Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has returned to Walt Disney World, and it’s both a treat and tricky.
The event hasn’t had drastic changes this year, but here are a few reminders of how the after-hours, separate-ticket event works at Magic Kingdom.
Is it too early/too hot for costumes?
You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But on opening night last week, the cosplay quotient was high among young and old. Of course, there were princesses, Peter Pans and pirates. In the heat of August or September (aka August, Part 2), I can’t recommend a lot of layers. There are plenty of Disney-based T-shirt options. I saw one woman in street clothes … and a crown. It was a little odd, but she was in the spirit of things.
Or don’t wear a costume at all. It’s OK. You be you, boo.
How hot is it? Despite a candy maker’s classic claim, the chocolate did melt in our hands before it got to the mouth.
What time are the parades?
Here’s a change. The early parade has moved up and now steps off in Frontierland at 8:15 p.m. Then there’s another run-through at 11:15 p.m. Disney says this is to accommodate families with kiddos with early bedtimes. The crowd traditionally has been thinner for the late parade, and that was true on this year’s opening night. The rest of the park felt less populated late as well, even though it was a sell-out.
Grab an event map on the way in because there are multiple times for some Not-So-Scary activities, including “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” and there is a change in times later next month.
Side note: The villains unit in the parade may have a new feel now that a Villains land has been announced for the theme park.
Where are we going?
The foot traffic flow may be a bit frightful. After passing through the Magic Kingdom gate, you are wristbanded and sent beneath the train station as usual. If it’s before 7 p.m., you’ll probably be steered to the right and a backstage area, where you’ll see characters and receive a bag for trick-or-treating. On opening night, we went through Tomorrowland Terrace, which changed the direction of some walkways.
You need those wristbands because they keep you in the park after the official close. Cast members gradually shut off lands to non-partiers, and your wristband indicates that you belong there.
Some of the candy lines also are peculiar. They wind through new spaces and the design is longer than expected, although actual waits were pretty swift. Look for the big orange inflatables for the entrances, and a worker is usually nearby with an “end of the line” sign. The treat stops are also marked on the guide map.
Before midnight munchies
Disney has an array of Halloweeny foods, some of which are exclusive to the party and all of which are listed in a Foodie Guide on the official Disney Parks Blog. We were drawn to the design of Madame Leota Seance Candle. It’s a red velvet cakey push-up treat. It’s a trick not to eat all the icing at first gulp, but overall tasty. It’s sold at Liberty Square’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, a counter-service eatery that faces Cinderella Castle.
Other intriguing edible options from the party: Minnie witch hat (a chocolate cookie with peanut butter mousse) from Main Street Bakery, the Mickey-shaped pumpkin cheesecake (Casey’s Corner) and the guava lemonade slushy with cheesecake foam (Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe).
Day shift at night
A side benefit of the party: Attendees can ride Tron Lightcycle/Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure without messing with the virtual queue system that’s required on a regular park day. It’s all standby during the event. Be forewarned that the queues on opening night ranged from about 20 minutes to more than an hour, even at the end of the night. (The party ends at midnight.)
However, the nighttime Tiana queue had a nice vibe with the lighting and jazzy music. And the descent down the ride’s hill is still a magnificent Magic Kingdom view. While you’re in the neighborhood, the reopened Country Bear Musical Jamboree is a nice, air-conditioned stop.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary runs on select nights through Oct. 31. Of the 38 nights, 11 have sold out already, including every event evening in August. For tickets or more information, go to disneyworld.com.
Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
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