Holy Halloween! Mickey’s Not So Scary Is Here!

(Mellow Wanderer, Orlando, FL) As the calendar rolls in candy corn, caramel apples and carved pumpkins, pint-sized ghosts, pirates and princesses are ready to parade down Main Street. Yes, the time has come for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Beginning September 15 and running through November 1, Magic Kingdom stays open late on select dates for the G-rated party. As the name so plainly indicates, you won’t find chain saws or blood dripping psychopaths on the loose. Disney practically invented “wholesome” and remains true to the trick-or-treat innocent spirit (no pun intended) of Halloween.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary is so popular that Halloween night (Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015) typically sells out early! Don’t be scared off, though, because there are plenty of dates available to take in the fun. For some advice and planning, MW reached out to Disney expert and frequent Halloween party visitor, Liliane Opsomer (photo inset, Liliane in black) co-author of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids.

The event officially begins at 7 p.m. and goes to midnight, but your fun can actually starts earlier. “While it is not officially announced, Disney will let Not-So-Scary ticket holders into the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m.,” said Opsomer. “This is a great deal so that families can get a few rides in and have an early dinner before the party starts.”

Not-So-Scary tickets are priced lower than daily admission at Magic Kingdom. Buy tickets online from Disney in advance rather than at the main gate the night of the event. “You might arrive at the park only to discover that the party is sold-out,” Opsomer explained.

Disney is also generous with treats, handing out Halloween favorites at numerous treat stations in the park. Opsomer says be prepared: “You can bring your own treat bag but I feel it’s best to use Disney’s bag and empty it regularly, for example, in a back pack.”

As for can’t miss moments, Opsomer recommends the Boo-To-You Parade. “Get a spot and even see it twice! The parade starts with the Headless Horseman riding down Main Street. The grave diggers in the parade are my favorite,” Opsomer said in a not-so-scary tone. Hmm, seems I can hear a little tot asking “Mommy, what happened to that man’s head?” You have been forewarned!

With any special event, Disney typically does it up big near Cinderella’s Castle. Not-So-Scary is no exception.

Opsomer says the fireworks over the Castle are awesome and so is the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Show.

Character meet-and-greets are also popular. It appears there is no set plan from year-to-year for Mickey and Minnie. “Last year Mickey and Minnie were not in Halloween costume and they were not together,” Opsomer said and added, “Some years they are.” (Shown here with Opsomer in 2013)

If there are any characters who can up-stage Mickey and Minnie during Not-So-Scary, they are Jack and Sally Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas. Seems they are also a moving target from year-to-year. Sometimes together, sometimes not. “At times Jack is at the entrance next to Guest Relations but last year he was all the way in new Fantasyland under the circus tent next to the train station,” Opsomer recalled.

Of course, Halloween would not be Halloween without the Haunted Mansion. The attraction was practically built for this event! Opsomer says the Mansion is decked-out for the moment. “It has a ‘ghost’ sitting on the lawn that is hilarious and entertains guests while they are in line to get in.”

The #1 word of advice from Opsomer? Soak-in the moment.

“The best way to enjoy this party is to try NOT to do everything and to just enjoy the atmosphere.”