Boo to you, Happy Halloween. Yes, it is that time of year, Halloween has finally arrived at the Magic Kingdom. You may be asking yourself, “Isn’t it too early for Halloween?It’s only the first week of September.” Yes, yes it is extremely too early. August 19th, we were already selling Halloween merchandise on the glow carts. Every year, it seems like we are rolling into the holiday season earlier and earlier. It seems like eventually it will just be Halloween and Christmas all year round. Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the holiday season, especially at the Magic Kingdom. Everything seems extra magical at the Magic Kingdom and I absolutely love celebrating Halloween in the parks, but I also think it’s way too early for Halloween. Disney needs to slow down. It isn’t even fall yet and we are already celebrating a fall holiday.

I have met some cast members who can't work during these parties due to the fact that they don't celebrate Halloween, as well as some guests. There have been little children who wanted the pumpkin necklaces we sell, or the other Halloween merchandise, but their parents say no because they don't celebrate the holiday. So, why is Disney pushing for this holiday earlier and earlier when there are some people who don't even celebrate it? I have heard from guests who get frustrated because they can't stay in the park longer on the party nights becuase the parties is celebrating something they don't believe in. Obviously, Disney cannot make everyone happy, and these parties bring in more money for the parks because it is a seperate ticket, plus extra merchandise.

Now, the question becomes, is Disney jsut so greedy that it's all about money and not respecting some of their guests? No, it isn't. Disney is a business so money is something that Disney values, yes, but these Halloween parties are also highly popular. Guests get to spend the night in the park trick-or-treating and getting to meet some of their favorites characters, such as Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I always attend the Halloween parties with my family and it is just so much fun. So, by starting sooner, more guests get the opportunity to expereince this incredible party. Especially for those with small children who want to expereince Halloween, but aren't ready for any of the scary parties at other parks (or those who are too scared to attend those parties, like me).

Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, or think that Disney is greedy or not, these parties are a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday season. Next up: Christmas.