Halloween has never been my top holiday. It always played second fiddle to that other seasonal event with snow, glitter, and presents.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been appreciating Halloween more and more. In fact, I’ve even established a tradition of watching a different scary movie every day in October. So when I scored a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP), I was genuinely excited.
About Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
MNSSHP runs on select nights from August to Halloween. The party officially kicks off at 7:00pm and wraps up at midnight. But here’s the sweet part: you can actually enter the park as early as 4:00pm to enjoy the daytime activities.
Tickets have different prices for adults and kids under 12. For adults, the prices range from $109 to $199. For kids under 12, the prices range from $99 to $189. Annual passholders and DVC members receive a $10 discount.
For price’s like that, many people are left wondering “is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth it?” That’s a hard yes for me.
Arriving at the Party
Now, let’s talk logistics. As much as I adore Magic Kingdom, getting in and out of that park can be a bit of a hassle. It’s located pretty far from most hotels, so once you park your car, you need to hop on a boat or monorail to reach the gates. And of course, there’s always a line to scan your ticket and get inside. Knowing that this process would take some time, I left All Star Sports around 3:00pm.
However, let me tell you, when I arrived, I was shocked. The line for party entry snaked around the boat docks and near the resort bus stops. It seemed like it would take an eternity to get through, and that definitely put a damper on my excitement. The amazing cast members, however, managed to move through the line quickly and I was inside by 4:15pm.
Pixie Pros: If you have a daytime reservation for the the park, or a park hopper ticket, you can skip this line altogether. Just enter through the standard, or AP, entrances and grab your wristband from one of the distribution stations around the park. Be sure to check out our full guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for these station locations and more top tips!
Off to A Rocky Start
My first mission of the night was meeting Jack and Sally. But the wait time was over two hours! Now, don’t get me wrong, I adore these characters. Growing up in California, I’m used to seeing them casually strolling around New Orleans Square in Disneyland. In fact, I once bumped into Jack while exiting Haunted Mansion Holiday (I was totally distracted trying to book a Lightning Lane). So, spending two hours just to meet them wasn’t really in the cards for me.
As a backup plan, I decided to ride Deep Space Mountain, where you experience a thrilling journey in complete darkness. Normally, this ride opens as early as 3:00pm, but guess what? It was closed when I got there. Talk about bad luck!
Pre-Party Activities
Despite the setbacks, I wasn’t about to let that ruin my night. I made my way to the far side of the park and hopped on some rides with short wait times. I’m talking Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin, and the People Mover. I managed to conquer them all in just over two hours!
There was hardly a wait for any of the rides (except Seven Dwarves Mine Train). I checked back on the queue times throughout the first half of the day, and the park must have been nearly empty. So, if you’re visiting during party season, reserving Magic Kingdom on a party day might be a solid strategy.
Trick or Treating around Magic Kingdom
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: trick or treating! We all know that’s the best part of Halloween, right? So, I kicked off my treat trail in Liberty Square at Columbia Harbor House, and let me tell you, the treats were absolutely on point. These Caramel Cold Brew M&M’s are my new favorite.
Then, I made my way to Fantasyland, catching a glimpse of Anastasia and Drizella near the carousel. Those two were seriously cool and had some hilarious interactions with the crowds. At one point a guest called Drizella “Anastasia” and she was having none of it. Calling over the real Anastasia and screaming “did you hear what they called me?!”
Exclusive Mickey’s Not So Scary Overlays
Space Mountain opened its doors at 6 o’clock, promising a mere 15-minute wait. Little did I know that the line would stretch for an hour and a half. But finally, my turn arrived to embark on an extraordinary journey through the Halloween party overlay known as Deep Space Mountain. This mind-blowing transformation completely transports you to another dimension, making it feel like an entirely different ride altogether.
Eager for more thrills, I set my sights on Haunted Mansion, which had its own spooky seasonal overlay. With a seemingly short wait of only 13 minutes, I eagerly joined the queue. However, the ghosts in the graveyard section were not yet unleashed. Determined not to miss out, I decided to explore other attractions, finding solace in the enchanting melodies of the Cadaver Dans at the Country Bear Jamboree. And of course, I couldn’t resist indulging in some popcorn from The Nightmare Before Christmas Mayor’s car popcorn bucket.
As the evening grew darker, I found myself drawn back to Haunted Mansion. To my delight, the ghosts had emerged, bringing the graveyard to life with their eerie presence. The interaction with these spectral actors was simply mesmerizing, leaving me yearning for more. It’s a shame that their captivating performance is limited to the Halloween party. The line for Haunted Mansion began to swell, cutting short my time with these unearthly spirits.
Haunted Mansion, a timeless dark ride and a moving attraction, offers an experience distinct from its Disneyland counterpart. Its sinister allure and intricate details make it a must-visit for any Halloween enthusiast. And as I ventured near the exit, I spotted a PhotoPass photographer capturing unforgettable moments of guests in front of the Mansion, although I opted to forgo the line and continue my nocturnal adventures.
It’s Showtime, Baby
As the night started to wind down, it was time for the main event: Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular, the highly anticipated firework show right in front of the majestic castle. Now, I have to admit, finding a good spot to enjoy the show was quite a challenge. I arrived approximately 30 minutes before the show, hoping to secure a great view. However, luck was not on my side as I ended up standing behind someone dressed as Maleficent, complete with those enormous and eye-catching horns. Despite the obstructed view, I was determined to make the most of the experience.
The fireworks display was nothing short of enchanting, capturing the hearts of the audience with its mesmerizing beauty and charm. One particular highlight was the appearance of the larger-than-life Jack Skellington puppet, which added an extra touch of whimsy to the spectacle. By the way, have you had the chance to see the astonishing 13-ft animatronic Jack at Home Depot? It’s been on my radar lately, and I can’t help but picture it in my front yard.
The castle itself was adorned with stunning projections, creating a magical atmosphere that transported everyone into a world of fantasy and wonder. The meticulous attention to detail and seamless synchronization between the visuals and the music made this show truly exceptional. In my humble opinion, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to consider Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular as one of the best nighttime shows at the iconic Magic Kingdom.
Boo To You Halloween Parade
After the fireworks, a large group of people left the park and headed back to their hotel rooms. I found a spot to watch the Boo to You parade among the crowd on Main Street. The second parade is the best option, as most people leave after the fireworks. I had plenty of room to enjoy the parade and even got some candy from trick or treating.
Everything at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween is amazing. The firework show and parade are fantastic. I especially enjoyed the villains parade with characters like Ursula, Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and the bad guy from Robin Hood. The gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion were a highlight of the parade.
Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular
After the parade, I made my way back down Main Street towards the castle. Finding a good spot for the Hocus Pocus villains spectacular show in front of Cinderella Castle was a bit of a struggle. There was a massive crowd between the fireworks show and the parade, making it challenging to navigate through. The number of people leaving after the second parade was what I expected for the entire party attendance, not just for the second exodus of the night. Despite the crowd, I managed to get a good view of the show next to the partner statue. Fortunately, there were no obstructions this time, allowing me to fully enjoy the experience.
By the way, do you also remove your headgear as a courtesy to others during shows? It’s a good practice to allow people behind you to see better. Let’s promote park courtesy: please remove your headgear if you’re blocking someone’s view during a show. This consideration for others ensures that everyone can have a more enjoyable and immersive experience at the event.
Final Impressions
Overall, my experience at MNSSHP was a mix of thrills and excitement! I absolutely loved the exclusive entertainment offerings, like the mesmerizing fireworks show and the incredible parade featuring our favorite villains. Seeing characters like Ursula, Maleficent, and Jafar brought so much joy to my night. And let’s not forget the highlight of the parade – the gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion! They added a touch of eerie fun that I couldn’t get enough of.
One of the perks of the party was the shorter wait times for rides. I was thrilled to hop on attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Pirates of the Caribbean without much of a wait. It gave me more time to soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the magic of the evening.
While there were some challenges, such as long lines for character meet-and-greets and the high attendance levels, I didn’t let that dampen my spirits. With a well-planned itinerary and a positive mindset, I made the most of every moment. Patience and flexibility were key in dealing with the crowds, and it paid off.
Despite the occasional obstacles, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party delivered an unforgettable experience. If you’re wondering ‘is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party good?’ It’s a must-attend event for all Halloween enthusiasts out there. From exclusive treats to rare character appearances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your costume and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this spooktacular celebration!
Did you enjoy this Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Review? Have you ever attended the event? Let us know in the comments below!
