Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2006
A First Hand Event Report
by the MFL's Event Reporter, Jane Jones

I can't let a Halloween season go by without at least 1 visit to my favorite of all the Disney 'hard ticket' events. I just LOVE that MNSSHP!! Happily, I was not disappointed. There were a few changes, but nothing that disappointed me terribly. As with most things, only a baby-like change!

The MK was decked out for Halloween fun - lots of pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks. It is just the right touch of holiday 'spirit' without going overboard.

Let me tell you a little about the event.....

Attendees must present their event ticket to receive their wrist band indicating that they have paid for the event. The CM's were being strict and there we lots of check points. For the first 2 hours of the official event hours you were required to show the band before entering any ride! All other MK guests were herded out of the park before the start time.

While you can arrive early for the event, the actual start time is 7:00PM. It was fun how it started. A special Main Street 'spooky' announcement and the tolling of a bell indicated the official start. It was then that the trick-or-treating and 'parties' started.

Speaking of candy....everyone is given a bag to collect candy at one of the 13 trick-or-treat locations....and the candy is GOOD! Snickers, Skittles, Twizzlers and Tootsie Rolls, just to name a few. AND, there is NO age discrimination- even the big kids get to fill their bags. :)

So, what else is there to do beside collect candy and ride all your favorite attractions?? LOTS! Here's the rundown (and a few tips and hints).....

• Costumes! - Don't be afraid to dress up in your favorite disguise. Old and young...it's just not for kids. You definitely will NOT feel out of place. Costumes range from the elaborate (LOTS of Capt. Jack's and princesses) to simple Halloween t-shirts. Of course, if you just want to attend as a 'theme park tourist', you'll fit right in;)
• Food - of course, THE place to eat is the Liberty Tree Tavern. On these nights the CM dress in Haunted Mansion costumes (and make up) and act the part. The restaurant has extra Halloween decorations, and the characters are also in their own Halloween gear. TIP: Don't have an ADR- call anyway!! I was able to get an ADR at 5:30 by calling the day before. You just never know when there will be a cancellation! (BTW- if you do not have ADRs- eat before you get there. Most fast food restaurants in the MK are closed during the event.)
• Parade - Don't miss it! At 8:00 the Headless Horseman makes his way from Main Street to Frontierland (at 10:15 he does it in reverse). This is a treat not to be missed. The "Hallowishes" parade is a special MNSSHP only extravaganza. The theme for the last few years is "Boo to You" and is very well done. This year there are some new additions- in particular, Captain Jack had his own float! The parade runs the same at the Headless Horseman at 8:15 and 10:30. TIP: Sadly, a CD of the parade music is NOT available.
• Fireworks - Again, another 'event only' spectacular, the 'Happy Hallowishes' fireworks are fantastic and are 360 at some points. In the past, a witch has flown across the sky, but not the night I went. I'll be back later this month and will see if it was just that night or no longer part of this show.
• Dance Parties - One thing that looked better this year than in years past were the dance parties. Disney really seemed to have put extra effort into these. They are located at Ariel's Grotto (Get Up & 'Boo-gie' Dance Party) and at Cosmic Ray's (Stitch's Dance Party). Both were attended by characters, but in my opinion, Stitch's party was better. Of course, Stitch was dressed as Elvis! These are a great place to let the kids work off some energy and you to rest you feet!
• Villain's Mix & Mingle - held in front of the castle between shows. A great way to get those 'hard to get' autographs and pictures.
• More Meet and Greet - Characters are stationed all over the park (usually near candy!) dressed in costume and ready for pictures.
• Event Merchandise - Of course there are pins. You'll find them at the watch shop on Main Street. Be sure to ask for the extra special AP pin! T-shirts were available throughout the park, and were in orange and in black. HINT: If you like it, buy it. Event merchandise is ONLY available during the event!
• Rides and Shows - the lines are low and wait times are 5-10 minutes, tops. Go on rides first, then see the parade at 10:30 to maximize you time.
• Free Pictures- NO LONGER!!! You have to pay, but at least you get a break on your event PHOTOPASS....50% off any purchase of a 5X7. OK, I was bummed, too.

Well, those are the highlights to one of my most anticipated 'highlights' of the year. Though there were changes, overall I was again happy and pleased. :) That was a 'family' visit with DD. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the 'newbies' DH and I are taking later this month (an all adult visit!). I'll be sure to share their reaction of never having been to the event!

Thanks for reading!

Jane in FL
MFL Event Reporter

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2006 Brochure - Side 1
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2006 Brochure - Side 2

Photos of the 2006 event!

To read Jane Jones, 2004 first hand report of MNSSHP , click here.

Updated October 29, 2006