We spotted a new magical detail at Liberty Square in Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Guests can now see a window projection of Ichabod Crane at nighttime.
Seeing this is a great throwback for classic Disney fans!
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. It’s based on Washington Irving’s short story of the same name. Although Sleepy Hollow was first published in 1820 while Irving was traveling abroad in England, the story is set in Tarrytown, New York during 1790.
The story introduces readers to Ichabod Crane, who moves into the New York town to work as a schoolmaster. He quickly becomes rivals with a local town hero, Brom Bones, by competing with him for the hand of a wealthy farmer’s daughter, Katrina Van Tassal. However, Ichabod is a superstitious fellow and Brom uses this to his advantage at a village party by sharing a chilling ghost story of the Headless Horseman. Ichabod leaves the party with superstitious fear wrecking his nerves. He lets his fear overcome him when he comes across the Headless Horseman while journeying home. He races in panic with the ghostly rider in hot pursuit.
The Disney adaption of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow follows the same story as the book. It does have a lighter tone than the original story and has its comedic moments. The legendary Bing Crosby narrated the movie and sang three unique songs for the production!
If you want to see the window projection yourself, then head over to Liberty Square and look above Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. It’s directly across from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments and the Hall of Presidents.
Ichabod Crane can be seen in the window lighting the candle, reading, drinking tea, and then blowing out the candle. The projection lasts approximately 90 seconds and runs periodically after sunset.
The Headless Horseman will soon appear at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. He comes out prior to the parade and gallops down the street while waving his pumpkin head. An interesting note is that he will stop at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. This is in reference to how his spirit is unable to cross the bridge in the film. He will slowly cross before continuing his ride past Cinderella’s Castle and down Main Street. His arrival on the street is a highlight of the night for many who attend the Halloween Party.
With just a few weeks to go before the first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there’s still time to watch this timeless animated classic!
