Posts Tagged ‘Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party’
Magic by the Month – September
Those who think of September as an autumnal month may be surprised by the levels of heat and humidity in central Florida, where it is still very much summer. Although temperatures remain pretty much the same as August, spanning the low seventies to the low nineties, the humidity actually ratchets up a notch and often lingers through the night.
Prices are at annual lows for pretty much the entire month and Labor Day is the only major American holiday that does not reflect any rate increases.
Historically, this month has been recognized as a quiet month and years before the advent of deeply-discounted packages, the Magic Your Way program, and the Dining Plan, Disney offered special deals that included such things as meal vouchers and savings on recreation and shopping.
The Christian music festival, Night of Joy generally takes place near the beginning of the month, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on a number of evenings.
Fast Facts
Special Events: Both the Night of Joy, which runs for two evenings, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, generally offered on six or seven nights during the month of September, are held in the Magic Kingdom which is closed to all but holders of these hard tickets. Other guests should plan accordingly.
Attendance levels: Few families take vacations at the very start of the school year and the low room rates reflect the light crowds.
Weather: Expect a continuation of summer heat and humidity. Although this seems to be the time when guests express the most concern about hurricanes, the season typically runs from approximately June to November. Located in the center of the state, Walt Disney World faces a lesser risk than coastal areas and has been constructed to exceedingly high standards. There’s also a decrease in precipitation and more days without the afternoon showers so prevalent in June and July.
Packing: Bring summer clothes, but toss in a light jacket or sweater if you’re visiting towards the very end of the month. Although it generally remains hot, cooler weather starts to arrive in October and occasional lower evening temperatures are not unheard of.
Calling all Rascals, Scoundrels, Villains, and Knaves
Make your way to Adventureland to practice your aaarrrrrgh’s and polish your buckle and swash. It’s The Pirates League, where buccaneers-in-training make their way past rooms filled with plunder to take the oath and join the crew! The transformation is completed with special make-up and accessories. Receive a pirate name, a “share of the booty,” to wear around your neck, a certificate and photo to commemorate your induction, and an opportunity to show off your new pirate persona in the Pirate Parade. There are two packages offered, both priced at $29.95 plus tax:
First Mate Package
- Choice of facial effect (5 to choose from)
- Reversible bandana
- Earring and Eye Patch
- Sword and Sheath
- Temporary Tattoo
- Unique Pirate Coin Necklace
- Personalized Pirate Oath
- Official Pirate Name
- Removable Teeth
- Pirate Portrait in the secret room
- Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade
Empress Package
- Vibrant and bold makeup, nail polish, face gem
- Reversible bandana
- Earring and Eye Patch
- Sword and Sheath
- Temporary Tattoo
- Unique Pirate Coin Necklace
- Personalized Pirate Oath
- Official Pirate Name
- Pirate Portrait in the secret room
- Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade
For an additional cost, guests can grab some extra garb from the selection of themed costumes and headgear. Other imaging options are also available. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance and a credit card is required at the time of booking. No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours prior to the experience will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
With the recent price change, this is now an affordable option for the entire family. It’s a great choice for those attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Plan early to make reservations for the morning of the party; then all the Buccaneers and Pirate Maidens in your crew will be ready for the evening’s activities!
The Pirates League
Magic Kingdom, Adventureland
Daily 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ages 3 to adult
Children must be accompanied by adult during entire experience
Park admission required
Smashing Pumpkins
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 31st. 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.
Not So Scary
I’ve unexpectedly decided on an extra visit to Walt Disney World this fall, and I’m excited because I’ll get the chance to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party; one of my favorite special events.
Halloween is such a great time of year because we have all the fun without any of the stress associated with other holidays. Not only has it become a much bigger occasion at home, but Walt Disney World has been expanding the celebration yearly with additional party dates and increasingly elaborate decorations in the Magic Kingdom.
The party starts at 7:00 p.m. and requires a separately-purchased admission ticket rather than the standard park admission. However, party-ticket holders can generally gain admittance to the Magic Kingdom around 4:00 p.m. There’s lots to see and do after 7:00 so plan to have an early dinner in the park or at a nearby resort.
While costumes are absolutely optional, many guests wear them, and some are incredibly elaborate, with many “themed” family groups, lots of princes and princesses both big and little, and an enormous range of amazing, and sometimes questionable, choices in between. Visitors from other countries who may not celebrate the holiday in our uniquely American way, with costumes and trick-or-treating, are especially enthusiastic and a source of much merriment for all the guests. Trick-or-treat bags are handed out to each party-goer and all guests, even adults, are encouraged to visit the candy stations located throughout the park.
There’s a special fireworks extravaganza, Happy HalloWishes, and the wonderful Mickey’s Boo to You Parade which follows the highly-anticipated ride of the Headless Horseman. With spooky lighting and special fog effects, lots of new character costumes, dance parties, face painting, mixing and mingling with the Villains, and numerous opportunities for character meet-and-greets, it’s a not-to-be-missed occasion.
At Whimsical World Travel, we think it’s one of the very best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World, and we’ve developed a special itinerary, Boo to You!, which includes lots of special surprises for an unforgettable Halloween visit.
Tickets are available on the day of the party and for pre-purchase at a reduced price. Weekends and dates closer to October 31st do sell out, so pick up your tickets early if you know your plans and expect to pay a premium for Halloween night.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Magic Kingdom
7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on select nights 9/4 to 11/1/09
Adults $55.38 to $68.16
Children ages 3-9 $48.99 to $61.77
Park admission not required
