For this year’s Halloween trip, we decided it was time to go back to Walt Disney World, to enjoy another Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
I love both Halloween and Disney, so to me, this is the perfect Halloween event! Plus, it is the only time you are allowed to wear a full costume as an adult at the Disney Parks, which just adds to the fun!
This year, we brought friends a long and decided to go as Disney Villains- perfect for this time of year!
We went as Ursula, Cruella, Captain Hook and Oogie Boogie and had a villainously good time making our way around the park.
One Cast Member even voted us Best Costumes!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a limited ticket event running at Magic Kingdom select nights from mid August until Halloween night. The official party runs from 7 p.m. until midnight, but with a party ticket you are able to enter the park as of 4 p.m.
You pick up your wristband and enter through another section of Magic Kingdom to pick up your Trick or Treat bag.
From 4-7 p.m., you can enjoy the rides etc and then by 7 p.m anyone who doesn’t have a party ticket has to leave the park and the Halloween party festivities begin!
There is exclusive party merchandise and food available around the park. This year, I got the Minnie Winnie Sipper, the Madame Leota Seance Candle (red velvet cake with cookies and cream mousse) and the Grave Yard Milkshake (Chocolate milkshake with a dipped graveyard jelly doughnut and candy!) In my opinion, all worth it!
There are numerous treat stations around the park to go trick or treating at. For a bit of extra fun, be sure to ask the cast members what their bat is named!
There are lots of character meet and greets with characters like the Winnie the Pooh gang and Mickey all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. It is also a great time to meet some of the villains who you usually won’t find around the parks, as well as Jack and Sally, from The Nightmare Before Christmas, who are only found during this time. Wait times for the characters vary, with Jack and Sally usually being at least an hour wait (we had met them the last time, so didn’t bother waiting again.)
One of my favourite parts of the party is the Halloween entertainment.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular firework and laser show on Cinderella Castle happens at 10 p.m each party.
Mickey’s ‘Boo-To-You’ Halloween parade happens twice a night, featuring Disney characters in their costumes, all the villains and more, with the Headless Horseman leading the way.
The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, is my favourite, with 3-4 shows a night on the castle stage.
The Sanderson Sisters are back and need help from their Villainous friends to cast a spell!
As it is a limited ticket event, the wait time for rides is a lot less. Many of the rides were walk on and the longest we waited was 15 minutes, which is a nice change from regular park visits. Of course a visit to the Haunted Mansion was the perfect way to close our night of spooky fun!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is definitely one of my favourite places to celebrate spooky season!
“Once again…welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.” ― Bram Stoker, Dracula
As we are well into spooky season, this year’s Halloween trip is to a place I have been dying to visit for years.
The Transylvania region of Romania instantly makes me think of a mysterious land of bloodthirsty vampires and spooky Halloween scenes with a lonely, medieval castle perched high atop a rocky cliff.
While many of these images come from watching movies about vampires…or the animated ‘Transylvania’ films, this region of Romania is still the perfect spot to visit around Halloween!
And while the whole region has a history of spooky myths and legends, for me, there was one particular spot that made visiting Romania a must: Bran Castle.
It’s easy to see why Bram Stoker decided to set his 1897 vampire novel, Dracula, here. Although the author never visited Bran Castle, the novel was inspired by superstition and some real-life exploits of the 15th-century Wallachian nobleman, Vlad Dracul III, who was also known as Vlad Ţepeş (the Impaler) as it was said that Vlad liked to impale his enemies on long spikes, leaving them to die in the field. While maybe not a vampire…Vlad definitely left a bloody wake.
Perched high on a rocky hill with rust-coloured towers, Bran Castle looks just like you’d hope a medieval vampire castle would look.
As we climbed up the cobblestone path leading to the castle, there were flags stating ‘Royal by Day. Wicked by Night,’ and looking out over the land where Vlad the Impaler once impaled over 20,000 people, you can easily imagine some angry spooks haunting this place.
Upon entering the castle, you get a brief history of the place.
The first residents on this site were the Teutonic Knights, who constructed a wooden fortress in the early 1200s.
Bran Castle was built in 1377, when Hungarian King Louis the Great granted the people of Brasov the privilege of building a castle. It was completed in 1388. The lord of the castle was elected by the King, usually from among the Saxons. This role was increasingly important in the history of Transylvania.
While Vlad the Impaler never lived in Bran Castle (his castle is now in ruins, located in the Principality of Wallachia), he was allied with Bran and Brasov during his first reign beginning in 1448 and into his next reign, where he was requested to handle the anti-Ottoman resistance at the border. Then, during his second reign, he changed sides and his army passed through Bran in early 1459 to attack Brasov, in order to settle a conflict between Wallachia and the Saxons. He wasn’t much of a negotiator and burned the city’s suburbs to the ground, murdering hundreds of Saxons from Transylvania. During his reign, to many Romanians he was seen as a hero for protecting them and fighting for Romanian independence.
The castle continued to change hands and fell into disrepair and was restored numerous times over the years.
In 1918, Transylvania became part of Greater Romania, and in 1920, the citizens offered the castle to Queen Marie of Romania, who was beloved. The castle became a favourite residence of the Queen, who restored and arranged it to be used as a residence for the royal family. When Queen Marie died on July 18, 1938, Bran Castle was bequeathed to her favourite daughter, Princess Ileana.
In 1948, Princess Ileana and her family were forced to leave the country by the newly installed communist regime. During these years, the castle was turned into a museum. Then, in 1987, restoration began again and in 1993, the castle was reopened as a museum.
In 2006, after years of legal proceedings, the castle was legally returned to the heirs of Princess Ileana of Romania and Archduke Anton of Austria.
Today, it continues to be a leading tourist attraction in Transylvania and one I couldn’t wait to check out!
After learning a bit about the castle’s past, you head through the narrow corridors and steep, winding staircases to explore the castle as Queen Marie had it.
Although, this time of year, there was also a Halloween twist to the decor as they were preparing for the huge Halloween party that takes place here at the end of October. While it changed the regal feel, the whole reason we were here was to explore “Dracula’s Castle,” so the Halloween decor just added to the experience for me. (If, for some reason, Halloween is not your thing, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Bran Castle in late October!!)
Step inside both Queen Marie’s and King King Ferdinand I’s bedrooms, both filled with beautiful old pieces.
The ornately carved wooden furniture, high arched ceilings, and decor throughout the castle felt like stepping back in time.
The music room, complete with shelves of old books, a big fireplace, and lots of nooks perfect for reading, is where I’d want to spend my time.
From here, you can head towards the balcony where you will find excellent views of the courtyard. As you explore the castle, you can view the courtyard from the balconies on several levels, offering excellent photo opportunities of the many towers and beautiful fall foliage!
Then head back inside where you will find the narrow secret staircase leading from the 1st floor up to the 3rd floor. This feels exactly like the kind of place you might run into Count Dracula himself.
There are various rooms set up with photos, clothing, weapons, coats of arms, suits of armour, and more spread throughout the castle.
If you’re feeling brave, head to the 4th floor for the “A history of dreads in Transylvania” exhibition.
There are several rooms filled with the history of local myths and fears from the 15th century, including the Grim Reaper, the Lele, the Sântoaderi, the Solomonari, ghosts, the Strigoi and werewolves.
If, like Vlad, medieval torture is your thing, there is another special exhibition on Medieval Instruments of Torture.
Here, there are several rooms filled with various devices used for torture, including photos and descriptions. While all are cruel, some are truly horrifying!
Once you’ve had your fill of Medieval torture, head back downstairs and out into the courtyard, where you will also find a small gift shop.
The final exhibit before exiting the castle is the Time Tunnel. “The only elevator in the world that goes up into history and down into the future.” The castle was built with a 7-metre-deep water cistern, which was converted to a 59-metre well in the 17th century. During Queen Marie’s residence, she decided to put an elevator into the shaft to connect the Royal Park to the castle. After the Royal family was forced to leave, the tunnel remained empty and forgotten for years.
Now, you take the elevator down from the past and head into the future through a multimedia presentation through the years from the Teutonic Knights until present day Bran Castle.
The display ends with a photo opportunity which you can purchase in the gift shop.
Once you’ve finished touring the inside of the castle, be sure to wander the grounds of the Royal Park below for various views of the castle.
You can also visit Queen Marie’s Tea House for a meal or a cup of tea where the Queen used to have her five o’clock cuppa.
As part of the Halloween decor, the pond in the middle of the park was filled with bright red long spikes, to signify the bloody impalements performed by Vlad on his Ottoman soldier enemies.
Outside the gates, there are numerous stands set up selling snacks and souvenirs to the hundreds of thousands of guests who visit each year.
While it may not actually be home to bloodthirsty vampires, between the real history and the imagined Count Dracula, Bran Castle is a Halloween lover’s must-see!
Info
You can purchase tickets just inside the main gate
Admission-
Adults – 60lei
Students – 35lei
Seniors – 45lei
Torture chambers -10lei
Time Tunnel – 20 lei
Opening times
October 1 to March 31 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays (last admission is 4 p.m.) 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
April 1 to September 30 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Mondays (last admission is 6 p.m.) 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
A few years ago, I made a list of all the Halloween inspired places I wanted to visit. Salem was first up and we had a great time exploring the town and learning about the history of the Salem witch trials.
This spooky season, we drove to Sleepy Hollow, NY to explore the setting of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Irving’s short story is a favourite read of mine this time of year, so I was eager to see what the town had to offer.
Halloween decor was everywhere, with houses and businesses here really getting into the spirit of the season.
‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ Must Sees
If, like me, you are mainly visiting Sleepy Hollow in October near Halloween because you love The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (book, movie adaptations and/or shows), then here are the sights you’ll want to see!
Headless Horseman Bridge
“If I can but reach that bridge,” thought Ichabod, “I am safe.” ~The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The famous bridge where Ichabod Crane was unseated by a pumpkin is the most popular destination in Sleepy Hollow that doesn’t exist … at least not in the same location it’s found in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
That simple wooden bridge that spanned the river in the late 1700s has long since rotted away.
This Headless Horseman Bridge is located in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
*Fun Fact: As vehicles cross the bridge at just the right speed, you can hear the hoofbeats of the Headless Horseman’s horse!
The Old Dutch Church & Burying Ground
“Indeed, certain of the most authentic historians of those parts, who have been careful in collecting and collating the floating facts concerning this spectre, allege that the body of the trooper, having been buried in the church-yard, the ghost rides forth to the scene of battle in nightly quest of his head; and that the rushing speed with which he sometimes passes along the Hollow, like a midnight blast, is owing to his being belated, and in a hurry to get back to the church-yard before daybreak.”
~The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Old Dutch Church & Burying Ground was founded around 1685.
The church’s 2.5-acre burying ground is said to be the haunt of the Headless Horseman in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s also the resting place of local citizens who are said to have inspired Irving’s characters of Katrina Van Tassel, Brom Bones, and others.
This small cemetery is found adjacent but separate to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving’s grave can be found.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
The 90-acre cemetery has seen over 45,000 interments, including some famous ones like Washington Irving, Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler, Elizabeth Arden, and William Rockefeller.
You can walk or drive the grounds on your own or book one of the various tours offered both during the day and in the evening.
It’s a beautiful spot to wander around and enjoy the beautiful October colour. Just be respectful, and if driving, be sure you aren’t blocking driveways or parking on graves as you make your way around.
The grounds close at 4:30 p.m.
Location: 540 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Headless Horseman Statue
“Ichabod was horror-struck on perceiving that he was headless! – but his horror was still more increased on observing that the head, which should have rested on his shoulders, was carried before him on the pommel of his saddle!”
~The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
This 18-foot statue of Ichabod Crane being chased by the Headless Horseman was unveiled on Halloween 2006.
It’s located a few feet from where the Horseman would have hurled his pumpkin head at Ichabod.
It’s a popular photo op and the perfect place for catching up on Irving’s famous legend!
362 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Sculpture
Located across the street from the statue by the entrance to Philipsburg Manor, you’ll find The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Sculpture, which depicts Ichabod Crane fleeing for his life from the Headless Horseman.
The sculpture was presented in 1974 to the village of North Tarrytown.
The village changed its name to Sleepy Hollow in 1997.
Location: Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
EVENTS
October in Sleepy Hollow offers something for everyone, from ghost tours to blazing pumpkins, storytelling, gothic mansions, a Halloween parade and, if you’re lucky, a sighting of the Headless Horseman himself!
Irving’s Legend
Head to Irving’s Sunnyside, the author’s picturesque estate nestled along the Hudson River, where a candlelit path takes you down to see master storyteller Jonathan Kruk perform his rendition of Irving’s Legend, a dramatic performance of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky, spectacular experience for all!
The performance lasts about an hour and takes place outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather.
During the day, you can also take a spooky tour here on the grounds of Washington Irving’s estate. A special exhibit highlights how the Legend has lived on in popular culture through the centuries since its publication.
Location: 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The area’s biggest Halloween event features over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminated against the mysterious backdrop of Van Cortlandt Manor’s 18th-century buildings.
Grab a beer or a hot cider and spend an hour or so making your way through the trail of beautifully carved pumpkins.
Tickets need to be purchased in advance. More info can be found here.
Location: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
There are lots more tours and events happening throughout the month of October, including the Sleepy Hollow Halloween Parade on the Saturday before Halloween.
A charming tavern with a good selection of beers on tap and some unique food options like the North American Elk Burger, the Chipotle Bison Burger, the Wild Boar Chorizo Burger, and the Disco is Dead Fries (wild boar fries). They also have a beer garden. Menu can be found here.
Location: 226 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
The Hudson Valley’s largest craft brewery hosts a large brew facility, indoor beer hall, and outdoor beer garden. They offer a variety of beers on tap or you can opt for one of the two tasting flights. They also have food, including numerous pizzas to choose from. I recommend the Honeybear Pie!
They now have two locations. More info can be found here.
Tips
The best time to go is in October. The closer to Halloween, the better!
You’ll also find the best fall colours during the month of October.
Most events have parking included with your ticket.
While exploring the town, there are municipal lots with parking for $1 per hour.
The town is very walkable, so find a spot to park and set off!
Beware of the Headless Horseman and enjoy your time in Sleepy Hollow!
Tales of a Travel Addict 
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