Denise's Corner

15 Tips to Enjoy Your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2015 Night

Denise

Hi everyone!

Last night we attended the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party for 2015 (since this article was first published, we have attended two Party nights). It is the 9th year we have covered it for the site (we did pay for our tickets). The Party had a very different vibe than other years, in part due to the sold-out aspect of the first night and also because of the major change in entertainment. Plus, times for parades, shows and the fireworks are later than usual – so the end of the night was still pretty busy. Here are my tips for 2015! We also have an article with 130 photos.

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Prioritize Your Evening – Decide what you want to do before heading to the Party. Characters could easily take up the full 5 hours. Viewing Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade, Happy HalloWishes, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and adding in some trick or treating could also take up 5 hours. Attraction lines are short, Space Mountain posted a 10 minute wait when I passed it last night. Choose what is most important and then plan accordingly. You won’t see everything in one Party night.

Arrive Early – This is always one of my first tips, to arrive at 4:00 p.m. While the Party itself does not start until 7:00 p.m., the ticket is good from 4 until the end of the night (which is officially midnight, but the last Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular ends at 12:20 a.m.). That is over 8 hours of fun instead of 5, and I always prefer to get the most value for my money. Plus, if you are interested in meeting Jack and Sally or the Seven Dwarfs – the two most popular meet and greets  – getting in line before the official Party starts means not standing in line for 2 hours during the Party for a meet.

Study the Guide Map – A lot changed this year, from character meeting locations to treat areas (for example, Werthers is no longer in Pinocchio’s Village Haus, but across from Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid). The guide map offers treat locations, entertainment information, and what is open as far as attractions and dining.

Dress in Costume – I’ve still not done this in 20 years of attending Party nights, but guests young and old (and everyone in between) are welcome and encouraged to dress up. Remember that the weather is usually quite warm! I saw a few costumes that looked very uncomfortable for the temperatures.

Trick or Treating is for Everyone – Adults and children can trick-or-treat! Make sure to pick up a bag when entering the park.

Stop for Your Special Party Exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card – Starting at 4 p.m., Cast Members pass the card out – one per Party guest – at the Main Street Firehouse.

Watch Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade in Frontierland to Save Time – While we often watch the parade in Town Square, it is not quick to view it there. One guest behind us yesterday during the first parade was wondering where the parade was 10-15 minutes after the Headless Horseman rode by. It actually took about 20 minutes or so to reach us, so that was 20 minutes that Frontierland guests had for the rest of the Party that we didn’t. If you are looking for more Party time and don’t really care what your view is, I recommend that.

View the Second Parade – Weather permitting, I recommend waiting for the second parade. It is less crowded than the first showing. It wasn’t as empty a parade route as I’ve seen in other years, but still many fewer guests watched the second Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade. On the other hand, Jeff suggests sticking it out for the first parade and then trick-or-treat and visit characters later in the evening. Either way, utilize those last couple of hours that are a little less busy!

And don’t miss the Headless Horseman!

Arrive for Jack & Sally or the Seven Dwarfs Early – Jack Skellington and Sally started meeting Party guests at 6:20 p.m. yesterday, before the official event started. We were in line at 5:30 p.m. and met them just after 7:00 p.m. That meant that the rest of our Party was wide open for other activities, instead of waiting for the characters. For the Seven Dwarfs on the second night, we entered the line at 6:10 p.m. and were finished at about 7:10 p.m. The Seven Dwarfs take longer breaks, and you don’t want to get caught during the Party while they are taking one.

Know What to Expect for “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” – The son of a guest beside me asked “When will Mickey Mouse come out?” before the show started yesterday. Mickey isn’t in the show, it is a darker villain show. Check out our video to get an idea of what to expect. The former Villains Mix & Mingle show was also on the dark side, but a larger percentage of it was musical performances. Every performance yesterday was crowded, but the last was the most manageable.

Attend the Last Showing of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – I’m not sure if this will change later in the season, but the last show begins at midnight. It is a little less crowded and nothing else is available in the park at that time. It extends your Party evening almost a half hour, and you don’t have to miss out on something else to see it.

Meet “Talking Mickey” in his Halloween costume at Town Square Theater – While you won’t find Mickey in the Hocus Pocus show, you can meet him and have him talk to you at Town Square Theater! We waited just 5 minutes immediately after the first parade yesterday. Here is our video of Mickey!

See Happy HalloWishes Fireworks – Happy HalloWishes is a special fireworks presentation with perimeter fireworks. Don’t miss it! Happy HalloWishes is a Party exclusive.

Buy Party Merchandise Early – On the first night, there was a special Hocus Pocus shirt that we were told (at the end of the night) wouldn’t be back. We will see if that is the case, but it is always best to pick up items early in the evening. We were told that guests with wristbands could purchase Party exclusive merchandise at 4 p.m.

Stay Late – The park wasn’t as empty yesterday at midnight as in previous years, we are used to seeing a mass exodus right after Happy HalloWishes. But with the fireworks, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and the last villain show being pushed later, it seemed many more families stuck around until the end of the night. We left around 1:15 a.m. after taking photos around Main Street and Town Square.

And last, have fun!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is held for 2015:

  • September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27
  • October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31
  • November 1

And tickets can be purchased here.