Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
The Magic Kingdom Halloween Event at Walt Disney World Orlando
May 24, 2009
For families visiting the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Orlando in the fall, consider attending Mickey’s Not-so-scary Halloween Party, a Halloween-themed special event held during certain dates September through November. As seven-year season passholder, mom of a toddler and preschooler, and Gifted teacher Amy Moreland told Suite in a 2008 interview, “It’s definitely worth doing.”
Mickey’s Halloween Party is Perfect for Small Children
Because it is (ahem) not so scary, this Halloween shindig is very much appropriate for small children, as long as they can tolerate the late hours. The party typically starts at 7pm and goes to midnight, so families bringing small children will definitely want to make sure they have a nap.
Disney cast members give each child a bag or Mickey pumpkin in which to collect their Halloween loot as they trick-or-treat through the Magic Kingdom. Everyone is expected to dress up, adults included.
The Moreland family often goes in September, when the party is the least crowded. It may mean mom has to get the Halloween costumes ready early, but according to Moreland, “It’s a must do.” Families used to waiting in long lines for their favorite Disney rides may find that the best part is simply walking onto the Dumbo ride or Pirates of the Caribbean.
Meet Special Disney Characters at the Halloween Party
Many of the favorite Disney characters are dressed up in Halloween garb for the event, and more villains are out and about than normal. Says Moreland, “You get to see a lot of characters you don’t normally see, like Snow White and all seven dwarfs. There is a special villain show in front of the castle where you can meet and talk to Cruella and Jafar. Cruella is absolutely hysterical.”
For kids who love the Disney characters, the Not-so-scary Halloween party offers an opportunity for more personal interaction than the typical long line wait followed by a hug and photo that they get during regular park hours. At one of the dance parties during the event, Moreland’s four-year-old daughter got to hold hands and dance with Stitch from Lilo and Stitch dressed up in an Elvis costume.
The Morelands also enjoyed meeting Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, whom Moreland also describes as “hysterical.” “They are just catty and they get to be mean to you. They accost the little boys, saying ‘How old are you? Do you want to marry my daughter?’”
The party also features a fantastic Halloween parade and fireworks show as well as the expected Disney touch of themed lighting and music to help set the mood.
Admission Prices and Dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Admission to special events is above and beyond the regular ticket cost. Prices and dates are posted on the Disney website, with the first party of 2009 kicking off September 4th and parties happening most Tuesday and Friday nights in September. Parties are held every few days in October. The last party of the year will be held Sunday, November 1st.
Tickets cost $59 for visitors ages 10 and up, but may be discounted to $52 during advanced purchase. For kids ages 3-9, admission is $53 per child with an advanced purchase discount price of $46.
Disney also holds other special events such as the Pirate and Princess parties at the Magic Kingdom, Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Also, check out Amy Moreland’s general tips for taking small children to Disney as well as baby-, toddler- and preschooler-friendly attractions at each of the four major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
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