It’s only October 9, and Halloween is in FULL swing in my world. If you’ve been revisiting your seasonal favorites on Disney+ – like Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or Muppets Haunted Mansion – you’re definitely not alone.
I went digging for something a little different and found a few lesser-known animated Halloween specials that are perfect for filling those October nights. While classics like The Skeleton Dance, Lonesome Ghosts, and Trick or Treat should always be on your list, here are three newer, not-too-scary Disney+ shorts that deserve a watch before Halloween arrives.
The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular (2017)
This half-hour special is a hidden gem packed with visual gags, sharp humor, and just the right amount of spookiness. Mickey tries to outdo himself with scary stories for Donald, Goofy, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and even Morty and Ferdie (making a rare return since Mickey’s Christmas Carol). Each story is inspired by classic tales like Frankenstein, Dracula, and Hansel and Gretel, told with the fast-paced, quirky style of the modern Mickey Mouse shorts. Originally aired on Disney Channel, it’s now streaming on Disney+ and well worth adding to your Halloween playlist.
Mickey & Friends: Trick or Treats (2023)
This more recent short brings a unique visual twist thanks to its stop-motion animation style. In it, Mickey and friends are out trick-or-treating when Donald spots the creepiest mansion on the block and insists they check it out. Inside, they meet Witch Hazel, who casts a spell that transforms each of them into their costume. It’s a playful story with plenty of charm, and the attention to detail in the animation makes it especially fun to watch.
Here’s a peek at some of the stop-motion puppets from D23:
Toy Story of Terror! (2013)
Pixar delivers a Halloween-worthy adventure with this 21-minute special, set shortly after the events of Toy Story 3. During a road trip, Bonnie’s family checks into a roadside motel after car trouble. When one of the toys goes missing, the rest of the gang uncovers a spooky mystery (and a larger scheme) inside the motel. With a great mix of suspense and humor, plus a strong focus on Jessie’s character, this is a must-watch for any Toy Story fan.
Bonus TREAT
As a little bonus… have you seen this old episode of The Mouse Factory? Episode 4, “Spooks & Magic”, stars Phyllis Diller – who is already fa-boo-lous on her own.
She takes you through The Haunted Mansion paired with some classic, spooky Disney animated shorts and some interesting character visits. Seriously, I’ll never be over Franken-Donald and Dracula Goofy!
It’s available to watch on YouTube here thanks to “Walt’s Vault”:
Whether you’re setting the mood for a Halloween movie night or just want something festive to play in the background, these shorts are a great way to make the most of the season. There’s still plenty of October left – so press play, grab some popcorn, and keep the spooky spirit going!
