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Disney From The Twenty-Something: A Not So Scary Halloween from the Comfort of Your Home

Caitlin CorselloI will admit it; fall is my favorite time of the year. Apple picking, pumpkin flavored everything, turning leaves, crisp weather, sweaters, boots, and of course Halloween all make this time of year something really special. It should be no surprise then that my favorite holiday has always been Halloween and over the years my family and I have incorporated some Disney touches into our celebration to make the holiday even more magical. After basically just doing a walkthrough of my house and looking at all of the decorations and added touches, I’ve compiled a pretty comprehensive list on how to turn your Halloween into a Disney style not so scary one.

Costumes – A rather obvious bullet point when talking about Halloween, but an easy way to bring some Disney to the holiday! Growing up, my mom always made my costumes and most years I was decked out as a Disney character. Some of my costumes included Tinkerbell, Wendy Darling, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Esmeralda, and even Sorcerer Mickey. If you aren’t great at sewing, it is really easy to either get creative pairing together regular clothing to create one of those costumes or just simply purchasing one online. Extra points if you can convince your family or friends to go as a group costume with you!

Movies & Television Specials – Growing up, the best part about Halloween was watching the ‘spooky’ movies and Disney’s Halloween Treat television special. That TV special still is one of my favorite things to watch today- from the dancing skeletons to the antics of Huey, Louie, and Dewie it is hysterical. In addition, I’ve also purchased Hocus Pocus, Tower of Terror, and Sing Along Songs Happy Halloween on DVD. If you are a twenty-something or has a child around that age, you have most definitely seen those titles in your time, and they are still just as great today. Throughout October you can also find some pretty great Disney Channel Original Movies on the network including Halloweentown and all of its sequels.Caitlin Corsello

Haunted Mansion Merchandise – In recent years, the Disney Parks have begun to sell merchandise based on the beloved ride which can really add to your Halloween home décor. I personally own a Haunted Mansion throw pillow featuring that awesome wallpaper and the inscription “Tomb Sweet Tomb,” a picture frame, bottle stopper shaped like the wicked bats throughout the queue, coasters bearing the epitaphs from the classic tombstones, and three small replicas of Leota, Master Gracey, and Good Old Fred’s tombstones. What I love best about these items is that they aren’t over-the-top in their themes; for example, a friend would probably not even notice that they were Disney unless they looked carefully.

Caitlin CorselloHalloween Tree & Ornaments – In my living room, we have a decorative black tree which is adorned with all sorts of eerie ornaments. But, of course it has a Disney touch. Scattered throughout the branches are the five singing busts of the Haunted Mansion, Mickey dressed as a Haunted Mansion butler, and a Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkin ornament. Again, these items are subdued in their theme so they blend in really well with regular Halloween décor while adding that Disney touch of magic.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Merchandise – If you have ever been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you know that at 7pm on the dot they roll out the exclusive party merchandise which usually includes several shirts, a sweatshirt, and pins. My mom and I have attended the party twice in the last two years and both times have each picked up a shirt and pin. While these items can be a little pricey, I don’t mind spending the money as they commemorate the party with an exclusive image and the date. They serve as great reminders of the fun we had both times. A great tip is to use your pin in a non-traditional way- have your picture taken by the PhotoPass Cast Member in Town Square during the party then buy a plain black picture frame. Add the picture and attach the pin on one of the corners and you have your very own commemorative and decorative photo! In addition to the exclusive party merchandise, you can also purchase the Magic Kingdom Events Music CD which features the music from both the Boo To You Parade and HalloWishes. This CD is pretty much on repeat in my car throughout the whole month of October!Caitlin Corsello

Halloween Countdown Calendar – I bought this item from the Disney Store website last year, and finally have it on display for this season. It is a great little touch to my room that also helps to build excitement for Halloween itself as you watch that number grow smaller every day!

Mickey Lawn Blow Up – This is the one I really wanted to feature a picture of, but unfortunately the fan in our decoration broke, and as a result, is missing from our lawn this year. However, when working, this is a giant Mickey-shaped pumpkin that glows bright and always helps to attract trick or treaters. I am pretty sure we bought it in a local Lowes one year, but these blow up decorations have become pretty easy to find in recent years. While they can be a bit pricey, it is worth it to be able to officially be the “Mickey House” on the block!

So there you have some of the ways in which my family and I add a little Disney magic to our Halloween. From costumes to music and decorations there are so many ways to make Halloween unique, so I would love to hear your traditions! How do you transform your home for Halloween using Disney touches? Have any of the same traditions as we do? Be sure to leave a comment below and let’s see how everyone celebrates Halloween!

Do you love Halloween? How do you add Disney magic to the holiday? Ever had a great Disney costume? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

And if YOU have a great Halloween decoration scheme, consider entering the WDW Radio “Our Halloween Went Disney” contest!  Details can be found here.

*Pictures from my personal collection

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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