty Boop—were transported to Hollywood Studios, re-inflated, and anchored along New York Street as part of a holiday display. Visitors could walk through this “Macy’s New York Christmas” setup and see the balloons up close, right in the middle of the park. While this display only ran for one season, it paved the way for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which became a holiday staple at the park for years to come.

Minnie Mouse’s Long-Awaited Debut in 2024

This year, Minnie Mouse will finally join the parade, making her long-overdue debut. Macy’s is rolling out the red carpet for Minnie’s arrival with special pop-up shops across the country, where fans can find exclusive Minnie ears, blown-glass ornaments, T-shirts, and more to celebrate her first appearance in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For those lucky enough to catch the parade this year, you’ll see Minnie take her first float down 34th Street, decked out in her iconic red bow and polka-dot dress. Macy’s and Disney are also unveiling a new Disney Cruise Line float honoring all eight ships, including the latest, the Disney Treasure.

As always, I’ll be watching from my favorite chair, coffee in hand, as Minnie makes her grand entrance. The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs live on NBC, and it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss—whether you’re on 34th Street or tuning in from home.

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street

Published

3 months ago

September 22, 2024

Jim Hill

When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.

You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.

This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.

The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street

Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.

This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.

A Unique Halloween Experience

Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.

The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.

It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!

The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.

Growing Success and a Bigger Event

Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.

In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.

From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash

Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.

While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.

**The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History**

For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.

While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.

Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition

Published

3 months ago

September 7, 2024

Jim Hill

The spooky season is already in full swing at Disney parks on both coasts. On August 9th, the first of 38 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights for 2024 kicked off at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the Oogie Boogie Bash began on August 23rd and is completely sold out across its 27 dates this year.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how these Halloween-themed events have grown. But for Disney, the idea of charging guests for Halloween fun wasn’t always a given. In fact, when the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995, it was a modest one-night-only affair. Compare that to the near month-long festivities we see today, and it’s clear that Disney’s approach to Halloween has evolved considerably.

A Not-So-Scary Beginning

I was fortunate enough to attend that very first MNSSHP back in 1995, along with my then 18-month-old daughter Alice and her mom, Michelle. Tickets were a mere $16.95 (I know, can you imagine?), and we pushed Alice around in her sturdy Emmaljunga stroller—Swedish-built and about the size of a small car. Cast Members, charmed by her cuteness, absolutely loaded us up with candy. By the end of the night, we had about 30 pounds of fun-sized candy bars, making that push up to the monorail a bit more challenging.

Mickey’s Halloween Treat 1996 – Photo: Disney

This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.

A Different Approach

Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.

Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.

Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.

A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.

A Modest Start but a Big Future

That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.

Universal’s Influence

It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.

So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.

For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.