Theme parks in Halloween mode

By  Evelyn A. Opilas
California
October 24, 2016



Disneyland, Legoland and SeaWorld, all in California, seem to have one thing in common these days – they’ve all embraced Halloween.

From the simple (Legoland) to the spectacular (Disneyland Park), jack-o-lanterns, spiders, cobwebs and ghoulish images adorn their roads, exhibits and buildings, the most decorated being Disneyland Park in Anaheim where the main gate greets visitors with pumpkin Mickeys, Minnies, Goofys – you get the idea.

Meandering through the various exhibits, shops and rides could bring out the inner child among adults and for children to act who they really are – children.

All through October until Halloween itself, Disneyland Park closes its door everyday at 6pm for regular entry ticket holders. This is to accommodate those who have bought US$79 tickets to attend Mickey’s Halloween Party. Yes, a nightly gig where guests are treated to a Disney villains parade, treat stations for sweet and non-sweet goodies for treat or trick bags, and rides seemingly scarier than they really are. And the stunning fireworks, if approved by the Anaheim Fire Department of course. Many visitors dress up in theme costumes, making them attractions and/or objects of curiosity too.

If you want to stay longer than 6pm, you can always transfer to Disney California Adventure next door for the rides, if you have a ‘hopper’ ticket, that is.

According to Wikipedia, “Halloween, or Hallowe'en (a contraction of All Hallows’ Evening), also known as Allhalloween,  All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve is ...   the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.

“It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated in the British Isles from Celtic harvest festivals which may have pagan roots, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, and that this festival was Christianized as Halloween....
 

“Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related guising), attending Halloween costume parties, decorating, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing and divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories and watching horror films. In many parts of the world, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows' Eve, including attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead, remain popular, although elsewhere it is a more commercial and secular celebration.”

Having fun, even about the dark side, does have its costs.