Oh sure. You’re all excited because you are holding in your
hot little hands a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, affectionately
referred to by some as as “MNSSHP.” You’ve never been to this
event at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and you are just brimming
with excitement because you never thought you’d ever get a chance to attend
one of these parties.
Finally, this is the year. This is what you’ve been waiting for. This
is going to be sooooo cool.
But wait a minute. Do you know what you’re getting yourself into with
this special event? Do you truly understand what this is all about? Are
you prepared for what might be one of the most memorable times you’ve
ever spent in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom?
The Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide Map. © Disney.
Hopefully when you finish reading this, you’ll have a better sense of
what to expect as you walk through the turnstiles that night. You’ll feel
better prepared to juggle all the activities that will be tossed your
way, and confident knowing a few things beforehand as you tour the park.
In this session, we take a look at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party,
and find out how to do it the right way. Yes, there is a “right”
way to do this.
Let’s talk.
The Basics
For 2005, there are 15 special nights set aside for Mickey’s Not So Scary
Halloween Party. Ticket prices can vary. If you buy them in advance, they
are just over $37 for adults and just under $30 for children. Wait until
the day of the event, however—assuming it doesn’t sell out—and
the prices jump to almost $43 for adults and $35 for children. So the
tip here is to buy your ticket ahead of time.
Better yet, if you happen to be a Walt Disney World annual passholder
you can save even more money by purchasing an event discount ticket. These
tickets are designated for specific discounted nights, and are available
only to annual passholders. The AP discount means $32 for adults and just
under $26 for children. The dates these discount available for this year
are September 30, October 2, 6, 20, 23, and 25.
A smiling luminary greets guests as they enter Magic Kingdom’s Town Square. Photo by Mike Scopa.
[Editor’s note: Remember that this is a “hard-ticket event,”
meaning your regular park admission does not apply for the evening’s events,
and you have to buy a separate ticket just for the event. By the way,
this also means that the Magic Kingdom closes pretty early in the evening
on those nights when the party is happening. If you plan to visit the
Magic Kingdom on a day when you are not staying late for the party, try
to schedule the day of your visit so that it is not on the same day as
the party (so you will be able to enjoy more time in the park). Those
with party tickets get a special wristband identifying their status, and
those without the wristbands are shooed out of the front gates well before
the party starts.]
When you arrive to Walt Disney World, you may want to visit Magic Kingdom’s
City Hall a day or two before you attend the party and ask for a Mickey’s
Not So Scary Halloween Party guide map. This way you get a general sense
of the activities as well as the schedule know what is going on at what
time. By doing this before the day of your party, you will be able to
see the times for all the special events and plan your night so you don’t
miss a thing.
A witch flies across the Main Street USA buildings. Photo by Mike Scopa.
Spooky Sights and Sounds
Even before you enter the Magic Kingdom you will notice a different look
to Magic Kingdom’s Train Station. I’m talking about different lights,
different colors, different music, and some interesting balloons.
When you enter Magic Kingdom, be prepared to see some more interesting
sights and sounds. On my last venture to the “Haunted” Magic
Kingdom, I saw many guests dressed up in some very elaborate costumes.
Some that come to mind are a very elegantly dressed bride and groom. WeÕre
talking full-fledged wedding gown and bouquet and a tuxedo, several Captain
Jack Sparrows, and a horde of Tinker Bells. Of course these are just a
few that come to mind. Needless to say there were many others, including
several hundred little princesses roaming the park
But there’s more. When you enter the Town Square you will see nothing
but green, orange, and purple lights. Look for the huge luminaries that
will be smiling at you as you first gaze upon haunted Main Street, U.S.A.
A Mickey Bat makes his appearance on Main Street U.S.A. Photo by Mike
Scopa.
When you enter Main Street U.S.A., you do not hear the normal Magic Kingdom
music. But what are those familiar tunes? Well, you may or may not recognize
the music that is played on Main Street USA but you will find yourself
spending a lot of time just gazing at the ghosts, witches, and “Mickey”
bats flying back and forth on the buildings, I guess I meant their silhouettes.
If you look real carefully at some of the second-story windows, you see
a jack-o-lantern or two. As a matter of fact, how many jack-o-lanterns
do you think you can find in windows throughout the park? See if you’re
good enough to find 50.
Here’s the point I need to make. Try not to stop and gaze at everything.
Remember, Main Street will be like this all night, so walk up this
main thoroughfare and check out everything, but try not to spend too much
time here—you have things to do.
A couple of jack-o-lanterns peer out at the guests as they walk up Main
Street USA. Photo by Mike Scopa.
Oh—you might want to check out some of the normal character meeting
places, especially in front of the castle, where some Disney villains
may be waiting for you. This is a rare opportunity to get some autographs
and take some photos with some villains that you would only see in a parade
or on stage.
Trick-or-treating
Make sure you get your trick-or-treating bag as you enter the park. There
are about 16 places in the park where you can get your candy. I can tell
you that the place you do not want to miss is that new stroller parking
area right next to “it’s a small world” and across from Peter
Pan’s Flight. I have some very reliable sources who tell me that area
is where the best candy can be found.
Look for the special Mickey pumpkin balloons indicating trick-or-treats
are there to eat.
Mickey pumpkin balloons tell you where to trick-or-treat. Photo by Mike
Scopa.
Be selective when getting in line for candy. If you see a long line,
you may want to bypass it. Of course, don’t deny yourself your treats,
but also don’t deny yourself some fun, either.
Primetime priorities
The most popular attraction on a MNSSHP night is everyone? That’s right,
the Haunted Mansion.
Like a moth to a flame, each guest the Haunted Mansion on their list
for that evening, so you need to make up your mind as to when you are
going to visit those 999 ghosts. Normally on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween
Party nights, the Haunted Mansion does not offer Fastpass tickets, but
if by chance the Fastpass distribution area is operating, you may want
to take advantage of it and save some time. Make sure you miss not to
miss the Haunted Mansion this evening. In years past, you could also enjoy
the Halloween riverboat ride for its special storytelling and special
Halloween treats, but unfortunately, the refurbishment has run long and
they are not able to open this in time for the party this year.
Mickey’s not so typical parade and fireworks show times
Veteran Magic Kingdom visitors sometimes assume that parades are at 9
and 11 p.m., with the fireworks sandwiched at 10 p.m. This is true but
not the case on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party nights, when
the Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade runs at 8:00 and 10:00 instead.
This parade includes the Headless Horseman, some of your favorite Disney
villains, a special Haunted Mansion float with some very familiar hitchhiking
ghosts, the famous Haunted Mansion undertaker team with their amazing
sparkling shovels, and a few other surprises.
A Large Hidden Mickey Leads the Boo To You Parade. Photo by Mike Scopa.
If you happen to miss the 8 p.m. parade, don’t fret, as the 10 p.m. parade
may be less crowded. Small-fry trick-or-treaters get tired after the fireworks
and usually exit the park.
Oh—regarding the parade, one of the best spots to take photographs
is in Frontierland. If you decide to watch the parade from Frontierland,
be sure to set yourself up on the mercantile side of the road so that
the parade goes from your right to your left. During the time of the parade,
there will be some spotlights that will rise up from atop the buildings
and shine on the parade route, and you do not want to take (backlit) photos
of the parade with those lights shining right at you.
Special Halloween fireworks
I’ve often heard the term “Hallo-Wishes Fireworks” used to
describe the fireworks display on the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween
Party nights. I’m not sure I would go so far as to link the traditional
Wishes fireworks display with what is shown on these special nights.
Now, I could tell you some special surprises in store for guest who will
be viewing the fireworks on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party nights
this year but then they wouldn’t be surprises, now, would they?
One thing you don’t want to be surprised at is the time of the fireworks.
Showtime is usually 9:15. Be sure and check your show schedule.
Promise me that you will watch the fireworks from in front of the castle,
and be sure you have a clear view of the right hand side of the castle.
If you happen to watch the fireworks from the upper rose garden, that
may be even better.
Other goodies not to forget
In past years, MNSSHP also offered complimentary family photos, which
I would suggest you try to do early on in the evening before the lines
get too long. If the lines seem too long, keep an eye on it any time you
walk by. It isn’t long all night, and there are pockets where there are
no lines.
Also, throughout the park there are mask-making stations for the kids
and Halloween storytellers. Look for their locations on your MNSSHP guide
map. See, I told you that map would come in handy.
Above all, enjoy
This can be a very memorable visit to Magic Kingdom, and it’s best to
plan your tour of the Haunted Magic Kingdom so you don’t miss out on any
fun. Just grab a guide map when you first arrive and before you attend.
There’s so much to do, and it’s best to do just a little bit of on-site
planning to make sure you get to see and do everything you want to do
on one of the most unforgettable evenings you will ever spend in Walt
Disney World.
You will not forget it. You willÉ
Remember the magic!
Next time
Have you ever had the opportunity to show someone Walt Disney World?
That is, bring them for their very first visit? It’s a big responsibility.
We’ll talk about it next time.
