click here to see Taylor’s exposure

Orange. The color encompasses me.  I feel as if I’m in the famous Disney Channel movie Halloweentown. I inhale deeply and the scent of chocolate-covered caramel apples and sweet candy corn cotton candy fills my nose. My mind is overcome with memories of my frequent childhood visits to the beloved theme park. For me, this truly marks the beginning of Halloween.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Halloween. I have never been one to turn down free candy or dress up as my favorite characters. However, I have just always celebrated the G rated version of the holiday. So while everyone’s being scared beyond belief at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, I’ll be at the only party where I truly want to be: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Besides the fact that I spend at least one day a week at Disneyland on a regular basis, one of my favorite seasons to go is when the park is decorated for this momentous occasion. From tasty treats to bewitching rides, the distinguished theme park is drowned in orange and black colored decorations, ranging from Disney-themed jack-o-lanterns to seasonal characters and food. Since the park is only decorated from Sept. 9 to Oct. 31, I find any excuse to go before the spooky magic vanishes.

Since I was four years old, I have always loved going to Disneyland during Halloween time. It’s become a place where I’m more comfortable than my own home. Every time I step through the entrance of the park, I am instantly hit with all of the scents and sounds that defined my childhood experience.

As I grow older, my love for the beloved theme continues to grow. Everything from the gigantic Mickey jack-o-lantern to the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion will always be a significant part of my Halloween experience, and will forever be my favorite part of the holiday.

Although college applications are consuming my life currently, I will always find time to visit my sanctuary. Through all the stress and anxiety, it brings me joy to see children creating the same memories as I once did when I was little. Even though I’m no longer a four year old dressed as Tinker Bell, I know that my future daughter will be someday.

As I exit the park, the color orange illuminates the darkness of night. I see toddlers asleep in their strollers, exhausted from one of the best days of their lives. I reminisce on my last 12 hours, knowing my four year old self would be satisfied. Although another Halloween season has passed, I am happy that I was able to relive some of my happiest moments at the happiest place on earth.