Disney TidBits: Feeling Festive at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Last night we loaded up the kids and headed to Magic Kingdom for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, my favorite event EVER at Walt Disney World. We bought our tickets for a Tuesday night, as we always have, because crowds tend to be a little thinner and lines a little shorter than they will be on a Friday night. Yes, I suffered this morning, but it was worth it! We watched the Boo to You parade twice, scored copious amounts of chocolate and enjoyed 10 minute waits on Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain Railroad and a very palatable 20 minute wait for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Main Street, USA is amazing (as always) during this party, setting the perfect tone. The buildings are all glowing with eerie green and blue lights and jack-o-lanterns are perched in windows and on ledges where ever you look. There are swags of fall foliage, scarecrows and Halloween window displays that are well - to die for. It took us a while to make our way through this part of the park; it was quite crowded with looky-loos just like us, snapping photos and buying ghost balloons. Once we made it to the entrance to Tomorrowland, it wasn’t nearly as crowded. The Villains Mix and Mingle was rocking in front of Cinderella’s Castle featuring Maleficent, Captain Hook and the Queen of Hearts so we took a little time to watch and get into the Halloween spirit with Disney.

Jack-O-Lanterns!

Main Street, USA - Boo to You Parade

Scarecrows guard the entrance to Magic Kingdom

But we have our priorities in order so we headed straight for a trick or treating spot for the kids so that we could load them up with sugar and then settle in to watch the much anticipated Boo to You Halloween Parade. We made our way to Frontierland where we found a great viewing spot (big thanks to the nice lady who insisted that the kids stand right in front of the rope to see everything!). We watched in awe as the headless horseman ride past on a black stallion – but I will say that in years past I believe I remember the horse going faster and the park being darker. It was still fun, but I missed the sound of the hooves approaching ominously that we use to hear well before we actually would see the poor fellow riding by carrying his pumpkin head.

This parade is my absolute favorite thing ever. Featuring the classic Disney characters dressed up in their Halloween finery (Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and more – see pics for the costumes) as well as spooky characters from attractions such as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbosa float by on a pirate ship dripping with jewels and gold, preceded by a band of dancing pirates who twirl flags.

Twirling, dancing dead couples from the Haunted Mansion (“Ghost Hosts”) are delightful. Their heads loll around while they dance and stumble together. We probably took more than a hundred pictures and it was extremely difficult to narrow them down for this article. In pictures, they look scarier than they are when you are there – so don’t be afraid to bring small children. My kids, who are now 10 and 12, loved them even when they were 3 and 4 years old.

Grave Diggers from the Haunted Mansion also appear. They drag their shovels on the pavement creating sparks and loud clanking sounds that enhance the music they are dancing to. You will know the Grave Diggers are next when you see a lost looking man carrying a kerosene lantern wander through the parade route with his hound dog (just like in the ride before you go into the graveyard).

I watched the parade twice – first in Frontierland and then later from Main Street at the entrance, just below the train station viewing area. We chose the second location because we knew it would provide an easy exit after a fabulous night. Both were great vantage points as you can see from the pictures.

We didn’t knock ourselves out to do every event that is available, there just isn’t enough time! We did catch part of the Hallowishes fireworks - but we (actually the kids) chose to get on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train while the wait was only 20 minutes. Next time, I am going to watch the entire show from in front of the castle. I know from past experience that the Halloween fireworks are phenomenal. I am at peace with missing the fireworks this one time because some day, these kids will grow up and move out and cater to their own children who will make them miss the Hallowishes display. Hopefully.

Over by Space Mountain we caught the Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball on the Rockettower Plaza Stage where Sully, Mike, “Boo” and other Monsters, Inc. characters were boogying down along with quite a few party-goers. All of these characters were really mingling with the crowd so it was super easy to just walk up and take photos.

There were plenty of character greeting opportunities, more than enough candy. My kids even said “nah” when we pointed out another trick or treat spot – that is when we knew they were exhausted.

As a Mom and a nutty Disney fan I really count this as a must-do with or without kids in tow. Probably both ways should be experienced – at least once.