I have been a Disney fanatic for as long as I can remember. I have also been a “darker” person for most of my life. Surprisingly (to me at least) the two go together well. Especially since it appears to me that Disney has been boosting its “dark side” the past few years. This week, I’m going to share some of my favorite darker Disney things.
Nothing says dark like hanging out with the dead. There are two attractions that really excite my dark side in the Magic Kingdom. The first is the Haunted Mansion. It’s my all-time favorite ride, and it always seems to lift my spirits. The second is Pirates of the Caribbean. How can you go wrong with ghosts and pirate skeletons? Merchandise for Pirates of the Caribbean has always been easy to find, but I’ve noticed more Haunted Mansion goodies in the past few years. I guess it’s done well since Disney recently announced it’s turning the Yankee Trader shop in the Magic Kingdom into a store dedicated to the hauntingly fun attraction. I hope Disney feels my sympathetic vibrations and opens the store by my October visit!
The darkness doesn’t stop there. There are also two events whose attendees are probably like me. “Villains Unleashed” is a new event being held at Hollywood Studios on August 23rd. There will be more than 50 villains in the park and it sounds like it’s going to be a frightfully good time. I’ve also noticed more villains merchandise is now available year round. Now, I can guarantee the next event is screamingly fun for all. “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” takes place several nights September-October in the Magic Kingdom. This will be my fourth year attending the special event, and I’m so excited I’ve already started working on my costume. The fireworks and parade are my favorite parts of the evening. The parade features some amazing characters like the Headless Horseman, a skeleton band, pirates, the hitchhiking ghosts, and all of you classic favorites (in costume of course.)
Finally, I want to highlight some of my favorite Disney movies that lean towards the darker side of things. First, my favorite movie ever, The Nightmare Before Christmas. I have to say I love that this movie has made its way into the parks. The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland turns into a Nightmare ride in the fall. I hope I get to ride it one day, but for now, I’ll have to appreciate all the merchandise available in Walt Disney World. Another movie I’m fond of is Maleficent. I really didn’t expect to like it, but I do enjoy this strong, dark female character who isn’t a villain. Other favorites include Pirates of the Caribbean, Hocus Pocus, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, and The Princess and the Frog.
I can’t be the only grim grinning girl out there! Tell me your favorite dark Disney things on Twitter @hoodie_life.
