Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Why For did Universal Orlando sell off all of that property it bought from Lockheed Martin?

Published

12 years ago

December 27, 2012

Paul G writes in to ask:

Why on earth are so many Disney fan websites so negative? There are a
good number of them that I don’t even look at anymore because they
spend so much time complaining about every last little thing. They are
so negative! (thank you Jim for being one of the few who, while not
being slavishly supportive, are at least still in touch with the
realities of life and still passionate about your love of Disney).

Dear Paul G.

Look, to be fair here, I first have to admit that — over the past 13 years that I’ve been writing almost exclusively for the Web — I’ve written a number of stories about The Walt Disney Company that could be considered negative. So we’re kind of “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” country here.

But as to why so many Disney fan sites seem to be going negative these days … I think that there are a number of factors coming into play here. Chief among them being the way the Web works these days.

I mean, think about it, Paul G. What’s driving the majority of conversations online these days? Social media platforms like Facebook & Twitter which make use of instantaneous communication. And sometimes when Disneyana fans are rushing to be the very first person to post a report on what a new ride, show or attraction is like, they’re taking part in the soft opening of said ride, show or attraction. Which is typically when things are kind of rough around the edges, when all of the effects don’t work, etc.

Case in point: The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor attraction at WDW‘s Magic Kingdom. As Ron Schneider recounts in his excellent memoir, “From Dreamer to Dreamfinder: A Life and Lessons Learned in 40 Years Behind a Name Tag” (Bamboo Forest Publishing, July 2012), though this Tomorrowland attraction wouldn’t officially be ready to open to the public ’til April 2, 2007, it did some playtesting back during the Fall of 2006. And at that time …

… a few preview audiences are brought in each day to see a primitive version of the finished product. The screen resolution is only a fraction of what it will be in April, the animation is choppy and the scripts are almost verbatim those created by the Imagineering writers.

But the crowds laugh — and those laughs are captured in the massive yellow ‘Laugh Can’ ; proof that, even in this primitive state, we’re on to something good. The crowds are asked to fill out response forms at the end of each performance and, after a few breathless days, we’re closed again.

Thankfully, Disney Operations comes to a preview performance and sees for themselves that we are definitely not ready to open, and we are now assured of spending the remaining three months of prep time undisturbed.

But the damage is done. The Disney Online Fans, tasting blood, have started posting reviews of our preliminary efforts. Their opinions are hopelessly uninformed and almost universally bad, since they cannot imagine that anyone but themselves cares about the quality of our show. We are trashed for the poor animation and the writing and especially for putting a Pixar show in Tomorrowland. In spite of repeated announcements at each performance that the preview is definitely not what the finished show will look like, they’re certain that it will be no better. As if buying an annual pass endows one with knowledge of the future …

And as a direct result of those prematurely negative reviews that got posted online while this innovative interactive attraction was still in technical rehearsals, the Disneyana fan community wound up gravely wounding “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” To the point where once WDI had plans to turn this Tomorrowland attraction into a franchise (i.e. building additional versions of “Laugh Floor” for Disney California Adventure, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland), the WDW version of “Laugh Floor” wound up being a one-off. All because senior management at The Walt Disney Company saw the initial negative reaction that MILF got and then figured “Why throw good money after bad?”

Now what’s particularly frustrating about the whole “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” experience is that — with the possible exception of John Frost — I’m pretty sure that none of these alleged online theme park experts who were so quick to condemn this Tomorrowland attraction then ever bothered to circle back on this show to report on how the final, finished version of this interactive attraction turned out. All that ultimately mattered to these bloggers was that they had been among the first to post online that “MILF” — while it was still in technical rehearsal — had gags that didn’t work and/or glitches in its animation. NOT that the Imagineers eventually dealt with all of these issues and — as a direct result — wound up with a far stronger attraction which has been entertaining WDW Guests for nearly six years now.

But that’s the way the Web is these days, Paul G. In this rush-to-judgement / I-really-need-to-be-the-first-to-post-something-about-this era that we now live in, there’s no time for reflection. Only reaction. As one prominent Disney webmaster told me back in October at an “Epic Mickey 2
” media event that — when it comes to breaking news — ” … I don’t have to be right. I just have to be first.”

Of course, not all of us have the advantage that a Ron Schneider does. From his position of having worked in themed entertainment for over four decades now, Ron brings an awful lot of experience & insight to the table whenever he starts talking about why certain rides, shows and attractions work and why others don’t. Which is why — if you or someone you love is thinking about entering the themed entertainment game — then I urge you to pick up a copy of “From Dreamer to Dreamfinder“. Because there are life lessons to found inside of this 300-page Bamboo Forest Publishing book that you just won’t find anywhere else.

Next up, Craig H. writes in with a Universal Orlando-related question:

Hi Jim

First of all, I’m a huge fan of the podcasts you do with Len Testa.

As for my Why For, why for did Universal sell off most of its land before the days of Comcast? From what I understand, there was a rumor that Universal was interested in 4 gates in Florida but the plan ultimately fell through and they sold the land. I hope you can answer this!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dear Craig H,

Yeah, what Universal Orlando had in the works for those 2000-acres that it acquired from Lockheed Martin back in September 1998 really was pretty impressive. We’re talking (at full build-out, mind you) two brand-new theme parks, seven or eight hotels, yet another Universal CityWalk-like nighttime entertainment district. And because this $3 billion project was to have been built right across the way from the Orange County Convention Center, Universal’s thinking was that … Well, given the sheer convenience of this state-of-the-art entertainment complex, the hundreds of thousands of people who annually attend events at the OCCC would have had no choice but to walk across the street and then sample what Universal was offering.

The green space out behind the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention
Center is some of the Lockheed Martin property that Universal Orlando planned on
turning into a new entertainment complex.

The only problem with the proposed site of this Universal Orlando expansion project is that — between 1958 and 1996 — this was where Lockheed Martin used to test its Copperhead, Hellfire and Pershing missiles. Which meant that this site was littered with decades of missile debris & toxic waste. And all of that hazardous material would first have to be cleaned up & hauled away before Universal could then get started on building its new multi-billion entertainment venue at what had once been known as Lockheed Martin’s Sand Lake Road Complex.

Now what was kind of interesting about this clean-up effort was that Universal & Lockheed Martin partnered on the project. With Universal initially underwriting the costs of this rather pricey onsite work by selling off select pieces of the Sand Lake Road Complex. Take — for example — the 230-acre chunk that Universal sold off to Orange County in October 1998 for $65 million. Which then allowed the county to go forward with its planned $748 million expansion of the Orange County Convention Center.

And while the Environmental Protection Agency eventually recognized
Universal & Lockheed Martin for the innovative way that they had worked with
State, Federal and local agencies to streamline the hazardous waste clean-up
process, in the end, the costs of these on-site clean-up efforts really began to mount.

Take — for example — the $4 million that these two companies had to spend to clear toxic metals & industrial solvents out of the landfill at Site 5. Given that six such sites had been identified on the Sand Land Road Complex property .. Well, that then put the initial clean-up cost estimates for this project at $24 million. And then when you factored in the amount of time necessary to complete a hazardous waste clean-up project of this size, it would have taken at least until 2004 before Universal could even begin construction of this massive entertainment complex.

Make no mistake. Universal Creative really, really believed in this expansion project. To the point — according to the plans that the Company filed with Orange County — Universal eventually wanted to build two 18-hole golf courses, 10,000 hotel rooms, 700 time-share units and more than 2 million square feet of retail space on top of Lockheed Martin’s old missile testing range.

Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control Center in Orlando, FL.

But then Vivendi, the French media giant who owned Universal Studios at this time, began having serious financial difficulties in 2004. And in an effort to make their corporation look that much more attractive to any would-be merger partners, Vivendi officials began spinning off / selling off any problematic divisions & projects. And even though Universal & Lockheed Martin were already four years & $40 million into their clean-up efforts at this point, the word came down to get the remaining 1,800-acres ready for sale. Which is why this primo piece of property was eventually sold off to Thomas Enterprises, Inc., a Georgia-based developer.

For the folks who worked at Universal Creative (i.e. the people who design all of the rides, shows and attractions for the Universal theme parks), losing the Lockheed Martin property was a real heartbreaker. By that I mean: Universal Creative saw this 1,800-acre site directly across from Orange County Convention Center as a way for the Universal Orlando Resort to finally become seriously competitive with Walt Disney World.

Of course, what’s kind of ironic about this whole situation is that when Universal’s next owner — General Electric — opted to sell off both NBC and Universal Studios theme park division to American cable giant Comcast in December 2009, Universal Creative found itself dealing with a group of executives who were genuinely excited about expanding Universal Orlando’s entertainment offerings. Which is why — over the past three years — we’ve seen an explosion of growth & innovation at that Resort. Everything from the all-new Hi-Def 3D version of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Universal’s Superstar Parade, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, the Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular — 100 Years of Movie Memories nighttime show, the Hollywood Drive-In miniature golf course and Transformers – The Ride 3D. Not to mention the 1,800-room Cabana Beach Resort that Universal Orlando will be opening in 2014 as well as USF’s yet-to-officially-be-announced Krustyland expansion & Diagon Alley project.

So one has to wonder: If Universal Creative — working with Comcast officials (who — unlike the execs who ran Vivendi & GE — genuinely seem to like / are enthusiastic about being in the theme park business) were able to do this with the 840-acres that the Universal Orlando Resort currently occupies … Well, if Comcast officials had been equally enthusiastic / just as financially supportive of the Lockheed Martin project, what would Universal Creative have been able to do with the 1,800-acre Sand Lake Road Complex? After they cleared away all of that missile debris & hazardous waste, I mean.

Concept art for Universal Orlando’s Cabana Beach Resort. Copyright
NBCUniversal. All rights reserved

Anyway … That’s it for this week’s Why For column. Remember if you want one of your Disney or theme park-related question answered in a 2013 edition of this JHM column, please send your query e-mails along to whyfor@jimhillmedia.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

4 weeks 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

3 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.