I would like to welcome guest author Michelle Rise who wanted to share her tips for spending Halloween in Orlando with all of you. Apologies for not posting this sooner, it’s been a busy month here in Zannaland – but this is great planning for last minute ideas this year or working on next year’s Halloween! Thanks, Michelle!
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October is here along with changing leaves, cool breezes and Halloween. Everyone enjoys the costume parties, parades and scary decor but what everyone really looks forward to is Trick or Treating. If you plan to be in Orlando for Halloween, you’re in for a treat. The holiday is celebrated with gusto throughout the month of October and nobody does it better than Walt Disney World.
Halloween at Walt Disney World is delightful. The decorations are colorful with just a touch of not-so-scary ghoulishness for that extra bit of fun. How do you trick or treat while vacationing in Orlando?
MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Dress up in your favorite costume and attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. Kids of all ages can trick or treat throughout the park and nobody cares if you go through a candy line twice. We counted over 30 different places to trick or treat spread pretty evenly throughout the park and I’ve been told there are actually more than that.
Tip
Bring a bag unless you want to use the plastic one given out by cast members. The plastic bag is cute but a lightweight pullstring backpack works better.
Naturally you’ll see a lot of princesses and pirates which is why dressing as Snow White’s evil stepmother or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty is so fun. You’ll stand out from the crowd. Your costume doesn’t have to be Disney related. In fact, you may be even more noticeable in something non-Disney. But whatever costume you choose, definitely go costumed! It’s just more fun that way.
Surprise
You probably don’t want to spend all the party hours trekking around trick or treating. Most nights of the Not So Scary Halloween event, there are two parades. Candy and stickers are handed out by cast members during the parade so you’re still trick or treating but without all the tiresome walking.
Fireworks are a big hit during the party with special fall colors in the sparkles and some that are ghost or pumpkin shaped.
Don’t forget the rides and attractions. Many are open and waiting for fun with short lines. As the night goes on, characters come out to play and greet guests for photo opportunities.
TRICK OR TREAT AT YOUR HOTEL
If you can’t make the Mickey Halloween party or don’t want to stay out that late, check with the concierge at your hotel. Many hotels offer activities and events for Halloween, such as ghost stories, character visits, treats and costume contests. Most are held poolside or in the lobby at designated hours but it’s a great way to enjoy Halloween on the go. We enjoyed a s’more night one Halloween and were given a bag of various goodies and small games. After some quick research, Hawthorn Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa has a kids trick or treat through the resort area and the staff dress up every year including the General Manager. The other StaySky Orlando hotels typically have their employees dressed up and a bucket of Halloween candy at the front desk. Depending on the ages involved, a simple event is perfect. Kids still have fun and parents save money and get to bed earlier.
Either way, you’re sure to have fun and create great family memories in the process. Happy Halloween!
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Bio:
Michelle Rise is a homemaker and Mother of 5 and travel enthusiast. With many years of experience trekking through Disney parks with her Family, Michelle has become an expert on navigating families through Disney. She also enjoys travel to most other destinations worldwide and when not writing about her experiences or teaching her children to drive, Michelle can be found chasing the family dog up rainbow mountain with her husband of over 25 years, Ben. You can follow Michelle on Twitter, @Rise7Up, for all of her latest writings.
Heading there with family and friends this weekend! So excited : ) Thanks for these tips. I never would have thought to bring a bag.
Living in Australia Halloween is still not a huge thing however it is growing in momentum with more and more kidlets wanting to join in the fun. A great idea some of the schools have in the area here are holding Halloween parties where everyone brings things and then the children can trick or treat and have together in a safe environment. Love your idea of trick or treating at your hotel! thanks