I have haunted attraction envy. It's true. I'm perfectly satisfied with my own yard haunt. I'm also fortunate to live within an hour's drive of two professional haunts consistently ranked among the best in America (Forest of Fear in Tuxedo, NY and The Headless Horseman in Ulster Park, NY). But Florida and California get the biggest theme park haunt makeovers every year.
I'm the kind of guy who wants to vacation in Florida in October to hit up Halloween Horror Nights at Universal and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney.
I think Disney wins the battle this year by finally banking on Hocus Pocus. Inside the Magic has the full debut performance of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at the Magic Kingdom and it's everything you could ever want.
The Sanderson Sisters return from the grave again to create an amazing Halloween celebration. They're visited by some of the greatest villains in Disney history as they cast their spell outside of Cinderella's Castle.
The costumes, hair, and makeup on everyone's favorite sister witches is spot on. The actors are great, too, really channeling the energy of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The projections on Cinderella's Castle are beautiful. I also have serious blacklight envy. Just look at the glow on those chandeliers. Basically, this is how I want my house to look year round. What's stopping me? Stares from the neighbors.
Rumor has it that Disney is in the early stages of trying to make Hocus Pocus a stage musical. Could this be a test to see if their concept works? Sure, they won't use the other Disney villains for that story (though what a great use of Dr. Facelier), but they need a whole lot more cheesy banter and music to work onstage. Food for thought.
