When I was a kid and my Grandparents worked for Disney, we were incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to spend summers with them. In the many, many times I’ve visited the parks, I had never been there for the fall and winter holidays.
When we went last spring during Mardi Gras, we decided to try to go during the kids’ fall break. Lucky for us, the break coordinated with the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween celebration. The park was beautifully decorated. Even cast member costumes held subtle changes to reflect the fall season.
The party is after-hours — and features special parade, fireworks, character greetings, dance parties, and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged.
Like we could say no to that!
Take a moment of pause at my 5-year old sweetheart above, who DRESSED AS A WHITE RABBIT to support his sister’s costume. Also? He made his own clock. And? Let me draw a nose and whiskers. I couldn’t stop looking at him all night, thinking that this is probably the last time he’ll willing put ears on his head.
Kate was over the moon.
It took a few seconds for folks in the crowd to take in our whole ensemble. But when they did, we heard many, many compliments. The kids were thrilled.
We took a prime spot in the front of Cinderella’s castle for the Villian’s show (they take over the night) parade (featuring the Villians taking over Main Street) and then the Fireworks!
See Paul and the kids below?
For the record, Disney parades are truly a spectacle.
The fireworks, too, are amazing. Some of the best (if not the best) I’ve ever seen. (Including the 4th of July fireworks on the Mall in DC.) I thought that this display was outstanding. I loved the images flying up the castle, the music, and surprises of fireworks not only behind the castle, but coming up around Main Street — lighting up the entire park for a few seconds.
We rode a few rides, too — including Alice’s Tea Cups (of course). When we stumbled off the tea cups (the kids went crazy on that spinning), we ran smack into our dopplegangers!
The Tweedles spent quite a bit of time playing with our caps, spinning the propellers, and straightening our ties before insisting on several different posed shots with us. Cute, very very cute.
What a fantastic time to visit the Magic Kingdom!
Happy Halloween!
Melanie | 27-Oct-09 at 6:00 am | Permalink
I wanted to go to MNSSHP so bad! My kids would have never stayed long enough for it to be worth the cost though. Maybe when they’re older…
Painted Maypole | 27-Oct-09 at 10:37 am | Permalink
looks like fun! and you guys look fantastic! great pictures.
magpie | 27-Oct-09 at 1:22 pm | Permalink
I’ve never had any desire to go to Disney, but you make it look like a good time.
heather | 27-Oct-09 at 5:21 pm | Permalink
Ok, you may have convinced me to go to Disney. I never went until I was in my 20s because we couldn’t afford it, so I figured no big deal with our kids. But if we go, we’re definitely going at Halloween. Amazing pictures! And you all look so cute!
alejna | 27-Oct-09 at 8:30 pm | Permalink
I love your costumes! Fabulous! And the photo with the Tweedles is too funny.
I love the fireworks photos, too.
Erin | 28-Oct-09 at 9:56 am | Permalink
Love the family photo.
Violet | 29-Oct-09 at 10:18 am | Permalink
We are probably going in April, for a human resources conference. Millard will come with me and we’ll arrive early so we can play. We love it!