Fall is in the air, and Halloween Time is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort. With the Halloween foodie guide in tow and seasonal parties and experiences to enjoy, Disneyland is having another ghoulishly fun year. But, how did Halloween begin across the Disney Parks? Let’s embark on a haunting tour of the past to discover the origins of one of the most popular holiday celebrations Disney offers!
Disney and Halloween Collide
Due to its current popularity, it may be surprising to learn that Halloween wasn’t really that big of a deal back in the day. In 1952, Disney released a Halloween-themed cartoon entitled Donald Duck Trick or Treat which “reached millions via movie screens and TV” according to Halloween historian Lesley Bannatyne.
https://youtu.be/rLoCftwiMuY?feature=shared
When Disneyland opened in 1955, Christmas and Easter were the standout celebrations. Although Halloween gained popularity throughout the 60s as it was marketed and promoted to the public, former Disneyland executive Bill Long says that even during the 70s, the park “did not make a big deal out of Halloween.” He marks the late 80s as the beginning of “large-scale formal Halloween celebrations.” Disney Legend Jim Cora agreed that “more ambitious Halloween celebrations” didn’t emerge until the 80s. According to Cora, that’s when fans saw “annual merchandise lines that expanded each year, and one-off events here and there.”
Halloween Origins at the Disneyland Resort
Matt Moryc of the Walt Disney Archives shares that “The first event at Disneyland resembling Halloween took place on October 31, 1959.” Entitled ‘Parade of the Pumpkins’ it included a carved pumpkin contest and a parade.
Although Halloween events began to present themselves at other locations in the 90s, they were aimed at an older audience. Disney wanted to provide Halloween fun for the whole family. Consequently, Mickey’s Halloween Treat premiered at Disneyland Park in 1995 and 1996.
From 2005-2007, the event reemerged at Disney California Adventure Park. It continued in 2008 and 2009 under a new name, Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party.
Disneyland has come a long way when it comes to its Halloween celebrations! Today, if you ask Disney Park fans which they prefer – Halloween or Christmas, the results are pretty similar, at least in my experience. ABC News concurred in 2019, stating, “Halloween is no longer just about costumes and candy. It’s now the second-biggest decorating holiday of the year—right behind Christmas.” The entire Disneyland Resort comes alive with decorations galore, seasonal overlays, special events, treats, merch, and more! Just check out our recent article to see for yourself! So, which holiday celebration do you prefer?
Halloween Headquarters: Disney Parks Halloween Events, Menus, Tickets & More
Halloween Origins at Walt Disney World Resort
Although smaller, Halloween-themed offerings were available throughout the 70s, Disney World’s first Halloween celebration commenced a year after its opening, in 1972. Dubbed “Halloween Weekend,” it occurred on October 28 and 29. The event continued in 1973 and 1974 on October 27 and 28.
On October 30, 1976, Walt Disney World hosted “Saturday Night at the World Halloween Party.” Saturday Nights at the World was an event held every Saturday throughout fall and winter. Featuring extended hours until 12:00 a.m. (Magic Kingdom normally closed at 7:00 p.m.) each night celebrated a unique theme.
A ticketed event was introduced on October 27, 1979. The ‘Halloween Party’ was an offshoot of Disney’s “World Series of Entertainment,” which hosted famous musicians at Magic Kingdom. It ran from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and included a magic show, special effects, and entertainment from Dr. Hook, The Police, Michael Johnson, and Sealevel!
Disney World’s first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995. Today, MNSSHP is a well-known and coveted event beloved by fans during the Halloween season. Take a look at this year’s party details below!
Walt Disney World Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party Details 2023
Halloween Origins at Disneyland Paris
Five years after Disneyland Paris’ opened, its first annual Halloween event debuted. Entitled “Soirée Halloween Disney,” aka Disney’s Halloween Party, it premiered in 1997 on All Hallow’s Eve. Today, guests across the pond enjoy the “Disney Halloween Festival,” complete with special entertainment, spooktacular eats and treats, and plenty of Halloween trimmings!
Halloween Origins at Tokyo Disneyland
Although Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983, its first Halloween celebration didn’t occur until 1997. Entitled, “Disney Happy Halloween,” it featured a parade and treats for kids 12 and under. In 1998, The ‘Happy Halloween Twilight Parade” was added. Today, Tokyo Disney Resort’s celebration is simply called “Disney Halloween.”
Included is the “Spooky ‘Boo!’ Parade” and the Haunted Mansion “Holiday Nightmare” overlay. For more on Tokyo Disney’s Haunted Mansion, check out our article below!
Halloween Origins at Shanghai Disneyland
According to Disney Legacy Author, Jeff Kurtti, Shanghai Disneyland’s first Halloween celebration took place in Disneytown (Shanghai’s version of Downtown Disney) in 2017. Its first late-night Halloween Party premiered on October 31, 2019. Today, the festivities continue with treats, decor, and more!
Hong Kong Disneyland
If you’re a Hong Kong Disneyland fan, check out our previous article to learn about some of the unique experiences celebrated during Halloween!
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Let’s Hear From You!
So, there you have it! From Disneyland to Disney World and Disney Parks across the sea, Halloween has made its way into the hearts of Disney fans everywhere. Its popularity continues to grow each year, with sold-out events and jam-packed parks. So, what are some of your favorite Halloween traditions? Do you like to celebrate the spooky season at Disney Parks? What festivities are you most looking forward to this year? Let us know in the comments!
