Every year during the Halloween season, the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World transforms to celebrate. In fact, 20 truckloads of festive Halloween decorations were brought in for the 2013. Taking into consideration that this transformation happens literally overnight, that’s pretty magical in itself right?
One of the biggest highlights of the Halloween season at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Being not-so-scary yet 100% awe-inspiring {like only Disney can do}, this party is not included with a daily park admission to Magic Kingdom.
You require a special ticket for the event and only party pass holders can be in the park at that time. Worth it? TOTALLY!
Upon entering the parks for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party you’ll notice the organ music, the fog and the special lighting that replaces the usuals all around the park. It’s an exciting feeling, and yes, very spooky. Yet never scary.
Disney captures that ‘cool’ Halloween feel, yet always keeps in mind the younger visitors. Halloween at Disney and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is completely suitable for all ages. Of course our #DisneyHaunt clan of media and families arrived all dressed up for the festivities.
One of the aspects of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that I was completely over excited about and a true highlight for me was Happy HalloWishes, a special Halloween edition on the usual Wishes fireworks show at Magic Kingdom.
The show is narrated by the Ghost Host from The Haunted Mansion and the features are all inspired by Disney Villians. Cruella de Vil, Jafar, Maleficent and Ursula are among the few that you’ll see and hear.
This is the part of Disney magic that always leaves my mouth wide open an tears streaming down my face. The visuals projected onto Cinderella’s castle are nothing short of AMAZING!
The Happy HalloWishes fireworks are chaotic, intense and impressive. Like a storm to the senses, this is one aspect of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that should never be missed.
We ventured into Tomorrowland and stumbled upon the Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball, one of two Character Dance Parties that happen during the party hours.
I can’t say how utterly fascinating it was to turn a corner and jump into a dance party with the characters from Monsters Inc.! My inner child did a dance {literally}, we were at a private party with the characters of one of our favourite Disney movies!
I say, ‘private’ since only party pass-holders are in the park at this time. Which means a LOT less people, less crowds, short wait lines and such an intimate feel all around.
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Speaking of characters, during the party, Disney characters are dressed up in Halloween Costumes. This makes for fun photo opportunities that you won’t get any other time of the year. As well, special characters like Jack Skellington, Captain Jack Sparrow and Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas can be seen as well.
Happening twice during the party hours is the Mickey’s “Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. The parade starts off with a ride by the Headless Horseman and continues with colourful and fun sights that is special only to the party. Taking Disney parades one step further, this one features dancing hitchhiking ghosts {from the Haunted Mansion}, Goofy’s giant candy machine and more.
As you make your way through the park, watch for lighted pumpkins along the way, as they will indicate a treat station path. Yep, you didn’t think Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party excluded trick or treating right?
First of all, us Canadians were thrilled to be trick or treating without snowsuits and being terribly cold. It was so much fun to run around in a non-bulky costume, treat bags in hand. The special Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party park map will show candy locations yet you will find them even if you aren’t looking {you get this map and candy bag when you enter the park for the party}.
You really only need to hit a handful of stations though to get a full bag of candy, I found that most scooped candy into the bags, which really made kids eyes pop out. This year Disney brought in more than 220 tons of candy, and they are so generous with handing it out. In fact, when you exit the park for the night, there’s MORE candy barrels too. This way, you don’t have to spend a lot of time going to treat stations and can take in everything else the park has to offer on these nights.
Disney gives out the usual Kit Kat, M&M’s, Reese’s cups etc, yet there was some new-to-us candy in there as well. The girls LOVE the Toy Story gummies and I fell in love with a little fruit chew which I mentioned in a previous post.
By the end of the night we left the party happy, candy-loaded and completely excited for the Halloween season. Disney, from the huge events to the little touches you might not notice unless really looking, creates that awesome feeling of magic.
The kind that you can only sit back and sigh a ‘wow!’. We can all honestly say this was the BEST Halloween party we’ve ever attended. Better yet, the best Halloween we’ve ever experienced, when in reality, Halloween 2013 isn’t even here yet.
My tips: don’t forget the special map and candy bag when you enter the park. Wear a costume, it’s not mandatory yet it’s all part of the fun. You have to see the Haunted Mansion during the party, as there’s some special changes to it during party hours {*wink}. Attend a dance party, meet a special character, have some of the Halloween treats sold in the parks only during the Halloween party.
Most of all, have fun. There’s nothing like a Halloween Party at Disney Parks!
For hours and ticket information to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , check out Disney’s web site. You’ll also find lots of information on special events, special pricing, accommodations and more. .
We were guests of Disney Parks Canada for this family travel review. The opinions on this blog are my own.
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Chandra Christine O'Connor says
Looked like an amazing time. thats my kinda halloween a non scary one and treats. kiddies looked awesome in their costumes. Your oldest looked so grown up!
Tammi says
Oh yes, so perfectly suitable for all ages, which is so nice to see. We all had the most amazing time!
Brenda Roy says
Totally amazing!
Greta says
That looks like an awesomely fun trip to one of the Disney parks! I love how they transformed Disneyworld into a Fall/Halloween wonderland
Jodi Stevens of Freetail Therapy says
This is the first time I have seen your site. It is a BEAUTIFUL layout, very well done! Your pictures are stunning too! Looks like you had a great time, thanks for sharing!
Tammi says
Thank you Jodi, welcome to My Chaos! 😉
Hope you have a chance to utilize my nav bar and see all the goodies I’ve shared over the last 6 years!
🙂
Kasandria Reasoner says
We’ve went the past 3-4 years and have a blast each year!
Kas
Tammi says
That is amazing! My dream is to live so close we can get Annual passes, ahhh, that would be incredible!
Jenny K says
This would be so much fun, when we do Disney I definitely need to go during Halloween!
Rachael says
Incredible photos, looks like the perfect celebration!
Tammi says
It truly was!!
Jessica says
Wow, this looks like an incredible time. I still haven’t made it down there with the kids, must do before my oldest grows out of her princess obsession. Have a great week!
SoberJulie says
Oh Tammi wasn’t it FUN!! You’ve captured our evening at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party perfectly….can we do it all again?
Tammi says
It was EPIC!!! Let’s go again!!!
😉
Melissa @ SavingCentsWithSense.net says
It looks like you had such a great time! I’d love to celebrate Halloween at Disney – with little ones, a non-scary one is what we need 🙂
Debi says
It looks like the most amazing time. I wish I could go.
Tammi says
I hope you have the chance one day Debi, you would LOVE it!!
Nolie says
Disney is always doing something so cool for holidays it seems. Maybe we will hit up this next year instead of Christmas. Still debating when we will go for our very first family trip to Disney.
Tammi says
They are, yet at the same time, no matter when you go – there’s something special to see. Part of the magic!!
😉
loriag says
Oh how fun, and such wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing.
Tammi says
Thank you!!
🙂
Deborah / Mom2Michael says
I loved this event when we went in 2011. But we didn’t encounter any dance parties. Hmmm… I think we need to plan an autumn trip to Disney soon.
So glad you had a great time!
Tammi says
Well, you missed a great dance party – time for a re-do!!
🙂
Debbie Bashford says
now that’s a party I would love to go to!
Tammi says
It was most excellent!
😉
Rosey says
How sweet! That’s my kind of party!
Tammi says
🙂
Judy C (Cowan) says
What an amazing experience. I would love to visit Disney at one of the holidays. It looks like so much fun!
Tammi says
Oh, it’s just beautiful. Breathtaking!!
Anne Taylor says
Now THIS is a Halloween Party! It looks fantastic and fun and magical and everything else lol
Tammi says
Oh yes, it certainly was!!!
Catherine says
What a great review, and such wonderful pictures. It looks like everyone is having a great time.
Tammi says
Thank you so much!
Londia says
We did the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party when we were there just recently. It was fun even though it rained right before the parade. It was fun trick or treating as an adult with the kids. We were big kids having fun too.
I posted pictures on my blog about Disney each day we were there.
Tammi says
I’ll have a look Londia, thanks!!
MLV says
wow this looks so amazing! it was so much fun when I went but this looks like oodles of fun!
Tammi says
SO MUCH FUN!!!
[email protected] says
Oh my gosh, so much fun! I’ve never even considered Halloween down there, my kids would FLIP! What a great idea!
Tammi says
It’s a great time to go, you really look at Halloween in a whole new light, deeps the love for the holiday!!
🙂
caryn s says
Disney haunt looks like such great family fun! I bet your girls have such wonderful memories from their trips to disney!Love the princess dresses that the girls are wearing. My daughter is obessed with the disney princesses right now and would be in heaven!
Tammi says
They were in their GLORY!! I love seeing the smiles that only Disney brings. I never had the chance to go as a kid and am so blessed that I’m able to experience the magic with my kids – great memories for us all!
Deana says
I would love to take my daughter back to Disneyland! Halloween there would be sweet!
Tammi says
I hope so can start planning soon Deana!!
Erika B says
Wow, just wow! Looks like so much fun. The castle is just so breathtaking. It is so nice it seems fake. Our dream trip would be to Disneyland for sure!
Tammi says
You know, that’s how I feel too. So surreal!
Hope you can start planning your trip soon, I do think that everyone needs to experience Disney Parks!
Victoria Ess says
Love it! I wouldn’t expect Disney to do anything less than go all out, but it is certainly spectacular to see photos of it!
Tammi says
Very true – it’s just the Disney way!!
Amanda Neilson says
Very cool! I love how they made the palace look ‘creepy’! I was at Disneyland in 2007 in September – just before they converted to Halloween mode lol. We missed Candy Corn Acres by a DAY! Darn!
Tammi says
Oh no!! Time for another trip, I say!
😉
Cheryl says
Oh my gosh – How Fun!! We’ve wanted to check this out for a while now. Perhaps next year! Those fireworks look spectacular!
Tammi says
Oh you must!!
Brenda says
We went three years ago (wow…that long ago?) and our girls LOVED it! We did too – we all dressed up. We surprised our daughters by having them dressed up at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique as princesses, and brought their princess dresses with us for our trip. It was a magical evening – so much fun. We would highly recommend it to anyone heading to Disney World. Your pictures brought back so many memories!
Tammi says
We did that at Disneyland for my daughters 8th birthday, right on her actual day. It was heartwarming, she was in HEAVEN!!
Christella says
This looks really cute! <3
Tammi says
🙂
Lindsay C says
That looks like a great event for little ones! However, when I was little, I LOVED being scared and was obsessed with horror movies. Do your kids like to be scared?
Tammi says
Ha, not really. They can handle scary things a little more than most kids, but I don’t think they prefer it …
Ann Freele says
looks like a lot of fun..wonder if my 26 yr old would take his mommy?
Tammi says
YES!! In fact, I’m sure you guys would have a blast!!
😉
Jessica says
Wow,looks like great fun! Thanks for sharing
Tammi says
Thanks for visiting, Jessica!
Celine says
That looks so much fun! It’s one of my dreams to visit Walt Disney World and be totally a kid again 🙂
Valerie says
This looks like so much fun! I have done the Very Merry Christmas Party a few years ago and one day hope to go for Halloween!
Kristy. V says
Wow! We are huge fans of Halloween and I think this would be such a great time of the year to take the kiddies to Disneyland! I never knew they did their park up so much for the occasion. Thank you for the review!
jessica s says
that looks like wayyyy too much fun!!!!!!!! I love that it’s not too scary either for the little ones.. no nightmares!
Kat at Mommy Kat and Kids says
That looks absolutely incredible! I love the fact they change the colour of the castle and that they have lots of fun Halloween-themed but non-scary activities. And 220 lbs. of candy?? Yes PLEASE!
FoundProdigalDaughter (Nicolle) says
That looks like such an amazing and fun experience. I love that it isn’t scary. I personally have mixed feelings about the Halloween “season” but I do enjoy the fun stuff, the costumes, and the candy.
Teresa Claire says
I can only imagine how quickly Disney transformed into a Halloween mega party! Beautiful photos as usual, Tammi and the girls look so sweet in their costumes.
Chantale says
Looks like it was fun
Jenness M says
I think I’d have just as much fun as my kids! Maybe some day…..
Ellie Augustin says
Oh my goodness this is magical. My 6 yr old little girl would give an arm & a leg to be able to go to Disney and to experience this would be beyond AMAZING! Love all the pics!
Nikki says
Love it! We went years ago around Christmas time and loved it….Halloween time looks like so much fun there too!
Diana Camden says
That looks like it was a lot of fun.
Diana C
Melinda L. says
Looks like all of you had an amazing time! Looks like Disney’s Halloween events are so much fun and not scary 🙂
Katy M says
This looks like so much fun! I have always wanted to visit the park this time of year, and now I’m totally convinced we MUST do it next year!
Thanks!
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
What awesome pictures. It looks you had an amazing time- what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. Love the costumes!~
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
What awesome pictures. It looks you had an amazing time- what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. Love the costumes!~
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
What awesome pictures. It looks you had an amazing time- what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. Love the costumes!~
Kam says
It looks like such a fun time!!!!
Lori JB says
Disney really is the most magical place on earth! Is it bad that I want to live there!! 😉
Kari says
What a fun time! I’ve only been to Disney World twice in my life so I would really love to go again. Halloween would be a cool time to go.
Andrea C says
OMG, my kids would love that. I’ve been there at Christmas Time, but that looks even better!
Elaine Jasvins says
I would love to go to Disney during Halloween. It is so magical.
Kat E. says
Love this! I’ve never thought of Disneyland at Halloween time, but your post has me thinking for 2014!
It looks amazing – thank-you for sharing & love the little ones’ costumes!
Becky says
Disney World is amazing!! I’ve heard about the Halloween party before but had no idea that trick or treating was included as well.
Ester G says
That’s cute, I really like that some people are still not trying to scare the pants off of little kids!
Brenda Penton says
Ohhh I’d love to go to an event like this! What great pictures, too! Looks like everyone had a great time.
Holly Messana says
We are seriously thinking about taking the kids to Disney for Christmas, I would love to see all the decorations. It just makes it that much more special.
Sara rai says
Wonderful pictures:) it seems you had fun!
Melanie B says
That looks like so much fun!! I’ve never been to Disneyland. I would love to take the kids one day!
Teresa Claire says
Cinderella’s Castle looks amazing in those 2 shots! The girls must have been so excited! One day Sara and I will go and do everything meant for children!! I don’t want to be a grown up when we finally get there 🙂
Teresa Claire says
The 2 pictures of Cinderella’s Castle look amazing!
Kam says
Looks like a lot of fun!!!
mongupp (@mongupp) says
You’re so blessed to go to Disney! Hope to take my kids one day!
Chelsea says
OH MY GOSH. This is like, a Halloween DREAM. I wish I lived nearby and could go to Disney for Halloween, I had no idea they did it up like this! Love it!
Brittany says
Gorgeous photos! Those colors!
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
oh this looks like so much fun
Rebecca says
WOW, they sure put on a show!
loriag says
Wearing a costume is always so much for fun for events like this. What a great time.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
Marvellous photos, seems like everyone was having a really good time and enjoying themselves.
paula schuck says
Oh my gosh is that your daughter in the red costume? What are you feeding her? She got really tall. Man, they grow so fast. She looks so adorable and grown up. I would love to do this one year. Such a fun idea. Disney does so much really well. Love this.
Kristy S says
What a great time to visit there! Looked fun!
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
i want to go so much
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
i wish I could take the kids to see disney beautiful
Erika B says
This would seriously be a Halloween to remember!! The best one on record. Looks like you guys had a blast, from start to finish!!
Ester G says
I love that they found a family friendly way to celebrate Halloween that isn’t horrifying!!
Teresa Claire says
I can’t believe how the children have grown since I first started reading your blog. Fantastic photos, Tammi 🙂
Candace Evanisky says
Looks like a lot of fun- wish we were there for their Halloween season
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
I would love to take my family there
Christy Martin says
Although, I am currently not in the market for a Disney trip, this is one I would recommend! Especially, if you were planning a trip around this time, it makes Halloween the perfect time. Especially, after this year’s wash/blowout!
Amit says
There’s a myth related to twins if one gets fever another automatically gets the fever is it true ?
Annabelle says
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I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had isdues with hackers annd
I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be
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Nancy T says
I knew you would have some great Disney posts for me to check out! We’re heading to Disney for a week Oct 22 and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is definitely on our list of CAN’T MISS!! 🙂
Kirsten says
I had no idea! We love Halloween and are planning a Disney trip soon, thanks for the information! (And how cool is it that my oldest daughter has a birthday the day before Halloween?? Coolest mom ever if we combined this trip!) :o)
Shannon L says
This looks so fun and amazing!!