With the start of fall, we think of many things: changing leaves, cooler temperatures, football season (I prefer to think of it as Marching Band season - LOL!), Pumpkin Spice Latte season ... and of course, it's also the start of Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party (MNSSHP) in the Magic Kingdom!
If you've never visited Disney in the fall months, I highly recommend it! The Magic Kingdom especially is transformed with orange, red, and yellow hangings, Mickey-O-Lanterns, and beautiful fall foliage. Last year, we took a trip to celebrate my hubby's 40th birthday, and one of the main things we planned for was MNSSHP. This was my first experience at MNSSHP, and I absolutely loved it.
The outside was beautifully (and somewhat creepily lit) with colored lights, which don't really show in this particular picture. The music is not the typical happy music, either -- it takes cues from the Haunted Mansion track, instantly putting you in the mood for a Halloween Party.
Once you enter the park, you see all the beautiful decorations -- oh, and more neat lighting!
We opted to stay for the first Parade (there are usually 2 showings). Make sure you get there early for a great spot -- you won't want to miss anything. The whole parade is started off with a ride by the Headless Horseman, who I just read actually begins his ride at Fort Wilderness.
If you are near the front of the park, there is a bit of a wait for the Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade to begin, but it's definitely become one of my faves at the MK. While you're waiting, check out all of the costumes. Party Guests have some amazingly creative costumes! And don't be ashamed to dress up! I promise you that children and adults alike were decked out in their Halloween Finest. Plus, all of your favorite characters (and villians) show up throughout the parade -- many of them also in "costume". I literally have pics of every float, but I'm choosing just some of my favorite shots:
The ballroom dancing ghosts...
The Hitchhiking Ghosts...
And there are lots more fun aspects to this section that just don't translate as well in photos -- but watch for the grave diggers! The choreography is amazing.
Oh, and of course, the Disney Villians come out to play...
And what MK party would be complete without fireworks? HalloWishes was one of the absolute coolest displays I've experienced.
Now Halloween automatically brings to mind Trick-or-Treating. Don't worry, you can trick-or-treat right in the MK! There are special designated areas on the Party Park Map. Just take your complimentary treat bag (or your own, if you want!) and go to town! I loved going on the pathway between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. It was a super quiet path, and there was lots of candy to be had there! By the way, if you have a child with a particular allergy, stop by City Hall on Main Street, where you can exchange candy for allergen free treats.
Of course, all of your favorite attractions are open for business. The Haunted Mansion is especially creepy on this evening, and you may just get to interact with a special "Ghost Hostess" sitting in the lawn. If you have the opportunity, let a Photopass Photographer take your picture by the horseless hearse outside of the queue line. Check it out at any of the Photo Viewing areas and you will notice a surprise guest in your picture. I won't spoil the surprise. :)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad also gets some special decor for the evening:
So, for this blogger, I'd say that MNSSHP was completely worth the purchase of a ticket. It was a fun-filled, special evening that I would love to experience again soon. I definitely recommend purchasing tickets in advance for this event. Dates run from late September through, you guessed it, Halloween. Typical prices are $62 for adults, $57 for children. Earlier dates are easier to get tickets for, but the closer to Halloween it gets, the faster they sell out. If you are a DVC Member, Disney Visa Card Holder, or Annual Pass Holder, there are discounts available that you can take advantage of for select nights.
Think you want to check it out? I'll be happy to help you get everything scheduled - it never costs you anything extra. Just click the contact icon on the sidebar. I will leave you with a couple of parting photos of some of the beautiful fall decor:
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