Disney-Themed Halloween Traditions to Embrace
Are you the kind of person who puts out Mickey pumpkin décor on September 1st? Do you have the “Boo to You!” Halloween parade soundtrack memorized? Are you humming “This is Halloween” around the house?
If so, these tips are for you! Personally, I love Halloween. I also love the juxtaposition of spookiness with the cheerful Magic Kingdom.


Photo: Disney
Nothing transforms the sweetness of Disney like a holiday rooted in creepiness. To celebrate, I’m going to share some of my favorite Disney Halloweenified traditions. It’s simply not spooky season until I experience these things.
Watch Disney Halloween Movies
I didn’t go to Disney World often as a child. Like many, I lived my Disney life vicariously through VHS tapes.


Credit: IMDB
As an adult, I stream these favorites on Disney+ or watch my DVDs. My must-watch list includes the following:
- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
- Halloweentown (1998)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
- Tower of Terror (1997)
- The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)
- Hocus Pocus (1993)


Credit: Disney
This year, I’ll be adding the most recent Haunted Mansion (2023) film to the list as it releases on Disney+ this October 4th! You can bet I’ll have my popcorn and soda ready.
Bake Halloween Treats
Speaking of snacks, no holiday celebration is complete with food – specifically treats. Disney World’s premier event, Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP), and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash are known for their photogenic goodies.


Photo: Disney
What do you do if you’re miles from Florida or California? You improvise!
I’ve strapped on my apron and searched the internet many a time to recreate my favorite recipes at home. Making Disney pumpkin treats and other Mickey-shaped desserts is easier than you’d think.


Photo: Disney
For more inspiration, check out this fun list of Disney Halloween copycat recipes from allrecipes.com.
Whether you need a dish to bring to a party or a munchie while rewatching Hocus Pocus, you’ll be glad you put in the work.


Photo: Disney
Be a Villain for a Day
You don’t need an invite to a party to wear a costume. Passing out candy to trick-or-treaters or going to work on Halloween warrants it!
Resist the urge to choose a “current trend” costume and take a note from Disney World’s MNSSHP. This event puts the spotlight on the villains.
Dress up as one of your favorite Disney baddies. Here are just a couple of ideas I have my eye on –
- Cruella Deville (101 Dalmatians)
- Vanessa (The Little Mermaid)
- Mother Gothel (Tangled)
- Ugly Stepsisters (Cinderella)
- Gaston (Beauty and the Beast)
- The Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves)
- Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
- Jafar (Aladdin)
- Caption Hook (Peter Pan)
- Smee (Peter Pan)
- Darla (Finding Nemo)
Any character can be gender-bent, so the costume world is truly your oyster. With just a little DIY and hunting on Amazon, you can also discover “it’s good to be bad”.
Jam to a Spooktacular Playlist
Wait your turn Christmas carols. There are some pretty good Halloween tunes to boogie to.
When I’m carving pumpkins, baking treats, or getting ready for a Halloween party, I like to set the mood with music. Thanks to the internet, I can find almost every creepy song.
My current Disney Halloween playlist includes the following gems:
- Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade Soundtrack
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Show Soundtrack
- The Haunted Mansion (attraction) Theme Song
- The Nightmare Before Christmas Soundtrack
- Tower of Terror (attraction) Ambience Music
*Honorable Mention – Any villain song from a Disney live-action or animated feature.
Even tune gets me into the Halloween spirit. Just be prepared to hum these tunes for weeks after…
Plan a Fall Disney Getaway
If you have the budget and vacation time, consider visiting Disney World. It’s no secret that Halloween is an extremely popular time to visit – and for good reasons.
First, you can attend the incomparable MNSSHP party. This ghostly, after-hours event at the Magic Kingdom features trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns lining Main Street, villain meet and greets, an eerie atmosphere, and a show-stopping performance by the Sanderson Sisters!
(Now that I think about it, this party incorporates all my Disney Halloween traditions.)
Secondly, EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival is going on. (I’m sure there’s a pumpkin treat or two to be found.)
And lastly, with cooler temps and lighter crowds than other times of the year (cough cough Christmas), September – October is simply the perfect time for a vacation.
Halloween is a wonderful time of year. And it’s a wonderful time to be a Disney fan.


Credit: Matt Stroshane, Photographer
I truly hope you find some joy in these tips, and I wish you a spooktacular Halloween season!
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Feature Image: Disney