Something happened to me during my last trip to Disney World. I felt OLD. Eek!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Don’t worry. I don’t kid myself. I know I’m no 20-year-old anymore. But for the first time in my decades of going to Disney World, I left Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party early. And do you know what? I have no regrets. Here’s why.
OK, before I explain myself, I should point out that if you’re a Halloween Party newbie or haven’t been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in a while, my story may sound a little shocking. I want to make it clear that I fully support the idea of sticking around at the party as long as possible — get your money’s worth, people! That said, I know I’m not alone in feeling like my body reached a point when it was simply time to go. This calls for a storytime!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event that requires a separate ticket for entry. The event happens on select nights from August 9th through October 31st. During the event, you can enjoy exclusive treats and entertainment only available for the Halloween season!
Halloween fireworks
Some fan-favorite highlights of the event include trick-or-treating in the Magic Kingdom, the party-exclusive Boo-To-You Halloween Parade (which starts with an appearance by the Headless Horseman), and rare character meet-and-greets. For me, the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is worth the entire price of the ticket. I adore that parade. I’ll never miss it.
Boo-To-You Halloween Parade
Speaking of tickets, they’re kind of expensive. Now, I visited Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in mid-August (remember this, OK?), so my ticket was around $119. The parties later in the season are much more expensive — we’re talking $199 per adult ticket. Naturally, when you’re spending that kind of money, you will want to make sure you show up early and squeeze in as many things as possible to make the most of the event. The good news is that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins at 7PM and ends at midnight; however, party guests may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4PM.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Now, here’s where my story begins. I was in Disney World for a quick trip — three nights, four days. I didn’t want to miss my chance to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so I slotted in a visit for the morning of my Halloween Party. I got up bright and early, rope-dropped Animal Kingdom, hit Flight of Passage, rode the safari, rode Expedition Everest, and stopped by to ride Dinosaur (three times in a row) for good measure. After a filling lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue, I headed back to my hotel for an afternoon break before the party. On paper, this all seemed like a great idea.
Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork…DUH!
But, inevitably, my “afternoon break” was shorter than anticipated. Just as I was starting to cool down in the AC, it was time to start getting ready for the Halloween Party. I wanted to be out the door and at the bus stop by 2:30PM to get to Magic Kingdom as early as possible. (I have an Annual Pass, so I did not need to wait until 4PM to enter the Magic Kingdom with my Halloween Party ticket.)
Bus stop at All-Star Movies
I’ll spare you every little detail of my afternoon, but I’ll sum it up with one word: BUSY! By the time Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party officially started, I had already accomplished a lot, but there was plenty left to do. I thought I was in good shape!
Haunted Mansion
As the night progressed, I efficiently checked off item after item on my to-do list. Rode a few rides? Check. Visited some characters? Check. Grabbed a snack? Check. Watched the parade? Check. Fireworks? Saw ’em. Halloween Party souvenirs acquired? Yep. Trick-or-treated? DUH.
Madame Leota Séance Candle
By about 10:30PM, I had done everything I wanted to do. Did I meet every single character? No. Did I ride every single ride? Also no. But A.) It was August. It was HOT outside. B.) I was exhausted. I walked at least 25,000 steps that day, and C.) I did everything I wanted to do that night.
So, sure, I could have pushed myself to ride a few more rides. I could have trick-or-treated a little longer. I could have stayed for the second parade. But, at a certain point, I asked myself, “Why?” The lesson I took away from that night was that it is okay to leave the party early! I ended up leaving around 10:45PM, and I had no regrets.
The party is a blast!
There is plenty to keep you busy during the party, but once you’ve seen and done everything on your list, there’s no shame in heading back to get a good night’s sleep! Take it from me — a typical *rope-drop til park close* person — it’s OK to give your body a break. ESPECIALLY in the heat!
If you’re heading to a party this season, enjoy! And maybe don’t rope-drop a park the same morning as your party, yeah?
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Would you leave a party early? Let us know in the comments!
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We went in 2023 and it was oppressively crowded, especially around the castle and Main Street during the parade and fireworks. We have attended the parties for years and each year the crowd gets bigger. They are over selling. Probably not doing it again.
We always schedule a “no park day” on our party night and the next day. There are so many fun and low-key things to do at the resorts that we enjoy. It makes for a super fun night b/c we’re well rested and the next is great b/c we’re not up to rope drop and can recover before rope dropping a park the day after!
Do adults trick or treat too? Do adults HAVE to wear costumes or is a Disney themed t-shirt appropriate?
I think that’s awesome! You got everything done that you wanted to do AND you were able to leave at a descent time. Sounds like a win win for me!
We did an After Hours party last year at MK. Which was amazing because we were there during a very crowded week and being able to get on every ride in at MK with minimal wait was awesome!
(I rode Peter Pan’s Flight 3x in a row with no wait 😁)
But what I didn’t take into consideration was how exhausted we were going to be the next day. We missed out on a lot at AK the next day. It was a shorter trip, so we didn’t get an opportunity to go back.
Lesson learned for next time! Definitely should have planned a rest day for the following day
Hi Redlady! Everyone can trick or treat during MNSSHP, young and old alike! You’re not required to wear a costume, but you can if you want to. You’ll get to participate in trick-or-treating regardless. 🙂
While I admire your endurance, it’s also nice seeing wisdom at work as well. Nothing worse than a Disney-overload hangover the next day!
I’m 60 years old. Took my grandson in late August to MNSSHP. We had early entry to MK so did that and stayed the entire day and until the party ended, I survived and we had a great time. But can I just say….never again!