Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
A Special Wednesday edition of Ruminations
Folks in the San Francisco Bay Area have always managed to find some interesting places for assorted diversions and amusements. This week, Roger is kicking off a series of columns that will take us to look at them – past, present and maybe even the future. So get comfy and read along…
It’s that time of year again. Weather is generally nice and folks head off to their favorite places for a bit of rest and relaxation. Sometimes, it’s a weekend or longer, but most likely is the day trip. Up this way in Northern California, that’s been something of a tradition for a long number of years. As diverse as the population of the area has been, there have also been amusements and attractions that these people found enjoyable.
Some are gone, others are still with us today, and even a few are in the works for the coming years. And there are more than you might suspect that never made it beyond the planning stages. All in all, it’s a series of tales worth telling, so I’ll be sharing them with you every other week for the coming months.
Now, if you have visited Disneyland in the last couple of years, I would guess that you might have visited the Paradise Pier area of Disney’s California Adventure. The Golden State has had it’s fair share of seaside amusements, and those were the inspirations upon which Imagineering drew from. The Bay Area has been lucky enough to have more than a couple of these, but one continues to be a perennial favorite. So that’s where we will begin this journey.
The climate here in the Bay Area during the summer months tends to be fairly straight forward. Well inland, the mercury often climbs above the century mark. Closer to the Bay, it can still get toasty now and then. But it is that glorious coastal fog that manages to be the salvation of the entire area, when it sails in and cools things off from San Francisco to Sacramento and beyond.
I’ve lived in three distinct microclimates here. Out here in Livermore, mid to high Nineties are the rule. Along the Bay in Mountain View, Seventies and Eighties were about as much as we would expect. On the coast in Pacifica, it seemed like there were days when the fog was there permanently. I’ve heard tales of some residents shrieking in fear when a white ball would appear in the sky, as they didn’t know what it was…
But out here in the Tri-Valley, the presence of fog is nothing short of miraculous. When the wind comes from the West instead of the North or East, life simply becomes more bearable. Folks tend to calm down as the temperature drops. Opening the doors and windows, you can even sleep without the air conditioning running all night long. Pacific Gas & Electric (or Pacific Greed & Extortion as some call it) manages to take less out of our wallets when the fog rolls in from the coast.
That has been the case here for a long time. And as long as there have been people in the area, they have looked for relief from the heat. Archeologists have found artifacts from some of the tribal groups that roamed the area along the coast as well as by the bay. The Spaniards built many of their settlements along the coast as well. The Mission Trail from San Diego north managed not to be too far inland. When the Gold Rush drew more people to San Francisco, they also took advantage of cooler temperatures by the Bay, rivers, lakes and the coast.
One enterprise that came out of those days was the South Pacific Coast Railroad. From a ferry slip on the Bay in Alameda, trains carried passengers and freight along the shore of the East Bay to Santa Clara and then over the Coast Range of mountains to Santa Cruz . (And just to keep things interesting, the railroad was begun in 1876 as a project of Bonanza King James Fair, who you might remember from one of my previous tales of San Francisco. He was one of the folks from the Nevada Bank that helped bring down Billy Ralston and the Bank of California. Another great example of how Comstock silver and gold were put to use developing the state of California.)
It was quite the accomplishment as passengers could ride from San Francisco to Santa Cruz in just under four hours and that included a ferry ride from San Francisco to Alameda. Advertisements heralded the facts of the trip including forty miles less than other routes between the two points and that the journey was made without having to change trains or cars. The Santa Cruz Mountains presented their own challenge to cross, but offered benefits to be reaped in the form of timber and agricultural products. Now these could be expedited to market and profits shared.
The Mountains also offered a great location for relaxation. Resorts and vacation communities sprang up along the line. People from all over the Bay Area could make the journey here with relative ease and in moderate comfort, in those pre-automotive days. In 1887, the railroad was purchased by the Southern Pacific but continued operations unchanged. The new century saw plans for the line to be upgraded from the original three-foot gauge (that’s the distance between the two rails) to the standard or four feet, eight and one half inches gauge used by the Espee. A minor event on April 18, 1906 slowed those plans considerably. The San Francisco earthquake did it’s share of damage here including dislocating the railroads summit tunnel (which has the misfortune to cross the San Andreas Fault in it’s middle). Repairs and the conversion to standard gauge were completed in 1909.
During the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, the Southern Pacific took advantage of the scenic wonders offered by the route over the mountains and detoured all of it’s mainline passenger trains between Los Angeles and the City through Santa Cruz. A special stop was often made to view the giant coastal redwoods at Big Trees (near Felton). In 1927, the railroad began operation of it’s “Suntan Specials”, putting coaches from commute service between San Francisco and San Jose to work on the Sunday’s. The service proved so popular that it was not uncommon for the train to operate as many as four sections, carrying as many as 5,000 people.
Mother Nature played her own tricks on the railroad over the mountains for much of the existence of the line. The biggest one came January of 1940 as heavy rains (which are actually very common in this part of the California Coast) washed away the railroad through the mountains in many places. By that time, what passenger and freight service remaining on the line had been rerouted from another connection at Watsonville. With the growth in popularity of the automobile and the construction of a highway across the mountains from San Jose, there was no reason to invest in what was sure to be an expensive rebuilding. With the coming of World War II, priorities shifted elsewhere on the Espee system.
Mary Lee Washburn doing her part to entice riders to ride the “Suntan Special” in 1948. From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Photo Gallery.
1947 saw the return of the “Suntan Specials” but not over the mountain. Trains now ran from San Francisco to San Jose and then to Watsonville and on to Santa Cruz. This link has some views of those trains. The last “Suntan” ran in the mid-Fifties. In the last ten years, occasional excursions have returned to the line in an effort to create support for a resumption of passenger service to Santa Cruz. That’s an attractive alternative at times to the slow and overcrowded Highway 17 from San Jose.
So why have so many folks chosen to make the trek to Santa Cruz? Well, there are a number of reasons. Some of the best beaches for surfing are in the area, and the city is a bit of a haven for some of the counter-culture that California is known for. The University of California at Santa Cruz has the banana slug as its mascot . Now, that’s one item you won’t find at Paradise Pier in Disney’s California Adventure; but it would make a great addition, don’t you think? Get your official slug t-shirt right here!
But, most of those people have chosen the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as their destination. This photo from 1889 shows the railroad (which is still carrying passenger trains in the same location today and the beach as popular place to enjoy the day. The natural sandy beach still attracts visitors.
The turn of the Twentieth Century saw the popularity of the beach grow and the construction of permanent facilities, under the direction of local real estate promoter Fred Swanton. His vision was to create a Coney Island of the west. In 1904, “Neptune’s Casino” opened for visitors. As an ornate “pleasure casino” it was the highlight of a visit. However, twenty-two months later, the structure burned. A new boardwalk facility opened in 1907 and still greets guests today.
For coaster junkies, this is nirvana. The classic wooden “Big Dipper” was built in 1907 – in only seven days! I first saw it on a visit in the mid-Sixties and have enjoyed some great rides in the years since. If you want to see what inspired DCA’s “California Screamin'”, then this is it! With all the motion you would expect from a wooden coaster, and a great ocean view, this is one not to miss if you are in the area. (That means you, Jim – worth the side trip on your VES visit next month!)
The Boardwalk has seen it’s fair share of history over it’s lifetime. The “Cocoanut Grove” Grand Ballroom was a favorite stop for all of the big bands during the Swing Era. The revival of interest in that style of dancing hasn’t hurt either as it now hosts occasional swing dance parties among other events.
A series of free concerts on the beach are a great way to spend a Friday evening during the summer. One of the bands scheduled to appear this year (August 13), Papa Doo Run Run , has a Disneyland connection. They were one of the “Celebrity House Bands” appearing the Park between 1975 and 1990. With their brand of California surfing music, they’ve been a popular attraction all over the place, even in Hawaii. Their concert at Santa Cruz has also been something of a fixture as they have been playing the middle Friday night in August for the last fourteen years. (Heck, I even remember this bunch playing for dances at my high school back in the mid-Seventies!)
There’s plenty more to keep you occupied including an aerial tramway or skyway that travels above the boardwalk from one end to the other. There are 34 rides and attractions in all including a 1911 Looff Carousel — complete with brass (actually now steel) rings and a 342 pipe band organ. Check this link for all the details. Tickets range from individual rides and or attractions to an all day or all season pass.
The usual way to get from San Jose to Santa Cruz is to driver over Highway 17 across the mountains. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority offers a connecting bus service from either Amtrak or Caltrain. The Highway 17 Express or Route 970 travels from the Diridon train station in downtown San Jose to the Santa Cruz Metro Center – a short walk from the Beach.
But, my favorite way – short of direct rail service from San Jose via Watsonville that hasn’t materialized just yet – is to ride the Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific from Felton down to the Boardwalk. While you may have to drive part of the way from San Jose over the mountains to Felton, there are several options, Highway 9 being an interesting diversion. But once in town, you can park at Roaring Camp (a $6 charge regrettably) and ride the train down the hill. Along the way, you travel through the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (passing the station of Big Trees – the site of a presidential visit by Theodore Roosevelt) and then along the San Lorenzo River Gorge right down to the station stop of Casino. The “Suntan Specials” used to make the same stop right in front of the Boardwalk. Timing it correctly, you can depart from the Roaring Camp depot at 10:30 a.m. and arrive at the Beach about an hour later. A late afternoon return is possible with a departure from Casino at 4:30 p.m. and be back in Felton an hour later. The railroad occasionally carries carloads of freight as well, offering a rare opportunity to ride on a mixed train (freight and passenger service combined). The roundtrip fare is $20 for adults and $15 for children. Check the railroad’s web pages for details. A three-hour roundtrip between the two points is also available.
So there you have it! The first in the series of amusements in the Bay Area. Coming next week, more scoop on “Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher” and other assorted goodies. And down the road, there are more installments as I’ll show you more of those favorite diversions. Stay tuned!
I’m revising my donation pages and want to thank everyone for their support – personally and for the Jim Hill Media message boards. As long as you keep reading ’em, I’ll keep on writing ’em…
Now over on the Jim Hill Media Message Boards, it sure would be nice if a couple of folks would each kick in a single dollar to help us reach our goal and pay for the boards for a few more months. We’re about two-thirds of the way there, so help make it happen! That’s less than the price of that Starbucks latte…
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney and Macy’s 90-Year Thanksgiving Day Parade Partnership: From Mickey’s First Balloon to Minnie’s Big Debut
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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