"Official" 2018 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - A Spooktacular Celebration!

[monkyby87]

If you enter the party ticket number into your MDE account, and if you have a Magic Band linked to your MDE account, then yes you can use your Magic Band for the party ticket. You would use Magic Band to enter the park, for photopass photos, and to enter the Fastpass line if you booked Fastpasses for the time before the party.

But the paper wristband is something that you get as you enter the park on the day of the party. If you are already in the park that day (using Annual Pass or other ticket) you can get the wristband in the park.

Thanks so much, that makes sense!

 

[kayteekt]

2 questions.

1)Can we pick up a new annual pass anywhere at Disney Springs? We get in too late to really hit a park, but we do plan to have dinner at Disney Springs. If we could trade out and get our annual passes there it would save us some time and potential frustration in the morning.

2) Anybody know what merch has sold out? One person mentioned the Stitch pin, but anything else? We won't get there until Sunday....

We activated our APs at Guest Services in DS this past May. It was uncrowded, the building was nice and spacious, there was AC , water. Best/easist activation yet.

 

[brewhome]

I didn’t use my POC fast pass and instead hopped in the JC line around 5:30 since that’s closed after 6. Standby was listed as 15 minutes and it took about 20. We were one of the last boats for the night. Then I went to POC which said 10 but was a walk on with at least every other boat empty. Then it was off to Fantasyland for Pooh (20 minute wait) and the Little Mermaid (walk on). 7DMT has been consistently 40 minutes and I’m not waiting that long. I wasn’t going to ToT, but the lines were moving pretty well at Philharmagic and Pinocchio Village Haus, and it was a chance to cool down. I saw the lines for Gaston/Belle and Eric/Ariel and they looked pretty long.

Then I headed to Tomorrowland and Buzz was a walk on. Then two more ToT lines at Carousel of Progress and the Laugh Floor.

Now I’ve staked out a great spot in the hub for the first Hocus Pocus show! It’s filling in behind me now.

 

[Araminta18]

Obviously no basis for comparison, but doesn’t seem super crowded. Pirates was posted 20 min at 8:15, we boarded after 13 minutes. HM was posted 25 at 7:15 but we entered the first room at 7:22 and were out at 7:37.

We did the 4 magic shots by HM after that and were done with all 4 by 8:11–so 35 minutes. Haven’t done any trick or treating yet; waiting at the flagpole for the parade.

 

[AngiTN]

Ok great, thank you. Can they be linked to Magic Bands though? Also, aren't there supposed to be special wrist bands to confirm your attendance. Forgive my ignorance.

If you purchase the party tickets while signed in to your MDE account then you don't have to do anything, they are already linked to your MDE account and your MB will be all you need. When you arrive, you will scan to get in to the park (at the special event entrance) and then they will give you a wrist band.

 

[SquashBanana]

I apologize in advance for all the rambling. Just got home from our trip! We attended Friday's 9/14 party. Overall we had a great night! It was hot as blue blazes as other's have mentioned but thankfully it didn't rain a drop. I will also concur that it was very crowded but not until 7:30 or so. If at all possible, I strongly encourage being there at 4:00 as there is a lot you can get done. We were allowed in at 3:48 and this is what we were able to accomplish between 3:48 and 7:00.

1. Pictures in the bypass
2. Haunted Mansion (FP)
3. Peter Pan's Flight (FP)
4. 7DMT Posted wait 50 minutes, we were in and out in 37. From watching the wait times on MDE and now from firsthand experience, it looks like the sweet spot to ride 7DMT is somewhere between 5:00 and 6:30 if you don't want to spend party time waiting.
5. Space Mountain (FP)
6. Snack and drinks at Starlight Cafe
7. Lined up for Queen of Hearts/Tweedles at 6:30. We were second in line.

Party begins:

Queen/Tweedles came out at 7:02. We were done at 7:07. On this particular night Queen/Tweedles were closer to the Speedway and Alice and Hatter were closer to the walkway that goes between Cheshire Cafe and Starlight Cafe. We asked 2 CMs where they'd be. One didn't know for sure and other looked like a supervisor and told us exactly where each would be meeting.

We then immediately got in line for Alice/Hatter. The Queen/Tweedles line was about 2x as long as Alice/Hatter so if you are interested in meeting both back to back, I strongly encourage you to start with Queen/Tweedles. We were done with Alice/Hatter at 7:21.

Since we were ahead of schedule we made an impromptu visit to New Fantasyland.

Rode Dumbo - Walk on and bonus ToT location with no line (Side note: Dumbo could use a fresh coat of paint and the brown accordion looking things that attach the elephants to the supports were weathered and cracked.)

Rode Little Mermaid - Close to a walk on, waited maybe 5 minutes

Rode Mad Tea Party - This is where we started noticing the crowds. Line was backed out of the entrance but moved quickly. Posted wait was 10 minutes, actual was around 17. Kids wanted to ride and we knew we wouldn't be coming back to the area. 7DMT was also down so people were probably staying close by hoping to catch it as soon as it came back up. Overheard CM telling some it would be down for 2 more hrs... glad we got to ride it early.

By now it was around 8:30 so we decided to head for Frontierland. Parade crowds were already building and because our kids were starting to get cranky, we went ahead and got a front-row parade spot right across from LTT. It was a good opportunity for the kids to get off their feet and have a snack and drink.

Headless Horsemen didn't come by until 9:17 which seems later than average based on other reports (worth the wait... he's awesome). Parade followed about 5 minutes later. Parade was one of the best I've seen, though I'd prefer if it was 2 or 3 floats longer.

Afterwards we went against the mob until we got to the cut-through by the shooting arcade to Adventure land. We got to our Fireworks spot in the grassy area in front of Casey's, it was probably 75% full when we got there. Our castle view was somewhat obstructed but we could see the fireworks perfectly.

After the fireworks, we rode BTMRR. There was a mob of people also headed there which made us a little nervous but I don't think the line ever stopped moving. Both sides were operating and at that time of night Disney could've easily shut down one of them to save money. This makes me think that they are legitimately interested in keeping lines for rides as short as possible.

Rode Splash Mountain, walk on but we got stuck. The emergency lights actually came on and at that point I thought we were going to be evacuated. We sat there for about 5 minutes and out of nowhere they announced over the speaker that the ride would resume immediately. The emergency lights went off and we were on our way. This ride also had a bonus ToT location and between this and Dumbo and the CM on the street in Frontierland giving away candy by the fist-full we had more candy than we knew what to do with.

Since we were slightly delayed at Splash we had to make a decision to either ride Pirates or get pictures at Haunted Mansion. Since we paid for MM we decided to get the pictures. I was disappointed we didn't get to Pirates because I wanted to see the live actors but the kids wanted to do other things so we let them hijack the itinerary for part of the night. As we walked down the dock by the river I noticed that the second parade looked just as crowded as the first. Perhaps because it was a sold out night?

We made our way back into Fantasyland and rode the carousel before hoofing it to the midnight hocus pocus show. The midnight hocus show had a crowd backed all the way to the partner's statue. The adults could see OK, but not the kids. We just got there too late to get a good view so if you are planning to see the last Hocus Pocus show, don't expect to walk up at midnight and get a good spot if it's a sold out night. We stopped by to get the Headless Horsemen magic shot, but when they showed up in my account, instead of the Headless Horsemen it was a Hitchhiking ghost! Is that happening to anyone else?

I forgot to get my Orange Bird card when we entered the park and there was no one outside the fire station to hand them out at the end of the night. I went in the side door to city hall (the line was backed out the door and past the steps) and simply asked someone where to pick up the orange bird card. He asked how many were in my party and gave me a stack of that number. No questions asked, no marking my band. I'm sure this is a major YMMV.

Do not assume the park will clear out after the fireworks. I did not see a significant difference between the 2 parade crowds in Frontierland. We didn't leave until 12:55 and we still had to wait for 2 ferryboats to get back to the TTC and then had to wait for 2 trams and would've been a 3rd if we didn't squeeze really tight (sorry total strangers that were in our row). We got back to our offsite resort around 2 a.m.

If we go again, we'll do a couple of things differently but nothing could have prevented that other than firsthand experience. Spending countless hours reading the boards can only prepare you so much. I could've come away with some negative critiques about the party, but instead I decided to focus on the 95% of the party that was a superior product. When you're watching the fireworks explode in the sky, watching the awestruck look on your children's face as the Headless Horsemen trots by, or drifting in a log on Splash Mountain singing "How do you do?", it's hard to be mad at Disney. The parade, fireworks, CMs, characters, and most ride lines were all fantastic. Come in with reasonable expectations of what you can accomplish, control only what you can control, don't get stressed out about what you can't (crowds, weather, ride downtime), and I think you'll have a great time. Categorize your must-do's and your want-to-do's and always plan for your must-do's to take longer than expected. If the plan changes that's ok, but have a plan. If you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail.

 

[paopiru]

Great review! Thank you!!

 

[PrincessMamma4]

Anyone have any details on the new Frontierland costume promenade during the party?
Thanks

 

[PixieT78]

We went to the party last night (9/16) and I found the crowds to be very reasonable!

We arrived a bit later than intended due to the monorail pausing for awhile at the Contemporary. We should have just walked anyway (just trying to stay out of the heat a bit longer) so we ditched the line and walked over. “Luckily” while we were waiting for the monorail, We received an email that our Splash FP (scheduled for 3:15-4:25) was turned into an anytime FP because it went down during our window. We had started walking at about 4 so there was no way we would have made it.

We were able to walk right up to the event turnstile to get in, got our wristbands and strolled quickly through the bypass, taking a few pics but no stops for photopass. There seemed to be lines at all the stops, though nothing too crazy. We just don’t tend to do pics.

Headed over to BTMRR right when our window opened for our 4:20-5:20 FPs. After a quick ride, Splash had reopened so we jumped into standby with a 15 min wait instead of using our FP. Then headed over to HM which had a posted 10 min wait. Used the anytime FP since we figured we’d be out of time to use it in anything else and it was useless as we were with the people going standby. Oh well!

Next up we moved on to our PP FP that was 5:25-6. We were off this I think by around 5:40 so we definitely should have held onto our FP to ride something else. Didn’t really matter though - waits were very reasonable (and it couldn’t be used on SDMT). We headed for Under the Sea instead, via a Mickey ice cream stop. I think it was shortly after 6 at this point.

Once done under the sea we headed into Storybook Circus and ended up riding Barnstormer for the first time ha! Then over to Cosmic Rays for the Meunster burger. We enjoyed it - I found it maybe slightly dry but the sauce was really good/different. I think we just waited for one person in front of us so the lines at this time were very reasonable. Finished up just after 7 so it was time to enjoy the party!

Hit up Buzz then went to the COP TOT trail. It was long but it moved quickly. Then to Space with a posted 30 min wait. While we didn’t stop moving almost the whole time, it was pretty close to 30 mins. I though the music could have been a bit louder and more rock music would be cool but the ride itself was super fun in the dark.

Did the Cosmic Rays TOT then lined up for Teacups with a 15 min wait. Once done we moved onto SDMT which had a 35 min posted wait. Again the line kept moving but that was about the wait. I didn’t see it below 30 mins on MDE while we were at the party. Did the Fantasyland TOT trails and moved on towards the Liberty Square ones. At this point the parade was on but we got by no problem. Stopped for a pic at the big pumpkin since there was no one there at all and managed to get to the bypass between Adventureland and Frontierland just as the parade ended so we could cross as a Dole whip was needed!

Sat and enjoyed that for 10 mins then headed to the hub. Grabbed a great spot towards the left side (plan was to hit POC after the fireworks) and sat for 20 mins. And just when we stood up in anticipation of the fireworks starting, they announced a delay for inclement weather. We stood for a bit then decided to hit the shops. Started raining a bit while we walked so I guess that was the weather they were talking about. I think we shopped maybe for 15 mins or so - enough time to grab a couple of MNSSHP shirts - and decided to wait on Main St to see what would happen since it wasn’t raining. Literally 2 mins later the lights dimmed!

After a great fireworks show, we finally decided to call it a night. We had left the house on Saturday at 4pm, traveller overnight (3 flights) with minimal sleep and didn’t get into our room until 2:30 which killed most of our napping plan. I really did want to see the parade but it was raining a bit again and I didn’t want to stay, only to have it be washed out. I should have planned on the early parade instead in anticipation of this but what can you do.

Overall we had a great time! Rides were our priority as we aren’t huge character or photopass people. Mostly for us the party was more about getting a taste of Disney for what was originally going to be a Universal only trip. We loved the DL version so it seemed like a great option - and it was! We Disney-bounded I would say rather than fully dressed up and will be enjoying candy for the rest of the trip!

Waits for us were very reasonable - I thought maybe we’d get a bit shorter for SM but that was likely because we did it right at the beginning. It never seemed ridiculously crowded but of course was quite hot the whole time.

Thanks to everyone participating in this and the strategy thread as they both helped me form a great (and very accurate for timing - even had some extra time we could fill in) plan that kept us from floundering about what to do next. As the parade was a priority for me I should have recognized our potential inability to make it to the second one and done the first. But still very happy with what we did get done and that we chose to add this in!

 

[Best Aunt]

As the parade was a priority for me I should have recognized our potential inability to make it to the second one and done the first.

Same. I attended the first party. I thought I should wait in the Elvis Stitch line during the first parade because the line would be shorter, and I would see the second parade. Elvis Stitch took a break while I was in line, so I had to wait longer than anticipated (meaning my plan backfired), and I got tired and ended up leaving just before the second parade started.

 

[cakebaker]

Anyone have any details on the new Frontierland costume promenade during the party?
Thanks

I'd love to know about what time this happens. My grandson would get a kick out of doing this!

 

[Ellie Badge]

Anyone have any details on the new Frontierland costume promenade during the party?
Thanks

I was curious about this too! So, we were at the 9/14 Party, waiting for the 9:15 parade to start, I think we were standing near Frontier Trading Post I'd say around 8:55 or so? Maybe a little earlier? Not exactly sure of the time. It was definitely around the time to keep people in Frontierland entertained while waiting for the parade.

A woman on a microphone in frontier gear was leading the parade and characters like Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear were pulling kids in costume from the crowd into the street. (I'm not sure but I think any kid could join the mini parade too.) Rabbit even pulled my husband and I into the promenade! We strongly protested, saying no no it's for kids, but I think because we were both in fully lit-up TRON costumes Rabbit wouldn't take no for an answer. So we marched along with the kiddos as well, shaking our Identity Disks along to the hoedown music as if they were tambourines lol!

They marched the little group up the street a small ways and then turned around and came back, it wasn't far and it wasn't long, and then afterwards all the kids in the group got a handful of candy from CMs.

So if you're interested I'd say it happens maybe 20-25 minutes or so before parade time in Frontierland, it's hard to miss, it's in the middle of the street, and my impression was any kid who wants to join the mini parade can do so! I was really looking forward to watching it --- seeing other people's incredible costumes is my favorite part of MNSSHP after Hallowishes --- I hadn't anticipated in actually being in it too!

 

[Tash87]

We have a reservation at Liberty Tree for 4:25. We are going to enter the park at 4pm. What time should we aim to arrive at park entrance?

 

[Haley R]

I was curious about this too! So, we were at the 9/14 Party, waiting for the 9:15 parade to start, I think we were standing near Frontier Trading Post I'd say around 8:55 or so? Maybe a little earlier? Not exactly sure of the time. It was definitely around the time to keep people in Frontierland entertained while waiting for the parade.

A woman on a microphone in frontier gear was leading the parade and characters like Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear were pulling kids in costume from the crowd into the street. (I'm not sure but I think any kid could join the mini parade too.) Rabbit even pulled my husband and I into the promenade! We strongly protested, saying no no it's for kids, but I think because we were both in fully lit-up TRON costumes Rabbit wouldn't take no for an answer. So we marched along with the kiddos as well, shaking our Identity Disks along to the hoedown music as if they were tambourines lol!

They marched the little group up the street a small ways and then turned around and came back, it wasn't far and it wasn't long, and then afterwards all the kids in the group got a handful of candy from CMs.

So if you're interested I'd say it happens maybe 20-25 minutes or so before parade time in Frontierland, it's hard to miss, it's in the middle of the street, and my impression was any kid who wants to join the mini parade can do so! I was really looking forward to watching it --- seeing other people's incredible costumes is my favorite part of MNSSHP after Hallowishes --- I hadn't anticipated in actually being in it too!

Do you have pictures of your costumes?

 

[SquashBanana]

I was curious about this too! So, we were at the 9/14 Party, waiting for the 9:15 parade to start, I think we were standing near Frontier Trading Post I'd say around 8:55 or so? Maybe a little earlier? Not exactly sure of the time. It was definitely around the time to keep people in Frontierland entertained while waiting for the parade.

A woman on a microphone in frontier gear was leading the parade and characters like Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear were pulling kids in costume from the crowd into the street. (I'm not sure but I think any kid could join the mini parade too.) Rabbit even pulled my husband and I into the promenade! We strongly protested, saying no no it's for kids, but I think because we were both in fully lit-up TRON costumes Rabbit wouldn't take no for an answer. So we marched along with the kiddos as well, shaking our Identity Disks along to the hoedown music as if they were tambourines lol!

They marched the little group up the street a small ways and then turned around and came back, it wasn't far and it wasn't long, and then afterwards all the kids in the group got a handful of candy from CMs.

So if you're interested I'd say it happens maybe 20-25 minutes or so before parade time in Frontierland, it's hard to miss, it's in the middle of the street, and my impression was any kid who wants to join the mini parade can do so! I was really looking forward to watching it --- seeing other people's incredible costumes is my favorite part of MNSSHP after Hallowishes --- I hadn't anticipated in actually being in it too!

I just want to add that the costume parade does not go all the way down the street in Frontierland. If you want to participate, you'll need to be somewhere between the cut-through to Adventureland and the beginning of the parade route. We were across the street from LTT and could see the Zootopia characters coming our way, but appeared to turn around at the cut-through.

 

[DCLPrincess]

We went on 9/14. It was crowded but not terrible. I think it was about the same as last year but busier than it use to be a few years ago. We rode several rides with only 10 minute waits. Easily got a great spot for the 11:15 parade. Went 5 minutes before the fireworks and found a spot but were behind the castle (which I like). Only waited 10 minutes to meet Moana. Waited about 30 to meet Tarzan, jane and terk.

 

[Haley R]

We went on 9/14. It was crowded but not terrible. I think it was about the same as last year but busier than it use to be a few years ago. We rode several rides with only 10 minute waits. Easily got a great spot for the 11:15 parade. Went 5 minutes before the fireworks and found a spot but were behind the castle (which I like). Only waited 10 minutes to meet Moana. Waited about 30 to meet Tarzan, jane and terk.

What time did you meet Tarzan, Jane, and Terk?

 

[DCLPrincess]

Got in line at 8 done about 8:30. I figure that's only 10 minutes per character.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Well, I finally got around to starting my party plan.

It's ambitious, per usual, to say the least.

This will be our only Disney park for the trip/year.

I only have ten rides.

Fireworks.

Parade.

Dinner.

Characters.

Still not entirely sure what characters we want. Might go for Elvis stitch since he meets early and we've only met him once.

We'll probably then get into someone else's line before seven.

Sounds like the storybook circus characters' lines have really let up around 11, so might try to go over there at that point and see who we can meet.

I'm torn on seeing fireworks in Casey's grass or from Fantasyland. I've done both those views before.

 

[Ellie Badge]

Yep!