Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Let’s do the Time Warp again… and again… and again…

JHM columnist Seth Kubersky returns the planet Transsexual (in the galaxy of Transylvania) with a report on the bi-monthly (Bi? How appropriate) screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Loews Universal Cineplex at Universal’s CityWalk.

Published

21 years ago

November 6, 2003

Seth Kubersky

I would like, if I may, to tell you about my favorite Orlando theme park attraction.

It’s a certified classic, having endured for over 25 years. It’s no longer the hot new thing, and some elements are charmingly dated, but it continues to draw new fans. Legions of long-time admirers extol its eye-popping production design, unforgettable music, and even its uplifting message. While it is nominally a “scary” experience, it is actually a safe way for people to confront certain fears, and many adult fans delight in introducing their children to it. You can experience it hundreds of times and still find new details to love.

You know the attraction I’m talking about?

This is an attraction that broke new ground by combining film with in-theater special effects in a way that had never been seen before. Guests experience water, smoke, and other surprises that bring the action off the screen in delightfully unexpected ways.

You know the attraction I’m talking about?

This show, which can be found at Universal Orlando, mixes film and physical effects with live actors in a way that had never been attempted before. Live actors, performing in front of a movie screen, interact seamlessly with characters on screen. A character rides out on stage on a motorcycle. The actors even run through the theater, providing the audience with a unique in-your-face experience.

You know the attraction I’m talking about?

Of course, I’m not talking about “It’s A Small World” or “The Haunted Mansion.” I’m not talking about “MuppetVision 4D” or “Honey I Shrunk the Audience.” I’m not even talking about “Terminator 2: 3D.”

I’m talking about that enduring cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Every second and fourth weekend of the month, the Loews Universal Cineplex at Universal’s CityWalk plays host to a convention of sweet transvestites from the planet Transsexual (in the galaxy of Transylvania). An average crowd of over 100 joins a live cast of performers for midnight celebrations of the original audience participation experience.

This phenomenon began life in 1973 as “The Rocky Horror Show,” a no-budget rock musical written by former “Hair” cast member Richard O’Brien, and performed in London’s miniscule Theater Upstairs. The show is a giddy Frankenstein of sci-fi B-movie schlock, sexual fetishism, and the Wizard of Oz. The original production starred Tim Curry as Dr. Frank N. Furter, the cross-dressing mad scientist, a role he will forever be identified with. The show was an enormous success, transferring to larger houses and running for years. A successful Los Angeles production followed, as did a disastrous attempt at Broadway.

Finally, 20th Century Fox released a film version in 1975. The film starred most of the original London cast, including Curry and O’Brien. Joining the cast were Americans Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, and Meatloaf. Despite the popularity of the stage play, and the close involvement of the original creative team, the film was a spectacular failure. Assaulted by the critics and ignored at the box office, the film should have quickly disappeared into obscurity.

Except…

A small number of theaters, most notably the Waverly in New York’s Greenwich Village, held the film over for midnight showings. Theater managers noticed that, while the audiences were small, they were comprised of the same people who came to see the film over and over. Little by little, these “cultists” developed rituals around the film. People started spontaneously dressing up as their favorite characters and singing along with the soundtrack. The use of props also developed organically, as audience members starting bringing newspapers, rice, and toast to imitate the characters on screen. One night, a schoolteacher in the audience saw Janet (Susan Sarandon) place a newspaper over her head during the rainstorm scene. He shouted, “buy an umbrella, you cheap ***” at the screen, and the audience callback line was born.

By the end of the 1970s, the Rocky Horror cult had spread across the country, and had developed into an elaborate and decadent spectacle. Pre-show performances, involving comedy and musical skits, were added to performances. “Shadow casts” of actors in screen-accurate costume and makeup started performing, first before the film and then in front of the screen during the show, mimicking and commenting on the action in the film. A vast liturgy of callback lines and audience participation gags developed, with each theater having their own individual rituals. By the time the Rocky Horror phenomenon peaked in the early 80’s, it had been featured prominently in mainstream media (Time, Newsweek, the movie “Fame”) and was a permanent fixture in pop-culture consciousness.

Although Rocky Horror is not as popular as it was 2 decades ago, it still has tens of thousands of fans around the world. In the US alone, there are 62 theaters showing the film on a regular basis, and dozens more screen it every Halloween. There was a successful revival of the stage play on Broadway in 2000, and rumors swirl of a Fox TV remake of the film for the 30th anniversary. In Europe a successful production of the original stage play continues to tour. Fans from around the world read fanzines, exchange thoughts on Internet newsgroups, and attend conventions. And every other week it seems VH1 airs a special on it, bringing in more new fans.

What makes this show endure while other pop-culture fads flame out and vanish? For one, the music. The play was one of the first (and perhaps the last) true rock-and-roll musicals, as opposed to watered-down theater pop. Elvis, Keith Moon, and Mick Jagger were all fans of the original show, and the music continues to resonate. Another reason is the production design, which combines styles from the 20’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 70’s in a way that is both nostalgic and timeless. Sue Blaine’s costume designs, featuring torn fishnets and platform heels, had a major founding influence on the punk movement. Rocky Horror was an important factor in making the clothing and makeup of an underground subculture into a mainstream aesthetic, as can be seen today by a visit to the “Hot Topic” in your local mall.

But the thing that makes Rocky Horror endure is its message, as embodied in the lyric “Don’t Dream It, Be It.” Long before “*** Eye for the Straight Guy”, Rocky Horror made the blurring of gender and sexuality mainstream. Rocky Horror preaches acceptance of all, no matter what their persuasion or perversion. Beyond sexual politics, the show ridicules all creeds and cultures equally, leaving no sacred cow unslaughtered. This equal opportunity ethos extends to our live performances, which cast without regard for race or gender. Many a young person, uncertain of their place in society, has found a family in Rocky Horror.

My own story is typical. My first encounter with Rocky Horror (other than an unsatisfying viewing on VHS) came during my freshman year of college. I went for the reason that most guys wind up doing things — my girlfriend wanted to go. I was instantly hooked, and as a frustrated theater student at a fairly conservative school, Rocky Horror was a perfect creative outlet. I stuck with Rocky through college, and when I moved to Orlando after graduation I helped start a show at a run-down local theater. It was a great escape from the pressures of working at Universal, and we were very successful for a time. Eventually, that cast fell apart, and I drifted away from Rocky Horror for a time.

Then, in 2001, the management at the Loews Cineplex at Universal expressed interest in reviving Rocky Horror, which had not been screening in Orlando for a few years. Through my contacts made as a Universal employee, I helped organize a small Rocky Horror convention at the theater. We were ill fated to hold the convention only weeks after 9/11, but still had several hundred fans attend. This led to regular performances, first on a monthly basis, then bi-monthly. Our cast, the “Rich Weirdoes”, has now been performing at Universal for well over a year, with four regularly scheduled performances each month, and our audience continues to grow week-to-week.

What will you experience if you attend a performance of Rocky Horror at Universal? As you approach the theater, you may see a knot of costumed characters entreating passing CityWalk patrons to enter. After buying your ticket (and a beer, if you like), you’ll find a crowd of fans in the lobby, many in costume, and cast member selling “prop bags”. These audience participation kits contain everything you’ll need to join in the fun, including rice, newspaper, confetti, and more, along with instructions on how to use them. Inside the theater, the cast prepares the stage while punk-rock covers of the movie soundtrack play over the sound system.

At the stroke of midnight, the pre-show entertainment begins. Your MC for the evening may be a scantily clad dominatrix, a drag queen, or something truly bizarre. The house rules will be explained (no lighters, no water guns, stay out of the aisles) and anyone thinking they’ve wandered into a PG-rated production will be warned to escape while they still can. Depending on the night, you may be treated to a lip-synched dance routine or a live musical number. The heart of the pre-show is the “de-virginizing”, where first-time audience members are initiated into the cult in an embarrassing (but harmless) ritual. If you are a virgin, don’t try to hide, because we will find you and hunt you down!

Finally, at the end of the pre-show, the entire audience gives the projectionist the finger, and the film can begin. The actual show is a blend of a movie, a play, and sheer anarchy. A full cast of live actors, in costume and makeup identical to the screen characters, act out the show in front of the screen. This elaborate pantomime is both a loving homage to the film and a sly satire of it, and involves elaborate props, special effects, lighting, and sight gags. The actors sometimes leave the stage and perform in among the audience, literally bringing the show into their laps. At the same time, cast members planted in the audience lead the crowd in shouting callback lines and throwing props. The overall effect is one of barely controlled chaos. By the end of the night the theater is a mess, the audience goes home happy, and the cast goes home exhausted.

It’s a great honor to be able to perform this show at Universal. The Loews Cineplex is one of the most beautiful theaters in Orlando, and the theater management is more accommodating of the show than any I’ve worked with. But just imagine if there was a true merger of Rocky Horror and theme park entertainment? The influence of Rocky Horror can be seen in a number of theme park attractions, most notably MuppetVision and Terminator. What if the theme parks returned the favor? What if there was a Rocky Horror theme park attraction?

Just imagine…

The year is 2009, and Universal opens its long-awaited 3rd theme park. Built on a portion of the property Universal purchased from Lockheed-Martin, it is a year-round horror themed park.

There is the “Classic Monsters” section, with a “Dracula’s Castle” roller coaster and a “House of Frankenstein” walk-through attraction.

There is the “Modern Masterpieces” area, featuring a 3-D movie based on “The Ring” and an E-ticket ride through Peter Jackson’s remake of “King Kong.”

And then there is my favorite section, a land dedicated to “Cult Favorites.” There is the “Army of Darkness” stunt show, and a “Dawn of the Dead” ride-through interactive shooting gallery. And the centerpiece — “The Rocky Horror Experience.”

Guests enter the façade of a decrepit movie theater, patterned after New York’s Waverly. It is minutes before midnight on a Friday during the height of Rocky Horror’s popularity, and the theater is buzzing with excitement. The queue winds through the theater lobby, decorated with B-movie posters that magically transform into video screens, showing clips from Rocky Horror history.

An usher guides you into the theater auditorium, once opulent but now threadbare. The velvet curtains part and the film begins with an up-tempo rendition of “Science Fiction Double Feature.” The iconic singing red lips are superimposed over clips from the sci-fi and horror classics mentioned in the song.

Next, Brad and Janet appear on screen, enacting the post-wedding scene from the beginning of the play. Magically, they step through the screen and appear as flesh-and-blood actors in front of the audience. They perform an edited version of the song “Dammit Janet”, and then disappear as the Narrator appears on screen. The narrator, perhaps played by Tim Curry himself, sets up the story of Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple out for a drive on a dark, stormy, night. With a flash of lightning, the screen disappears, and the rainy country road on screen has become a real environment.

The audience rises out of their seats and steps into the film. The winding path through the woods passes Brad and Janet’s abandoned car, though an ominous gate with a sign warning “Enter At Your Own Risk!” and up to the doorstep of a gothic castle.

Guests enter the castle lobby, styled to look identical to the one in the movie. At the appointed time, the coffin-shaped grandfather clock in the corner begins to chime, and an actor portraying the butler Riff Raff enters. He sings the first verse of the “Time Warp” and at the chorus leads the guests into the castle ballroom.

What follows is a 12 minute digest of the remainder of the show, performed with a combination of live actors, animatronics, video projection, and special effects. The audience becomes Brad and Janet, witnessing the arrival of Dr. Frank N. Furter to the song “Sweet Transvestite,” and the spectacular birth of his creation, Rock Horror. Eddie arrives on a motorcycle to sing “Hot Patootie”, and the wheelchair-bound Dr. Scott smashes through wall. In the end, Riff Raff returns to destroy Frank and his creation, warning the guests to leave before he beams the entire castle back to their home planet. As the castle collapses around them, guests escape into the inevitable gift shop to the strains of “Superheroes” and “Science Fiction Double Feature Reprise.”

Obviously, this is a blue-sky proposal that could never exist. Not even Universal, known for its PG-13 attractions, would push the envelope this far. But we can dream, and Rocky Horror is all about dreams and fantasies. So, if you don’t mind, I’ve got to go get my fishnets pressed. After all — in just seven days — it’ll be time once more to “… take a jump to the left, and a step to the right.”

For more information on Rocky Horror at Universal Orlando, please visit www.richweirdoes.com.

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.