Halloween on the High Seas

​Before my 2017 adventures begin, I wanted to go back in time a bit and finally report back on my Oct 2016 cruise on the Disney Fantasy. 

My husband, my sister and I went on a 7 night cruise to Eastern Caribbean ports.  My husband and I had done this itinerary before but it was the first time for my sister.

The cruise was great and we all had a great time but the part I wanted to especially share was the theme of the cruise.  During the fall months, Disney designates certain sailings as “Halloween on the High Seas.”  Our cruise fell into these dates and it was truly a great experience. 
​
The theming starts as soon as you enter the ship.  Everything is decorated in the atrium and there were little touches everywhere.  There were many special events through the entire cruise.  We made sure to read through the Navigator each day (that is the daily schedule) to make sure we didn’t miss anything.  I believe we did most of everything that was themed to Halloween.  I will talk about each one below.

---

The atrium area decorations

​

• A sing a long 4D showing of the Nightmare Before Christmas.  This happened twice on our cruise.  The first was at 10 pm on our first night which we thought may be the only showing so we attended.  There was a matinee version later in the cruise.  This took place in the Walt Disney Theater.  The 4D aspects were mainly lighting and some smoke.  I thought the lighting effects went well with the movie.  At the end, Sally and Jack rise from the stage and then walk through the audience saying “Happy Halloween.”  They were then outside the theater for meet and greets.
• The Pumpkin Tree – The story of the Pumpkin Tree happened in the atrium over several nights.  Between dinner seatings, there was a 15 minute time period where a character named the “caretaker” would come out and tell the story of the Pumpkin Tree.  There was an interactive aspect for kids and over the cruise the tree bloomed and then had some special effects.  

• Halloween Day – One day of the cruise was designated as “Halloween.”  There was a big party in the atrium.  Many guests dressed up and there were some great family costumes.  The main Disney characters came out and they were dressed as well.  It was a big dance party in the atrium and then there were candy and game stations spread out around that general area.  In the evening, there was an adult costume party in the adult district. 
• One evening, on the top deck there was “ghost stories” and a showing of the Haunted Mansion movie on the funnel vision.  

Guests starting to arrive for the Halloween party. By the time it started, it was packed.

Overall, I found the theme to be immersive but not over the top.  There were definitely enough Halloween activities to enjoy, but if you weren’t into celebrating Halloween, you could easily find other activities to enjoy.  There was still a Pirates Night so the Halloween theme did not interfere with that. 
​
I would definitely do this cruise again and now I would like to try a 7 night Christmas themed cruise!