One of my random travel wants – to experience a Halloween themed Disney Cruise. Last year we did just that by booking a Halloween on the High Seas cruise during our kids’ October track out break. It was lots of fun and I’m grateful we were able to make my wish a reality.
Our particular cruise was a 5 night Western Caribbean sailing on the Disney Dream. It included stops at Grand Cayman and Castaway Cay – Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.
Halloween Themed Fun
During Halloween on the High Seas sailings, the ships are decorated in festive fall and Halloween decor. Everywhere we looked were fun details – pumpkins carved like Mickey and Minnie, Jack ‘o Lanterns in windows, spiderwebs on counters, and festive floral arrangements.
And, of course, the feature is the Pumpkin Tree which stands proudly in the atrium. Each ship in the fleet has its own unique tree and they all have names. The Pumpkin Tree on the Disney Dream is Grim.
On the first night of the cruise, similar to the Merrytime Cruises, there is a tree lighting event. If you want to see it and have your choice in where to stand, plan to arrive early. Our dinner ran over so we were out of luck. This was not a big deal to us. The kids might have enjoyed it, but they also didn’t realize what they missed. If it is important to you, plan and pay close attention to the time. This is a one and done event on the cruise.
FUN FACT The Halloween tree on each Disney ship has its own unique design, personality, and name:
Disney Magic – Reap // Disney Wonder – Bog
Disney Dream – Grim // Disney Fantasy – Muckelbones
Disney Wish – Boo // Disney Treasure – Ginger // Disney Destiny – Solara
Trick Or Treating
Yes, they do have trick or treating during a Halloween on the High Seas cruise! Bring your costumes, dress up and enjoy the fun. For our cruise trick or treating took place twice in the same evening. Once during each dinner seating time (you visit opposite your meal time). We started at the port side entrance of Cabanas and were handed plastic bags by a Cast Member. Inside, we walked counterclockwise through the restaurant meeting Cast Members along the way and collecting treats.
Note: you do not need to bring your own candy bucket or bag. Bags are provided. All ages can participate. The adults in our group received just as much candy as the kids!
Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party
In between Trick or Treating events, Mickey and friends hosted a party on the pool deck for all guests to enjoy. Catch the characters in fun costumes, sing, dance, and play some games.
Special Photo Opportunities
There are photo opportunities with unique backdrops and the characters in their Halloween costumes. One of my favorites was catching Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus! This was a first for Disney during the 2022 season and the lines were long. Any time a character is a must for you, check the app and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Photo opportunities whether with characters or the backdrops are one of the reasons I purchase a photo package each cruise. It varies which one. Sometimes I’ll select just a 10 photo package. Other times I get the unlimited package like I did on this cruise. Admittedly, it can be a pricey add (cost varies based on length of cruise so the unlimited package on a 4 night will cost less than a 7 night), but we always end up with LOTS of photos and I love having the options for our scrapbooks. You can take photos with your own camera as well or ask a Cast Member for assistance. The only thing you won’t get with your own camera are the themed borders and any magic shots.
Pirate Night
Our Halloween cruise also included a Pirate Night! The only Disney cruises where we have not had one were Alaska and Star Wars Day at Sea. In those instances Frozen Night and Star Wars Night replaced it.
We had the standard Pirate Night dinner menu followed by fun deck shows and the late night fireworks. Characters were around the ship at various times in their pirate outfits for photos. If dressing up for the theme nights is something you enjoy, be sure to pack your pirate attire.
All in all, we had a fantastic time on our Halloween on the High Seas cruise. The theming and trick or treat event were an extra layer of fun to an already great experience.
