Every year, on select nights in August, September and October the Magic Kingdom closes early (6pm) and transforms into a little not so scary Halloween town. Mickey shaped pumpkins are everywhere. You will even find many different scarecrows around.
It is a fun little event where you can see a nighttime parade lead by the Headless Horseman. A one of a kind firework show called Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular (Fireworks Extravaganza). And how can we forget about the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus and the Villain Spelltacular stage show.
Let’s jump into the graveyard and take a look at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
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RIDES
A big draw a few years ago for the Halloween party were the short wait times on some of the most popular rides at the Magic Kingdom. Rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine train would have up to a 20 minute wait with most of the night it being a walk on attraction. Sadly that is NOT the case anymore. While the wait times are shorter than your typical night at Magic Kingdom, you could be waiting for up to 45 minutes or longer.
A couple of the rides have added special overlays for the Halloween Party. The Mad Tea Party has added colorful lighting and festive music. Pirates of the Carribean has added real pirates throughout the queue and ride itself that will interact with the crowds. Space Mountain has turned off all the lights. You will be riding in complete darkness with creepy halloween music playing.
New for 2019 is the Monsters Inc. attraction. Move through the queue to get your candy and either grab a seat and watch the Monsters interact with guests or keep on moving through and enjoy the rest of the party.
Of course you can not attend the Halloween party without a stop over at the Haunted Mansion. Now the ride is still the same. There is no special overlay or actors hidden in the ride. But if you go around towards the exit you will be in for a little spooky surprise. Listen to Lady Renata speak to the crowds in the front lawn. Or check out the photo ops in front of the carriage or in front of the Haunted Mansion sign. Also check out the ghostly magic shot.
Other rides that are open during MNSSHP are the People mover, tomorrowland speedway, Buzz Lightyear space ranger spin, Astro Orbiter, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, magic carpets of Aladdin, Swiss Family treehouse, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, it’s a small world, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer, Peter Pan’s Flight.
EVENTS
Boo to You Parade
The Boo to You Parade is a must see at the Halloween Party. It starts off with the Headless Horseman. It gives you chills when you hear the clack of the horse heading down main street and than looking up and seeing the rider with no head. It is such a sight to see.
The parade is also a staple at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Catchy music. Amazing Costumes. It is fun for both kids and adults.
The parade comes through 2 times each party. The first parade usually around 9pm can be very busy. For a less crowded time check out the second parade time which is usually around 11.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular (fireworks extravaganza)
No night is complete at the Magic Kingdom without viewing the fireworks. The Halloween party is no different. This firework show replaces the old Hallowishes. The new show features Jack Skellington as the host and has plenty of projections, special lighting, lasers (no sharks with lasers though) and more fireworks than you know what to do with.
Like any firework display at Magic Kingdom you will need to be in front of the castle for the only way to see the show with the new projections on the castle. Remember to show up at least 10 minutes before the show starts. And NEVER jump in front of little kids so you can get a better view. It is really sad when adults hop in front of little kids and steal their view of the show.
REMEMBER there is only ONE firework show.
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There are three dance parties this year that you can check out. You have DescenDance Party at Cosmic Rays. Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball Dance Party at the tomorrowland stage which features Mike, Sulley and George. Take a look at George and see if you can spot the “sock”. The last dance party you can check out is over at Storybook Circus. It is the Disney Junior Jam and features Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and Fancy Nancy.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Be sure to stop by the main stage at the castle while you run a muck around Magic Kingdom and see what the beloved Sanderson Sisters have been up to. The closer to the stage the better the view you will get. On most nights you have 3 different chances to see the show.
CHARACTERS
One of the biggest draws to the halloween party are all the characters you can only find at the party. The two biggest meet and greets with the longest lines of the night are Jack and Sally and the 7 dwarfs. Other characters to see are Moana, Captain Jack, Aladdin and Abu, Jasmine with the Genie, Jafar, Tarzan, Gravediggers, Brer Fox and Rabbit, Anastasia and Drizella, Cruella DeVil, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Ariel with Eric, Belle and Gaston, Piglet/Pooh/Eeyore and Tigger, Queen of Hearts, Lots O Bear, and Elivs Stitch.
Just be aware that Jack and Sally and the 7 dwarfs can each have a wait of 2 or more hours. Elivs Stitch and Moana can have waits of over an hour and the rest can easily have half an hour or longer waits.
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Another great aspect of the party is all the “free” candy. There are around 14 trick or treating locations spread out all around the Magic Kingdom. Early on in the party, the lines can be very long for some of the trick or treating stations. Don’t worry the lines move super quick. As it gets later the lines get shorter and it seems like the cast members will start to hand out more candy.
MERCHANDISE AND FOOD
Food and merchandise is another huge draw for many of attend the MNSSHP. There are party exclusive pins, magic bands, shirts and even ears. Later in the party season some items WILL run out. Also don’t confuse the party exclusive items with all the Halloween merchandise that can be purchased around the 4 parks and Disney springs at any time.
Photo credit: DisneyParks Blog
There is also a lot of exclusive food that you will only find at the party. On the party I went to (Aug 20) the lines were super long {that’s becoming a major theme anymore} at the different food locations. Note that note all the locations are open during the party. Columbia Harbor House and Friar’s Nook are open until 8. Neither location has an exclusive food item for the party but both are great places to get a quick bite to eat.
Photo Credit: DisneyParks Blog
MAGIC SHOTS
Be sure to stop at the different photopass photographers all around the Magic Kingdom on party nights for some spooky additions to your photos. Look in amazement at the headless horseman in front of the Main Street Railway.Hold a lantern for a frightening look at the Haunted Mansion sign. Whatever you do just be careful not to have any hitchhikers tag along.
COSTUMES
Maybe the most important thing you can do at the party is dress up. Anyone can dress up in costume for the party. It is not limited to just children. Of course your costume has to be in good taste and family friendly. Just remember no masks or weapons and for the most part you should be good. Also no having people line up for autographs or pictures or anything like that.
The Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great time at Magic Kingdom. While the wait times are long now than they have been in the past, it is still much shorter than your typical day at the Magic Kingdom. While you do need a special ticket for the party you DO NOT need a park ticket for that day. Also remember with the event ticket you can enter the Magic Kingdom at 4pm. The party officially starts at 7pm and goes until midnight.
Have you ever been to the MNSSHP? Have you gone in recent years? What do you think of the crowds, merch, and food? Let us know in the comments below. Kozmophotos is going to be going through a little rebranding in the next couple of months. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. This way you can be up to date with the coming changes and know when our newest post are added. We post 2 to 3 times a week.
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