Carving and decorating pumpkins for Halloween is on every family's fall checklist. Looking for a way to make this year's crop super special? Take some style inspiration from the kiddos' favorite movies and make a Disney-themed display in honor of their favorite characters — or go wild and recreate the entire population of Magic Kingdom.
Let's be honest, creating the same old spooky jack-o'-lantern every year can feel a bit like celebrating Groundhog Day instead of Halloween. And not every child likes the scary side of Halloween, especially toddlers or those who see Halloween as a reason to cover themselves and everything within a 2-mile radius with glitter.
Everyone, from kids to grandparents, has a favorite Disney film or a character we think of as our spirit animal (Hi, I'm Ursula) and Halloween is the perfect time to show them off. Make pumpkins that showcase everyone in the family's personal Disney spirit, like a Nemo pumpkin for the littlest guppy in the family. Or create a pumpkin that looks just like Mrs. Potts that matches your daughter's Belle costume (can you say amazing photo op?)
These designs will appeal to everyone's inner child and are simple enough to pull off that even a child can do them — no middle of the backyard meltdown over epic pumpkin fails. And if the idea of kids wielding knives feels a little too much like a real-life horror movie, lots of Disney characters can take their pumpkin form completely carving-free, using paint and other simple craft materials.
The hardest part of pumpkin-making this Halloween won't be creating these awesome Disney pumpkins, it will be deciding which one to choose.
The Genie
Aladdin's Genie can come for Halloween with the help of some paint, cotton batting and of course, a plastic lamp. He may not be able to grant any wishes, but he'll sure impress guests on Halloween.
Poison Apple
This poison apple pumpkin is super cool and surprisingly simple to create. Just don't show it to anyone dressed as Snow White.
Jack Skellington
Kids who adore The Nightmare Before Christmas will love making their own Jack Skellington with a white pumpkin and some air-dry clay. Parents will love how older kids can make this mess-free pumpkin on their own.
Olaf
Do you wanna build a snowman? You can — with pumpkins.
Rapunzel
Not every Disney pumpkin has to feature a character's face. Making a Rapunzel-themed gourd is possible with some paint, silk flowers, a plastic tiara and the help of her signature sun symbol.
Nemo
This adorable and clever Nemo pumpkin required little painting thanks to his naturally orange color. Use construction paper or pieces of a smaller pumpkin to give him his lucky fin.
Baymax
For kids dressing as Baymax from Big Hero Six this Halloween, this pumpkin makes the perfect accessory.
Minnie Mouse
Three pumpkins combine to make an adorable Minnie Mouse jack-o'-lantern. Missing Mickey? Make another one and leave off the bow.
Mike Wazowski
It's easy to make everyone's favorite one-eyed monster in pumpkin form. And because Mike Wazowski is known for his silly expressions, it's pretty impossible to mess this one up.
Cheshire Cat
Alice in Wonderland's silly cat will be right at home glowing outside the door to greet trick-or-treaters.
Cinderella
This gold and white carriage looks almost as beautiful as Cinderella's actual pumpkin carriage.
Tinker Bell
Lots of tiny holes make this Tinker Bell jack-o'-lantern look like she's sprinkling a trail of pixie dust.
BB-8
Kids dressing as Ray, Luke, Leia or even Kylo Ren will love making their favorite droid in pumpkin form.
Mrs. Potts
This genius Mrs. Potts design uses the pumpkin's stem to form the teapot's spout.
'Up'
If Up is the family's favorite film to watch together, then this is the perfect pumpkin to make as a team. Parents can take care of the carving while kids handle the painting and balloons.
'The Little Mermaid'
Little princesses will love this glowing ode to Ariel, complete with a clamshell top.
Scrum
Lilo & Stitch fans will remember Lilo's beloved doll, Scrum. Grab some paint, ribbon, and buttons to make this adorable Scrum pumpkin.
Maleficent
This Maleficent shadow pumpkin is the perfect pick for any mom who takes it as a compliment when the kids declare her the "meanest mom ever" for enforcing the rules.
Winnie the Pooh
Toddlers will get a kick out of seeing their beloved Pooh diving into a jar of sweet, sticky honey with this painted pumpkin idea. Just make sure to wrap Pooh's head in a plastic bag so he'll still be snuggle-ready in November.
Heart of TiFeti
Got a mini-Moana in the house? Thrill her on Halloween with a glowing heart of TiFeti jack-o'-lantern.