We've written before about the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, an event I consider Disney's best for the year. There are certain things that are favorites from the years past. In addition, there are a few new fun items to mention, so get ready to be not scared!
The party hours are 7 PM to midnight. With your party ticket, you can actually enter the park at 4 PM or after, giving you some extra park time. I always suggest dining early on these nights. Do you really want to pay almost $80 for a ticket then spend an hour and a half of the party at a restaurant? So plan accordingly. I typically dine at 4 or 5, then I'm ready to go earlier than the party starts. You can also choose to forgo a lengthy sit down meal and just use quick service, or snack all night. There are plenty of fun, party only goodies to snack on!
If you aren't going to the party, any dinner reservation you have must begin BEFORE 7 PM. If it is at 6:55 you are golden. Go eat, and when you are done, you'll have to leave, because cast members will check for wristbands at the entrance to every ride, and along the parade route. It is extremely difficult to stay without a party ticket, and boring, since you can't do anything. In many cases, a cast member from the restaurant will actually escort you out.
Characters that normally don't make an appearance are in attendance, and many are in costume. You'll see Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters, the Fab Five all in costume, and many other surprise characters. The Villains are out in force, many of whom you can't catch any other time. The coolest thing in my opinion is getting a photo opportunity with all seven dwarfs!
The Boo To You Parade, which occurs twice each evening, is a must do. MUST.
It is so much fun, with the best floats and awesome music. Watch carefully at the beginning, because the Headless Horseman comes out flying by on horse, and is easy to miss because he's fast. I dare you to get a clear photo.
Notably, the Haunted Mansion characters are wonderful, the dancers will enchant you and they even have a real hound dog! In addition the Villains segment is fun, and will have you dancing to the music even if you fight against it.
Parade strategy? Many people swear by going to the second parade, because it is "less crowded." Personally, I find that it doesn't matter, because no matter what, if you want a good spot, you need to get it at least an hour ahead. And if I attend the second parade, afterwards it is so late that it feels like the night is almost over. For some reason, going to the first one gives me the illusion of lots of time afterwards. If you sit on Main Street, especially the hub, get a spot an hour and 15 minutes prior to start time. Tip...the parade is coming from Frontierland and Liberty Square, so if you sit a ways from the castle on the right side (facing) then you'll see the floats coming with the castle in the background! Fun.
The Villains Mix and Mingle show is fun. Of course, I know the song by heart...but even if you are a newbie, you'll really enjoy it. I find Jafar's head bobbing around while he dances to be quite amusing...I bet you will too! And you even get a glimpse of the Queen of Heart's unmentionables (gasp!). After, a few select Villains will come out in front of the castle for photos and autographs.
Hallowishes is the best. The BEST. Fireworks show Disney has. Certain parts are 360 degrees, and they'll surround the park. The music is awesome. It is not to be missed and only happens once during the party!
View of Hallowishes as seen from the Grand Floridian
There is a new interactive feature this year, called Minnie Mouse's Costume Chaos. Minnie, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle the cow dress as witches, and you can get a card to play the interactive game only at the party. This is like the Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom, but just for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party guests.
As far as the treat trails, meh. I mean, if you are passing by, go for it. But I always tell my kids if they don't get enough candy I'll buy them a freaking bag at the end of the night. They always have enough, and I am not going to spend precious party time standing in line for candy when I can be riding Splash Mountain four times in a row.
The dance parties are fun, especially for little kids. Once my daughter danced with Donald Duck dressed in a pumpkin costume for at least 30 minutes, mostly by herself (that would be rare). She was Cinderella, and boogying like she'd danced all her 3 years of life. It was one of the most adorable memories we have of all the times we've gone to Disney.
As far as costumes go, don't feel pressured. There are plenty of guests that don't dress up, or just stick a Halloween pair of Mickey ears on. Some just have special tshirts. Some go all out! It is the one time a year that adults can dress in costume (other than the 24 hour event which isn't guaranteed each year). Personally, I'm attempting to find a seamstress to make me a Haunted Mansion tightrope umbrella girl costume, wish me luck. For kids though, costumes are a must. Sometimes the cast members will ask those in costume to sign an autograph book.
Photos by the Photopass Cast Members should be taken advantage of here, especially with the Castle backdrop. It is worth the expense. They are expert shots and there are places around the park where you'll have private photos with amazing backgrounds, and no other people.
You can also get photos with hitchiking ghosts. As you can probably imagine, the Haunted Mansion is a popular attraction at these parties, and for a better reason that it is just scary and goes with a Halloween theme. It is surrounded by fog, and you'll meet a ghost that talks to everyone out front. Sometimes she makes sense, sometimes she doesn't. And photos are great with the black hearse. Don't miss the mansion! Semi new to Magic Kingdom is a shop for Haunted Mansion merchandise, called Memento Mori. Stop by and find park exclusive Haunted Mansion goodies!
This party is my favorite and will most likely always be.
Lucy
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