Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Sherman Brothers honored with their very own Window on Main Street at Disneyland
Shelly Smith reports in from The Happiest Place on Earth. Where – this past Thursday morning – the Company paid tribute to these two Disney Legends
Given the strong positive reaction that Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman’s Window on Main Street ceremony received this past Thursday morning, Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis remarked “ … we should open the Park like this every day.”
But – then again — how could you not love an event that starts off with a chimney sweep appearing on Main Street USA, singing a rewritten version of “Chim Chim Cheree.” Which included the lines:
Room here for everyone, gather around The Shermans determined each marvelous sound These brothers composed every rhythm and rhyme With spoons full of sugar and steps in time
Photo by Shelly Smith
Yes, this was a truly special day at Disneyland. As Kalogridis continued:
It’s a privilege to be here as we honor two genuine Disney Legends – Richard M. & Robert B. Sherman — with one of the highest honors bestowed at The Walt Disney Company, their every own Window on Main Street USA.
Sadly, Robert wasn’t able to make the trip over from London. But Richard was. And to the tune of “Fortuosity,” this Sherman Brother made his entrance by rolling on stage in an antique roadster.
Photo by Shelly Smith
Once Richard had taken his seat, George continued his opening remarks. Reflecting on how the Sherman Brothers first met Walt Disney back in July of 1960. And from that one fateful meeting (where Walt offered Dick & Bob the chance to write a song for “The Parent Trap”), the Sherman
Brothers would then go on to write more motion picture scores than any other songwriters in the history of film.
George went on, talking about Disney’s obvious affection for the Sherman Brothers:
Walt fondly referred to them as “the boys.” He valued their talent, their enthusiasm and their can-do attitude. Whether for film, television or his theme parks, Walt knew that the Sherman Brothers would create the perfect tunes to underscore his dreams.
George Kalogridis, President of Disneyland. Photo by Shelly Smith
And then – as if to emphasize this point – Kalogridis then introduced flesh-and-blood versions of the Mother & Father AA figures from “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” attraction.
All of the Disneyland veterans & Imagineers in attendance at this Window of Main Street ceremony seemed to really get a kick out of this portion of the event. And given all the Disney theme park in-jokes …
MOTHER: After moving here from New York and after living in Tomorrowland for about six years, we thought that we’d really been around …
Photo by Shelly Smith
FATHER: And around and around and around … But it wasn’t til we finally sold the place to that singing eagle and his little owl …
… it was easy to understand why.
After a brief intro, Mother & Father then launched into song. Performing a medley of all the tunes that the Sherman Brothers had written for the Disney Parks. And – in true synergistic fashion – they even managed to work in a plug for DCA’s soon-to-be-opening nighttime extravaganza, “Disney’s World of Color.”
Photo by Shelly Smith
Once Mother & Father finished their performance, it was time for Tom Schumacher – the President of the Disney Theatrical Group – to come to the podium. And speaking on behalf of all the baby boomers in the audience, Schumacher said:
If you grew up … in the last half of the 20th Century, you were raised by the Sherman Brothers. They educated you. They delighted you. They entertained you. They enlighted you.
Thomas went on to talk about his own Sherman Brothers-related memories. How he caught “Mary Poppins” during its original engagement at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. And then how – many decades later – when he met with Dick at Beverly Hills’s fabled Polo Lounge and said “So whaddaya think? ‘Poppins’ on Broadway?,” he watched as Sherman’s legendary smile started at one ear and then wrapped all the way ‘round to the other.
Tom Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Group. Photo by Shelly Smith
Schumacher (who’s clearly a Sherman Brothers enthusiast) offered up his own theories as to why Dick & Bob’s music is so popular, so lasting:
I think that it’s got a number of factors. One is that (a Sherman Brothers song) touches you in the heart, and then it touches you in the mind. But it sounds like an old friend the first time you hear it.
And speaking of old friends … Tom then introduced Marty Sklar, the former head of Imagineering (Who – as Schumacher quipped – allegedly retired from the Company last July but “ … there’s not a person here that’s buying that for a minute”). And Marty – who actually worked with Dick & Bob on many attractions for the Parks – was quite eloquent. Talking about how it would be impossible to …
Disney Legend Marty Sklar. Photo by Shelly Smith
… imagine Disneyland without the beautiful background music of “Summer Magic” here on Main Street? Or the beautiful “Feed the Birds” when you shop in the Emporium? Or the unspellable “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” when you ride the Carousel in Fantasyland? … (These) two brothers wrote tunes that will last as long as there are Disneylands and Worlds somewhere on our
truly small planet.
As Sklar stepped away from the podium, it was then Tom Staggs (i.e. the new Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts)‘s turn to speak. And Staggs was clearly not thrilled to be following two gifted storytellers like Schumacher and Sklar, deadpanning:
I think – as they were staging this (Windows on Main Street ceremony) – they said that “We’re going to need two Legends and a Suit.” Guess who I am?
Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Photo by Shelly Smith
Still, Tom soldiered on. Talking about how Walt himself had started the Windows on Main Street tradition, as he sought to pay tribute to those who helped to make his dream a reality. And for the two Disney Legends that were being honored this past Thursday morning, Staggs remarked:
Richard & Robert Sherman are two people who have truly earned this honor … Their contributions – as you’ve heard – have touched every facet of our Company. It’s indeed a fact that the sun never sets on the music of the Sherman Bros. Which is daily heard on theme parks from Anaheim to Orlando to Tokyo to Paris & Hong Kong. They’re the ideal songwriters for a
Company like Disney. They possess an enduring optimism that permeates every measure of their work. They also have the uncanny ability to bring Disney stories to life through music in both a magical and memorable way.
And speaking of memorable … One of the more memorable moments from the Sherman Brothers’ Window on Main Street ceremony came when Mother & Father came backstage onstage. Where – thanks to “… thanks to progress and this state-of-the-art technology (i.e. a vintage table radio from the 1930s),” we heard a voice from across the sea.
Photo by Shelly Smith
Mind you, it took Mother & Father a moment or two to properly tune in that signal. And while they were cruising around the dial, we heard songs from some of the Sherman Brothers’ non-Disney films like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Magic of Lassie.” But then – clear as a bell, coming all the way from London – was Robert B. Sherman’s voice. Who said:
It is such a thrill to be honored in this way with a Window on Main Street, Disneyland. To be woven into the unique fabric of this place, the Happiest Place on Earth, is a truly magnificent and humbling thing. It’s an enduring legacy and an acknowledgment of the work that my brother Richard and I have contributed. And it is a testament to the notion that — with a little
inspiration and a lot of perspiration — dreams can become manifest.This brand of Disney optimism and self determination is uniquely American. And it has been carried forward since the days of our founding fathers and was the very embodiment of Walt Disney himself. Our teacher, our mentor.
(L to R) Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman and Walt Disney circa 1963. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
50 years ago, my brother and I were first welcomed into the greater Disney family by Walt himself. Today would not be complete without thanking Walt for giving us two young songwriters our first big break. Thanks, Walt.
Lastly, I’d like to thank and acknowledge my brother Richard. We see each other only once or twice a year in one city or another. London or New York, sometimes LA. But I can think of no greater collaborator, no better balance to me. Thank you, Richard for the lifetime shared
together and to everyone for the legacy being honored here today.
At this point, Richard M. Sherman made his way to the podium. Clearly undone by his brother’s unexpectedly kind words, he took a moment to collect himself. Then Dick launched into a story about his very first trip to Disneyland. How his old pal, Magic Castle founder Milt Larsen – sensing that this then-fledgling songwriter was feeling a bit blue – said “What you doing next week on Wednesday?”
Photo by Shelly Smith
And the next thing Dick knew, he was …
… in a little car. And we drove forever to this place called Anaheim. And as we turned off the highway, there was this sign that said “Disneyland.” And I said “Oh, yeah. That’s that thing. I heard about this when I was in the Army.” This was about three months after the Park had opened. As soon as I walked in from the parking lot, all of the problems and pressures that I had been feeling just slipped away …
Sherman remembered that he had had a perfectly wonderful time at Disneyland during his very first visit to the Park. But a more memorable occasion came in the 1960s when Dick was visiting the Happiest Place on Earth with his wife, Elizabeth. They were just getting ready to head back
home when they noticed a lone figure standing at the end of Main Street USA. It was Walt Disney.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Sherman felt compelled to go up to his boss and tell Disney about what a wonderful time he and his wife had had that day at Disneyland, gushing that …
… As Tinker Bell flew over the castle and the fireworks exploded, I teared up. Happy tears. And then Walt confessed “I do that every time too.”
He was the greatest fan of this Park. Walt Disney himself.
As Dick closed out his remarks, Sherman quoted a lyric that he and his brother had written for the George Banks character in “Mary Poppins.” When the then-demoralized banker was telling Bert the chimney sweep that “ … a man has dreams of walking with giants. To carve his niche in the edifice of time.”
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Now gesturing to the window behind him in the storefront of Main Street USA’s 20th Century Music Company (which reads: “Two Brothers Tunemakers”), Sherman said “Well, I think now Bob & I carved our niche.”
Then – stepping over to a white grand piano – Dick played Walt’s favorite song, “Feed the Birds.” After that, Sherman was joined onstage by face character versions of Mary Poppins, Bert, the Pearly Band and even a few penguins. And as kites suddenly appeared in the skies over Main Street USA, the ceremony closed out with a performance of that Sherman Brothers favorite, “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”
In short, this Window on Main Street ceremony was a practically perfect tribute / celebration of the life & works of Richard M. & Robert M. Sherman. And it was a genuine thrill to be on hand when Dick & Bob finally got their window.
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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