Tips & Tricks (And Lots of Treats): Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party About This Page:

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by Ann Smith, PassPorter Message Board Guide and Guest Columnist

If you are going to be visiting Walt Disney World in October, I highly recommend trying to attend a special party -- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party -- held at the Magic Kingdom from 7:00 pm to midnight on select nights. (This event requires separate admission. Advance purchase prices are age 10 & up $37.23, Age 3-9 $29.77. Prices the day of event and October 31 are age 10 & up $42.55, age 3-9 $35.10. Children under 3 are admitted free.)

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Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP for short) is great for kids and adults alike. Most rides in the Magic Kingdom are open and there are special activities to keep you busy throughout the night. Not to mention a special Halloween parade featuring the Headless Horseman.

Many people come to the party in Halloween costume, kids AND adults. I have seen everything from the simple (l wore overalls and a cowboy hat last year) to elaborate (Adults dressed as queen of hearts and Prince Phillip) or no costume at all. The choice is yours! When choosing a costume remember to consider the Florida heat and whether the costume will make getting in and out of the rides awkward.
The fun begins when you step up to the main gate. You will notice immediately that the Magic Kingdom has been transformed into a not-so-scary Haunted House. First you will receive a special trick or treat bag for trick or treating throughout the Magic Kingdom. And make sure you get a MNSSHP map so that you will know what rides are operating and where to find the shows.

The decorations and special effects for MNSSHP are extensive. There are hologram witches, bats and ghosts flying around the shops on Main Street while each "land" is decorated with its own unique Halloween style. (Check out Cinderella's coach in Fantasyland -- it is life size and a great photo opportunity!)

There are several locations for you to get complimentary Halloween photos taken. It is a fairly quick process and a nice souvenir. The locations are designated on the guide map and change every year. The photos will be mailed to you within three weeks after the party.

Trick or treat stations can also be found throughout the Magic Kingdom, check your guide map for locations. I must tell you that trick or treating in the Magic Kingdom is like nowhere else on Earth. The very first time we went to MNSSHP we were surprised at how much candy we brought back to our room (and took home with us). I counted at least 15 trick or treat stations on the guide map from 2003. Many of them have the same candy so if you don't get to trick or treat at them all, don't worry. Plus, if there is a long line, skip it and come back later.

A fun thing for kids is the Halloween story telling. (Again, check your map!) When you see a story telling area, there will be a "scary" or "not so scary" icon so judge according to your child's level of tolerance for fear factor.

Another fun thing for children is Mickey's Mouse-ka-rade costume party. Kids can go and listen to a DJ spin their favorite tunes while they dance, have hula hoop contests and have a mini parade with the help of many Disney Characters. It's a great place for parents to go and watch and re-charge their batteries for more Halloween fun.

Looking for characters? There are tons of character meet and greets situated throughout the park and there is a minimal line for most of them as they are in such abundance. Many of the characters are in their own Halloween costumes making for a great photo opportunity with your little trick or treater!

Two not to be missed things during MNSSHP are the special edition fireworks and parade. Be sure to watch the castle during the fireworks for a special surprise flier!! My personal favorite part of MNSSHP is the "Boo to You" Halloween parade. It is presented at 8pm and again at 10pm. The Headless Horseman announces the start of the parade and it is wonderful to see so many characters dressed up as, well, characters! Last year, Winnie the Pooh was dressed up as a bat -- too cute! The second parade is less crowded but if you're like me, you'll want to see both!!

As I mentioned before, most rides are operational during MNSSHP with the main exceptions being those that close early due to darkness: Swiss Family Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island, etc. Check your guide map for which rides are operational this year.

Most shops are also open and many contain special MNSSHP merchandise such as T-shirts and pins. These items can only be purchased during MNSSHP so if you see something you like, get it as it is not available to the general public. Most counter service restaurants are open during MNSSHP for you to get a bite to eat. Liberty Tree Tavern also accepts priority seating for dining before the party.

You will thoroughly enjoy Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and I highly recommend it for young and old.