Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

Welcome Back to Happily Adventures After. Today, we’re diving into spooky (not so spooky) season as we approach Halloween and are ready to talk about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

As I sit here in my Sanderson Sister’s sweater, drinking Joffery’s Disney Daisy Duck Marvellous Maple (spoiler alter, it’s very good) coffee, I am so excited to count down our HAA Disney: Top 10 for Disney’s extra ticketed event during the halloween season. 

For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is returning to Magic Kingdom on select nights from August 9 to October 31, 2024. This exclusive, ticketed event features special characters, attraction enhancements, trick-or-treat spots, photo ops, themed food and drinks, and entertainment such as Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks.

The party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, but you can enter the park as early as 4 p.m. with your party ticket. The park closes at 6 p.m. for those without event tickets, so there will be no Happily Ever After fireworks on those nights. If you arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., your party ticket is sufficient—no day ticket or park reservation is needed. The park will be cleared of non-party guests at 6 p.m., and wristbands for party attendees are distributed at various locations like the front of the park, by PhilharMagic, by Pirates of the Caribbean, and across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Please note that Lightning Lanes are not valid during party hours; they are only available from 4-6 p.m. for guests with regular park tickets. If you’re only attending the party, purchasing a Lightning Lane can be unnecessary since you’ll have time to enjoy attractions after 6 p.m.

Upon arrival, cast members will direct you to specific touchpoints for entry, usually on the right-hand side. While lines around 4 p.m. may seem long, they typically move quickly. This year, Disney has streamlined the process by directing party guests arriving at the Transportation and Ticket Center to the ferryboat before 4 p.m., making for a smoother entrance. After entering, you’ll receive your party wristband.

If you’re already in the park before 4 p.m., you can get your wristband at designated locations like City Hall, Tortuga Tavern, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Starting at 6 p.m., cast members will guide those without wristbands toward the exit.

So, now that you know about the extra ticketed event at Magic Kingdom during Spooky Season, let’s get into Happily Adventures After’s HAA Disney: Top 10 for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

In No particular order, Let’s Boo This!

1. Unique Characters and Character Costumes

One of my favorite aspects of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is meeting the unique characters, many of whom appear in rare or themed costumes. With over 20 characters scattered throughout the park, it’s a thrilling experience to see who’s out and about. This year, I was especially excited to meet Jack Skellington and Sally, as well as Elvis Stitch and Miracle and Bruno. Each character brings something special to the event. I’ll never forget the joy of encountering Max Goof in his Powerline costume. The lines for these characters can get long, often exceeding an hour, so I always make sure to line up right at 6 PM when the park closes to day guests. The rarity and creativity of these meet-and-greets really make them stand out!

2. “Out and About” Hitchhiking Ghosts

New for 2024, the Hitchhiking Ghosts stepping out of the Haunted Mansion and into Frontierland is a dream come true for a Haunted Mansion fan like me. Seeing these iconic characters roaming the park adds a magical touch to the event. I love how Disney brings lesser-seen characters to life, and the Hitchhiking Ghosts add a playful, ghostly fun to the party. It’s these unique touches that make the Halloween season feel extra special.

Note: This photo is copied from BlogMickey.com. All rights are reserved to BlogMickey.com and used for illustration purposes only.

3. Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is hands down one of my favorite parts of the party. This parade is a highlight every year, with Disney characters in their Halloween best and floats representing each park land. The Headless Horseman’s spooky ride is a standout moment that I look forward to annually. As a dancer and performer, I appreciate the parade’s showmanship—its choreography, timing, and overall performance quality are impeccable. The “Boo-to-You” music is so catchy, and the parade’s charm makes it a must-watch for me. It’s a perfect blend of Halloween magic and incredible performance.

4. Short Wait Times/Lines

One of the best perks of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the short wait times for attractions. With only about 30% of Magic Kingdom’s usual capacity, the park feels open and accessible. I love being able to walk onto top attractions like Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Peter Pan’s Flight with minimal wait times. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy these rides repeatedly without long lines, making the event feel exceptionally magical and exclusive.

5. Halloween Overlays on Attractions

The Halloween overlays at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party bring a unique twist to classic attractions. Space Mountain becomes Deep Space Mountain, with most lights turned off and a thrilling soundtrack that adds to the excitement. The Mad Tea Party gets a Halloween makeover with spooky lighting and music, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor turns into a trick-or-treat spot with a special Halloween-themed show. I adore these overlays because they infuse extra Halloween magic into my favorite rides, making them feel fresh and exciting each year.

6. Families Dressed Up in Costumes

I love seeing families dressed up in costumes at the party. It’s heartwarming to witness the creativity and effort families put into their outfits, whether they’re coordinating as pirates, superheroes, or classic Disney villains. Though my family and I haven’t done a full costume set yet, we’ve enjoyed matching shirts and Halloween colors. The joy and pride in the faces of families showing off their costumes add an extra layer of magic to the event, making it even more memorable.

7. Trick-or-Treating Trails

Trick-or-treating at the party is one of my favorite activities. With about a dozen stations around the park and Cast Members handing out treats at various spots, it’s a delight to fill up bags with goodies. Disney’s effort to provide allergy-friendly options, like blue tokens for special treats, shows their consideration for all guests. I cherish the memories of trick-or-treating with my cousin and mom, especially when my mom sneakily ate a bag and a half of candy by morning! It’s these sweet moments that make the trick-or-treating experience a highlight of the Halloween festivities.

8. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is a show I look forward to every year. As a fan of the film Hocus Pocus and Kenny Ortega’s work, I’m thrilled to see the Sanderson Sisters and other Disney villains take the stage. The show’s blend of magic, music, and dance is a performance lover’s dream. The energetic choreography and detailed staging make it a standout event that combines my love for classic characters with my passion for performance.

9. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular is a highlight with its impressive fireworks display hosted by Jack Skellington. The mix of enchanting fireworks, eerie music, and Jack’s grand puppet form creates a spellbinding experience. While Happily Ever After is my all-time favorite fireworks show, I appreciate the Halloween-themed charm of this one. The creativity and performance aspects make it a thrilling addition to the night’s festivities.

10. Atmosphere with Decorations

The Halloween decorations at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party transform Magic Kingdom into a festive wonderland. From early August, the park is adorned with Halloween-themed décor and fall-inspired elements that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. I love enjoying seasonal fall drinks while soaking in the vibrant decorations. The combination of festive charm and autumnal delight makes the party’s atmosphere a standout feature and a big part of why I look forward to the event each year.

Honorable Mention

PhotoPass and Magic Shots

The PhotoPass service at the party is a delightful bonus. With photographers offering special Magic Shots that include Halloween-themed animations, it’s a fun way to capture the night’s spooky magic. I love these unique photo opportunities that add a special touch to my memories, showcasing the fun costumes and festive atmosphere.

Tron and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on Standby

An honorable mention goes to the chance to experience Tron Lightcycle Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on standby during the party. This exclusive perk allows me to enjoy these popular attractions without the need for Virtual Queue or extra fees. Being able to ride these attractions multiple times while soaking up the Halloween atmosphere makes the event even more special.

Dance Parties

Lastly, the dance parties at the event are a blast! The DescenDANCE Party in Tomorrowland and the Disney Jr. Jam in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café provide fantastic opportunities for dancing and fun. As someone who loves dancing, these parties add an extra level of excitement to the night, with nostalgic Disney Channel hits and energetic vibes that bring back fond memories.

As we wrap up our HAA Disney: Top 10 Countdown for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, it’s clear that Disney’s magic continues to delight and surprise us in wonderful ways. This year’s event is filled with thrilling experiences, from creative Halloween overlays and engaging stage shows to exclusive attractions like Tron Lightcycle Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Each element adds a new layer of excitement and wonder to the celebration.

We’re excited to share our top picks and personal favorites from the party. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party truly stands out as a must-do event, with its vibrant decor and enchanting experiences making it a seasonal highlight.

At Happily Adventures After, we’re eager to dive into these spooky and spectacular moments and share our thoughts with you. What are you most excited about for the Halloween party? Do you have any favorite moments or tips to share?

Join the conversation on our blog and podcast on YouTube as we keep the Halloween magic alive together. Your insights and enthusiasm enrich our Disney community, and we can’t wait to explore these magical experiences with you. Stay tuned for more updates, reviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at all things Disney right here on Happily Adventures After!

Have a great and blessed day,

London

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