Posts Tagged ‘Headless Horseman’

If you’ve ever dreamed of Halloween at Walt Disney World, it’s time to start planning!  Dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party have been released and there are lots of opportunities to add this seasonal favorite to your autumn itinerary:

September – 3, 8, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, & 30
October – 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, & 31
November 1

7 p.m. to 12 midnight

Ticket Prices for 2010, not including taxes range from $53.95 to $59.95 for adults and $47.95 to $53.95 for children.  Lower prices reflect advance purchase savings which are not available for all dates.

Here are a few tips to make the party even more fun:

Don’t forget that guests holding party tickets can generally gain admittance to the park as early as 4:00 p.m.  You can save a day on your park tickets and still spend some time enjoying the Magic Kingdom before the party begins.  The cost of a ticket to the party is far less than the cost of a one-day one-park admission ticket.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets represent a significant additional cost; don’t waste valuable party time having dinner.  Make your plans early and grab a late-afternoon dining reservation in the Magic Kingdom or one of the resorts close by.  When the fun begins, you’ll be ready.

If you and your family are planning to wear costumes, take the weather into account.  Party dates begin in September when the temperatures can still be extremely warm.  Going in costume definitely adds to the fun, but you don’t want your choices to interfere with the evening’s activities.

If elaborate costumes are not for you, other possibilities include matching, themed tee shirts for your group, or Mardi Gras style masks (Disney does not allow full-face masks).  These options are both easy to pack and easy to wear.

There’s plenty of candy and the candy-handlers seem to be extra generous at the end of the night.  Make some extra passes at the candy stations late in the evening.

If you’re a fan of the Villains, there’s no better time to ogle the Evil Ones than at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  They are the stars of the parade and the fireworks extravaganza, Happy HalloWishes.  At the Villains Mix and Mingle, you can enjoy a show followed by meet and greet opportunities.

Cinderella’s coach awaits in Fantasyland but don’t miss other photo opportunities.  The Magic Kingdom is beautifully decorated for the holiday and Halloween-themed displays are everywhere, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable shot.

Guests with dietary concerns will find sugar-free candy at City Hall.

The wonderful Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade is shown twice, but the Headless Horseman only rides before the first parade.  Since the second parade is usually less crowded, you may want to find a spot to see the Horseman, then go and enjoy the attractions during the parade when lines are shorter.

When you’re ready for the parade, stake out a claim along the curb that lines Main Street U.S.A.  The view from this vantage point is wonderful; the floats are practically close enough to touch and the parade characters and cast members give lots of attention to the guests closest to the street.  The decorations are spectacular and seem to get better with each passing year.

Finding a viewing spot early gives you plenty of time to enjoy the window displays, the lighting, and the simply smashing pumpkin collection.  Keep an eye on the second floor windows for some entertaining special effects!

If your vacation will span more than one party date, remember that nights during the middle of the week are usually less busy than those on the weekends which often draw local crowds as well as visitors.

The first night to sell out is always October 31^st.  If you intend to celebrate on Halloween, pick up your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  While this is the most festive night, it’s generally the most crowded, as well.

Along with the best Villian-spotting of the year, you’ll have a rare opportunity to see some of the 999 Happy Haunts who make their home at the Haunted Mansion.  They’re grim and grinning and dressed to impress on these special nights, joining the parade and even chatting with guests at the Mansion.

It’s a beautiful time to visit Walt Disney World and Whimsical World Travel is ready to make your Halloween truly spooktacular!  Read about our special Halloween itinerary or contact us to help plan something special just for you.