Learn about all the scare-tastic Halloween on the High Seas activities that make this exclusive Disney Cruise extra special.
In addition to regular sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line’s four (soon to be five) ships, you can book special voyages for Christmas and Halloween (as well as special Marvel and Star Wars excursions). One of our favorite cruises is the Halloween on the High Seas, available on all ships with various itineraries.
Every year, starting in early to mid- September, guests can hop aboard one of these Disney Cruise ships and celebrate Halloween on the High Seas. Think Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Boo Bash meets your favorite Disney Cruise.
So what makes these special cruises so, well, special? Keep reading to learn about the exclusive, can’t-miss activities onboard a Halloween on the High Seas voyage.
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1. Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party
Photo courtesy of Disney
The main event of a Halloween on the High Seas cruise is Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, which is suitable for guests of all ages.
This is the time to see all of your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. The event starts out with a dance party hosted by none other than Mickey Mouse.
While the experience may vary in 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions, costumes, dancing, and fun are all still happening.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Usually, these events occur about two times a night so there are multiple opportunities for guests to take part in the festive activities. Once the dance party is over, the fun doesn’t end. Then it’s time for trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, more.
Don’t forget: Halloween is all about those awesome costumes, so what better place to show them off than on a Halloween on the High Seas sailing? The whole family can take part in the fun with matching costumes during Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Usually, like Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line has a policy against adults wearing costumes onboard when it isn’t a themed cruise or night. This Halloween on the High Seas activity is an exception to the rule, making it a great opportunity to dress up as your favorite character.
2. Character Meet-and-Greets
Photo courtesy of Disney
Something that Disney Cruise Line is famous for is its onboard character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. These are definitely not lacking on a specialty Halloween voyage.
While voyages sailing in 2021 won’t have the same up-close character meet-and-greets, guests can still meet their favorite characters in a socially distanced manner. Some meet-and-greets allow guests to take a distanced selfie or have a cruise line photographer available for a distanced photo.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Halloween sailings are awesome for character meetings since you can see some unique ones that aren’t usually around, like Jack & Sally. Plus, you can see all of your favorites in some cute costumes, like Witch Minnie and Candy Corn Pluto.
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3. Haunted Stories of the Seas
Another fun activity for the whole family is the Haunted Stories of the Seas event. During this special event, guests gather around the pool deck to hear some spooky stories.
Think campfire stories aboard a cruise ship, with some delicious ice cream and snacks not too far away and easily accessible, as a sea captain tells ghost stories under the stars. While these are ghost stories, they are family-friendly so don’t worry about the kids getting scared.
Photo courtesy of Disney
4. Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids
If you’ve read our previous post, you know Disney cruises aren’t just for kids. We adults deserve a spooktacular time too.
That’s why Disney created the Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids event, located in the adult entertainment district onboard.
This party has a lot to love, including an adult costume contest to special Halloween-themed drinks and a villain-themed party.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Be sure to check your Navigator, whether that’s the paper copy or on your app, to see when and where these adult-themed festivities are taking place.
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5. The Lighting of the Pumpkin Tree
Photo courtesy of Disney
Of all the must-do Halloween on the High Seas activities, this may sound the strangest. We’re headed to a tree lighting. Yes, a tree lighting. For Halloween.
When you enter the grand lobby of your Disney cruise, you’ll be greeted by the Pumpkin Tree. This large and grand piece is a fixture in the lobby with pumpkins hanging from the branches.
Photo courtesy of Disney
On the first night of the cruise, the caretaker of the tree will greet guests and tell them a scary story. Then it’s time for the big event: the lighting of the tree. After this event, the tree stays lit for the whole cruise.
Be sure to head to the lobby early to get a good spot for the viewing. You can even head to the upper lobby decks for a great view of the tree lighting from above.
What’s your favorite activity on a Halloween on the High Seas cruise? Share with us on our DCL Magazine Facebook page!
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