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
10/22/2013 at 2:23 pmLooked 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
10/25/2013 at 1:09 pmOh yes, so perfectly suitable for all ages, which is so nice to see. We all had the most amazing time!
Brenda Roy says
10/22/2013 at 2:38 pmTotally amazing!
Greta says
10/22/2013 at 3:25 pmThat 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
10/22/2013 at 3:26 pmThis 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
10/25/2013 at 1:09 pmThank 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
10/22/2013 at 3:54 pmWe’ve went the past 3-4 years and have a blast each year!
Kas
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:10 pmThat is amazing! My dream is to live so close we can get Annual passes, ahhh, that would be incredible!
Jenny K says
10/22/2013 at 4:03 pmThis would be so much fun, when we do Disney I definitely need to go during Halloween!
Rachael says
10/22/2013 at 4:04 pmIncredible photos, looks like the perfect celebration!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:13 pmIt truly was!!
Jessica says
10/22/2013 at 4:15 pmWow, 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
10/22/2013 at 4:16 pmOh 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
10/25/2013 at 1:15 pmIt was EPIC!!! Let’s go again!!!
😉
Melissa @ SavingCentsWithSense.net says
10/22/2013 at 6:08 pmIt 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
10/22/2013 at 6:29 pmIt looks like the most amazing time. I wish I could go.
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:14 pmI hope you have the chance one day Debi, you would LOVE it!!
Nolie says
10/22/2013 at 7:53 pmDisney 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
10/25/2013 at 1:15 pmThey are, yet at the same time, no matter when you go – there’s something special to see. Part of the magic!!
😉
loriag says
10/23/2013 at 6:17 amOh how fun, and such wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing.
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:15 pmThank you!!
🙂
Deborah / Mom2Michael says
10/23/2013 at 8:28 amI 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
10/25/2013 at 1:16 pmWell, you missed a great dance party – time for a re-do!!
🙂
Debbie Bashford says
10/23/2013 at 8:47 amnow that’s a party I would love to go to!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:17 pmIt was most excellent!
😉
Rosey says
10/23/2013 at 9:05 amHow sweet! That’s my kind of party!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:18 pm🙂
Judy C (Cowan) says
10/23/2013 at 10:48 amWhat an amazing experience. I would love to visit Disney at one of the holidays. It looks like so much fun!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:20 pmOh, it’s just beautiful. Breathtaking!!
Anne Taylor says
10/23/2013 at 11:06 amNow THIS is a Halloween Party! It looks fantastic and fun and magical and everything else lol
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:20 pmOh yes, it certainly was!!!
Catherine says
10/23/2013 at 11:48 amWhat a great review, and such wonderful pictures. It looks like everyone is having a great time.
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:21 pmThank you so much!
Londia says
10/23/2013 at 1:54 pmWe 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
10/25/2013 at 1:22 pmI’ll have a look Londia, thanks!!
MLV says
10/23/2013 at 9:15 pmwow this looks so amazing! it was so much fun when I went but this looks like oodles of fun!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:16 pmSO MUCH FUN!!!
[email protected] says
10/24/2013 at 10:35 amOh my gosh, so much fun! I’ve never even considered Halloween down there, my kids would FLIP! What a great idea!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:17 pmIt’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
10/24/2013 at 1:05 pmDisney 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
10/25/2013 at 1:18 pmThey 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
10/24/2013 at 1:10 pmI would love to take my daughter back to Disneyland! Halloween there would be sweet!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:20 pmI hope so can start planning soon Deana!!
Erika B says
10/24/2013 at 2:10 pmWow, 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
10/25/2013 at 1:21 pmYou 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
10/24/2013 at 7:53 pmLove 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
10/25/2013 at 1:21 pmVery true – it’s just the Disney way!!
Amanda Neilson says
10/25/2013 at 9:33 amVery 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
10/25/2013 at 1:22 pmOh no!! Time for another trip, I say!
😉
Cheryl says
10/25/2013 at 9:36 amOh my gosh – How Fun!! We’ve wanted to check this out for a while now. Perhaps next year! Those fireworks look spectacular!
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:22 pmOh you must!!
Brenda says
10/25/2013 at 9:44 amWe 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
10/25/2013 at 1:23 pmWe did that at Disneyland for my daughters 8th birthday, right on her actual day. It was heartwarming, she was in HEAVEN!!
Christella says
10/25/2013 at 9:50 amThis looks really cute! <3
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:24 pm🙂
Lindsay C says
10/25/2013 at 9:50 amThat 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
10/25/2013 at 1:24 pmHa, not really. They can handle scary things a little more than most kids, but I don’t think they prefer it …
Ann Freele says
10/25/2013 at 9:58 amlooks like a lot of fun..wonder if my 26 yr old would take his mommy?
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:24 pmYES!! In fact, I’m sure you guys would have a blast!!
😉
Jessica says
10/25/2013 at 10:04 amWow,looks like great fun! Thanks for sharing
Tammi says
10/25/2013 at 1:24 pmThanks for visiting, Jessica!
Celine says
10/25/2013 at 10:06 amThat looks so much fun! It’s one of my dreams to visit Walt Disney World and be totally a kid again 🙂
Valerie says
10/25/2013 at 10:26 amThis 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
10/25/2013 at 10:29 amWow! 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
10/25/2013 at 11:07 amthat 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
10/25/2013 at 11:54 amThat 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
10/25/2013 at 12:44 pmThat 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
10/25/2013 at 8:10 pmI 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
10/26/2013 at 8:09 amLooks like it was fun
Jenness M says
10/26/2013 at 9:33 amI think I’d have just as much fun as my kids! Maybe some day…..
Ellie Augustin says
10/26/2013 at 10:15 amOh 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
10/26/2013 at 12:22 pmLove it! We went years ago around Christmas time and loved it….Halloween time looks like so much fun there too!
Diana Camden says
10/26/2013 at 4:09 pmThat looks like it was a lot of fun.
Diana C
Melinda L. says
10/26/2013 at 7:31 pmLooks like all of you had an amazing time! Looks like Disney’s Halloween events are so much fun and not scary 🙂
Katy M says
10/26/2013 at 10:37 pmThis 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
10/27/2013 at 12:13 amWhat awesome pictures. It looks you had an amazing time- what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. Love the costumes!~
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
10/27/2013 at 12:13 amWhat awesome pictures. It looks you had an amazing time- what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. Love the costumes!~
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
10/27/2013 at 12:13 amWhat awesome pictures. It looks you had an amazing time- what a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. Love the costumes!~
Kam says
10/27/2013 at 12:23 amIt looks like such a fun time!!!!
Lori JB says
10/27/2013 at 7:44 amDisney really is the most magical place on earth! Is it bad that I want to live there!! 😉
Kari says
10/27/2013 at 7:47 amWhat 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
10/27/2013 at 8:14 amOMG, my kids would love that. I’ve been there at Christmas Time, but that looks even better!
Elaine Jasvins says
10/27/2013 at 9:37 amI would love to go to Disney during Halloween. It is so magical.
Kat E. says
10/27/2013 at 11:58 amLove 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
10/27/2013 at 3:47 pmDisney 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
10/27/2013 at 4:00 pmThat’s cute, I really like that some people are still not trying to scare the pants off of little kids!
Brenda Penton says
10/27/2013 at 4:32 pmOhhh I’d love to go to an event like this! What great pictures, too! Looks like everyone had a great time.
Holly Messana says
10/27/2013 at 6:25 pmWe 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
10/27/2013 at 6:48 pmWonderful pictures:) it seems you had fun!
Melanie B says
10/27/2013 at 6:57 pmThat looks like so much fun!! I’ve never been to Disneyland. I would love to take the kids one day!
Teresa Claire says
10/27/2013 at 10:37 pmCinderella’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
10/27/2013 at 11:04 pmThe 2 pictures of Cinderella’s Castle look amazing!
Kam says
10/28/2013 at 6:03 amLooks like a lot of fun!!!
mongupp (@mongupp) says
10/28/2013 at 1:10 pmYou’re so blessed to go to Disney! Hope to take my kids one day!
Chelsea says
10/28/2013 at 2:04 pmOH 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
10/28/2013 at 2:12 pmGorgeous photos! Those colors!
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
10/28/2013 at 6:25 pmoh this looks like so much fun
Rebecca says
10/28/2013 at 10:42 pmWOW, they sure put on a show!
loriag says
10/29/2013 at 6:22 amWearing a costume is always so much for fun for events like this. What a great time.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
10/29/2013 at 2:24 pmMarvellous photos, seems like everyone was having a really good time and enjoying themselves.
paula schuck says
10/29/2013 at 3:32 pmOh 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
10/29/2013 at 10:21 pmWhat a great time to visit there! Looked fun!
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
10/30/2013 at 8:54 pmi want to go so much
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
11/02/2013 at 10:46 ami wish I could take the kids to see disney beautiful
Erika B says
11/02/2013 at 10:47 amThis 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
11/02/2013 at 5:48 pmI love that they found a family friendly way to celebrate Halloween that isn’t horrifying!!
Teresa Claire says
11/02/2013 at 6:35 pmI can’t believe how the children have grown since I first started reading your blog. Fantastic photos, Tammi 🙂
Candace Evanisky says
11/05/2013 at 7:48 pmLooks like a lot of fun- wish we were there for their Halloween season
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
11/06/2013 at 4:24 amI would love to take my family there
Christy Martin says
11/06/2013 at 5:00 amAlthough, 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
11/07/2013 at 5:28 amThere’s a myth related to twins if one gets fever another automatically gets the fever is it true ?
Annabelle says
06/16/2014 at 5:24 pmHey! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using forr this site?
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
fantgastic if you could point me in the direction of a gooid platform.
Nancy T says
07/29/2014 at 8:04 amI 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
09/20/2014 at 8:06 amI 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
10/15/2015 at 8:27 amThis looks so fun and amazing!!