I’ve been asked many times, if the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth the cost. It comes down to personal choice but I would say yes, in a heartbeat. It is expensive at about $70 per person but if you can manage to round-up the extra cash, I’d recommend going once. This time of year at Magic Kingdom becomes more immersive than it already is with seasonal decorations. Disney makes changes every so often to the party, but overall it stays about the same. So worth going at least once but then can decide if worth going back after that. The party provides a lot of extras for the guests and it’s not as busy as the parks during the day. However, this does seem to be worse in regards to crowds but this doesn’t detract from the benefits which I will get into.
The last time we went was about 2 years ago, and I still get excited talking about it. The food, the decoration, characters, shows put no doubt in my mind that this is worth it. I am hoping to go back in a couple of years for MNSSHP (<- If you see this, means Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party). This may play a role in when you decide to go to Disney, for other events throughout the years, check out Here
So what is MNSSHP?
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is an after hours party that allows people to enjoy the majesty of Magic Kingdom at night during the Halloween season with a special fireworks show and parade. And the only time when you can be dressed up as your favorite Character.. Who wouldn’t want to dress up, aren’t we all still a little bit of a kid at heart? These parties take place in the couple of months leading up to Halloween, this year will start on Aug 17th. Party starts at 7pm, and usually can get into the park starting around 4-5pm
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates in 2018:
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
This event has become incredibly popular, but what makes it so special?
Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular
This special show is hosted by the Sanderson Sisters and brings in a wicked cast of your favorite villains including the ever so scary Oogie Boogie (Nightmare Before Christmas), The voodoo master Dr. Facilier (Princess and the Frog) and the villainous Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), among others. The show takes place on Forecourt stage in front of the Castle with a variety of special effects.
Boo To You Halloween parade
This is, even today, my favorite of the parades. The parade starts in Frontierland and makes its way up Main St. The floats are different from their daytime floats with different pyrotechnics and lighting effects.The music is hauntingly good as the Headless Horseman leads the parade. The parade is a must see! The haunted mansion float is by far the best!
Happy Hallowishes Fireworks show
A spooky soundtrack with dazzling fireworks make this a can’t miss show! The ghosts from the Haunted Mansion lead the show, followed along by Oogie Boogie and Ursula. It takes classic Disney songs and remixes them for a night of amazement. They also have a Dessert party with reserved seating area for the fireworks. I haven’t done this one particularly (have done Tomorrow Terrace Dessert party in the past) but I have a hard time justifying the cost. The desert party is an extra $79 on top of the party cost
Characters
Disney brings out some of the “Rarer” character during the party – the most popular is Jack Skellington and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Other characters (at least when I went) include Cruella DeVil, Seven Dwarfs, Tarzan and Friends, Captain Jack and The Witch from Snow White. With this, I would plan on getting to the park early in the evening as some people will start getting in line for characters at around 5:30pm. During the evening it is not uncommon to find that the princesses have dragged there princes out for photo ops. There are a lot of opportunities but best to plan who you want to meet ahead of time!
Trick or treating
Starting the evening out, everyone is given a bag for trick or treating but I recommend bringing your own. We brought pillow cases and think they were half full by the time we left. Based on experience, I’d recommend going later in the evening to be able to enjoy the evening without carrying heavy candy the entire night. The cast members tend to be very generous with portions of candy through the party but more so in the evening. There are several candy stops spread out over the park. Disney has thought of all of their guest as well and have designated Allergy-Friendly Centers located at Town Square Theater and Liberty Square Ticket Office. They also provide Teal trick or treating bags to designate a food allergy.
Rides
During the even, some rides will undergo transformations or changes from daily operation. One of the newer ones that I don’t remembering being done is change in lighting effects for Mad Tea party. New additions also include Halloween soundtrack and lighting being added to Space Mountain. One that I would be excited to see is the addition of Gunpowder Pete on Pirates of the Caribbean ride who will be interactive (Not animatronics). Some rides are not available during the party so try to plan ahead as best as possible.
Costumes
This is the only time that guests can wear costumes to the park, at least for adults. When we went , We went as Ariel and Prince Eric. I’ve seen Disney bounding type costumes to elaborate costumes. It gives people a chance to break from normal and express their Disney side. Besides its Halloween, who doesn’t want to dress up! Disney does have guidelines for dressing up whether Over 14 years old or under – screen shot is posted below and link to their website is included HERE