 |  |
I know some people who live for Halloween and others who will happily go into poverty to decorate for Christmas. As for me, I love Disney. I love holidays. Combine them both and I am one extremely happy camper! Since I don’t live in Florida, like most of us reading this blog, saving up money for a well-timed Disney trip can be a little nerve-wracking. I like to get my money’s worth out of my trips but when you can only afford one trip, tough decisions must be made. My conflict lies in between going to Disney during the Halloween season or for the Christmas season.
In the past, I have attended both of the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween & Christmas parties – both are spectacular! Faced with a decision of when to go, I will always make the choice to go during one of these holidays. The tough part is choosing which one.
Both parties have a unique parade tailored to each holiday theme.
The Not So Scary party is headlined by the Boo to You Parade which features a real live Headless Horseman, a Haunted Mansion float, and a parade of Disney villains.
The Christmas Parade features popular holiday jingles, Marching Toy Soldiers, gingerbread men, reindeer and Santa Claus. It even ‘snows’ on Main Street.
For me, it’s a TIE.
Both parties feature a holiday themed fireworks display.
A villain takeover highlights the Halloween party
A Frozen theme has headlined the Christmas version.
While both firework displays are quite similar, I like the theming better for Halloween.
Free treats are given away at both events.
I enjoy the ‘trick or treating’ element of following the map all around the park to get handfuls of candy (not that cheap loser-candy, either).
That said, coming from the Midwest, getting hot chocolate & warm cookies brings back the feelings of being a little kid and snuggling up with my family to watch those cherished Rankin Bass Christmas Specials.
Tough choice but handfuls of chocolate goodies and an interactive ‘treasure map’ to where the free Halloween candy is a bit more fun. Halloween party gets my vote.
There’s always been something about the atmosphere at Disney Parks that out-shines any other park.
During the Halloween season, fall colors and jack o’ lanterns dominate Main Street USA. Everyone is invited to dress up and channel their inner-child to join in on the trick or treating and then watch as the not-so-scarier side of Disney takes center stage.
During the Christmas season, everyone seems to be in a better, almost jolly mood. A giant Christmas Tree greets guests as they enter the park (instantly setting the mood for their visit), Holiday music is gently pumped into the background and holiday wreaths line Main Street. The bonus is that you have the atmosphere of winter without the freezing temperatures!
Point goes to Christmas!
Let’s face it, if you’re going to Disney World, you HAVE to hit more than one park! Here is where the extras kick in…
While the Magic Kingdom has the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, none of the other parks go out of their way for the holiday (now, if I factored a trip to Universal Studios for their Halloween Horror Nights, this could change the entire blog).
During Christmas time, not only is the Magic Kingdom decorated for the holiday, but all of the hotels are! You could spend an entire day wandering from hotel to hotel drinking in the holiday spirit. You could also visit Epcot’s World Showcase and experience Christmas around the world.
Christmas dominates this round!
All tied up!
For me, this is the deciding factor…. Cinderella's Castle all lit up for Christmas, it's simply breath-taking and worth the trip in itself.

But, you are not me. Which holiday party do you prefer? What is the deciding factor when it comes to your trip? I (and all my readers) would love to know! Go ahead, influence us!
Lissy
lissy@gomdv.com
In the past, I have attended both of the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween & Christmas parties – both are spectacular! Faced with a decision of when to go, I will always make the choice to go during one of these holidays. The tough part is choosing which one.
Both parties have a unique parade tailored to each holiday theme.
The Not So Scary party is headlined by the Boo to You Parade which features a real live Headless Horseman, a Haunted Mansion float, and a parade of Disney villains.
The Christmas Parade features popular holiday jingles, Marching Toy Soldiers, gingerbread men, reindeer and Santa Claus. It even ‘snows’ on Main Street.
For me, it’s a TIE.
Both parties feature a holiday themed fireworks display.
A villain takeover highlights the Halloween party
A Frozen theme has headlined the Christmas version.
While both firework displays are quite similar, I like the theming better for Halloween.
Free treats are given away at both events.
I enjoy the ‘trick or treating’ element of following the map all around the park to get handfuls of candy (not that cheap loser-candy, either).
That said, coming from the Midwest, getting hot chocolate & warm cookies brings back the feelings of being a little kid and snuggling up with my family to watch those cherished Rankin Bass Christmas Specials.
Tough choice but handfuls of chocolate goodies and an interactive ‘treasure map’ to where the free Halloween candy is a bit more fun. Halloween party gets my vote.
There’s always been something about the atmosphere at Disney Parks that out-shines any other park.
During the Halloween season, fall colors and jack o’ lanterns dominate Main Street USA. Everyone is invited to dress up and channel their inner-child to join in on the trick or treating and then watch as the not-so-scarier side of Disney takes center stage.
During the Christmas season, everyone seems to be in a better, almost jolly mood. A giant Christmas Tree greets guests as they enter the park (instantly setting the mood for their visit), Holiday music is gently pumped into the background and holiday wreaths line Main Street. The bonus is that you have the atmosphere of winter without the freezing temperatures!
Point goes to Christmas!
Let’s face it, if you’re going to Disney World, you HAVE to hit more than one park! Here is where the extras kick in…
While the Magic Kingdom has the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, none of the other parks go out of their way for the holiday (now, if I factored a trip to Universal Studios for their Halloween Horror Nights, this could change the entire blog).
During Christmas time, not only is the Magic Kingdom decorated for the holiday, but all of the hotels are! You could spend an entire day wandering from hotel to hotel drinking in the holiday spirit. You could also visit Epcot’s World Showcase and experience Christmas around the world.
Christmas dominates this round!
All tied up!
For me, this is the deciding factor…. Cinderella's Castle all lit up for Christmas, it's simply breath-taking and worth the trip in itself.

But, you are not me. Which holiday party do you prefer? What is the deciding factor when it comes to your trip? I (and all my readers) would love to know! Go ahead, influence us!
Lissy
lissy@gomdv.com
RSS Feed
