The official kickoff to Fall has begun at the Magic Kingdom! The festivities were officially ushered in the by the Headless Horseman and his valiant steed on August 17th. 

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event featuring low crowds; special character meet and greets, The Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular with the Sanderson Sisters (celebrating their 25th anniversary…eeeekkkk!), Mickey’s “Boo to You” nighttime parade full of villains, ghouls and rarely seen characters dancing along the route and the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks. On top of all the great entertainment, there are also dance parties and trick-or-treat locations throughout the park. Exclusive merchandise and snack options are also available for purchase on party nights.

The party is just a few short hours – check out these tips to make sure you are getting the most out of your ticket!

Tip #1. Costumes: Two words:  FLORIDA. HEAT.
    Did you know that the Disney costumed characters are limited to 15-minute intervals inside their cuddly heat suits? You can’t survived dressed as Sully for 5 hours, especially if you were already hot during the day in your cool casual clothes. If you are considering a costume that includes a furry head-to-toe exterior, a leather jacket of any kind, pants, layers of tulle and satin – Don’t do it. It’s hot. It’s Florida. You will get sick in the park. Opt for a super simple lightweight costume or even a cute t-shirt.

Tip #2. Don’t waste time trick or treating
     Back to those 2 words-  FLORIDA. HEAT. Disney will gladly fill your candy bag to the brim- and hand you another bag! You know what you are walking out of the park with at midnight?…15-pounds of melted candy garbage that you have toted around the park with you for 5-hours.
My tip: hit 1-2 trick or treat locations for some snacks to enjoy during the parade and fireworks. You don’t need to hit every single treat location.

Tip #3- Get to the park early
   You can enter the Magic Kingdom at 4:00 pm on a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween ticket. You can also make fastpasses starting at 3:30. You can have a 3:30-4:30, 4:30-5:30 and a 5:30 fastpass before the party even starts. The lines will start to diminish as party guests are let in.

Tip #4 – Relax the day of the party 

Watch Hallowishes on our YouTube Channel here! I

   I like to schedule a special event on an “off” day from the parks. Sleep in, use the resort pool, take a nap and rest up before the party. I don’t like to stack regular park days along with a party night (except on some occasions). If your schedule allows for it, you are maximizing your actual park tickets by planning to attend the party on an “off” day. If you are starting your vacation off on a party night- be kind to yourself and your family and allow flexibility in your schedule to rest later in the vacation.

Tip #5- Choose a spot! 
     If you know you are not going to make it to midnight before turning into a pumpkin- find yourself a spot along Main Street in front of the castle about a half-hour before the first stage show. Stay there. Hit the bathroom, grab a drink (and a spare), pick up a snack and camp out. Especially if you get a “front row” seat.
     Are you in it for the long haul? The Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular runs 3 times on the castle stage, Mickey’s Boo to You Parade rolls twice and Hallowishes runs 1 time. IF you are in it for the long haul and plan to close the party down- enjoy the rare character meets, (Cruella De Vil, The Seven Dwarfs, Jack Skellington and Sally and MOANA)… while the first batch of stage show and parade is going on. Head towards Main Street about a 1/2 hour before the fireworks start; you will have sacrificed a great view of the castle projections, but, you will have gained a lot of party activity. The second run of the parade will be significantly less crowded as people will leave right after Hallowishes.

Tip #6 – Make your children shine
    The lights of the Magic Kingdom are dimmed during the parade and it gets pretty dark. Hit up the Dollar Tree or Party City for a light up necklace or glow stick accessories. You might also want to weave one of the battery pack LED light strings around your stroller to make it easier to find in the dim of the park.

Happy Haunting! 

Want to join in on the fun? 

Contact your Castle Vacations agent today!