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I have been honored to attend Disney World within the extension of the Halloween Holiday. While never on the Eve or the day this is the second Holiday that I am truly grateful extensions occur. Do not be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the holiday crowds at Disney World as in limited quantities it can add to the experience. Please allow me to break it down “Ramona Style”.
First off I must disclaim that I am a big Disney Fan! I love the parks and the whole advantage that is the Disney bubble. The connivence, transportation options, and safety of staying on property. The food delivery to my resort hotel and the time allotted to just be in the space. The Extra Event Tickets (while costly) allow for better access and less need for the usual time management associated with enjoying the rides at the Parks. While taking a Disney World vacation requires some savings and planning, it is well worth it. Visiting Disney World when we can has become our time -mother and son.
Halloween is a great Holiday to express yourself as someone or something else. While this American holiday has spread across the Globe there is nothing like a New England Halloween. While Florida where Disney World lives does not have the same ambiance as New England during the Fall and Winter Holidays. Disney sure does a great job at making one feel the season with decorations, themed food offerings and of course the holiday themed costumed parades. Riding the Haunted Mansion and eating apples on a stick, candied or otherwise always feels a bit more Satisfying when themed for the season.
Fun Fact from Ramona: Halloween is the longest lasting season for the park, generally going from the middle of August to October 31. Also, Halloween Ticketed Events include trick or treats and other themed options along with a limited “come in costume” to the park. Having generally milder weather in Florida also adds to more night time activities without the need for considerable layering of clothing. Nothing kills a costume when you have to put a sweater/jacket over it. LOL
If you really like Halloween consider a trip to Disney World or Disneyland during their Halloween celebrations. Bring your costume and consider budgeting for event tickets, if and when available. Below is the Disney World site link for 2023 for more details and to get an idea of the offerings. Remember to purchase ahead of time because they sell out fast!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/
Crowds and Crowds – yup they have them and sometimes the people watching is a blast while the wait times can be crazy. The Mobile Order for quick service restaurants is helpful (order early) and many tables and spaces open up when the weather is more comfortable in the Fall season. Genie Plus helps with wait times but you need to determine if the cost is worth the different levels of time convenience. Look savings offers in the lower seasons (Fall before Thanksgiving – Spring minus school holiday weeks) and visit parks on weekdays for better pricing options. Join or use points from airlines or credit cards when applicable, ask for gift cards or buy them throughout the year to use on your trip. Book with Disney on-line and pay down on your vacation totally after your initial deposit. (see Disney site for details) Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and cell phone chargers. Read the park maps on line and pick ahead of time the rides that are most important to you and your family. If you go by yourself then you will likely reduce some wait time by cueing in the single rider lanes but that means you will share with someone you do not know. That can be fun too!
I have lot’s of other tips from my experiences at Disney World and I am happy to share just ask!
Key Note From Ramona: visiting the parks is not a “race for time” nor a “be all see all” experience. It is just not possible to soak in the multi level stimulus provided by the tireless planning and work of the Disney Imagineers. It may be a destination place for many but it is important to remember that almost all features are manmade and maintained and in service to provide an experience year after year. This is actually one of the better things about the Disney experience. Things repeat yet change and evolve. The repetition allows for the illusion of stability and embedding of memory pathways and emotional connections while the change/evolving offer new stimulus, thrills and creates venues for the use and development of technology for everyone to experience. Disney like no other has been able to foster these benefits thought relentless imagination, creativity, excellent cast members, and dedication to Walt’s original vision for a vacation destination. My words only.