This Halloween Season, Scare Up Some Fun at Disney Springs

It’s October. Fall is officially here and while someone might want to get Mother Nature a pumpkin spice latte and kindly ask her to turn down the heat, Halloween is near and one thing is clear: I can’t wait!

At home, I’m dreaming about the perfect costume for my 16-month old son (any suggestions?) and at work, I’m rounding up details on all the not-to-be-missed Halloween fun taking place at Disney Springs this month. While candy and costumes are part of the mix, there’s so much more to enjoy this season, including a one-night only event that celebrates the 25th Anniversary of one of the most beloved Halloween – or is it Christmas? – movies of all time. Read on for more …

• “Treat” yourself to tickets to A Halloween Soiree at The Edison, celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Expect plenty of themed costumes and a ghoulishly good time during this frightfully-festive event that pays homage to the Tim Burton classic. For $85 plus tax and gratuity, you can snack on small plates and signature sips inspired by the film and enjoy an over-the-top entertainment line-up that includes flying aerialists, stilt-walking skeletons, eclectic dancers, live music and more. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night but I’ll be joining a bit later after trick-or-treating with the little guy. Although Disney isn’t sponsoring the event, Disney Parks costume guidelines apply at Disney Springs and all guests must be 21 and older. Ticket are now on sale from The Edison here, while supplies last.

Planning on going all out for the party? Consider a Character Couture Makeover at nearby Senses Spa; packages are available for all ages and include hair, makeup and nails inspired by classic Disney characters. Call 407-WDW-SPAS for more info or to book a reservation.

• Indulge in Halloween treats at some of your favorite haunts – fellow blog author Alex Dunlap will be sharing more details soon, but in the meantime, here’s a glimpse:
  • At The Ganachery, chocolate, goodie-filled piñatas provide festive flair; choose between Jack Skellington and Minnie Mouse Witch options. You’ll also find chocolate skulls and seasonally satisfying ganache flavors including salted caramel, orange cranberry and pumpkin spice latte.
  • Amorette’s Patisserie will offer a “fa-boo-lous” collection of confections via edible works of art including the Mickey Pumpkin Macaron and Fall Harvest Petite Cake made of cinnamon and nutmeg chiffon cake layered with salted caramel mousse, cranberry cherry pate de fruit, and roasted hazelnuts.
  • For sugar aficionados, Goofy’s Candy Co. and Candy Cauldron will showcase pumpkin and “poison” specialty apples, mummy and pumpkin cake pops, themed crispy treats and fall cookies and cupcakes.
  • If you need some warming up, sip on Pumpkin Irish Coffee at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – this hot beverage is made with fresh espresso topped with whipped cream and paired with a pumpkin crème brûlée tart. Of course, Starbucks is featuring their ever-popular pumpkin spice latte alongside a maple pecan version that sounds just as delightful!
  • Other offerings include a Sprinkles BOO Box filled with caramel apple cupcakes, a delectable pumpkin shake at D-Luxe Burger, the Autumn Smash (an elixir made with spiced rum, lemon juice, peach nectar, simple syrup and a touch of cinnamon) and a handful of hard ciders available at Dockside Margaritas and other venues throughout property (for a more complete list, pick up a WonderFall Flavors at Disney Springs guide at the Disney Springs Welcome Center).

• Curate the cutest costumes and accessories for you and your loved ones. A robust selection of princess, pirate and super hero costumes can be found at The Disney Corner – it’s basically your one-stop shop for kids’ costumes and select adult options, too. If you want something with just a hint of Disney, check out DisneyStyle where apparel inspired by some of your favorite characters abounds. And if you just want a totally awesome dress, visit the Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane where the latest design is a dream-come-true for fans of Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” If there’s one tip I could offer, it would be this: shop early for the best selection as there’s a good chance the most popular costumes will sell out!

• Strike a pose and snap the perfect selfie with fun backdrops and décor found throughout Disney Springs. In addition to larger-than-life pumpkins and silly scarecrow scenes, you might also stumble upon spooky stilt walkers or Zombeats Drum Corps – a zombie-filled troupe of percussionists. At Disney PhotoPass Studios, special backgrounds are also available for a limited time, so get ready to scare up some smiles.

No tricks, just treats! Which Disney Springs Halloween offerings are you most excited for?