Fall is here and that means Disney Spooky Season is in full effect! But, are you really celebrating right? There are so many fun things to watch that have a lot of history. If you’re a nerd like me, you love the history and stories behind your favorite Disney classics! From movies to attractions and everything in between, Disney knows how to do spooky season right! Whether you are in the parks or at home, Disney has you covered for spooky season. This is a round up of all my favorite did you knows and must watches for spooky season, so read on and click the links to learn more about these Disney Spooky Season icons.
Madam Leota & The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is my all time favorite ride and Madam Leota might be my favorite part. Whether you are riding during Disney Spooky Season or just a regular day, you get the spooky season vibe. Madam Leota is not just the medium summoning the spirits on this ride, she is actually a very important imagineer! Leota Toombs brought Madam Leota to life, in more ways than one. She also brought to life some of our favorite attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean. Her daughter, Kim Irvine is also a Disney Legend who reprised her moms role as Madam Leota for the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay in Disneyland! Did you know the Haunted Mansion was originally going to be a walk through attraction?
The Skeleton Dance
This short cartoon might almost 100 years old at this point, but it is still an iconic part of Halloween to me. Disney Spooky Season is not complete until I have watched the Skeleton Dance. This short cartoon was part of the Silly Symphony’s catalog of cartoons set to music. You get a peek into what the graveyard looks like after dark when the skeleton’s come out to play! It’s funny and a little scary at times but will have you wanting to learn the Skeleton Dance when it’s over. Even my kids ask every October when we are watching the Skeleton Dance!
The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr Toad
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think of the headless horseman when they think of Disney Spooky Season! That start to the Halloween parade is such an iconic part of a Disney Halloween. But have you watched Sleepy Hollow? The cartoon was released over 75 years ago and is still going strong. It is coupled with Wind in the Willows or the Adventures of Mr Toad. This seems like a strange pairing, and it kind of is but there was a reason behind it. Either way, these classics go on rotation every October!
Trick or Treat
Donalds nephews are just looking for some Halloween fun and candy when Donald does what he does and starts playing tricks! But Witch Hazel comes to the rescue and Donald has a rough night! This 1950’s classic is the perfect Disney Spooky Season watch! It’s funny, a little spooky and iconically Disney! There were so many incredible people that worked on this cartoon as well, so rich in Disney history.
The Lonesome Ghosts
Another almost 100 year old classic! Mickey, Donald and Goofy as the original Ghostbusters are essentially prank called by four bored ghosts and then the fun starts! There are so many great gags in this short cartoon. It will have even the most stoic critic laughing. Another good one along this same vein is Donald Duck and the Gorilla. Not really Halloween but has that spooky feel to it!
Halloweentown
Is it even Disney Spooky Season if you don’t watch AT LEAST the first Halloweentown? I think not! These movies are so cheesy and so wonderful all at the same time. Following a family or witches and wizards through discovering their powers and saving Halloweentown! Who doesn’t wish they could visit Halloweentown?
Hocus Pocus
Do I really have to say anything else? What’s Disney Spooky Season without the Sanderson Sisters?! I can’t believe this classic is over 30 years old! Did you know Leonardo DiCaprio turned down the role of Max Dennison or that the moths that fly out of Billy Butcherson’s mouth were actually real moths? GROSS! Hocus Pocus is the perfect movie night for October, in the most Disney way!
Muppet’s Haunted Mansion
If you have not watched Muppet’s Haunted Mansion, I beg you to go turn it on right now and enjoy! Pepé the King Prawn and Gonzo have the most epic adventure in the Haunted Mansion and it is hilarious. There is even a great scene with Miss Piggy as Madam Leota and Kim Irvine is a Ghost Host dusting her off. A real if you know you know moment and so cool! This movie is perfectly Muppet’s and has all the best parts of Haunted Mansion!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
If you are going to be here in Walt Disney World during October, you must get tickets for Mickey’s not so scary Halloween Party! It is so much fun and gives you all the Disney Spooky Season vibes you need! The parade, stage show and fireworks spectacular are not to be missed. You can even get some fun magic shots with Disney PhotoPass that include things like the Skeleton Dance, Headless Horseman and Trick or Treat. I am missing it this year, sadly but it is so worth the ticket! If you happen to be in Disneyland you can hit up Oogie Boogie Bash in Disney’s California Adventure. I have never been but it is on the bucket list for sure!!
Conclusion
Halloween and especially Disney Spooky Season is my favorite! I am not a gore kind of Halloween fan, give me the Mickey pumpkins and the prankster ghosts with a side of helpful witches and dance skeletons. There is so much you could do and see with a Disney Halloween. These are just some of my favorite did you knows and must watches and do’s. I would love to know what your go to’s are, comment on the post and let me know! I hope you enjoyed today’s list that includes some extra reading and that you have a magically spooky day!