Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Ruminations
Roger’s back from the Southland, and shares a look into some of his favorites from the world of music as found on his wall of compact discs!
Okay, back from the Southland. I’m saving the trip report for next week. You’re safe till then…
First a quick commercial. Saturday, October 18, I’m offering a one-day Private Railroad Car Excursion from Oakland to Bakersfield and back to Oakland. We’ll be recreating the classic days of passenger travel aboard the Santa Fe’s “Golden Gate” trains that used to make the same trip down the San Joaquin Valley before Amtrak. Using two (and maybe three) former Santa Fe passenger cars, our staff will be at the ready for a full day of travel. The fare includes an all-day buffet with beverages. The first ten people to pay in full will also receive a commemorative gift. The Private Car Service web page has more info. If you’ve wanted to see what this kind of trip is all about, this is a great chance to do just that. Think of a cruise on land instead of at sea, and you’re on the right track — literally.
Now the Disney connection. If you’ve enjoyed your copy of Michael Broggie’s “Walt Disney’s Railroad Story”, then you’ll recall the trip Walt Disney and Ward Kimball made from Los Angeles to Chicago to visit the 1949 Railroad Fair. That trip was aboard the Santa Fe’s famed “Super Chief”. The Dome lounge car we will be using for this excursion was built for the “Super Chief”. It featured the Turquoise Room — the only private dining room aboard a train at that time. While I can’t promise the beef stew Ward Kimball wanted to enjoy aboard the dining car or even the fine steaks Walt ordered for them, I can offer a great trip with service in the style of those days gone by with our uniformed staff at the ready to meet your every need.
Hope you can join us for what should be another great excursion.
And now, today’s column…
Well, despite best intentions, things change.
(That’s the title of one of my favorite films, a small classic starring Don Ameche with some great moments at Lake Tahoe.)
I’ve bashed this column about three or four times. Started out as a trip report, then a glimpse into some activities of note at the Disneyland resort. Then another thoughtful piece. Saving all for another time, and doing this one instead… Just felt better about it.
One of the pleasures of last weekend was some great music in Downtown Disney. Some interesting musicians playing everything from jazz at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen to blues, Latin jazz and some great violin pieces. We bought some CD’s from the folks and enjoyed them along the way.
So, how about some musical selections? Don’t worry, I’m not going to start singing Disney tunes, although I have been known to break into an occasional Sinatra song after a cocktail or two. And I did my bit in local church choirs, high school choirs and musical productions (Damn Yankees and The Sound of Music) once upon a time. But that’s all well behind me, so you’re still safe!
My musical history also included piano lessons way back when in both grammar school and high school, and I did my band stint during as well with the tuba and sousaphone for concert and marching band. So with all of that, there should be little surprise that my musical tastes run all over the place.
When it comes to Compact Discs, I have a good-sized collection. Movie soundtracks tend to make up a good percentage of it followed by Disney discs of all flavors. Big band and jazz come next along with a growing group of Hawaiian titles. I still have a turntable with a bunch of 33 rpm LP’s and then about a hundred or so old 78’s. Throw in a few 45’s left over from the KSFO experience, too.
My very first compact disc was a copy of the Beatles “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” and then the Beach Boys “Pet Sounds”. Still two of my all time favorite albums of any genre…
Personally, I’ve been somewhat excited about some of the great developments in personal electronics and music — Apple’s iPod and iTunes in particular. While I’m decidedly a Mac person, I am happy to see that the Windoze crowd has the opportunity to enjoy both the iPod now and then iTunes later this fall. The price is right for the downloads of individual songs at 99 cents and then complete albums at $9.99. And now Real Networks has upped the ante with it’s pricing of songs for 79 cents each. (Here’s a link to a story on that price war in the making.) I’ll admit to having downloaded a few songs from Apple and hope for a more expanded selection as the summer goes along.
So? How about some other highlights from what seems like the wall of discs in my front room?
If you watched the episode of “ER” that featured the death of Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) then you were probably taken by the version of the “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World” medley heard in the closing moments. That’s Israel Kamakawio’ole and the track is from his album “Facing Future”. It was also used on the soundtrack of “Meet Joe Black”. Check out his web pages. I picked up this disc at Island Charters in Downtown Disney. They got me by playing this disc as I walked into the shop. Lots of good music for sale here, all with an island flavor — Pacific and Caribbean as well!
While having dinner at Naples on Saturday night, we were seated on the patio. From across the way, we were treated to the sounds of some great violin music. That was provided by Drew Tretick. His rendition of the theme from “Somewhere in Time” (another favorite film of mine) was especially enchanting. Like all of the artists we encountered that night, he had CD’s for sale, and I picked up a copy of his album “Serenata”, which he was more than happy to autograph. Here are his web pages.
What would a visit to Disneyland be without taking a while to enjoy the strains of Rod Miller at the piano at the Coca Cola Corner? Glad to say that Rod was back at the old stand doing what he does best last weekend. His “Ragtime” album has become a standard part of any private car excursion I run, as it simply sets a classic mood. Rebekah Mosely has a fine page devoted to Rod. According to her notes, “It was at ‘Rod’s Table’ that I met and later accepted the proposal of my husband, Doobie.” Rod has made a lot of memories for thousands of Disneyland guests, and I’m hoping he keeps playing there for some time to come!
Way back when, it was the sounds of the Firehouse Five Plus Two entertaining folks at Disneyland. Led by Ward Kimball (he owned the fire truck), Danny Alguire, George Probert, Frank Thomas, *** Roberts, Ed Penner, Jim MacDonald, Harper Goff, Monte Mountjoy, Ralph Ball, George Bruns, Eddie Forrest, Don Kinch, K.O. Eckland, and Bill Newman all did their parts to bring some classic jazz tunes back to life for their own as well as the audiences enjoyment. They could easily be credited with reviving the Dixieland craze outside of New Orleans. Their “Firehouse Five Plus Two At Disneyland” album features a night at the Golden Horseshoe theater. Amazon has all ten of their albums from Fantasy Records on the Good Time Jazz label — again both new and used.
Among all of those soundtracks, one favorite is that from “Toys”. Now while this film may be one of Robin Williams less than classics (and we know there have been several, don’t we?) the soundtrack has a great mix of genres to bring a smile to my face. From the great MTV parody (“The Mirror Song”) performed by Thomas Dolby with Robin Williams and Joan Cusack as “Steve and Yolanda” to the hopeful anthem of “The Closing of the Year”, this one gets my vote for five stars. It’s available new and used on Amazon.
GNP Crescendo has done its part to keep soundtracks going as they have offered a good selection of titles from the various “Star Trek” franchises. My favorite on their label was the soundtrack compilation they did for the series “Quantum Leap”. Star Scott Bakula got his musical training early and even earned a Tony nomination for his performance in “Romance, Romance”. Even Dean Stockwell gets into the act with his “Alphabet Rap”. The scores by Velton Ray Bunch (now doing scores for “Enterprise” again with Bakula — who knows? He may sing on that show yet!) and Mike Post were favorites of fans of this show.
Capitol Records dug into the vaults and came up with some great oldies but goodies with the “Ultra Lounge” series of discs. Some rare gems and some classic keep the mix fresh, bringing back days of swinging bachelor pads and smart cocktails with the Rat Pack on the Strip in Vegas. Yeah, Baby! And how about the trio of soundtracks from the Austin Powers franchise? As a child of the Sixties and Seventies, there is just something about these that appeals to me.
Now when it comes to bands, the one that always gets my vote is the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band. Now even though I have a definite Cardinal bias, (my maternal grandfather played football here from 1925 to 1928 and went to two Rose Bowl games — 1927 and 1928 — as quarterback), but these folks just know how to have a good time. In days gone by, the breakfast of band champions was beer and donuts. Not to say that they have gone teetotaling (see some of the links about trips and alcohol! Woo!)… Still their album “Mirth Control” is a classic with some of their standard game tunes including the anthem; “It’s All Right Now”. The band is an experience (not an official school organization, like at other universities!) and they even have marched in their own fashion at Disneyland when Stanford appeared in the Rose Bowl games in 1971, 1972 and 2000. What’s not to like about a group who has a tree as their mascot?
So have I dipped into an eclectic enough variety so far? There is a whole lot more from Jack Kerouac reading selected works including my personal fave, “October in the Railroad Earth” (that tale from his days railroading with the Southern Pacific out of San Francisco) to the compositions of Tom Lehrer (who could ever forget that classic “Poisoning Pigeons In The Park”?) to any of the Disney soundtracks or park discs, including a handbell parade from Tokyo Disneyland and the “Ce’ Magique” disc from the show done during the opening of Euro Disneyland.
And I’ll admit to putting more than a few songs together in some interesting compilations for my own amusement. Ain’t technology grand?
It is said that music soothes the savage beast. Although I can’t recall what music Cruiser really likes. We’ve caught him watching television on occasion (the “Fireflash” episode of “Thunderbirds” on Tech TV was the most recent), but who knows? He’s not telling…
Using the Amazon links below, many of the titles can be yours! Help support the efforts at Jim Hill Media making your purchases here!
Thanks to those who made a donation to Roger’s Amazon Honor System Paybox. Your help is appreciated in keeping him plugging along at the keyboard. To quote Homer Simpson, “Oooooh, how convenient.” As for next week, there is still the trip report for the long Memorial Day weekend. Some amusing tales to be sure. Stay tuned…
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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