What do you think of when you hear September in Walt Disney World?  If you answered Halloween, you are either a Disney executive or have been to the World’s seasonal event: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  This week is the kick-off for a hard-ticketed event that turns the Magic Kingdom into a Halloween-inspired playground, filled with villains, costumed guests, candy, and a special parade and Wishes presentation.  This week we’ll take a look at what to expect if you’re headed to the World and want to experience one of Disney’s better annual parties.

Some Background

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a very popular event, with attendance usually capped at 25,000 people per night.  Many guests (not just children) wear costumes to the party, and the most entertaining are usually the entire families that are costumed with a consistent theme (may I recommend going as members of the Jedi Council or perhaps a squad of Imperial stormtroopers?). Look for pirates to be a popular theme again this year.

2007 Dates and Ticket Prices

            This year, the party will be held a whopping 20 times.  The dates are: September 14, 21, 28, 30, October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, and November 2 (nothing says Halloween like November!). 

            Prices may vary depending on the time you go, when you purchase your tickets and whether or not you have an annual pass or DVC membership.  At the gate, an adult ticket will cost $48.94 (including tax) with a child (ages 3-9) will cost $42.55.  On select nights, you can save $7 per ticket if you order at least one day prior to the party.  Advance ticket are available for all nights except: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/18, 10/25, 10/26, and 10/31. Finally, if you are a DVC member or an annual passholder, you may be able to purchase tickets for even cheaper on select nights in advance.  Passholders and DVC members will only pay $38.29 for adults and $31.90 for children for the following nights: 9/14, 10/4, 10/16, 10/21, 10/23, and 11/2.

Special Events

            Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween is full of great events that you should definitely not miss.  Here is a run down on some of them:

• Trick-or-Treating: Goodies for your ghouls. Locations indicated on the map.
• Mickey's Boo to You Halloween Parade: See favorite Disney Characters in a special Halloween Parade.  Check the guide for times, but as a general tip – to avoid the most crowds, always go the second parade, which usually follows HalloWishes.
• HalloWishes -- Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize: The night sky lights up high above Cinderella Castle with a Halloween fireworks spectacular. With the exception of Holiday Wishes, this is the most see event fireworks show during the year.
• Halloween Dance Parties:  It wouldn’t be a Disney party without the ability to get funky.  Dance the night away with Disney characters.  Watch for Stitch's Cosmic Dance Party at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café and the Boo-gie Dance Party at Ariel's Grotto.
• Villain's Mix and Mingle – I won’t ruin this one for you, but if it is going on, it is a must see for sure.
• Liberty Tree Tavern: Join favorite Disney Characters for family-style dining in Liberty Square.

What’s Open?

            While I don’t recommend you use all of your time during the party to ride or experience attractions, there’s nothing wrong with catching a few of your favorites (riding Splash Mountain in your Darth Vader costume will be an experience…).  Here’s a look at what will be open (most likely) during the party.

Adventureland: Swiss Family Treehouse: Pirates of the Caribbean, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Frontierland: Splash Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square: The Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland: Peter Pan's Flight, Cinderella's Carrousel, Dumbo, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Snow White's Scary Adventures, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mad Tea Party, it's a small world

Tomorrowland: Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Stitch's Great Escape

            Remember that you should try to avoid the rides and be sure to see the events that are not offered during regular park hours. You can always go on Big Thunder, but you may not be able to see HalloWishes ever again.

Advice for Party-Goers:

            First off, I think that everyone should go to the party at least once.  It offers some interesting events, shows, and theming.  With that said, if you are going thinking there won’t be many people attending…think again.  On weekends and during the days leading up to Halloween itself, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party packs the park to the brim.  If you are looking for small crowds, try going Monday through Thursday either before or after Halloween (what’s cooler than getting candy on November 2?).

            First time attendees with no children probably think that dressing up may be a bit on the not-so-cool side and plan to attend the event in plain clothes.  Well, let me be the first to say “think again!”  While dressing up seems pointless, believe me, when you get to the party, and see everyone decked out in elaborate costumes you will feel right at home.  Moreover, it makes sense… Halloween = costumes, right?  Take the plunge and wear that Saturday Night Fever leisure suit you’ve been dying to wear.

            A few words about the Haunted Mansion.  In years past, the Haunted Mansion was on EVERYBODY’S to do list.  This year will be no different. The changes and recent refurbishment will make lines to the Haunted Mansion unbearable at times.  If you must go to the Haunted Mansion – try during the parade, or at the very end of the party when the crowds will have thinned out a little. 

            Most importantly, have fun!  There’s nothing better than cruising the Magic Kingdom at night with friends and family, especially if you’re out on Halloween (or Disney’s version of Halloween in September…)