There’s nothing like Halloween at Disney World. I love Halloween no matter where I am, but there’s something extra special about this time of year in the Most Magical Place on Earth. If you’ve been with me for a while, you know it’s so special to me I spent my anniversary (the day before Halloween) in Disney a couple of years ago. There are many things about autumn in the parks that are indescribably wonderful, but one that never fails to give me chills is the special Halloween-themed fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
Occurring only during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, HalloWishes is a spooky twist on the beloved Wishes show. I am still deeply in mourning over Wishes, so it’s wonderful to know this version still exists for me. Only those who have tickets to the Halloween party will be able to see the show from the park itself, but even if you aren’t going to attend this event, which you should because it’s fabulous, there are ways you can enjoy the display. Consider grabbing your favorite dessert or snack, and bringing it to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Here you can stand near the ferry dock, listen to the music as it’s piped around you, and watch the fireworks over the castle ahead of you.
No matter where you are, this show is nothing short of breathtaking. We generally don’t stake out a spot in front of the castle for fireworks shows. Not only is it far too crowded, but we aren’t the biggest fans of the projections on the castle, so we prefer to maintain our tried-and-true spot over in Liberty Square. You might remember this is the same spot I recommend for Boo to You! Parade because it is thematically perfect, and a less-crowded spot to enjoy the action. Most of the time we hang out to see some of the fireworks, and enjoy the rest as we roam around or catch a few rides. Take it from me, there is nothing like cresting Splash Mountain or swooping around on the PeopleMover and catching a few amazing blasts right in front of you.
HalloWishes is all about a fiendish party being hosted by none other than the Ghost Host and Madame Leota. The 999 Happy Haunts have invited some guests over for a terrifyingly good time, and we’re along for the ride. The show starts with a greeting from the Host and a bouncy rendition of “Grim Grinning Ghosts”, followed by “This is Halloween” turned up a notch. That is the moment when I am always so excited, I feel like I’m going to burst out of my skin. The fireworks blasts are timed with unbelievable precision to the music. It’s so perfectly done, it will get even the least Halloween-loving among your family to feel a little giddy.
Next up, the guests of the party decide to do some Scary-oke. Sing along to a super-charged mix versions of some of your favorite spooky Disney tunes including “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Cruella DeVil”. Don’t worry, while a lot of the show is neon green and bright purple blasts against creepy songs, there are a few silly tunes thrown in to lighten the occasion as well. “Heffalumps and Woozles”, “Pink Elephants on Parade”, and “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf” round out the Scary-oke.
This is when Ursula “plops” in to join the fun. A reprise of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” leads into “Be Prepared” and a nod to Hunchback before Jafar stops in for a sing-along with Oogie Boogie. At the end, now that you’ve been properly stirred up by the show, you’re invited to join in for the Scream Along. When the Host prompts you, give your best scream. Another round of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and “This is Halloween” ends the fireworks on a strong note. As the Host thanks you for joining him, “I Put a Spell On You” from Hocus Pocus (Happy 25th!) plays the show out.
The fireworks are performed in between the two parades of the night, giving you the perfect chance to either watch the parade, and then the fireworks, or the fireworks and then the parade. Both are also times when the lines are at their shortest, so strategize!!
I’m already singing my favorite creepy melodies. Can’t wait to be back!
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Taryn was born and raised, and still lives in Richmond, Virginia. Neither she nor her husband ever had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World when they were children, but when their daughter Avalon came along, they decided she was not going to follow in their footsteps. They brought Avalon for the first time when she was 3 and have been hooked ever since. Now along with Taryn’s mother and equally Disney-loving older brother, they go “home” at least once a year, and by the time she is staring longingly at Cinderella Castle from the ferry on their last night, Taryn is well on her way to planning the next trip. As a group consisting of two adults with Asperger’s, including one who is also vegan, a very accommodating husband, an only child, a senior, and a service dog, they are a pretty special family, but Taryn is excited to show that the World really is The Most Magical Place on Earth and that there is a place there for everyone. When she isn’t thinking about her next Disney adventure and trying to come up with a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costume that will beat her Oozma Kappa nerd look, she is a professional blogger and novelist, but Taryn also likes to indulge her Disney passion on her Etsy shop It’s Better in Vinyl.
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