Disney’s Happy Haunting treats parents

My Ghost Mickey and Hannah Montana had a blast with friends at this year's Happy Haunting event at Downtown Disney. (Photo by Kristin Ford/Orlando Sentinel)

My friends and I agree: The Mouse definitely improved Happy Haunting at Downtown Disney this year.

Moving candy stations outside the stores was the biggest change and that alone made trick-or-treating so much more enjoyable for everyone. Last year, parents had to maneuver strollers through tight merchandise displays to get children to the sweets in the back of stores. And kids naturally want to touch everything in their paths, which is frustrating for parents and retailers alike. Staying outside the stores made for a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone, I think.

There seemed to be more cast members working the event than I recall last year, too, and they had things well in hand. By 6:30, the sidewalks were jam-packed — another change from last year, maybe because of the weekend — but lines for candy, photo areas and entertainment seating was efficient.

We appreciated that Walt Disney World printed maps just for the two-day, free event  and included Treat Trail sites and entertainment offerings. The information sheets were available in most stores. 

We thought Happy Haunting was pretty great last year, but Disney proved it could be better this year. And I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year.