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Tag: Disney Halloween

  • Everything I’m Packing for My First Halloween on the High Seas Disney Cruise (Amazon Favorites Included) 🎃🚢

    Everything I’m Packing for My First Halloween on the High Seas Disney Cruise (Amazon Favorites Included) 🎃🚢

    Planning your first Disney Cruise? Here’s everything I’m packing for our family’s first Halloween on the High Seas sailing, including Amazon must-haves, cabin organization favorites, Pirate Night essentials, and family-friendly cruise gear.

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Our First Disney Cruise Is Finally Here!

    This September, our family is setting sail on our very first Disney Cruise—and it’s a Halloween on the High Seas sailing!

    As someone who loves Disney vacations, I’ve spent months researching everything I should pack before embarkation day. Between Disney Cruise Facebook groups, YouTube videos, Pinterest, and seasoned cruisers’ blogs, I’ve put together a packing list of products that are recommended over and over again.

    Instead of guessing once we board, I want to be prepared for everything—from Pirate Night to pool days and Halloween festivities.

    This is everything we’re packing for our first Disney Cruise, and after we return, I’ll update this post with what we actually used (and what stayed in the suitcase).

    Why Halloween on the High Seas Is So Special

    Halloween on the High Seas transforms your Disney Cruise into an even more magical vacation.

    You’ll find:

    • Halloween-themed decorations throughout the ship
    • Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party
    • Trick-or-treating
    • Pumpkin Tree ceremony
    • Character costumes
    • Spooky entertainment
    • Pirate Night
    • Halloween-themed treats

    Since this is our very first sailing, we’re planning for both the Halloween festivities and a relaxing tropical vacation.

    Disney Cruise Cabin Essentials

    One thing I learned quickly while researching is that Disney Cruise cabins are designed efficiently—but a few inexpensive products make them even better.

    These are going in our suitcase:

    Magnetic Hooks

    The cabin walls and doors are magnetic, making hooks perfect for hanging backpacks, hats, lanyards, swimsuits, and jackets.

    Packing Cubes

    Packing cubes keep everyone’s clothes organized and make unpacking much easier.

    Hanging Toiletry Organizer

    Instead of cluttering the bathroom counter, a hanging organizer keeps everything in one place.

    Motion-Sensor Night Light

    Perfect for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips without turning on the bright cabin lights.

    Pop-Up Laundry Hamper

    Dirty clothes pile up quickly during a cruise. A collapsible hamper keeps everything contained.

    USB Charging Hub

    With phones, watches, cameras, and portable chargers, extra USB ports are essential.

    Halloween on the High Seas Essentials

    Since we’re sailing during Halloween season, we’re bringing a few festive extras.

    Our list includes:

    I’m especially excited to decorate our cabin door!

    Pirate Night Must-Haves

    Pirate Night is one of the most popular evenings on every Disney Cruise.

    We’re packing:

    • Pirate shirts
    • Pirate accessories
    • Pirate ears
    • Bandanas
    • Glow bracelets
    • Temporary pirate tattoos
    • Comfortable pirate-themed outfits

    Disney provides pirate bandanas, but we’re adding a few extra accessories to make it even more fun.

    Pool Deck & Island Day Essentials

    Whether we’re relaxing onboard or exploring Disney’s island destination, these are coming with us.

    • Portable neck fan
    • Cooling towels
    • Refillable insulated water bottles
    • Reef-safe sunscreen
    • Waterproof phone pouch
    • Beach tote
    • Sunglasses
    • Flip-flops
    • Swim cover-ups
    • Water shoes

    Florida and the Caribbean can be incredibly warm, so staying cool is one of my biggest priorities.

    Cruising With Kids

    Since we’re traveling as a family, a few kid-friendly essentials made my packing list.

    We’re bringing:

    • Kids backpack
    • Disney autograph book
    • Reusable snack containers
    • Refillable water bottle
    • Headphones
    • Small travel games
    • Favorite stuffed animal
    • Tablet for downtime
    • Magnetic travel games

    Embarkation Day Carry-On Bag Checklist

    One tip I kept seeing from experienced cruisers was to pack a separate carry-on bag.

    Because luggage doesn’t arrive immediately, we’ll have everything we need to start enjoying the ship right away.

    Our carry-on includes:

    • Swimsuits
    • Flip-flops
    • Sunscreen
    • Medications
    • Phone chargers
    • Travel documents
    • Wallet
    • Refillable water bottles
    • Snacks
    • Change of clothes

    That way, we can head straight to lunch or the pool while waiting for our luggage.

    Disney Cruise Outfit Ideas

    I’m also planning outfits for every major event onboard.

    Including:

    • Embarkation Day
    • Pirate Night
    • Halloween on the High Seas
    • Formal Night
    • Casual dinner outfits
    • Port adventures
    • Pool days

    I’ll be sharing all of our outfits here on the blog and on Pinterest after our cruise.

    My Disney Cruise Amazon Shopping List

    I’ve created an Amazon list with everything we’re packing for our first Disney Cruise.

    Some of my favorites include:

    • Packing cubes
    • Magnetic hooks
    • Portable fan
    • Hanging toiletry organizer
    • Waterproof phone pouch
    • Portable charger
    • Motion night light
    • Refillable water bottle
    • Pop-up laundry hamper
    • Cooling towels

    (Insert your Amazon Idea List or Storefront here.)

    I’ll Update This After Our Cruise

    One thing I want this blog to be is honest.

    Right now, this is everything we’re planning to pack based on research from experienced Disney cruisers.

    After our September Halloween on the High Seas cruise, I’ll update this post with:

    • What we actually used every day
    • What never left the suitcase
    • The products that were absolutely worth buying
    • What I’d pack differently next time
    • My favorite Disney Cruise tips after experiencing it firsthand

    If you’re planning your first Disney Cruise too, I hope this packing list helps you feel as excited and prepared as we are!

    Happy cruising! 🚢🎃

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you need costumes for Halloween on the High Seas?

    No, costumes are optional, but many guests enjoy dressing up for Halloween-themed events. Comfortable Disney-inspired outfits work just as well.

    Are magnetic hooks really worth bringing?

    Yes! Since Disney Cruise cabin walls are magnetic, hooks are one of the easiest ways to add extra storage space for hats, backpacks, lanyards, and wet swimsuits.

    What should you pack in your carry-on bag?

    Pack swimsuits, medications, travel documents, sunscreen, chargers, a change of clothes, and anything you’ll want before your checked luggage arrives at your cabin.

    Is Pirate Night included on Halloween on the High Seas cruises?

    Most Halloween on the High Seas itineraries include Pirate Night in addition to the Halloween festivities, though entertainment can vary by sailing.

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween: A Boo-tiful Extravaganza of Do’s and Don’ts

    Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween: A Boo-tiful Extravaganza of Do’s and Don’ts


    Hey there, fellow Disney ghouls and goblins! Are you ready to embark on a wickedly wonderful journey to the happiest haunt on Earth? Well, hold on to your Mickey ears because we’re about to delve into the enchanting world of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This spine-tingling Disney event promises spooky fun for all ages, and we’ve got a lighthearted guide packed with do’s and don’ts to ensure you have a fang-tastic time. So, grab your broomsticks and pumpkin spice lattes as we cast a spell of laughter and joy on this fantastic Halloween adventure!

    Do’s:

    1. Dress to Impress: Embrace your inner Disney character or channel your spooktacular creativity with a mind-blowing costume! From pint-sized princesses to adventurous pirates, the more imagination, the better. Just remember, family-friendly costumes are the key to a magical night!
    2. Trick-or-Treat with Gusto: Who said trick-or-treating was just for kids? Grab a treat bag and join the candy quest! Disney knows how to satisfy those sweet cravings, and the candy stations spread throughout the park are proof that the haunted fun knows no age limits.
    3. Snap-a-Lot: Capturing memories is as essential as pumpkin spice on Halloween. Keep those cameras charged and ready because you’ll encounter Disney characters donning spooktacular costumes, and you’ll want to snap a selfie with every single one of them!
    4. Howl with the Boo-to-You Parade: When the clock strikes parade time, make sure you’ve got a primo spot along Main Street, U.S.A. This spooktacular procession boasts everything from cheerful ghosts to villains who forgot they’re supposed to be scary – pure Disney magic!
    5. Prepare to Be Bewitched: The Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular is a must-see! The Sanderson Sisters have come back from the grave, and they’re ready to put on a spell-binding show with their mischievous humor. Hocus Pocus fans, rejoice!

    Don’ts:

    1. Don’t Get Spooked by Crowds: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is wildly popular, so be prepared for some monstrous crowds. But fear not! Arrive early to maximize your magical moments and scare away any worries about lines.
    2. Don’t Forget Your Boo-tiful Ticket: You’ll need a special ticket for the event, but trust us, it’s worth every ghastly penny. Book early to avoid the fright of missing out!
    3. Don’t Get Lost in the Haunted Attractions: While the Haunted Mansion is a classic must-see, remember there are many bewitching rides with shorter lines during the party. Hop on the revamped Pirates of the Caribbean or fly high with Dumbo for a different kind of Halloween thrill.
    4. Don’t Miss the Hauntingly Delicious Treats: From pumpkin-spiced everything to candy-corn-covered goodies, Disney serves up spooktacular treats that will leave your taste buds howling for more. Don’t let these treats disappear like a ghost; try as many as you can!
    5. Don’t Leave Early: Last but not least, stay until the stroke of midnight (or at least until the park closes)! Witness the spellbinding Boo-to-You Finale, where the Hitchhiking Ghosts and the Spectral Bride close the party with a burst of magic and mischief.

    Congratulations, brave Halloween adventurers! You’ve survived our wickedly delightful journey through Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. With our do’s and don’ts in hand, you’re all set to enjoy a hauntingly happy time at the Magic Kingdom. So, get ready to embrace the spooktacular spirit, dance with the Disney villains, and collect enough candy to rival a sugar coma. Now, go forth and have a boo-tiful time! Happy haunting! 🎃👻