Typically, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the annual after-hours fall event at the Magic Kingdom, changes only slightly from year to year. This week, however, Walt Disney World officials announced some sure-to-thrill additions to the 2013 entertainment line-up.
Characters Jack Skellington and Sally (from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) will make their debut appearance at the party. Given the context of their story and the pair’s widespread appeal, this meet-and-greet seems like a natural fit. Jack Skellington and Sally first appeared at Walt Disney World last September as part of Frankenweenie Weekend at Downtown Disney. Make no bones about it: Some guests waited three hours to meet these characters, which certainly is a testament to their popularity. At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll be able to find them in the Town Square area of Main Street, U.S.A.
Phineas and Ferb return for their second year at the holiday party. This time, however, they have been promoted from simply greeting guests to leading the Creepa Crew. The Disney Channel duo unofficially performed in this capacity last year, interacting with crowds waiting for the popular Mickey’s Boo To You! Halloween Parade. Now, they will lead the Disney dancers and guests in a line dance — the Not-So-Scary Street Jam — performed to “Calling All the Monsters” by China Anne McClain.
Speaking of dancing, another new event at the Halloween Party will be the Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball on the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. The dance party will be hosted by “Monsters University” scarers Mike and Sulley. Dance parties have become a staple at after-hours events in the Magic Kingdom, and for good reason — guests love to let loose and see their favorite characters doing the same thing. The Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball replaces Stitch’s Club 626 in the same location.
Of course, two of the annual favorite entertainment experiences have been confirmed for the 2013 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties: Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween parade, which begins with the Headless Horseman and features Disney characters in costume as well as the ghostly inhabitants of The Haunted Mansion; and Happy HalloWishes fireworks. Both of these events are only seen during the Halloween party. This is different from the Christmas parade and fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which can be seen as part of regular admission to the Magic Kingdom during the weeks surrounding the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The always-popular treat trails that offer concentrated trick-or-treating return, too. Guests can collect handfuls of candy at Alice and Mad Hatter’s Treat Party, which begins in Storybook Circus in Fantasyland, and at Br’er Rabbit’s Laughin’ Place Candy Patch near Splash Mountain in Frontierland. We’re told there may be a few new surprise candy stations, as well.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a hard-ticket event, meaning guests must pay a separate admission price for the party, which lasts from 7 p.m. to midnight. (The Magic Kingdom usually allows party guests to enter as early as 4 p.m., but the Halloween events do not begin until 7 p.m.) Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be held on Sept. 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29; Oct. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; and Nov 1. Tickets are on sale now, and you can see the full breakdown on prices on the AllEars.Net resource page.
My sister and I are in our 60s, and we are planning our 2nd annual Sisters Trip to Disney World in late September 2014. Would you recommend this event for us? (She is a nurse and I’m a therapist, so we are in pretty good shape for our age!)
KRISTIN: If you love Halloween, I definitely recommend it!
We hope to take our granddaughters to MNSSHP. Should we buy tickets in advance or are we likely to be able to buy them the day we want to go?
Thanks!
KRISTIN: If you are going in October, I would purchase the tickets in advance. Many dates closer to Halloween sell out.
We have 2 Girls, age 5 and 7, is it worth spending the xtra money to attend the Halloween party? We will be in magic kindom anyways that day for dinner at 35O. ,, thoughts?
KRISTIN: I *do* think it’s worth it, and your girls are at a great age to enjoy it!
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for the info. I see that someone else brought up Space Mountain not being on the map. Do you know if Space Mountain will be open during MNNSHP after the refurbs are complete?
Also, did you try any of the Halloween treats? The ghost cupcakes or pumpkin waffle ice cream?
Thanks,
Stephanie
KRISTIN: We haven’t heard about Space Mountain being closed, except for the short refurbishments. We didn’t get to try the Halloween treats – everyone in my family was full from all the candy they ate along the way!
We have tickets for MNSSHP on October 17th – can you tell me if Space Mountain will be open during the party? Thanks.
KRISTIN: It was not open at the first party, but it was open at the second party because of a series of short refurbishments. The last one is scheduled for Sept. 23-26, so I would expect it to be open on Oct. 17.
Were the 7 dwarfs near Splash Mountain for MNSSHP? I don’t see that as a character location on the map. Thanks!
KRISTIN: The 7 Dwarfs have moved to a spot in front of the gates to New Fantasyland (behind Cinderella Castle). At the first party of the season, they began the meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. for those who had wristbands.
Does Disney World offer a discount to this event for annual passholders? Thanks for the information 🙂
KRISTIN: Yes, passholders can choose from select dates for a discount. There are a host of other discounts, as well. You can see the complete details here:
http://allears.net/tp/mk/mnssh.htm
I find it interesting that Space Mountain is not listed as an option attraction. It has been in past years.
Any idea why it is not listed?
KRISTIN: Apparently, it was not open at the 1st party, but it was at the 2nd because of a series of short refurbishments. The final scheduled closing is Sept. 23-26.
My wife and I are at the resort in October and are thinking of attending the party. Are the regular attractions also open during the party? Thanks.
KRISTIN: Most, but not all, attractions are open. You can see the list on the 2013 MNSSHP map:
http://allears.net/tp/mk/mnsshp/2013-mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-map.pdf
We are going to the Halloween Party on Thursday, October 24:) Where and when should we line up for the parade and fireworks? Thanks!!
KRISTIN: This really is a matter of personal preference. But here are some things to consider. The first parade is ALWAYS more crowded than the second, and you probably need to line up an hour ahead of time for a curbside seat. If you want to see the pre-parade street performers, sit down by the train station because they perform near Town Square. We like to watch the parade from Main Street because then we have Cinderella Castle as a backdrop to our photos, and we’re already in place for the fireworks. Many people, though, say it is less crowded in Frontierland. Finding a spot for the fireworks is much easier than the parade because you can stand on Main Street and surrounding areas. Hope this helps!
We have tickets to the Halloween party for the first time. We do have 6 p.m. dining reservations. Can we check in early before we eat?
KRISTIN: Although it is not publicized, every year MNSSHP guests are allowed to begin entering Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. to help disperse the crowds. Based on past experience, I think you should be fine.
Trying to decide if I should do the MNSSHP on Thursday, October 17th or Friday, October 18th. Any suggestions?
KRISTIN: Weekend days, especially those closer to Halloween, tend to be busier than weekdays.
I think you might have left out a date in your list of MNSCHP dates, because when I was researching it for our own upcoming trip, I had tentatively planned on Tuesday, October 1st, as our Halloween Party night. At the time, Disney’s official website had it listed as a party night. I sure hope it wasn’t canceled! 🙁
KRISTIN: I’m sorry, Bob, but Oct. 1 is not one of the party dates for 2013.
We are trying to decide between doing the MNSSHP on 10/31 or 11/1. I would love to do it on Halloween, but am worried it may be overly crowded. Any thoughts? Thanks!
KRISTIN: It most definitely will be crowded on Oct. 31. I guess the question would be if you will still feel like celebrating Halloween on Nov. 1.
Hi there. We have tickets for MNSSHP and were wondering the following: what do people usually do about dinner before events like this (we want to get to the park for line up by 6:00-6:30)? Is food available at the park during the party? What time is the parade? Do you need to secure a good spot to be able to watch? How about the fireworks? What time do they start and what are good viewing spots? This is our family’s first time to Disney and we don’t want to miss anything!
Thanks for all the great information you provide!
KRISTIN: You actually should be able to get into MK about 4 p.m. with your MNSSHP tickets, which would give you plenty of time to have either a table-service or counter-service dinner before the party starts at 7 p.m. Jack’s blog post from last year has answers to many of your other questions:
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/walt_disney_world/special_events/mickeys_not_so_scary_halloween/
My husband, myself & my 2 boys, ages 10 & 3, at the time, went to our first MNSSHP in 2011 & we loved it!! We all dressed up & the kids just loved trick or treating in the park. The lines were not too long for the candy & the helpings were very generous. The lines for the rides were non existent!!! Sure there was a bit of a delay getting in because of the crowds but that was it. Once you were in the park, the crowds dispersed. We are going back again, this year & will be at the party for opening night. What a spectacular event it is!! I urge any Disney fan who hasn’t tried it yet to do so! You won’t be disappointed.
Will the children be given trick or treat bags at MNSSHP or do they need to bring their own?
KRISTIN: Kids AND adults receive trick-or-treat bags!
Hi we have attended the MNSSHP many times we love it we have been going to Disney over 40 years started as a first date in 71 so we have taken our daughters and grandchildren over the years we are all Disney addicts and have watched it grow and grow I can’t really pick between Christmas and Halloween they are both special we love to visit all the Disney Hotels to see the Christmas decorations its just unbelievable there truly isn’t any place more magical and family friendly!!
I have been to Disney many times…we have been to the Not So Scary halloween party a few times. We are planning on being in Disney for Halloween this this but we are not spending the extra money for tickets to the MNSSHP. Do you have any suggestions of where we can take our kids tick or treating for Halloween in Disney?
KRISTIN: If you happen to be staying at Fort Wilderness Campground, guests there can choose to participate in trick-or-treating. Since Happy Haunting at Downtown Disney was discontinued, though, I’m not aware of other trick-or-treat locations.
I know they start letting people into the park at 4pm. Do you know what time they usually allow you to get in line for character photos? Do they start the character photos at 4 or 7? I’d love to have a photo with Jack and Sally, and hope to plan effectively.
KRISTIN: Character photos do not start until the party officially starts at 7 p.m. We’ve lined up between 6 and 6:30 in past years.
We are coming th WDW for the first time from Australia. We have tickets booked for MNSSHP and Chrstmas party. We will be doing the Halloween party on Halloween so that should be quite an experience for my 10yo. We are going to the first Chrismas party on the 9th nov . We can’t wait!
Have been to both the Mickey’s Not So Scary and Mickey’s Christmas. Hands down MNSSHP is far better. We are going back again this year and will be there next year also, and we are from NY. This year a quick 3 days and next year 7 days, but we always try to go when it is Food and Wine and MNSSHP – best of both worlds.
We will be in MK on Oct. 10th, and have “luckily” landed a reservation for the extended hours of Pirate’s league at 6:30 pm. YEAH! However, we are NOT staying for the Halloween party, and we were told that as soon as our appointment is over, we must exit the park. If we don’t make it out of the park on time, will we be charged for party tickets? How exactly do they check your tickets? I am just curious since it is a good chance we will not be done by 7 p.m. Thanks for any help you can give me.
KRISTIN: Party-goers are given special Halloween wristbands when their MNSSHP tickets are swiped. Cast members ask those who don’t have wristbands to scan their tickets at one of the locations throughout the park or to exit the Magic Kingdom. Also, at the start of the party, cast members will be stationed at the entrances to different lands checking wristbands as well as at the attractions.
We went to the Halloween party last year and had such a fun time. It is worth the extra $. we are going again this year in just a few short weeks and are looking forward to the party again. the fireworks are wonderful and of course the parade was out of this world.
Thanks Kristin for your insight
I am a night owl so I will just nap in the afternoon and go for it. What the Heck!It looks like everyone else thinks it is great, and who knows when I will be back again at this time period.
Perhaps I will make some new friends along the way. Will anyone be there for the Sept 27th party????
Went twice to Halloween party. Planning on going next year, can’t wait. Just loved it. Glad there are a few changes. I think the parade and fireworks are the best and can’t wait to trick or treat next year
I LOVE Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party! We’ve been 4 times and everytime is just as much fun as the first time! I’m excited about the addition of Jack and Sally. Their addition is surely a no brainer 🙂 Hope I get to see them this go around! Come on October!
Hi Kristin,
We went to MNSSHP last year and loved it. Of course there are new things added this year and we feel like we are missing out. We won’t be going back to WDW, not MNSSHP, for 1-3 years.
We look forward to your blogs and live vicariously through your family. We were wondering, do you attend this party and the Christmas party, and Food & Wine, and Flower & garden every year?
Thanks.
karen
KRISTIN: Thanks very much, Karen. Since we live locally and have WDW passes, we do go to F&W and F&G every year. We have been to the Halloween party most years in the last decade, but have not gone to the Christmas party as often.
We are attending the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for the first time this year. Are there restrictions on what type of costume you can wear? I know masks and long dresses are not appropriate as that was with the information that came with the tickets.
I read that sometimes people are turned away if they are dressed like a “Disney” character, is this true?
KRISTIN: Adults are permitted to dress as Disney characters as long as they do not pose for photos with guests or sign autograph books. And, of course, kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite Disney characters.
We went to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party last year for the first time and LOVED it! We cannot wait to go again this year and the next and the next (we’re Orlando residents). The parade was hands down the BEST parade that we have EVER seen at Disney (and I was a die-hard SpectroMagic gal! lol) We waited for some time in our spot in front of Casey’s on Main Street at the curb and got SO much interaction from the parade – Chip & Dale gave us high-5s, the cowboys, the “ghosts” etc…all interacted w/ us…AWESOME! Just everything was so special – the costumes on the fellow guests, the free candy, the decorations, the music, the lighting, the fireworks…and the Headless Horseman! 🙂
I need some advice
I am just going down for 4 days by myself for a low budget trip at the end of September and I am wondering if I should spend the extra $$ to go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? (I am at the age where I can remember the original Mouseketeers!!) I haven’t been since 2001 and it POURED the entire evening. Needless to say our costumes got soaking wet, the little one cried and the bus driver got lost going back to the hotel (a truly scary night!)
I have already budgeted for 2 low price Seminars at the Food and Wine in EPCOT. Do you think it is worth it to spring for the Party too??
KRISTIN: I do think the Halloween party is worth doing. I like it even better than the Christmas Party. That said, it really is a personal decision that depends whether you like to celebrate Halloween, will stay up until the party ends at midnight, etc.
Can’t wait for the Hallowe’en party again this year, last year was our first time & we’re going back in October. Thanks for the update.
Met Jack and Sally last year at Frankenweenie event, Downtown. Pretty cool. Yes, waited nearly 3 hours, but worth it. Been to Halloween party many times and looking forward to the few changes and old favorites. Thanks for the update.