During the Disney Earmarked Conference, we were given passes to attend the ‘hard tIcket’ event called “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” (MNSSHP). Basically, a few nights a week starting in September and lasting through Halloween, the Magic Kingdom closes at 7pm to regular guests. After that time, only those who have purchased special tickets are allowed to stay in the park. BUT Disney makes it worth it for those who have purchased party tickets. How? Well, let’s talk a bit about some of what makes the MNSSHP so special!
First – here’s an example of the wristbands that guests must wear to the party. This is how Disney knows you are allowed to stay in the park (when they’re herding everyone else out.)
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This is the ONLY time that adult guests can dress in costume in Disney parks. A good many people make the most of it, and go all out when it comes to dressing up. Three years ago, I came with two of my girlfriends, and we dressed as the girls from Peter Pan (Tink, Wendy, and Tiger Lilly). Well, this time I pulled my Tinkerbell costume out again and hit the parks running! While I was walking around, I took some photos of some of the more clever costumes I saw. Here’s a few of them!
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******(Pardon some of the blurry pics. For some reason, my phone was having trouble focusing this particular night.)*****
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Something else you get to do at the party? Trick-or-Treat! And it’s for ALL ages. Relive your childhood and get a big ol’ bag of candy! (In fact, I’m munching on said candy right now!) This year, they had stations around the park where you could get candy in your Trick-or-Treat bag. (They give you a bag, so don’t worry about bringing your own – unless it’s an awesome part of your costume!) Candy stations were identified with giant glowing pumpkins.
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At the Halloween parties, guests get a special treat with the “Boo To You” parade. The headless horseman riding along the parade route gets it all started, while floats featuring all your favorite Disney villains and scary rides follow. Of course it’s all topped off with the Goofy’s candy float!
Here are some pics!
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At each party, you have several chances to catch the Villains stage show. Here you can see such villains as Maleficent, the Wicked Witch, Captain Hook, Cruella De Vil, and others. After the show, your favorite villains come out to mingle with the guests – but only for a short time, so if you want a pic, make a bee-line for that villain’s line before it’s too late. (This is not a ride – just because you’re in line doesn’t mean you’ll get a pic!)
And of course it wouldn’t be a party night in the Magic Kingdom without fireworks! Instead of the regular fireworks (called “Wishes), guest are treated to “HalloWishes!
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All the while, the park is decked out in beautiful autumn splendor. I love the festive feel all around. But most of all, there’s just something extra fun about being able to dress up in the Magic Kingdom. Perhaps it’s that feeling that all of us who grew up going to Disney want to recapture from our childhoods. I know I’m never hesitant to let my inner child out to play. Actually, I’ve never suppressed my inner child – I have no problem acting like a big kid most of the time. And as you walk around the park, there’s a mutual admiration for fellow costumed guests – especially those who really went the extra mile and look FABULOUS! (Like those folks in some of those pics above here.) Guests and Cast Members are genuinely complimentary of the costumes that are the most impactful.
Here are some more pics from the Halloween Party!
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