Jump to content

For the First Time in 16 Years, I Left Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party EARLY. Here’s Why.


Recommended Posts

Something happened to me during my last trip to Disney World. I felt OLD. Eek!

2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-mickeys

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Don’t worry. I don’t kid myself. I know I’m no 20-year-old anymore. But for the first time in my decades of going to Disney World, I left Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party early. And do you know what? I have no regrets. Here’s why.

Click here to subscribe

OK, before I explain myself, I should point out that if you’re a Halloween Party newbie or haven’t been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in a while, my story may sound a little shocking. I want to make it clear that I fully support the idea of sticking around at the party as long as possible — get your money’s worth, people! That said, I know I’m not alone in feeling like my body reached a point when it was simply time to go. This calls for a storytime!

2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-mickeys

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event that requires a separate ticket for entry. The event happens on select nights from August 9th through October 31st. During the event, you can enjoy exclusive treats and entertainment only available for the Halloween season!

2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-mickeys

Halloween fireworks

Some fan-favorite highlights of the event include trick-or-treating in the Magic Kingdom, the party-exclusive Boo-To-You Halloween Parade (which starts with an appearance by the Headless Horseman), and rare character meet-and-greets. For me, the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is worth the entire price of the ticket. I adore that parade. I’ll never miss it.

2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-mickeys

Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Speaking of tickets, they’re kind of expensive. Now, I visited Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in mid-August (remember this, OK?), so my ticket was around $119. The parties later in the season are much more expensive — we’re talking $199 per adult ticket. Naturally, when you’re spending that kind of money, you will want to make sure you show up early and squeeze in as many things as possible to make the most of the event. The good news is that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins at 7PM and ends at midnight; however, party guests may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4PM.

2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-mickeys

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Now, here’s where my story begins. I was in Disney World for a quick trip — three nights, four days. I didn’t want to miss my chance to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so I slotted in a visit for the morning of my Halloween Party. I got up bright and early, rope-dropped Animal Kingdom, hit Flight of Passage, rode the safari, rode Expedition Everest, and stopped by to ride Dinosaur (three times in a row) for good measure. After a filling lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue, I headed back to my hotel for an afternoon break before the party. On paper, this all seemed like a great idea.

2024-wdw-dak-flame-tree-barbecue-baked-m

Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork…DUH!

But, inevitably, my “afternoon break” was shorter than anticipated. Just as I was starting to cool down in the AC, it was time to start getting ready for the Halloween Party. I wanted to be out the door and at the bus stop by 2:30PM to get to Magic Kingdom as early as possible. (I have an Annual Pass, so I did not need to wait until 4PM to enter the Magic Kingdom with my Halloween Party ticket.)

2023-wdw-atmos-disneys-all-star-movies-r

Bus stop at All-Star Movies

I’ll spare you every little detail of my afternoon, but I’ll sum it up with one word: BUSY! By the time Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party officially started, I had already accomplished a lot, but there was plenty left to do. I thought I was in good shape!

2024-wdw-mk-atmo-haunted-mansion-ride-ex

Haunted Mansion

As the night progressed, I efficiently checked off item after item on my to-do list. Rode a few rides? Check. Visited some characters? Check. Grabbed a snack? Check. Watched the parade? Check. Fireworks? Saw ’em. Halloween Party souvenirs acquired? Yep. Trick-or-treated? DUH.

2024-wdw-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-halloween-

Madame Leota Séance Candle

By about 10:30PM, I had done everything I wanted to do. Did I meet every single character? No. Did I ride every single ride? Also no. But A.) It was August. It was HOT outside. B.) I was exhausted. I walked at least 25,000 steps that day, and C.) I did everything I wanted to do that night.

So, sure, I could have pushed myself to ride a few more rides. I could have trick-or-treated a little longer. I could have stayed for the second parade. But, at a certain point, I asked myself, “Why?” The lesson I took away from that night was that it is okay to leave the party early! I ended up leaving around 10:45PM, and I had no regrets.

2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-mnsshp-mickeys

The party is a blast!

There is plenty to keep you busy during the party, but once you’ve seen and done everything on your list, there’s no shame in heading back to get a good night’s sleep! Take it from me — a typical *rope-drop til park close* person — it’s OK to give your body a break. ESPECIALLY in the heat!

If you’re heading to a party this season, enjoy! And maybe don’t rope-drop a park the same morning as your party, yeah?

Photos AND Reviews: ALL the 2024 Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World!

IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR!


DFB-Halloween-at-Disney-World-guide.png

Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide!

From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks!

Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical!

Would you leave a party early? Let us know in the comments!

The post For the First Time in 16 Years, I Left Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party EARLY. Here's Why. first appeared on the disney food blog.

View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...