You know it is officially Fall when you see photos all over social media of Disney’s Magic Kingdom filled with Halloween and Fall décor. Instead of looking through the photos, you should buy a ticket and experience it all for yourself. The special event is called Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which started in August on selected nights and will end on Halloween located in the Magic Kingdom. Before you assume this might be just for little kids, you are wrong. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a nice break from all the horrors of Halloween.
The Rides
The event officially starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 12 a.m. Five hours seems like a short time, but not everyone knows that even though it starts at 7 p.m., you can enter the park at 4 p.m. Entering the park at 4 p.m., the Magic Kingdom looks the same as usual with all the fall decorations. Now, it is the perfect time to get on some rides. Every ride is open, but you aren’t able to use fast passes because no matter what every ride will be 30 minutes or less. That means you should try to get on the “Snow White and Seven Dwarfs” coaster ride since on a regular day it’s at least a two-hour wait. This year Disney decided to create new experiences after 7 p.m. for The Mad Tea Party, “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Space Mountain. The Mad Tea Party has different special effects and lighting during the ride; while you spin, you can see different flashes of light, music and everything is purple. There wasn’t much of a difference on the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride, though. Waiting in line, you will encounter live pirates warning you to be on the lookout for “Gunpowder Pete.” During the ride, you are supposed to see a “Gunpowder Pete,” but it was a little hard to tell what was different. Space Mountain must’ve been the best new experience Disney decided to create. Space Mountain is a dark coaster ride, to begin with, but at 7 p.m., they shut off every single light. Riding Space Mountain will give you a thrill because you just don’t know what’s going to happen next.
Cinderella’s castle turns spooky with purple and blue lighting. This is where you can see the Sanderson sisters bring shenanigans to Halloween.
Entertainment
There are multiple shows and different kinds of entertaining things happening, and the best part about this is that it brings the Disney magic to you. After riding some rides and if you need a quick break you can enjoy the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet in Frontierland. The Quartet appears at random times; if you happen to see them it is worth to stop for a quick break and enjoy the haunting melodies they perform. Everyone knows that in the Magic Kingdom there is always a parade for everything. The Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade is a must watch, but it can get very crowded. The perfect spot is to sit by Splash Mountain where the parade begins. The best part of this parade is watching The Headless Horseman lead the parade on his horse. The Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, which only happens once at the event, is a must-see. This 12-minute fireworks show will amaze you and make you say “wow.” At 10:15 p.m., between fireworks, special effects and music you can sing along to, this is worth standing in the vast crowd. The best part is that you can be far or close and see the fireworks no matter where you are. The final and best entertainment that everyone needs to see is The “Hocus Pocus” Spelltacular. The famous and loved Sanderson Sisters come to Disney to use their magic to make this Halloween party exciting and full of shenanigans. During this show, you will see multiple villains, singing and potion-making. The best part is that it has four showings, so you have time to watch it at least once. Sadly, determining the best place to watch this show is hard because of how crowded it gets. You won’t be able to see the stage, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to watch the show because even if you can only see just a little bit of it, the songs are what makes the show. If you aren’t into any of these entertainments, don’t worry while these are happening, the lines for the rides will be the shortest.
Head over to Tomorrowland to get your Candy Corn Ice cream. This is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and cool you down during a humid night. Credit: Bernard Ramos
Treats and Candy
Disney provides all of their guests with free mini trick-or-treat bags, although you are allowed to bring your own. If you are looking to get a lot of free, unlimited candy, this will be the perfect place that will get you on a sugar rush. Some good advice is to grab a map because this will be the best guide to find all of the candy. Not only is there candy, but Disney offers different kinds of treats and desserts for you to buy. Some desserts include the Not-So-Poison Apple Cupcake, Pumpkin Cheesecake and a Candy Corn milkshake; the best thing you should try is the Candy Corn Ice cream. If you aren’t so much of a sweets person or satisfied with the free candy, try some of the park’s specialty food. The Hades Nachos are black bean nacho chips topped with buffalo choice for a snack. If you are hungry and want a big meal, try the Munster Smashburger, which has a black bun, cheese tots and Sriracha aioli. Disney does a great job making sure visitors can get a combination of sweet and savory.
Disney’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the perfect way for you to celebrate Halloween with your friends, family or significant other. This is a perfect event especially for those that aren’t fans of horror and getting scared. From satisfying your sweet tooth to meeting Disney characters and getting thrills from rides, this has a little bit of everything for everyone. Hurry up because this event does end on Halloween.
