Every year our dogs Blue and Jake look forward to the costumed pet parade held at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground just before Halloween. It’s the high point on their social calendar!
Back in 2012 our boys Zak and Blue took third place honours with their costumes, Zak as the Headless Horseman and Blue as a canine aviator.
The last few years the event has been held on October 30th, in the afternoon, and it always takes place in the off-leash dog park beside the 300 loop of campsites.
Dogs from across the continent . . . and the occasional very wary cat . . . put on their finest Halloween costumes and parade past the panel of judges from the nearby Best Friends Kennel. The nice folks at Best Friends provide all the prizes for the contest winners!
There is always a wide diversity of costumes . . .
Some are purchased.
Some are home made.
Some are formal.
Some are just way cool!
Many are Disney themed.
There are cute little pets.
There are giant beasts who outweigh their humans.
Some costumes are whimsical.
Some costumes are lavish.
Here’s one of those wary cats I mentioned earlier! Is that Cheshire Cat masquerading as White Rabbit?
Once everyone has paraded past the judging area . . .
. . . everyone waits, filled with anticipation . . .
. . . while the judges tally the scores!
Then the results are announced!
The winners in 2010 . . . Jack, Sally and Zero.
In 2015 it was a Star Wars family. The two dogs were dressed as R2D2 and C3PO.
Our puppies have been shut out since that third place finish in 2012, but they’re determined to get back into the limelight. They will parade in their brand new costumes in just under six months and they’re already getting excited!
If you’re looking for a change of pace at Walt Disney World you might want to drop by for the annual Halloween pet parade. Call the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness (407-824-2742) to confirm the date and time.
If you can’t wait until October, click on the white arrow in the image below to enjoy a ten-minute video of the 2015 event provided by our good friends at MouseSteps.com.
Note: Parking is very limited at Fort Wilderness. If you plan to come see the pet parade you should plan on using Disney transportation. Come by Disney bus, or catch a boat from the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort or Wilderness Lodge.
Blue, Jake, Carol and I will be there to say hello!
I love your pictures! We are the Star Wars family in the photo! The competition really is getting tough, lots of great ideas!
Hi Gary!
One word… Adorable!
I look forward to any blog post later this year where we get to see Jake & Blue in their finery. I’ll keep my fingers crossed they get their deserved first place!
All the best
Kelly
Hi Gary,
They all look so cute! Can’t wait until October to follow along on your trip report and see what Blue and Jake will be dressed as.
Too bad it seems your Spring trip was cancelled. I look forward to your trip reports. You make it fun to read and it is nice that you and Carol share your adventures to WDW. Some day I’ll get back there. Maybe i”ll rent a trailer and stay at Fort Wilderness.
See you in October! Figuratively that is.
Doug