Mary Fletcher Jones is a mom, teacher, and blogger. Her blogs include Autumn in Virginia, Cool Yule Blog and You Can't Make This Stuff Up, among others. She is also the creator of "Living Well With Autism," an online resource for caregivers of children, teens, and adults with autism and related special needs.
Have you been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Are you wondering if it might be for you?
I attended this Walt Disney World event last year for the first time. I had not been to Walt Disney World in more than 15 years so I had to “relearn” Magic Kingdom.
This party is a good fit for adults who love Disney and Halloween (naturally!) but who also prefer their Halloween to be less about frights and more about traditions, like treat or treating, jack o’lanterns and haunted houses.
Features of this event include a Halloween parade, Hocus Pocus-themed stage show, free candy at more than 15 treat stations, costumed characters and party-exclusive food and merchandise, plus Magic Kingdom rides.
On October 1, 2026, it will be the 55th Anniversary of Disney World. But do you know why they picked the October 1, 1971 date?
Roy O. Disney, Dick Nunis (Chairman), and Card Walker (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) took a number of precautions in planning the first day. The team analyzed Orlando traffic patterns to find the slowest day of the week in the slowest month of the year. They settled on Friday, October 1. They decided that early October would be a soft opening, to allow them to detect operational problems. So, they invested in minimal national advertising to attract the least number of visitors on the first day.
Why were they so cautious? They remember what happened on Disneyland’s opening day in 1955. The park was flooded with fake tickets. The plumbers went on strike, forcing Walt Disney to choose between working bathrooms or working water fountains. The newly laid asphalt didn’t dry completely and women’s heels sank into it. Rides broke down under double the expected capacity.
Did their precautions paid off? Well, at first, Florida state troopers weren’t so sure. They predicted that on the first day of October, up to 300,000 cars would gridlock I-4. But locals also feared the same outcome, so they stayed away. Walker took a helicopter that morning to fly over the traffic. At first he was a little worried. Then he realized the cars he was seeing were the 5,000 cast members going to work. Only around 10,000 guests showed up. And to put that in perspective, Magic Kingdom has a capacity of more than 85,000 guests.
Next, the team focused on the real, grand opening — for the media and celebrities. They planned on having a Grand Dedication for the park during the weekend of October 23 to 25, 1971.
This 30-second 1971 commercial captures the essence of the Walt Disney World experience at that time.
The Grand Dedication: October 23 to 25, 1971
This grand opening was everything. The media, dignitaries and celebrities were invited.
The festivities were filmed as 90-minute, NBC television special, hosted by Julie Andrews. The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World aired a week later on October 29, 1971.
Alongside Julie Andrews, stars like Bob Hope, Glen Campbell, Buddy Hackett, Annette Funicello, Rock Hudson, Fred MacMurray and Fess Parker (Davy Crockett) attended the festivities. Florida Governor Reubin Askew was also in attendance.
President Richard Nixon was originally scheduled to attend the dedication in person, but canceled just days before due to security concerns. Instead, his chief aide, H.R. Haldeman, presented Roy O. Disney with an official American flag that had flown over the White House—marking the first time a sitting U.S. president had personally gifted a White House flag to a private enterprise.
During the taping for the NBC TV special, Bob Hope delivered a stand-up monologue from the 4th-floor Grand Canyon Concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You can watch that TV special online:
The Debut of the Electrical Water Pageant
This spectacle is one of my favorite low key events. You may have watched the glowing, musical water parade floating across Seven Seas Lagoon outside the Magic Kingdom.
But did you know that its origin dates back to the Grand Dedication weekend? It was created specifically as a one-time special effect for a luau banquet held on the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on Sunday night, October 24, 1971, for media and celebrity guests. Electrical cables were strung across 14 wooden barges outfitted with Japanese lantern lights.
It was such an instant hit with guests that Disney decided to keep it as a permanent nightly resort feature! The original lineup of floats for the Electrical Water Pageant had an ocean theme The Little Mermaid would have liked:
Sea Serpent (three floats)
Whale (one float)
Two Sea Lions Playing With a Ball (one float)
Clamshell Opening and Closing revealing a mermaid (one float)
Three Mermaids (one float)
Three Jumping Dolphins (three floats)
Octopus (one float)
Three Flying Fish (one float)
Four Seahorses (one float)
Neptune (one float)
The World Symphony Orchestra
Disney assembled the World Symphony Orchestra, featuring 145 classical musicians invited from 60 different nations (including musicians from both sides of the Cold War). They gathered on Sunday evening, October 24 in front of Cinderella Castle. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler of the Boston Pops, they played Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” as the sun set over the castle.
The Official Parade
For the official dedication parade on Monday, October 25, Disney assembled a massive 1,076-piece marching band composed of high school and college musicians from across Florida. The band was led by legendary Broadway composer Meredith Willson (creator of The Music Man) who rode a gazebo float down Main Street, U.S.A. and conducted the colossal band. The band stretched the entire length of Main Street—from the park entrance all the way to Cinderella Castle—blaring Willson’s signature song, “76 Trombones.” When the band reached the Castle hub, they were joined by a massive choir sing “When You Wish Upon a Star” as 50,000 multicolored balloons were released over Cinderella Castle.
Roy O. Disney’s Emotional Tribute
The most poignant moment of the entire weekend came on October 25, 1971. Roy O. Disney—who had postponed his retirement for five years after his brother Walt’s death in 1966 to personally oversee the $400 million project—stood at the Town Square flagpole with Mickey Mouse by his side.
When asked why he insisted on naming the resort “Walt Disney World” instead of just “Disney World,” Roy replied: “So people will know this was Walt’s dream, and that he started it all.” Sadly, after seeing his brother’s final dream fully realized, Roy passed away just two months later in December 1971.
But the dream had been realized. On the day after Thanksgiving 1971, 50,000 guests entered the park.
Are you awake? I hope so, if you are reading this blog post! But, if you are, by chance, reading while asleep, then wake up right now and make your dining reservations for Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World!
If you will not be at Walt Disney World on October 1, then perhaps you would like to have a small, low key home celebration.
Here are some ideas for a fun evening, whether you are celebrating solo or with friends or family. This printable coupon book is designed for your home celebration and copies the look of the 1971 ticket books for Magic Kingdom. WDW_1971_Home_Celebration_Coupon_Book
Set the mood
As you are getting ready for dinner, light a citrus and vanilla candle or a bakery-scented candle. As you know, Walt Disney World uses aromas to invite guests into eateries and park areas.
Play your favorite Disney soundtrack or playlist. If you have any Disney plush characters or souvenirs, set those out! Wear your favorite Disney t-shirts.
Walt Disney World’s 55th Anniversary is coming up on October 1, 2026. We’ve talked about the rides and attractions that were available on opening day. But what about the restaurants?
Have you thought about what America was like in 1971 when Walt Disney World opened for the first time, fifty-five years ago?
The United States was going through a big period of change. Race relations and women’s equality were big concerns. The Vietnam War was top-of-mind across the nation. Anti-war protests were frequent, and news broadcasts were dominated by casualty reports and troop withdrawal debates. President Richard Nixon had just announced sweeping economic policies in August 1971Â to try and fight inflation, including wage and price freezes and taking the US off the gold standard.
It may feel early to be thinking about Christmas…but in 60 days, Walt Disney World kicks off its holiday season in an official way on Friday, November 13 with a tree-lighting at Disney Springs.
Do you love candy? and Halloween? If so, go to Disney World’s Halloween Party! In addition to the shows, rides and a parade, there will be trick or treating for all ages throughout the theme park. Here are my tips for having a fun but low-key trick or treating experience during the party.
Are you planning to visit Fort Wilderness to see the horses or Halloween decorated-campsites (or both) this fall? Of course, you are, because this the year to go! As I mentioned in my last two articles, free activities at Fort Wilderness are the perfect complement to a vacation of going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
While you are there (because you are going, right?), you might also want to catch a free, outdoor movie! All Disney World Resorts offer outdoor movies. But there is no place better at Disney World to watch a “Movie Under the Stars” than Fort Wilderness: it offers seating, a campfire and refreshments for sale. And immaculate vibes! Continue reading “Halloween Movies Under the Stars at Disney’s Fort Wilderness”
To get an idea of how amazing the Halloween displays at Fort Wilderness campgrounds are, watch this video from the Goo to Youbrothers.
Note: you will also see the Golf Cart parade and the party which is only available to guests at the campsites and cabins, as it happens after the resort closes to non-registered guests on October 26.
Are you planning a Halloween trip to Walt Disney World this year? Make this part of your vacation plan!
Are you planning to visit Walt Disney World this fall? If so, you’re probably planning to go to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Or — if you’re like me — both!
And while these events are amazing, make time in your vacation schedule to also visit Disney Springs. Disney Springs has stores like World of Disney and many, many restaurants and snack kiosks. It also has free entertainment. Here are some of the things you can look forward to doing and eating at Disney Springs. Continue reading “Halloween Fun at Disney Springs”
It’s spooky season! Here are some cute and affordable t-shirts and bags to wear at home and to Disney. Click on the image to enlarge. T-shirts are $15 to $20. Mouse ears: about $10. All are available at Amazon. The links are below… Continue reading “Spooky-Cute Halloween Shirts and Accessories”
Coming soon! Ideas for celebrating Walt Disney World’s 55th Anniversary at home; Opening Day look back: 1971 park recipes and more!
Walt Disney World is getting ready to celebrate it’s 55th Anniversary on October 1. The park opened to the public on October 1, 1971. I’ve created an itinerary for a mini-trip you can take to Walt Disney World — and the theme is experiencing all the rides and restaurants in Magic Kingdom that have been delighting us for 55 years. Continue reading “Walt Disney World 55th Anniversary: Mini-Trip Itinerary”
Did you know that it is World Princess Week? While it is alway fun to celebrate this week in the Disney Parks, you can also celebrate at home. Today, I’m sharing ways to get inspired by the Disney Princesses and create some wonderful meals and treats. Continue reading “It’s World Princess Week! Time to Get Cooking…”
Self-care is an important part of your wellness routine. Here are some self-care practices that are inspired by the the kind and caring Disney Princesses. Each of the Disney Princesses has lessons to impart to you about self-care. Continue reading “It’s World Princess Week! Time for Self Care…”
World Princess Week is almost here…but the treats have already arrived! From themed treats available year-round to limited-time specials, here are the ones you’ll find in the parks…
World Princess Week is coming up soon! The annual event will be observed this year from August 16-22 at the Disney Parks. The event at Walt Disney World — if there is an event — is pretty low-key, because I haven’t heard much about it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate it if you plan to be there! Continue reading “World Princess Week is almost here! Walt Disney World Itinerary”
Before you get too excited — there are some blackout dates around Thanksgiving time (I know! I was bummed, too!) and it is only good for the return trip — Sanford to Lorton, VA. Here are the details…
The drive from All Star Sports to the train station in Sanford is 42 miles.
Travel is only good from Sanford, Florida to Lorton, Virginia.
The train leaves at 4 pm but you’d have to be there no later than 1 pm.
The sale is good for travel on a day between September 7 and December 13, except these blackout dates: November 20, 21, 22, 23 and November 27, 28 and 29.
Coach fare is $39 per person. Cost for a regular car is $225.
A roomette for 1 person is $239 and includes meals. For two, people it’s $339 (they are usually quite a bit more expensive)
A bedroom (with toilet and shower) for 1 person is $439. For 2: $539
But before you take out your credit card, let’s do the math…
I calculated a trip with this sale’s discounted fare and without it. As a solo traveler with a car, traveling in coach, I would pay about $670 roundtrip. Most of that fare is for the transport of my car, there and back. It works out to about $150 less than for a non-sale Auto Train ticket. That would involve sleeping in a seat for the departure and return trips. A roomette or bedroom would be considerably more, although the sale does offer a discount on the way back. Even with the discount, my roundtrip fare would at least double if I had a bed.
Now, let’s look at flights. For $670, I could fly roundtrip from Washington to Orlando. I would choose a plane over the Auto Train any time.
Then I looked at round trip, coach fares for a family of four, using the sale price on Amtrak and I looked at the prices for a group of six. The family of four would pay $300 per person roundtrip. AÂ group of six would pay $250 per person. Food would be additional and you would not sleep in a bed at night. The savings are minimal.
I live in the same county as Lorton in Virginia, and I always thought I’d try the Auto Train one day. But I’ve heard about significant delays and noise. Evidently, the horn blows all night long and the train rumbles and shakes. Because of this, I would find it difficult to sleep. I think it would detract from my Walt Disney World vacation, if only because of the fatigue associated with lost sleep.
That said, a couple of hundred thousand passengers travel this way every year and so there must be a good reason for it. I suppose for many travelers, a car is essential for the nature or duration of their trip. A good reason to choose the Auto Train is if you have a fear of flying or just really hate flying. There are medical reasons why some travelers do not fly in airplanes.
So, what do you think? Have you traveled on the Auto Train to Disney World before? Would you recommend it?
Amtrak Auto Train Flash Sale Terms and Conditions from the website
Valid on Northbound Auto Train (52) only. Valid for Auto Train Coach, Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Accessible Rooms. Coach: $39. Roomette: Single Occupancy $239. Double Occupancy $339. Bedroom: Single Occupancy $439. Double Occupancy $539. Accessible Room: Single Occupancy $239. Double Occupancy $339.
Fare Rules: Changes and Cancellation rules of the fare purchase apply.
Valid routes: Northbound Auto Train (52).
Class restrictions: Coach and Private Room.
Sale, Travel Dates, Blackout Dates and Advance Purchase Requirement: Sales Dates: August 6, 2026 – August 14, 2026. Travel Dates: September 7, 2026 – December 13, 2026. Blackout Dates: November 20 – November 23, 2026 and November 27 – November 29, 2026.
Advance Purchase Requirement: None.
Additional Information: Discounts are available for specific passenger types.
Fares for private rooms (roomettes, bedrooms and accessible rooms) include rail and accommodation charges. Discount fares do not include the required vehicle charge.
Double occupancy requires the same reservation and travel in the same, shared accommodation.
Coach: Changes are not permitted. Cancellations permitted prior to departure; 50 percent cancellation fee applies.
Private Rooms: 15 days prior to scheduled departure, a 25 percent cancellation fee applies. 14 days or less prior to departure: 25 percent fee, 75 percent to non-refundable eVoucher.
Seating is limited and may not be available on all trains, dates or departures.
Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
Disney fully embraced Tiki wonderfulness in creating the Polynesian Resort and The Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland and at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Let’s take advantage of today’s celebration to learn some fun facts about The Enchanted Tiki Room, one of my all-time favorite attractions …
If you were thinking about going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, I have good news for you. Airfares right now are at low rates for fall flights and Party tickets are still available for these dates (10 dates have already sold out).
These airfares are available as of Friday night, August 7. They are likely limited in supply, so if you see a date you like, snap it up. I priced airfares from my home airport. But you may find similar low rates for late August, September and October. Continue reading “Low-Priced Autumn Airfares to Disney World”
Press “make a copy” to customize the pages for your own use
I really love how creative Disney World is about the food they offer at the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Check out the Disney Parks Blog Foodie Guide for a full list of party treats! Here’s what I am looking forward to sampling at the Party…
Download the Google Doc of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party trip planning pages (click “make a copy” to view, print and input your travel details).
Are you going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year? Here are 10 less-than-well-known tips that may save you time, money and aggravation so that you have the best time ever! Oh, and thanks so much for your likes, comments and shares! Now let’s see those tips…
A fun part of going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is taking lots of pictures, but have you ever tried Magic Shots? Magic Shots are photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers that include Disney-themed images and special effects.
Here’s how it works: the photographer will take your photo — and with Disney Magic, only you and/or your guests will appear in the photo! After your session, scan your MagicBand to upload the photos to your account, which will typically appear by the next day. You can then decide which photos you would like to purchase (you do not have to purchase any). Some guests purchase the “Memory Maker” photo package up front, which allows them to download a certain amount of photos for a fixed fee.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Want to know exactly where to find the exclusive Magic Shots and Disney PhotoPass Service Photographers? Read on…
Are you going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World this year? You’re going to have a wonderful time! A big part of the festivities is seeing lots of Disney characters. At the park entrance, you’ll receive a map and brochure indicating all the characters that will be appearing at the Party — but the brochure and map is not very specific about the details. No worries — you can see them here!
Take note of which characters you can “view” as opposed to those you can “meet and greet” (take pictures with and get autographs). The characters that only appear outdoors usually do not appear when it is raining. So, you may wish to prioritize seeing characters that appear indoors when it rains.
Keep in mind that you’ll see even more characters in the Boo to You Parade, like Captain Hook, Jafar, Snow White, Rapunzel, Chip and Dale (and more). The eerie Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog) makes a terrific appearance in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular!
You may have heard of the Halloween party that is offered at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World — Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Taking place from August 7 to October 31 on select nights, the popular event sells out every year.
This year, party-goers have their pick of 38 dates. Halloween night is always the first date to sell out. Here are the party dates (the ones in orange are expired or sold out). I will update this blog frequently with new updates!
August Party Dates: 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
September Party Dates: 1, 4, 8,11, 13, 15, 18,20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29
October Party Dates: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18,22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Mary here with a quick announcement to let you know about a special opportunity…most of the Fort Wilderness campsites at Walt Disney World for late October are gone months in advance. Well, I found one that is left.
There is an opening — it may be gone by the time you read this — for a campsite for the Monday, October 26 – Thursday, October 29. I would have grabbed this for myself except I already have hotel reservations I booked months ago. The rate is $131.67/night. That’s a better rate than anything at Disney that week UNLESS you have a bounce back rate (like I do). If you do, you can get All Star Sports for those same dates (3 nights) for $118/night.
Eight people may be on the reservation. The campsite has room for two tents and a car or small camper and there is electric hookup. Campers can rent golf carts by the day, which would come in handy, if you’re looking at all the Halloween-decorated campsites. You could also rent bikes. Like all Disney accommodations, you will have access to bus and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom and Disney transportation to other parks and resorts. The pool area was recently renovated.
If you are a Tiki fan, you are not alone. After the success of the Broadway musical, South Pacific and a huge MOMA exhibit showcasing Polynesian art and artifacts in the late 1940s (and of course, Hawaii becoming a state), Americans became fascinated with the dreamy allure of luaus, hula dances, tropical beaches and exotic cocktails. Disneyland capitalized on this fun trend by opening the Enchanted Tiki Room as an attraction in 1963.
We’ve all done it, self included. You go on vacation and you want to treat yourself. And why not? An occasional splurge or a less-than-healthy treat is perfectly fine in moderation. Or… is it? Well, that depends.
There are some Disney snacks that I call the Disney Villains of the menu! Why? Because the ingredients can leave you feeling sick or cause side effects that just aren’t worth it. If you thought that poison apple Snow White tasted was bad, wait until I tell you about the cheeseburger spring rolls! Let’s take a look at the worst offenders.Continue reading “Manage Your Low Sodium Diet at Disney World”
Coming right after Bastille Day and I Love Horses Day is Dole Whip Day on July 16. Not a lot of people know about it but it is definitely celebrated at Disney World…because that is where Dole Whip began…in 1984.
And it is the destination of my pilgrimage. Seriously.
At Disney World, there are Princess fans, Villains fans, Star Wars fans, Pixar fans and Guardians of the Galaxy fans. But there is another enthusiastic fan at Disney World and that is the Dole Whip fan.
Seating and phone charging area outside of Citrico’s, Grand Floridian resort
Disney vacations can be lots of fun…but they can also be a lot, especially the crowds.
Travel and disruptions in routines are harder for some of us to deal with than others.
If you, like me, are an introvert and benefit from having the self-care of quiet time to relax and reflect every day, then you might want to add this list of quiet and uncrowded retreats to your Disney Planner.
Learn about the connection between horses and Disney World
Download a sample vacation itinerary for “I Love Horses Day”
Discover a cute horse t-shirt for about $10
Create your own Disney Planner
It’s no secret that Walt Disney loved horses. Horses were so important to him, he incorporated horses into his plans for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Today, the Walt Disney Company is active in protecting wild horses and their environments. And at Disney World, there are horses everywhere, if you know where to look!
Don’t you think the right bag makes a huge difference when you travel? I prefer to travel light because it’s easier for me and it saves me money. There are some bags I have purchased that are really making my trips better and I wanted to share them with you, in case you are looking for a bag.
I hope you find the perfect bag for you! Now, how about printing and trimming your Packing Lists to go into your Disney Planner?
Learn about how to celebrate Bastille Day at Disney World.
Discover fun things to do at the France Pavilion at Epcot.
Download your Bastille Day Walt Disney World itinerary and planner pages for your Disney Planner.
Bonjour, friends! July is a historic month for fireworks and freedom, not just here in the States, but also across the Atlantic. July 14th marks La Fête Nationale—better known to us as Bastille Day!
You don’t need a passport to experience French culture on Bastille Day. You can explore the gorgeously designed France Pavilion at Epcot. I have a plan all set for experiencing French culture and treats. Continue reading “French Food and Fun at Disney World”
Learn about the importance of intentional heat management
Explore ways to hydrate and stay cool at Disney World
Discover where to go in Disney World to stay cool
Download my Low Key Disney Planner pages (free printable) with heat management and Disney Rash tips (Google Docs link):
Please review any of these suggestions with a qualified medical professional.
This week, temperatures in the mid-Atlantic will soar over 100 degrees. But in Disney World, where the degrees will be lower, the sun and humidity contribute to the temperatures to create “real-feel” temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.
It is hot in Disney World from late March until mid-October.  If you are planning to go to Walt Disney World during a hot month, there’s three things you need to do. You need to
1) Understand how heat may affect you personally — depending on your age, health conditions, fitness level and tolerance for heat.
2) Prepare in advance for ways to manage the heat at Disney World, including a specific plan for keeping cool and hydrated.
3) Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, so you can respond quickly.
