Worth the Hype?! – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

During our October 2018 trip, we went to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and all I can say is that I want more! It has definitely opened the floodgates to other parties and special events. Disney knows how to through a party. This is a special ticketed event so below is our review, tips, and highlights of the party. Feel free to comment on your thoughts, and tips if you’ve attended the party this year or prior.

Activities:

There are several different events going during the party:

• Trick or Treats – Within each land, there are several treat locations which are marked on the map provided once you get into the park as well as the big lanterns throughout the park to indicate each stop. We didn’t make it to all of them and I don’t think you need to. Each location provides handfuls of treats. Bags are provided at each location
• Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade – This is a must see, and you’ll want to scope out a spot for the early times. You will not want to miss the Headless Horseman who starts the parade off OR the Gravediggers
• Happy Hallowishes Fireworks – Great fireworks show. Don’t expect any tech layovers like Happily Ever After, this is a straight up fireworks show with music. There are a couple of minor layovers, but it’s not the main attraction. Therefore you don’t need a center view of the castle
• Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular Show – Again this is a must see and a favorite of my little ones. You will want to scope out a spot for the early times.
• Dance Parties – This year two dance parties where offered:
  • Monstrous-SCreen-o-Ween Ball (Tomorrowland)
  • NEW Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam (Fantasyland)
• Special Disney Character Meet-and-Greets – Throughout the park, you’ll get to meet characters like Jack & Sally, Jane, Terk & Tarzan, the Snow White & the seven dwarves, etc. There are a couple of characters that have long lines (e.g., 2+hr waits) so, if it’s high on your list to meet one, I would suggest waiting in line as soon as you get in

Attractions:

There are a couple of rides that have a couple of Halloween special effects:

• Mad Tea Party-Light sequence and music during the ride
• Pirates of the Caribbean-Real Human Actors throughout the ride
• Space Mountain-Completely darkness throughout the ride

Party Exclusive Snacks:

There are a couple of places where you can get exclusive party treats for an additional cost:

• Storybook Treats (Fantasyland) is where you can find the Maleficent Dessert
  • Review: We loved it. Not only does it look good, but the lime ice-cream was super refreshing. Our little ones enjoyed it as well
• Liberty Square Market(Liberty Square) is where you find the Madame Leota Dessert
  • This was on our list to treats to try out, but unfortunately, our little ones did not make it to the end, so we skipped out
• Sleepy Hollow (Liberty Square) is where you find the Jack Skellington Dessert
  • We did not try this one out. Honestly, it didn’t even make it on the list of treats to try out
• Gaston’s Tavern (Fantasyland) is where you find the Oogie Boogie Meringue
  • We did not try this one out. Honestly, it didn’t even make it on the list of treats to try out
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Frontierland) is where you can find the Worms and Dirt Dessert
  • We did not try this one out. Honestly, it didn’t even make it on the list of treats to try out
• Aloha Isle (Adventureland) is where you can find the Hitchhiking Ghost Dessert
  • Review: Not our favorite. It looked amazing, but we were not impressed with the taste. It was a chocolate cream puff with a cookies and cream filling

Price:

The price for the party will increase as it gets closer to Halloween. MNSSHP parties run from August 17-October 31, 2018 on select dates. An adult ticket can run from $79 – $125 (+tax) and a child tick can run from $74 – $125 (+tax). Annual Passholders and DVC members to receive discounted rates, an adult ticket can run from $70 – $94 (+tax) and a child tick can run from $65 – $89 (+tax).

Time:

Halloween party guests can start to arrive at 4 pm, although the party doesn’t officially start until 7 pm. DVC members can enter the park as early as 2 pm (and also get a special line – which is usually shorter). The last show is at 12 am.

Daytime guests are required to leave the park by 6 pm.

Overall Experience:

We loved it! It has definitely opened up the door for other parties/ special events. I think I see going to A Very Merry Christmas Party in our future. I’m glad I read up on MNSSHP beforehand so that I could plan accordingly.

TIP: You will not be able to do everything, so have a plan in place. Prioritize the activities, rides, and treats that you want to do. Keep in mind that you still might not be able to do everything. The parade, fireworks, and show are a must.

TIP: If you’re a collector of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards, you’ll want to stop by the Firehouse on Main Street USA before the leaving the park. You’ll receive a free Orange Bird card.

Let me know if you have any special tips for any of the Disney parties/special events – especially for A Very Merry Christmas party. And with that, we hope you’re having a magical day!