Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Each fall at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom becomes the site for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. The events are scheduled multiple nights from early September until October 31 and sometimes Nov. 1. The dates for the 2010 parties were just announced and went on sale. . . 2 days ago, April 29! This event is known as a "hard ticket" event, as party goers have to have a special ticket to the party to gain entrance to the Magic Kingdom. Once admitted, guests are then given a special bracelet. Guests without bracelets are asked to leave the part by 7:00 pm and are not permitted on rides and attractions without the special bracelet. The official hours of the party are 7:00pm-Midnight. The secret time of entrance is 4:00 pm even you have just the party ticket.

We attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in September 2008. The evening is full of dance parties, special locations to fill your loot bag, a special show on the Castle stage, two parades, and a special Halloween fireworks display--just for the party! You can also find characters dressed in their Halloween costumes (some sort of definition of irony here). There are also some characters out during the party that you cannot find any other time of year--like Snow White and all seven Dwarfs as seen in a photo below.

Cinderella's Castle is orange just for the occasion.

Here's Tigger and Piglet in their costumes. Piglet was a bee.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

As hard to find as the gold in their mine.

Mickey as a jester for the Boo To You Parade.

We just love being at Disney!

If you are lucky enough to get to attend a "hard ticket" event like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, here are some tips to get the most from your evening:

• Arrive as early as you can to the party and make sure you have already eaten. You want to have as much time to enjoy the festivities as possible. You can always grab a snack while you watch the parade.
• Grab a map and time schedule for the party when you arrive and plan your evening. The parade is twice with fireworks in between. If you can wait for the second parade it is a bit less crowded, but be sure to catch the fireworks!
• Take photos and/or use Disney's PHOTOPASS service. There are often discounts on the bag of PHOTOPASS cards issued at these special events. Click here to read more about Disney's PHOTOPASS service.
• Take advantage of the free goodies at various locations throughout the park. When Disney gives out chocolate, it's the good stuff!
• Since admission to these events is limited, it means walking on most attractions. Walking on means NO WAIT! We have walked on Pirates of the Caribbean and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. . . attractions that typically have wait times. Which is another reason to arrive early and get the most out of the evening.
• Enjoy the ambiance. Disney goes all out to decorate for the season and it is a feast for your eyes. . . and another reason to take lots of pictures.
• Some merchandise is only available during the event. For example, if you want to purchase a pin or shirt exclusive to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, be sure to do it while you are at the party as it will only be sold then.
• Look for special characters, etc. This is the one time that you can get your photo taken outside Haunted Mansion by the ghost carriage and a ghost will "magically" appear in your photo. Cool!
• Don't miss the parade!
• Don't miss the fireworks!
• Have fun!

Some dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party sell out quickly so if you want a special date, be sure to reserve your tickets early. Disney sure has created something magical for the fall season.