Halloween Part 2
We knew getting to experience Halloween in the USA and Disneyworld to boot was going to be a priceless memory we could give to our DS. We then were able to score tickets to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (
MNSSHP) for Halloween afternoon/night.
We had been to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on our first day and night. We had tickets for the party which commenced around 7:30. The MNSSHP tickets had to be bought separately and were actually sent to us via snail mail in Australia before we left - not sure why they had to send them like this. The tickets themselves were like a KTTW credit card type ticket. We were able to add them to our profiles in My Disney Experience on line and this added them to our Magic Bands (or so we thought). The tickets to the party allow you entry into the park also but only from 3/4pm. We thought rather than use one of our park hopper days we would not go to one of the parks in the morning so we chilled out at the pool. In the afternoon we took the boat over to Magic Kingdom. After a slight hiccup with a forgotten autograph book, we went to go in. Unfortunately there was another hiccup with our MNSSHP tickets. Something went wrong with putting these tickets on our Magic Bands, but not for all of us, just mine. That took about 15mins to sort out but then we were in. You get given a wrist band as indication that you have party tickets which they said would be checked during the party. I thought this would be pretty hard to police, but didn’t think anything more of it.
Aside from the Halloween decorations which were spectacular, we were just astounded at the costumes that people came in. Some so intricate and basically any family friendly costume you could think if was taken care of at least once. Jack Sparrow was very common as was Jack Skellington just to name two. DS went as Capt America.
When we got in the park was open like normal but then at about 5pm it closed and was only open for those who had purchased party tickets and had a wrist band on. They were directing those without a wrist band to the exits.
We wandered around the park it wasn’t too busy. We were able to ride quite a few of the ride with very little wait. A big part of the parties are the characters. There are some characters which don’t come out very often and these parties are some occasions they do. The 7 Dwarfs apparently are some of these. The line up for them was crazy long. We just walked by and took a quick snap.
Also they had an area near the Castle where the Disney “Villians” were. These were very popular also. They had various stations set up around the park where you could go and get treats, a handful of “candy” – we got WAY to much and most of it went to waste - They also had hot chocolate and cookies available at various stations throughout the park. One thing we were a bit disappointed with was finding somewhere to eat. A lot of the eateries actually closed when the “normal” park closed so trying to find something to eat was a bit more difficult than normal.
There was a fireworks show which we watched from near the boardwalk near Tom Sawyers Island. I’ve seen a lot of fireworks in my life now and while I don’t dislike them, they don’t really give me too much of a rush any more aside from a few “ooohhs and ahhhss”.
One thing that I was really taken by at Disneyland 3 years earlier were the parades. I could not believe the quality and how entertain they were – the first one we saw Let’s Celebrate – I still hum the tune at times! - sad I know.
I think there was two parade an earlier one and later one and we saw the later one. We got a position in Frontierland from memory. The parade is started by a horseman riding through, a headless horsemen a very iconic start.
Here is a short 30sec video of the Horseman riding past. That’s about the extent of the “scary” nature(not at all) and then the fun began.
The Parade was called “Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade”
The tune a catchy and very get-in-your-head tune. I’ve actually been humming it off and on the last few days. If you have nothing to do for 15mins then here is the video of the parade (15mins)
We really enjoyed the parade, plenty of fun characters and floats, not something we see a lot of and I really get a kick out of it so really worth it. The parties especially when the parades are on are a good time to get onto some of the popular rides too as there is usually a much shorter wait if any.
It really was the quintessential Halloween family experience for us and one we will remember for a long time to come.
Loads of photos. Hope you enjoy.
I've definitely caught the J Class travel bug thats for sure! you will love it. Is it SYD : LAX on A380?
, but I will anyway!
