Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party- 2004

Webmasters Note: click here for 2005 MNSSHP information

We attended the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party event on Friday 10/8/04 and had a wonderful time. We went with an "adult only" group and had a nice relaxing visit as we didn't race around to trick-or-treat, but just took in the evening. Since we have lots of "reviews" here on MFL already logged, I thought I'd do this report a little different. Below are a few tips and observations along with the official Disney brochure rundown of the event.

Tips and Observations:

** We went early in the month, so there were not a lot of people in costumes. We of course went all out, dressed up, and had a blast! We received lots of attention from CM's, charaters, and guests.....some even asked to have their pictures taken with us! SUGGESTION: wear a costume to have the full-out Halloween experience!

** The park officially closed for non-event goers at 6PM and they were ushered out. Event goers were issued wristbands and sent to Tomorrowland so the park could be decorated for the night then "released" to begin their evening of fun. If you had a PS they allowed you to go over to the restaurant.

** Only your event "hard" ticket was necessary. No regular park ticket needed!

** Everyone is issued a trick-or-treat bag. There are many places to trick-or-treat around the park so be prepared for sugar highs and low throughout the night! BTW- They give out GOOD candy (Shock Tarts, Nestle chocolate, etc)....yummy!

** FREE pictures! Yep, you and your family may go to one of the many FREE photo areas and have a group picture taken. All they have you do is fill out your address and 2 pictures are sent to you in about a week. They are cute as they have the group surrounded by Halloween images. Also- if you have more than 1 family or a group of friends, they were happy to take mulitple shots. They will have you fill out an address form for each that want to receive photos. TIP: go to the Hall of Presidents to do this- they have several photo stations set up in the lobby and it went very quickly!

** Headless Horseman- There is a storyteller who retells the tale starting at about 7:30 in front of the Liberty Bell. He was EXCELLENT. It is a good area to be in to watch the Headless Horseman ride by about 10 minutes before the start of the parade. We always get seats in the rocking chairs next to LLT by getting there around 25 minutes before parade time. They aren't the closest/best viewing, but for tired adult without kids along, it was a great spot! We also had tired adults with tired (sleeping!) kids in the chairs next to us. Take advantage of the seating option! (BTW- we all pulled the chairs far forward so the walkways were BEHIND us and those people trying to pass did not block our veiw. It worked great and we returned the chairs after the parade.) (SHOWN TWICE)

** Parade- it DOES have spooky parts at the start, so parents be aware. The second half is of Mickey and friends, and the little ones love it! (SHOWN TWICE 8:00PM and 10:00 PM- second parade is less crowded)

** Liberty Square Riverboat has storytellers and musicians for a lovely event experience! Be sure to get there early in your evening, as they stopped running the boat after the fireworks at 9PM!

** Fireworks at 9:15 PM are NOT to be missed!! They start like the old "Fantasy in the Sky" show but then have a spooky twist. They are only shown once that evening so be sure to be on Main Street for a good view. (BTW- The Cinderella Show is performed immediately before the fireworks. This is a good opportunity to take in the show then be in place for the fireworks).

** Crowds- it seemes like there are a lot of people there to the untrained Disney-eye! The crowds are where the action is....they are all on Main Street during the fireworks and the parade, then the herds disperse and seem huge. NOT So!! The rides will be fairly easy to get on during these times. Plan ahead and remember that this is a limited entry event so you WILL be able to get on rides.

** Attractions and Food- ALMOST everything is open for the event, but there are some closures that night. Be sure to grab and event brochure from your resort or when you enter that park so you can plan.

** Liberty Tree Tavern is availible for a sit down meal. It is fun as the characters are all in costume! The CM's there are dressed in Haunted Mansion costumes and wear "death" make-up. It is fun, and if you can get a PS, do it. If you don't, you will still have a grand time!

** Need a break? Mask making stations are available in Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

** Characters are all over, especially wherever you trick-or-treat and in Toontown. They, too are in costume!!

** PINS!!! There are event pins sold at the Emporium. There is an individual pin for each event night (limit 2 per person- they mark your wristband). You can purchase pins for a previous night at Exposition Hall. They also have the "set" you can purchase there for the real collector. I was also told by the Emporium CM told me that there are AP holder pins at Exposition Hall.

** Other event merchandise, though limited, is available. Ask the CM's at the Emporium for assistance. They seemed the most knowledgable about items and sale locations.

OFFICIAL MNSSHP BROCHURE "Boo! What? Where? When?" 2004

Trick-or-treat
-16 locations. Be sure to stop by Toontown for "Alice and Mad Hatter's Treat Party"

Mickey's Mouse-Ka-Rade Costume Party
-in Tomorrowland. 6:45, 7:30, 8:30, 9:45, 10:30, and 11:15 PM

Halloween Storytelling
-3 locations

Halloween Fireworks
-9:15 PM, shown only once that evening

Cinderella's Surprise Celebration
-in the Castle Forecourt Stage at 7:15, 8:50, and 11:00 PM

Character Appearances
- 12 locations throughout the park

Family Photos
-3 locations at Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland

Mask Making
-2 locations at Tomorrowland and Adventureland

Well, this about does it!! We're all set to attend the 10/29/04 event WITH kids this time. We'll be there, in costume, taking it all in:)

See you there!

Jane in FL
MFL Event Reporter