By Julie Ann.
Disney World in October is arguably the best time to go to the parks because of perfect weather, low attendance, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and…in case you weren’t aware – it’s a HOLIDAY MONTH!! I’m talking Halloween. No, not the Halloween too many of us know; you know the one where you put a large bowl of candy on your step, hoping that someone takes the whole bowl soon so you can turn out the porch light and your Chihuahua will stop barking?
No, I’m talking about a DISNEY HALLOWEEN!
As you can sense from my excitement, this was by far one of the best trips that I have taken to Disney – outdone only by Christmas time at Disney. Not only did we miss out on a October snowstorm back in Connecticut, but we were able to partake in Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP for Disney folk) not once, but twice! That’s how much we enjoyed it the first time at the beginning of our trip.
What is MNSSHP?
MNSSHP is a hard ticket event at the Magic Kingdom – meaning that this ticket is in addition to any park tickets you may have. Tickets are about $60, depending on what night you go, and can be bought in advance or at the park. Park prices are a little bit more expensive. We did both; we ordered the first set and then purchased tickets on the day of the event in the Town Hall at Magic Kingdom. You can also purchase these at your hotel concierge.
MNSSHP Tips
- If you are going to one of the parties closer to the actual date of Halloween – you may want to buy tickets in advance.
- Food options are limited during the party. Make your 180 advanced dining reservations for around 4 or 4:30 p.m. inside MK or at surrounding hotels. Even though they don’t advertise it, you can get into the party starting at 4 p.m.
To Costume or to Not?
Before we went to Disney, I called the ticketing department to find out several things.
Were adults allowed at this event? Whew, they were – even without kids.
Could we wear costumes? Yes, but if we were to dress like a Disney character, taking photos and giving autographs were out of the question.
Could we trick or treat? OF COURSE!! We did not wear a costume, but instantly regretted not doing so. Everyone put so much effort into their attire that I felt kind of left out. Also – costumes would have looked really cool with the number of photo ops. with characters throughout the park.
Pirate Photo Tip
If you want to have a picture with Captain Jack Sparrow, be prepared to wait a long time. Instead, you could head over to the Liberty Steamship area to get a photo with made with some super imposed ghostly images.
CANDY!!
Now when you get your wristband at the entrance, you will also be given a trick or treat bag. You should grab at least two per person. You can go to all the stations pointed out on your special guide map for candy as many times as you would like, once the party officially begins. After our two trips to this party, we had eight bags of candy to bring home in our suitcase. It was both gluttonous and glorious!
Candy Tip: Got a sweet tooth? Get your candy first – after the party gets in full swing, lines for candy grow. Get your candy first, and then head off to the rides.
Rides – with no waiting – at all
After we corralled our candy, it was off to the rides. Most of the big-time attractions are open, and have little to no waiting. For instance, we rode Splash Mountain twice – in a row – with still an option to go again since there was no one there. That’s amazing. We rode all the rides during the first parade, which was a great idea, especially if you want to go on anything in Fantasyland, as many families with children go to the first parade then head out.
Hallowishes Tip:
Hallowishes is a special fireworks show that takes place in front of the castle after the first parade. GET THERE EARLY! You want a seat right in front of the castle to see all the special effects. After Hallowishes you have some time to see a Castle Stage Show – Villians Mix and Mingle, and grab a mickey bar before heading to the second Mickey’s Boo to You Parade. It starts in Frontierland – so grab yourself a seat and get ready.
So Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
This is my one do-over moment though: instead of going to a park that day, I suggest you spend time relaxing at your resort, and then use your hard ticket to this event. You will need fresh legs and energy to last at this party until the clock strikes 12. Plenty of parents were not pleased that they spent the extra money just to leave at around 8 p.m. So get your rest, and be prepared for a lots of running around.
I know summer is just beginning, but you can begin making your fall travel plans now. This is one Mickey party you do not want to miss.
Thanks for stopping by for a photographical Disney ride, and we’ll see you in a Halloween costume!
Julie Ann
Julie Ann lives in Connecticut with her boyfriend and her two dogs. When she isn’t working her day job, she is planning for her next Disney trip and writing for her blog, To A T Travel.
She has been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 30 years and looks forward to Dole Whip each time. Her favorite park is EPCOT and her newest favorite location is Aulani.
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Excellent article! We think Hallowishes and the Boo to you parade are the best all year- speaking of booking meals- we are going 10/16 and Ohana was already out of early dinner ressies as of saturday!
Just to clarify…do you need a park ticket plus the $60 halloween ticket?
Yup! They get everyone out of the park and it’s basically a private party. Pricey, eh? Thanks for reading.
Amanda