Trick or Treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

My favorite time of year to go to Disney World is in the fall. I absolutely adore going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. And one of the best parts of the Party is the Trick or Treating. Last year, Disney handed out a whopping 215 tons of candy at the parties.

When you check in for the party, at the Rose Garden or the gate, you are handed your party wristbands, a map, and a small, gift-bag sized trick or treat bag. In the past, the bag has advertised the latest Disney movies, such as TinkerBell or Wall-E. The bags are easy to carry and fairly sturdy, however, if your child has a favorite bag or bucket they'd prefer, that's perfectly okay.

There are several Trick or Treat Trails set up around the Magic Kingdom. The Trails, as well as additional candy stops, are marked on the party map. The first two years that I attended the party, the Trails were Alice in Wonderland themed, with Cast Members dressed as playing cards handing out the candy. Along the Trails, we got a surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. This past year, there were new trails, including one at Splash Mountain. The candy distribution is generous and we've found the Cast Members to be very friendly and in the spirit of Halloween. Most Cast Members will give each person a large handful of candy at each stop along the trail. Some Cast Members will wait for the kids to say "Trick or Treat" before handing out candy, and you should remember to say "Thank you!" too.

A surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts

Disney is very generous with the candy that they hand out during MNSSHP. The candy varies, but is usually a good mix of popular varieties including Butterfinger, Hersheys, Skittles, Twix, Laffy Taffy, Heath Bars, Smarties, Nestle Crunch, Reese's peanut butter cups, Tootsie Rolls, Twizzlers, and more. In the past, there were also small boxes of raisins for a healthy option and also little extras that were handed out at some stops in lieu of candy. One year, we got packs of Winnie the Pooh Halloween memory cards. Another year, we got Jack Skellington stencils that were made of a nice sturdy plastic. Last year, at the Jungle Cruise stop, you could even get bananas instead of candy. One of our favorite treats was the Jake and the Neverland Pirates fruit snacks. And Disney has also added several locations where you can trade in your candy for healthier alternatives, including sugar-free, allergen-free, and non-candy options.

You never know what you might find on the Trick or Treat Trails. In previous years, near the Haunted Mansion, was a trail that led down to the Riverboat landing. A ghostly ship's captain bearing a lamp haunted a fog-enshrouded area at the bottom of the stairs. Last year, Disney added a new Riverboat stop that was less spooky and lots of fun: a Mardi Gras party from the Princess and the Frog.

Our giant haul of candy!

The Trick or Treat Trails are a great way to pass the time while waiting for the Boo to You parades or dance parties to start, or walking from one area of the park to another. We usually use our small bags while walking the trails, but dump the candy into a single backpack when it becomes too much to easily carry or when going on rides. The Trails are rarely busy if you attend a party in September or even early October. We haven't ususally had to wait for more than one group to finish before getting our candy or having a chance to interact with the characters. We really enjoyed the unexpectedly calm pace at a park that is often quite frenetic.

At the end of the night, don't forget to get your bag topped off as you exit the gate. In 2009, the top of candy was giant Ghiradelli caramel filled chocolate bars. And each of us got six! Last year, it was individually wrapped Peeps in Halloween colors. So if you're planning to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, be sure to make time for Trick or Treating. It's definitely worth it!

Trick or Treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

My favorite time of year to go to Disney World is in the fall. I absolutely adore going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. And one of the best parts of the Party is the Trick or Treating. Last year, Disney handed out a whopping 215 tons of candy at the parties.

When you check in for the party, at the Rose Garden or the gate, you are handed your party wristbands, a map, and a small, gift-bag sized trick or treat bag. In the past, the bag has advertised the latest Disney movies, such as TinkerBell or Wall-E. The bags are easy to carry and fairly sturdy, however, if your child has a favorite bag or bucket they'd prefer, that's perfectly okay.

There are several Trick or Treat Trails set up around the Magic Kingdom. The Trails, as well as additional candy stops, are marked on the party map. The first two years that I attended the party, the Trails were Alice in Wonderland themed, with Cast Members dressed as playing cards handing out the candy. Along the Trails, we got a surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. This past year, there were new trails, including one at Splash Mountain. The candy distribution is generous and we've found the Cast Members to be very friendly and in the spirit of Halloween. Most Cast Members will give each person a large handful of candy at each stop along the trail. Some Cast Members will wait for the kids to say "Trick or Treat" before handing out candy, and you should remember to say "Thank you!" too.

A surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts

Disney is very generous with the candy that they hand out during MNSSHP. The candy varies, but is usually a good mix of popular varieties including Butterfinger, Hersheys, Skittles, Twix, Laffy Taffy, Heath Bars, Smarties, Nestle Crunch, Reese's peanut butter cups, Tootsie Rolls, Twizzlers, and more. In the past, there were also small boxes of raisins for a healthy option and also little extras that were handed out at some stops in lieu of candy. One year, we got packs of Winnie the Pooh Halloween memory cards. Another year, we got Jack Skellington stencils that were made of a nice sturdy plastic. Last year, at the Jungle Cruise stop, you could even get bananas instead of candy. One of our favorite treats was the Jake and the Neverland Pirates fruit snacks. And Disney has also added several locations where you can trade in your candy for healthier alternatives, including sugar-free, allergen-free, and non-candy options.

You never know what you might find on the Trick or Treat Trails. In previous years, near the Haunted Mansion, was a trail that led down to the Riverboat landing. A ghostly ship's captain bearing a lamp haunted a fog-enshrouded area at the bottom of the stairs. Last year, Disney added a new Riverboat stop that was less spooky and lots of fun: a Mardi Gras party from the Princess and the Frog.

Our giant haul of candy!

The Trick or Treat Trails are a great way to pass the time while waiting for the Boo to You parades or dance parties to start, or walking from one area of the park to another. We usually use our small bags while walking the trails, but dump the candy into a single backpack when it becomes too much to easily carry or when going on rides. The Trails are rarely busy if you attend a party in September or even early October. We haven't ususally had to wait for more than one group to finish before getting our candy or having a chance to interact with the characters. We really enjoyed the unexpectedly calm pace at a park that is often quite frenetic.

At the end of the night, don't forget to get your bag topped off as you exit the gate. In 2009, the top of candy was giant Ghiradelli caramel filled chocolate bars. And each of us got six! Last year, it was individually wrapped Peeps in Halloween colors. So if you're planning to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, be sure to make time for Trick or Treating. It's definitely worth it!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

It's nearly that time of year again, time for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year to go to the Magic Kingdom. The decorations are everywhere, from scarecrows on Main Street to pumpkins in nearly every window. And the party is extra fun, with the Boo to You Parade, special Halloween treats, a Villains Show, Happy Hallowishes Fireworks, and of course Trick or Treating throughout the park. This year, the new Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular will be hosted by the Sanderson Sisters from the movie Hocus Pocus. It will be shown four times each party; 8:00pm, 9:20pm, 10:40pm, and 12:00am. I've never stopped to watch the show before, but I can't wait to see the new show. The parade can be seen twice during each party, at 8:35pm and 11:15pm, and the fireworks start at 10pm.

This year, the Party begins on September 15 and continues, on select nights, until November 1. Each party is officially from 7pm until 12am, but you can generally arrive around 4pm. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticked event. And just in case you'd like a sneak peek at the maps, here you go.

The Halloween Merchandise At Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Is Spooktacular

All images: Disney

So, you've decided to attend this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. While you're there enjoying rides, parades, and lots of trick or treating, keep an eye out for these fun collectibles exclusive to the Party. Most items can be found at the Emporium on Main Street, USA or Big Top Souvenirs in Fantasyland.

For Hocus Pocus fans, how about a pair of Mickey ears featuring the Sanderson sisters and a cauldron. Or maybe a new Magic Band is more your speed.

If it's clothing you'd prefer, a spirit jersey featuring the Sanderson sisters and the logo for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular may be just the ticket.

Or if you're looking for something you can use at home, perhaps a Hocus Pocus cauldron mug would suit you best.

This year's Party exclusive Magic Band features Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween costumes and lots of pumpkins.

This spiderweb covered vest also has a Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party logo that lights up.

If it's collectible pins you're looking for, there are several new party inspired pins this year. You can find these pins and many more at the Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland. There will be quite a few limited release pins, including this one which features Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy trick or treating.

A limited edition set of pins features several Disney Villains, each with a stack of pumpkins that say "Boo to You!" The glow-in-the-dark villains include Jafar, Captain Hook, the Evil Queen, Oogie Boogie, and Maleficent.

A Passholder exclusive pin features spooky vampire Mickey stalking treats. With all these spooktacular collectibles to choose from, which ones will follow you home?

Disneyland's Frightfully Fun Parade

Photos courtesy of Disney

This year, Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland has a brand new parade. The "Frightfully Fun Parade" features all of your favorite spooks and Villains.

The parade begins with Zero and the Mayor of Halloweentown, who announces the arrival of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. Next up are some Grim Grinning Ghosts: beautiful Ballroom Dancers, spooky Gravediggers, and Hitchhiking Ghosts, trying to follow you home. Dr. Facilier in his bayou Voodoo parlor holds court with his friends from the other side. Maleficent the dragon watches over a dungeon where Hades, Jafar, Cruella de Vil, and the Evil Queen lurk.

The video below is a behind the scenes look at how the Villains float, the largest in the parade, was created. It looks pretty amazing.

And for the first time at Disneyland, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow will ride through the park just before the parade starts. The Horseman has always been my favorite part of the Disney World "Boo to You Parade", so I'm glad to see he's been added on the west coast as well.

The "Frightfully Fun Parade" can only be seen during Mickey's Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event held on 17 nights between now and Halloween.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Fireworks

No matter what they're called (Hallowishes or Not So Spooky Spectacular), the fireworks at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are still my favorite. And while they're great when viewed from the front of Cinderella’s Castle (mostly so you can see the projections as well), they're pretty spectacular from Frontierland as well. 

Boo to You Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

In my opinion, the Boo to You Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the best parade at Disney World. It's a great opportunity to see many rare Disney characters as well as several classic characters in Halloween costumes. Bean's favorite part of the parade is the Headless Horseman who rides through before the parade starts. We've enjoyed watching the old Disney Legend of Sleepy Hollow, as narrated by Bing Crosby, for years. As a result, we always look forward to seeing the Headless Horseman, although Bean was terribly disappointed to discover that he doesn't give autographs!

After the Horseman, the music begins and the floats make their way through Frontierland toward Main Street. The music is ridiculously catchy! You'll find yourself humming it for days after watching the parade. The parade begins with many walking characters who carry fancy Halloween masks. The characters dance to the music, but also wave to the children in the audience and high-five them as well.

The first float has Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their Halloween finery, riding in a decorated gazebo.

Next is a large tree from the Hundred Acre Woods with Winnie the Pooh and friends in their Halloween costumes. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys dance and play their way through the parade with Wendy. They are followed by Captain Hook and Mr Smee on the Jolly Roger and an enormous Tick-Tock Croc.

The next group is pirates, including Captain Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow high up on a treasure covered cliff.

Now we've come to my favorite part of the parade: the Haunted Mansion characters. Fog covers the ground as the Caretaker, Dick O'Dell, leads his frightened dog through the mist. Ghostly ballroom dancers glide down the parade route followed by the Hitchhiking Ghosts standing on the steps of the Haunted Mansion. The dancers are not to be missed. They are eerie and beautiful at the same time.

The gravediggers are also spectacular and do an amazing dance with shovels, including a move where they run the shovels along the ground and send up sparks. The next group includes characters from the early days of Disney and includes Horace Horsecollar, a group of cowboy dancer, and the Country Bears singing and playing on a float.

Brer Bear and Brer Fox join Chip and Dale in Western wear to escort several country girls down the parade, dancing as they go. Clara Cluck follows them in a giant barn.

Next up is a pumpkin-headed character on a large mirrored ball that spins and weaves through the parade.

The villains follow, complete with their own skeleton band, and include the Queen of Heart, Cruella DeVil, the Evil Queen, the Sheriff of Nottingham, the Big Bad Wolf, Dr. Facilier,  and Jafar and Maleficent on a castle wall with a full size Chernabog peering over the top and often Ursula on the back. Shenzi, Bonzai, and Ed round out the villains and are followed by a candy corn waving flag line. Pluto and Goofy, riding in candy filled trucks, are the last to pass, with helpers who hand out candy to the children, ending the parade.

You'll have two chances to watch the parade during the party. If you have young children who may not be able to stay until the end of the party, I would recommend watching the earlier parade. The first parade is at 8:15 pm and the second parade is at 10:30 pm. I have watched the parade from several different locations, but would recommend finding a spot in Frontierland. The area between the Country Bear Jamboree and the Frontierland turkey leg cart, facing the Rivers of America is my favorite spot. It's usually not as crowded as Main Street and the lighting is fantastic for taking photos.

The Boo to You Parade may change slightly from year to year and may include different characters, but it's always worth taking the time to watch. Be sure to pick a spot about 20-30 minutes before the start of the parade to get the best seats and remember to bring glow sticks from home. They sell them at Disney and kids always want them, but they are far too expensive. The parade lasts about 15 minutes and may have a few moments that are too scary for young children, such as the Haunted Mansion characters and villains. However, this parade is definitely one to watch.

PhotoPass Fun at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Disney

This year, Disney has really added to the fun of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with a ton of amazing PhotoPass Magic Shots. Check out all the ways you can capture spooktacular memories. Near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom, the Headless Horseman makes an appearance.

On Main Street, USA, stop by the pumpkins to have Haunted Mansion Gravediggers appear in an animated photo. Closer to the Castle, Ballroom Dancers from the Mansion dance past.

Disney

Find any PhotoPass photographer on Main Street, USA for this magical cauldron shot.

Disney

Also on Main Street, USA, you can have a photo where you're holding the Headless Horseman's head.

Disney

Just outside the Haunted Mansion, a ghost is driving the hearse...

Disney

or you can the hold the caretaker's lantern.

Disney

There are two separate photo spots between the Haunted Mansion and the Liberty Square Riverboat. At the first, your head will appear in the box of the Hatbox Ghost.

Disney

At the second, the Hitchhiking Ghosts invade your picture.

Disney

Select photographers will have props you can hold, one for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Disney

one for Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,

Disney

and one for the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks.

To purchase all of your photos from the party as digital downloads, consider the Memory Maker One Day. It's available for $69 in the My Disney Experience app once you've linked a photo. It can also be purchased from Box Office Gifts inside Town Square Theater the day of the party. PhotoPass photos are included with some Annual Passes.

Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Look Incredible

Disney

Disney has created an all-new fireworks show for this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. The Halloween Party fireworks have been my favorite for years, so I'm excited to see how this new show stacks up. The Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks are hosted by Jack Skellington and feature projections, lasers, and lots of fireworks.

Disney shared a live stream of the fireworks recently and they looked incredible. (This video has since been removed.)

Doesn't it put you in a Halloween mood? If you'd like to see the show in person, tickets are still available for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights through Halloween. 

Halloween Movies for Kids, Part 1

Every year, we start watching our vast collection of Halloween movies on the first of October. Okay, okay, so some years we start just a few days early. We love Halloween movies and collect several new ones every year. I'd love to share a few of our favorites with you.

For toddlers, I would recommend the following:

Rolie Polie Olie: A Spookie Ookie Halloween - This movie has Rolie Polie Olie, Book of Pooh, and Out of the Box, all wonderful Disney Halloween stories.

Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie - Roo and Lumpy must overcome their fears and save Halloween for the Hundred Acre Wood.

My Friends Tigger and Pooh: Hundred Acre Wood Haunt - Piglet's friends must help him overcome his fears. Also includes a Handy Manny Halloween.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat - Mickey and his pals have to get to Trick or Treat Tower before the moon is full to celebrate Halloween at Pete's party.

WordWorld Kooky: Spooky Halloween - Pig sleepwalks and scares everyone into thinking he's a ghost and Sheep shares all of her costume and then must find something to wear herself. I love WordWorld and it's mix of letters, spelling, and fun.

Spookley the Square Pumpkin - Poor Spookley is different, but maybe being different is not such a bad thing after all.

Max & Ruby's Halloween and Max & Ruby: Perfect Pumpkin - Both movies feature 1 Halloween episode and then 3 non-Halloween episodes. Max and his sister Ruby are cute and sweet, although Ruby can be bossy and Max doesn't talk very often.

Franklin: Franklin's Halloween - Franklin tries to create a scary costume for Mr. Mole's Halloween party.

Maurice Sendak's Little Bear: Halloween Stories - Little Bear discovers what really makes those spooky night sounds.

Halloween Treats at the Magic Kingdom and MNSSHP

Courtesy of Disney

Disney World is getting into the Halloween spirit extra early this year. The first night of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is next Friday, August 25. And this year, there's new treats galore, both during the day and at the parties. Which one will tempt you most?

First up, the treats that you can find anytime between August 25 and November 1:

🎃 At the Main Street Bakery, you'll find two delightful treats:

• Mickey Halloween Cupcake with purple marshmallow fluff, orange vanilla buttercream, sprinkles, and a white chocolate scarecrow Mickey
• Mickey Cinnamon Roll with orange icing and a chocolate spiderweb

🎃 The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will be dishing up pumpkin flavored ice cream.

The treats that are only available on party nights sound even more spooktacular:

🎃 Pumpkin Cheesecake Dome - graham cracker strudel, cheesecake, orange white chocolate glaze, and a chocolate Mickey, at Main Street Bakery and Gaston's Tavern

🎃 Jack Skellington Dessert - vanilla pans cotta, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream, white and dark chocolate crisp pearls, dark chocolate curls, and a white chocolate Jack, at Sleepy Hollow

🎃 Four different Haunted Mansion Desserts, each a chocolate tart with a unique white chocolate portrait inspired by the ride:

• At Aloha Isle - the tart is filled with chocolate ganache and Oreo panna cotta
• At Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies - the tart is filled with raspberry compote and white chocolate mousse
• At Liberty Square Market - the tart is filled with chocolate ganache and peanut butter icing
• At Storybook Treats - the tart is filled with lemon curd, strawberry compote and strawberry mousse

🎃 A Pumpkin Mickey Waffle with vanilla cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and caramel sauce at Sleepy Hollow

🎃 Worms and Dirt - a chocolate gravestone, chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate glaze topped with Oreo crumbs and gummy worms at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.

🎃Candy Corn Ice Cream at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies

🎃 Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats and Vampire Mickey Brownies at kiosks throughout the park

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights from August 25 to November 1.