We’re two weeks into fall and I’m already ready for one of my favorite holidays: Halloween! While it’s true that I’ve always enjoyed any excuse to wear a costume, this year I’m especially looking forward to my son’s first Halloween – he’ll be a pirate, in case you’re curious.
Though there’s no trick-or-treating at Disney Springs, there are so many ways to enjoy this ooey-gooey, nice and spooky season; below are just a few of my favorites:
Costumes: Consider this your costume headquarters for little ones. From superheroes to rebels, pirates to princesses, Disney Springs has the latest in dress-up designs. Want the best selection? Shop early! For older kids (and grown-ups, too), I’m loving the latest Disney-inspired looks; my friends at Tren-D have plenty of ideas for how to create a character-worthy style with a few key pieces. Or, make it easy on yourself and invest in one of the dresses from The Dress Shop at Cherry Tree Lane – the “Pirates,” “Cinderella,” Minnie Mouse,” and “Haunted Mansion” options are extra-appropriate this time of year! (Where to buy: World of Disney, Super Hero Headquarters, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Tren-D, Marketplace Co-Op.)
Photo Locations: For the perfect family photo, choose one of four Halloween-themed backdrops. The giant “Mickey” pumpkin is iconic, but for my family, the “Shopped ‘Til I Dropped” version might be more appropriate! Also, keep an eye out for PhotoPass photographers who will be roaming property with fun fall-themed props.
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Special Entertainment: If I listen hard enough, I can hear it from my office … once the sun sets, Halloween music haunts the Disney Springs promenade while the theme continues with a nightly family-friendly DJ Dance Party near Once Upon a Toy. Later this month, spirited stilt walkers will join the fun with daily appearances from October 20-31st. (Yes, we’ll be visiting to get pictures with the larger-than-life performers!)
Seasonal Indulgences: Where do I even begin? The list is long and the treats are plenty, so here’s a list of some standouts: Pumpkin at Midnight Cocktail with smoked rum and pumpkin liqueur (Paddlefish) ∙ Caramel Apple, Black Velvet and Pumpkin Cupcakes (Sprinkles Cupcakes) ∙ Apple Cinnamon Crepes (AristoCrepes) ∙ Limited-Time Drinks including the “Frankenfrap” (Starbucks) ∙ Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares (Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop) ∙ Southern Tier Pumpking Ale (Dockside Margaritas) ∙ Halloween-themed treats and specialty apples (Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Co.) ∙ Dry Ice Spiced Caramel Apple Martini (Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant) ∙ Chocolate Caramel Skulls and Seasonal Ganache Flavors (The Ganachery) ∙ Pumpkin Crème Brûlée, Pumpkin Mickey Character Dome Cake, Fall Petit Cake (Amorette’s Patisserie) ∙ Pumpkin Milk Shake (D-Luxe Burger) ∙ Halloween-themed specialty cocktails (STK Orlando) ∙ Pumpkin Spice Bitz (Wetzel’s Pretzels) ∙ And More!
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Halloween “Must-Haves”: The Haunted Mansion is in style all year long, but this month, it takes center stage at Centerpiece at Marketplace Co-Op. Keep an eye out for the dining room display featuring napkins, plates, and glassware inspired by the attraction. Nearby at Disney’s Days of Christmas, choose a spooky ornament and have it personalized. I’m partial to the Haunted Mansion bride myself, though I know the “Nightmare Before Christmas” ornaments are popular, too. If art is more your angle, check out Art of Disney, where seasonal sketches will be available all month long or take home a piece from the “Terribly Odd” collection at Pop Gallery – a special Halloween release with the artist will take place 5-9pm on Tuesday, October 31st. Of course, for fun products ranging from t-shirts to trick-or-treat bags, World of Disney has you covered.
Make-Up and More: ‘Tis the season to experiment with new looks, but if you prefer a temporary transformation, try Enjoy Your Face at the Marketplace; their face painting experts can give you or your little ones a subtle or over-the-top makeover. At MAC Cosmetics, beauty theatrical Halloween looks are available for $60 and include a free mascara of your choice through October. And at Sephora, Halloween weekend includes an in-store event with beauty brand Make Up For Ever.
See? No tricks, just treats, when you enjoy Halloween at Disney Springs offerings. I hope to see you here scaring up some fun soon; if you capture photos of your experience, be sure to share them using hashtag #DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram for your chance to be featured on our social media handles.
