I love this time of year. Sure, sweater weather beckons, but for me it is the hint of magic in the air.
The last time I trick or treated, I was 13 years old. I was a witch and my friend Abby dressed as a political candidate. We cruised my neighborhood avoiding the well-intentioned dentist who passed out apples that invariably made a saucy mess of his driveway and also stayed clear of the neighbor with the oh too realistic haunted house. It was a lovely California evening with a harvest moon which made everything dazzle in orange.
Since then, I have acted as trick or treat guardian for all my siblings and now for my 7-year-old son. It isn’t quite the same, but I love to see the magic ignite in his eyes as he waits for night to fall and then run from house to house with his loot bag.
This year we mixed things up a bit. We went to Disneyland for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween. It was a delight to see kids (and adults!) dressed for the occasion. There were witches, princesses, sea creatures, and more Disney characters than I could count. The candy count was out of control. I now blame Disney for the weight I surely gained last weekend.
The lake around what used to be called Tom Sawyer’s Island back in the day, was bathed in eerie purple and blue lights. And promptly at 7pm, fog machines and some not-so-creepy Halloween music played around the park. I felt like a kid again.
Childhood goes by so fast so it was a real thrill to tap into my inner-kid and get excited by Halloween. We introduced our son to the holiday version of the Haunted Mansion and stayed up way past all of our bedtimes counting candy and trading treats. Note: Snickers and M&Ms still rule. Bit-o-Honey’s not so much.
Since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, I am sure it will be a bit subdued on the streets. But I can wait to see all the ghouls and boo’s!
If You Go:
Tickets for Not-So-Scary Halloween are in addition to regular Disneyland admission. It was roughly 50-bucks per person. But it was worth it since the crowds were smaller and we were able to ride all of our favorite rides without painful lines and we also had great access to characters.
Bummer: most of the restaurants inside Disneyland closed early. We trekked around the park looking for food longer than we all would have liked.
If Almond Joy’s and Milky Way’s are not your cup of tea, Disney also passes out apples and carrots to assuage your trick or treat guilt.
Definitely catch the special fireworks show they do for the Not-So-Scary Nights. Very cool with several villains making an appearance. The parade was short and sweet but also Halloween themed.
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