10 Reasons You Need To Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
With the change of season comes one of my favorite holidays- Halloween. From spooks and spirits to costumes and The Monster Mash, what is not to love about this Fall holiday?
The only reason you won’t find me home binge-watching scary movies in my over-the-top decorated house is that I’m at Magic Kingdom. Joined by my family in our Disney-inspired costumes, you’ll find us along the parade route awaiting the Headless Horseman’s arrival.
The Headless Horseman kicks off the parade
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is quick to win guests over. Once you’ve attended a party, you’ll see why guests keep going back. However, if you are undecided about going here is a list of the reasons why you should attend MNSSHP.
1. Halloween Twists and Surprises
Throughout Magic Kingdom, you will find that a handful of attractions feature a unique holiday twist. For example, The Dapper Dans become the Cadaver Dans. The Mad Tea Party features unique lighting and sound effects. Space Mountain takes off to a whole new soundtrack. “Gun Powder Pete” makes an appearance on Pirates of the Caribbean. There is even a handful of photo opportunities featuring ghosts from Haunted Mansion and other spooky surprises all unique to MNSSHP.
Cadaver Dans only appear at MNSSHP
2. Shorter Wait Times
While we are on the subject of attractions, if you are a ride junkie this next reason is for you. There are a limited number of tickets sold for each night of the Halloween party. This means that there is a limited number of guests allowed into the event, therefore minimizing the wait time on many attractions.
Check the My Disney Experience App for wait times
3. Costumes
This is a fun chance to go all out with your Disney costume. Where else can you dress up like your favorite animated character and not feel out of place? I’ve seen great costumes including a simple white t-shirt and chef hat turned seagull head styled after a Finding Nemo seagull (Mine! Mine!). I’ve also seen a group dress as Lady Tremaine (with Lucifer in tow), Anastasia, Drizella and Cinderella (in rags). Their costumes were so spectacular that at first, we couldn’t tell if they were fellow park guests or not. Make sure that whatever costume you choose aligns with Disney’s costume policy.
4. Hallowishes
This specialty firework production is not to be missed. Guests are treated to a spook-tacular firework show set to the tune of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and a remix of other villainous songs. Cinderella’s Castle comes to life with special songs, lighting effects, and projections featuring Ursula, Maleficent, Oogie Boogie, and more.
HalloWishes Firework Show
5. Rare Characters
My family has a large autograph book that we are continuously trying to fill with signatures from new and unique characters. Yes we have Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, but I’m talking about the characters who aren’t hanging around the parks each day – Moana, the 7 Dwarfs, Jack Skellington, and Cruella DeVil to name a few. MNSSHP is an excellent chance to meet some rare and unique characters that are not available during regular park hours. Make sure that you plan well for meet-and-greets as some of the lines will be quite long and you don’t want to waste precious party time.
Even the usual crowd dresses for the occasion
6. Dance Parties
This year guests can enjoy two different dance parties: Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam and the Monstrous Scream-o-Ween Ball. Disney Junior Jam features Disney Junior characters such as Doc McStuffins and Timon. The Monstrous Scream-o-Ween Ball stars your favorite monsters including Mike Wazowski, Sulley, and George Sanderson.
Dance the night away with your favorite Disney Jr characters
7. Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular
Grab yourself a spot in front of the castle stage and brace yourself as the Sanderson Sisters “put a spell on you”. This musical performance features many of your favorite “bad guys” including Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Hades, Cruella DeVil, Captain Hook, Jafar, and Lady Tremaine. I guarantee you’ll be dancing and singing along by the end of this show. The show is so “top-notch” that you’d think it was Bette Midler herself on stage.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular
8. Specialty Treats and Merchandise
Disney is always coming out with new treats and souvenirs around the parks. But did you know that there are some treats and merchandise that are only available at MNSSHP? From Doom Buggy Cream Puffs to Jack Skellington Cake Pops and Hades Nachos, there is a whole array of bites available to party-goers.
Doom Buggy Cream Puff from Aloha Isle (party nights only)
In addition, there is specialty merchandise sold only at MNSSHP such as t-shirts, pins and even MagicBands.
Jack Skellington Cake Push Pop from Sleepy Hallow
9. Candy
What would a Halloween party be without a bit of candy? At MNSSHP there is plenty to be had. Trick-or-treat stations are set up around the park and the hand-outs are generous. Go around as many times as you’d like and get your fill. As a party-goer, you will receive a trick-or-treat bag, but if it’s candy you’re after I recommend bringing your own bag for backup. As I said, the helpings are generous.
Get your trick-or-treat bag ready!
10. Mickey’s “Boo To You” Halloween Parade
I’ve saved the best for last. My family members have voted and the decision is unanimous. The “Boo To You” Parade is the best parade any of us have ever been to! Maybe it’s because we are Halloween lovers. Maybe it’s the thrill of having a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom again (yes, I want a nighttime parade back too).
Beware of the Hitchhiking Ghosts!
Regardless of my personal reasons the fact is the floats, the characters, the costumes, and the special effects cannot be beaten. Haunted Mansion ballroom dancers twirl about the streets and gravediggers light up the path with their sparking shovels.
Haunted Mansion Ballroom Dancers
There you have it- 10 reasons why you need to attend MNSSHP. After all, where else can you see the Headless Horseman trot down the road on his steed? You know that’s where I’ll be waiting.
Have you been dreaming of a Disney Vacation? Then it’s time to start planning! Contact me today to help. I offer a full range of complimentary planning services for all Disney destinations including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at (716) 601-7710, by email mnugent@mickeytravels.com or on Facebook. Pack your bags and leave the rest to me!
Images copyright Disney
