October television programming in the 80′s was always fun. The few TV networks that existed (pre-cable of course) would bring out all their Halloween and Horror movie programming and play them round the clock it seemed. I could flip on the tube on a pleasant Sunday afternoon and catch a Vincent Price film, a bizarre oldie from Elvira’s Movie Macabre, or other movie that seemed perfect for the season. One that brings back fond memories is The Ghost and Mr. Chicken starring Don Knotts. This movie came out in 1966, but the networks played it religiously every October in the 80′s…and I watched it every time. Don Knotts stars as Luther Heggs, a newspaper typesetter who is challenged to spend a night in the Simmons mansion, a supposedly haunted house. No one respects him and thinks him a goof. However, Luther demands to be paid attention to, and when he reports strange organ music coming from the old house, he gets laughed at by the local townsfolk. In order to prove what he saw and heard, Luther decides to spend the night in the mansion. But he’s not alone. Will Luther last the night and gain the respect of his town? This movie is great. It is a lighthearted comedy, with enough mystery and creaking doors to get you in a really good mood. And Don Knotts has enough scare scenes to bring out the best of his…what I call Mr. Furley face. Definitely a kid friendly movie that should not be forgotten!

This Friday, Walt Disney World is throwing a one-of-a-kind event at the Haunted Mansion called Room For 1 More. Those who attend will be able to purchase limited edition event logo products, Haunted Mansion themed collectibles, and Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary merchandise. There will also be a silent auction for some spooktacular featured artwork. The event will include a meet-n-greet with other Disney artists. If that’s not enough, a beastly feast will be served up in the graveyard along with some ghostly entertainment. Interested? If so, below is the full schedule:

Thursday, Sept 29, 2011

• 3:00pm – 9:00pm Early Foolish Mortal Guest Registration & Product Pick-up

Friday, Sept 30, 2011

• 9:00am – 3:00pm Foolish Mortal Guest Registration and Product Pick-up

• 10:00am – 5:00pm Haunted Store Open

• 11:00am – 2:00pm & 3:00pm – 6:00pm Haunting Silent Auction preview and bidding

• 3:00pm – 6:00 pm Spirited Artist Viewing/ Meet and Greet with artists from the great beyond

• 7:00pm – 7:30pm Retire to the graveyard for a haunted feast

• 7:30pm – 7:45pm Supernatural artist performance by Noah

• 7:45pm – 8:30pm The Haunted Feast is served

• 8:30pm – 9:00pm Deadly Dessert and Séance panel discussion with ‘other world’ Walt Disney Imagineers

• 9:00pm Final Departure