Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

A JHM Exclusive: Your first look at Universal Orlando’s “Revenge of the Mummy” thrill ride

JHM columnist Seth Kubersky returns with a detailed description of this brand new yet-to-be-officially-opened indoor roller coaster.

Published

21 years ago

March 25, 2004

Seth Kubersky

WARNING!
The following contains spoilers. The following is based on an incomplete attraction, and should not be construed as representative of the final product. The ride is in private technical rehearsals, and is not open to the public. Do not go to the park expecting to experience the ride until the official opening date. Your mileage may vary. Discontinue use if rash develops.

Riding a new ride during “technical rehearsals” is always a dicey proposition. It’s called a rehearsal for a good reason, since major element are often incomplete, and the fine-tuning that separates a good ride from a great one is absent. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some of Orlando’s biggest attractions weeks or even months before the general public, and it hasn’t always been as fun as you’d imagine.

Sometimes it’s an exercise in frustration; my first visit to IOA’s “Spiderman” involved three hours in the queue, climaxing in the building being evacuated when I was a dozen people from the car. Sometimes it’s terribly disillusioning; after my first trip through Animal Kingdom’s “Countdown to Extinction,” I had to ask the attendants when they were installing the dinos (sadly, it never improved much). Occasionally, the first preview is the best experience you’ll ever have on a ride; I’ll never forget how wonderfully nauseating the “Cat in the Hat”‘s spinning cars were at first.

And sometimes, a technical preview can be like a glimpse of future greatness. Like watching the “work-in-progress” version of “Beauty and the Beast.” Yes, the lines are rough, and many of the colors missing. There may even be a mild hiccup in the story (they sing “Be Our Guest” to Belle’s father?). But it’s clear that you are experiencing something magical. You know that you are watching artists at the top of their form, taking everything they’ve learned in the past to create something you and your kids will want to experience over and over. And you know that, given a little more time and polish, it just might change the world.

That’s what Universal Orlando’s “Revenge of the Mummy” is like right now. The rough draft of a masterpiece. And I have every confidence that before the first paying guest steps on it, Universal will make sure it lives up to it’s already-obvious potential.

For anyone who’s been hiding in a theme-park-news-free bunker, “Revenge of the Mummy” (ROTM) is Universal Studios Florida’s new headliner attraction, slated to open later this Spring. A sister attraction is also opening at Universal Studios Hollywood. Both are based on Universal’s “Mummy” franchise, starring Brendan Fraser and directed by Stephen Sommers. They may have the distinction of being the first theme park attractions to be significantly better than the movies they are based on. Ok, maybe second after “Waterworld”.

The Florida version is housed in the building formerly occupied by the much-beloved “Kongfrontation.” Fans of the late great ape, rest assured. Not only does ROTM not desecrate that hallowed ground, it is a more than worthy successor to old banana breath. And, rumor is, you might catch a glimpse of old monkey if you keep your eyes peeled.

Costing a reported $45 million (small change compared to recent E-tickets like “Mission: Space”), ROTM does not radically break new ground in the same way that “Spiderman” did. The basic elements, an indoor roller-coaster with magnetically launched trains, has been seen before. The special effects — ranging from air and water blasts, to flames, to video projections and sophisticated animatronics — are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. But no ride has combined so many of these effects, in such complex synchronization, at such a blistering pace. Universal touts this as a “psychological thrill ride” with good reason. The dominant effect is total sensory overload, an unparalleled avalanche of astounding sights and sensations that will leave you reeling. You’ll exit the ride knowing you missed half of what’s in there, and not believing half of what you actually saw.

The experience starts before you even enter the queue, proving once again that Universal understands how important the entire package is, beyond just the ride itself. Attraction cast members performed a brief “streetmosphere”-style interaction with the waiting crowd, picking out “extras” for a “screen test”, reminiscent of the “Earthquake” preshow. Other employees scurried about with trays of coffee for the “stars”, a gag that carries through the entire attraction. I don’t know if this was solely for the benefit of the employee preview, but I hope it continues, and survives the pressures of the enormous crowds this ride will attract this summer. Bravo to the cast members, who went all out despite being attractions personnel and not actors.

You enter the attraction not through the museum façade, as with Kong, but through the Paradise Theater. This is an epic queue line in classic Universal style, and fitting replacement for Kong’s legendary queue. The initial sections, inside the building that once held the Islands of Adventure preview center, feature props and design sketches from the first two Mummy films.

Overhead video monitors present a Christopher Guest-style mockumentary about the filming of a new Mummy movie. We are introduced to “Reggie”, a bumbling production assistant, and are informed of strange happenings on the set. They also make mention of a mystical symbol that is needed to protect us against the evil Imhotep’s curse.

Unfortunately, the high ceilings, hard surfaces, and chattering guests conspire to make the preshow video almost completely unintelligible. This is a shame, since it sets up story elements that are important to the full enjoyment of the ride. As a sound engineer, I can sympathize with the designers, and I trust they’ll find a way to overcome the lousy acoustics.

After passing through a black, empty room (I assume there is work to be done here), you enter the attraction proper through the old Kong entrance. There are some cages full of props and costumes, and more video monitors. You turn a corner, and suddenly you are inside an exquisitely detailed Egyptian tomb. I was unsure at this point whether we were meant to be on the set of the new film, or if we were “transported” to an actual tomb by Imhotep’s curse. Perhaps the confusion is intentional. It’s a moot point because this section features some of the best scenic design ever seen in a queue. Though not nearly as long, it is every bit as well crafted as the queue for IOA’s “Dueling Dragons,” which is high praise indeed.

Best of all, there are a number of interactive elements to entertain you. A sarcophagus with a handprint engraved on it causes the lights to flicker when touched. A glowing jewel activates air blasts further down the queue, and an adjacent video monitor shows the humorous results (though wouldn’t it make sense for the air blasts to come first?). And, my favorite, a hologram of golden treasure blasts with air anyone foolish enough to reach for it. It’s unclear how much of the queue those using the Express Pass and Single Rider lines will experience, but this queue is well worth waiting in.

Soon, you enter a tall chamber dominated by a huge statue of Anubis. Wooden stairs spiraling up lead you to the loading platform. There is an elevator for those with disabilities, everyone else gets some exercise. At the top, there are twin loading platforms, to your left and right, each accommodating one car. The vehicles, styled like mine cars, feature four rows of four passengers each. The rear rows are slightly elevated, giving a good view to all. The lap bars are unusually tall, reaching from your waist up to your sternum, but comfortable. The headrests are tall but do not wrap around the side of your head.

And away we go! I won’t give a detailed blow-by-blow of the ride. If you want every moment spoiled for you, you can find it elsewhere online. Moreover, I couldn’t give an accurate accounting after one trip through the ride due to the sheer volume of stuff thrown at you. The first time through, even in an unfinished state, is so overwhelming that detached analysis is simply impossible. I will give an outline of the experience, and describe some of the highlights.

WARNING: STOP NOW TO AVOID MAJOR SPOILERS!

Still there? Ok…

We enter a tomb, with mummified corpses strewn about. From the first moment you can tell that great detail has been put into creating a complete 360º environment, with lighting and music to match. A voice (the “Reggie” animatronic is yet to arrive) warns us of Imhotep’s curse. Around the corner, Reggie is turned into a Mummy by Imhotep (another work-in-progress). You are sent into the next room, which is where things start to get really interesting.

An enormous projection of Imhotep offers you riches for your soul, and piles of treasure are illuminated to either side of you. If you refuse, he warns, you’ll die. Mummy warriors appear next to you, lunging at the car (they do not, however, jump on the car). Flames explode around you, and for an extra shock you are sprayed with water. You take a quick turn into a new room, which seems to be a dead end. The wall in front of you suddenly sprouts thousands of scarab beetles, which swarm towards your vehicle. I assume that this projection will eventually be accompanied by a tactile effect, similar to “It’s Tough to Be a Bug,” but for now there is only light and sound.

You are quickly launched backwards down a short hill, and then quickly come to a stop in a rotating room. There is some more threatening from Imhotep, as you are turned to face an enormous hill. At the top of the hill looms Imhotep’s giant head. You are launched up the hill, straight into his gaping mouth.

What follows is the coaster portion of the ride, a giddying minute or so of dips and turns. There are no inversions, and the actual scare-factor lies somewhere between “Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster” and “Space Mountain.” It does have the advantage of being an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, with well-engineered turns and a pleasant amount of airtime. Heightening the effect are numerous illuminated apparitions, flickering to ghostly life seeming inches from your head. They may be simple back-lit cutouts, but they are extremely effective, much more so than the tacky black light props in “Rock ‘n Roller Coaster.” Add in the music and sound effects, and this section is far more thrilling that you might imagine the fairly tame drops and banks would be. Don’t let the idea of a roller coaster scare you away from this ride – it’s much more likely to make you laugh with delight than scream in terror.

Before you know it, you are out of the coaster section and at what appears to be the unload station. To your left, you see the silhouette of a ride attendant inside her booth. I believe another animatronic attendant is yet to be installed. You come to a stop, and they thank you for riding the ride, but Imhotep arrives and vaporizes the attendants in mid-spiel. The ceiling above you ignites in a beautiful “brain-fire” effect that will be familiar to those who have ridden Busch Garden’s Escape From Pompeii. You are launched in the final brief coaster section of the ride, similar to the first.

And then… well, I’m not sure. A ride this spectacular deserves an appropriate finale, and I’m sure that by the time it opens, this one will have one. For now, I’m not really sure what I saw. I assumed I’d see some representation of Imhotep being defeated, presumably involving the symbol that was mentioned in the preshow. I don’t think I saw that. There were lights, and noise, and frankly I was a bit dazed, but I don’t think I saw a resolution to the story.

The next thing I knew, Brendan Frasier was congratulating me from a video screen, and demanding a cup of coffee. There is a goofy sight gag that again calls into question the frame of reference for the story – what is the “reality” of this attraction? And then we were on a fairly sparse unload platform, and down the old exit ramp past the cashiers that sit where the Kong photo op used to be.

END OF SPOILERS. YOU CAN START READING AGAIN NOW!

Obviously, the ride still has a ways to go, which is why the public soft-opening is still expected to be several weeks away. Some of the missing effects are crucial to the story, which as any good theme park designer knows it the most important part of an attraction. The finale in particular needs more of a sense of closure. I also had trouble understanding much of the dialogue in the ride, a problem I don’t have on any other attractions. Part of this is psychological, as there is just too much happening at once to absorb it all. There is also speaker tuning that needs to be done during this test-and-adjust phase.

But even in this incomplete state, you can tell ROTM is destined for greatness. The only criticism I can levy is also the biggest compliment – it’s too short. Not in terms of time, as its 3½ minute ride time is about average. And not in terms of physical size, since it occupies one of the largest ride buildings in the world, and features sets that are epic in scope. No, you want it to be longer because there is just so much to see and experience that you wish it could just go on and on. A great showman always leaves ’em wanting more, and this ride does that in spades.

This ride will raise your expectations of what a ride can be. You may feel a little let down when you realize that eventually, it ends and you have to get off. At the moment, this feeling is intensified by the fact that the ending doesn’t generate the kind of catharsis that “Spiderman”‘s high fall or “Indiana Jones”‘s rolling boulder does. I have faith that will change, and ROTM will take its place alongside the great theme park attractions of the world.

Universal has proved once again that they are the masters of postmodern theme park design. They didn’t invent anything you’ve never seen before. They’ve taken everything you’ve seen in the past, and put it all together in a way that you’ve never imagined. My philosophical musings on the ambiguous setting of the attraction is a plus, as it indicates the kind of complexity that makes for re-rideability.

Bob Gault, Scott Trowbridge, Stephen Sommers, and everyone else involved should feel very proud of the work they’ve done. Good luck to the opening crew, and save me a seat (back row, left corner) when everything is 100%!

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 week 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

2 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.