"Official" 2019 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - A Frightfully Festive Celebration

[Cluelyss]

I have seen several posts about the Dessert Party with the Plaza Garden view for the fireworks but not anything about the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. Does the Terrace have a view of the castle projections? Would anyone recommend this dessert party? If not why?

The view of the castle itself is obstructed from much of the terrace. So it would not be an ideal location for viewing the projections. The appeal of this party over the garden is the seating.

 

[Iralyn]

A few more notes:

-during the party, I received a $10 off one day memory maker offer in the MDE app. I'm guessing this may be the 'special offer' that is available on the night of? I haven't heard anyone else mention this though? I did not have memory maker prior to the party (and actually didn't purchase it with the deal). I think it might have shown up after we got our first photo of the night? Or maybe just after 7?
-lots of photographers were around everywhere; at times there were quite long lines for what I'm assuming were for specific magic shots
-like another poster mentioned the line in Tomorrowland for party bands was quite long just after 4...was taking longer to get through than it did for us coming in at the front
-they were quite vigilant in checking for Halloween bracelets as soon as it was 6 p.m.
-for teal (allergy) treat bags, going earlier in the evening to the distribution areas will reduce your wait time; they really don't care how many tokens you have, you get the same amount of treats; at least when it is not busy, they will customize the treats according to your preferences
-I didn't think I cared that much about the projections but having seen the fireworks show, I am so glad we were somewhere we could view them!
-in case any other newbies were wondering, for people in costumes, the vast majority were Disney-inspired (mostly characters but there was also a magic band and a magic band reader last night!)

 

[FoxC63]

I was planning to do the MNSSHP on Tuesday August 27
I am referencing the Hat Box Ghost, the Haunted Carriage, and the Hitch Hiking Ghost photos.

If interested I have posted all the Magic Shots, animated videos; HM Ballroom Dancers, Grave Diggers and Maleficent and confirmed locations:

 

[Chrisizzle]

If interested I have posted all the Magic Shots, animated videos; HM Ballroom Dancers, Grave Diggers and Maleficent and confirmed locations:

I am interested. Where may I find these treasures?

 

[Rivergirl2005]

My sister and I got home late last night from our trip and attended the first party.

Spoiler: Long Summary

We got to the park around 1:45 (we're APs) and watched a shortened FOF parade due to light rain. We rode a few rides and got in line to get our wristbands around 4:15 in Tomorrowland. I wish we had gotten in line for the peoplemover or something again, as the line was pretty long and reached to the peoplemover queue. By the time we got through the line, it was a walk-up.
We went and changed into our Anastasia and Drizella costumes and went to line up for Pooh and friends. I think it was around 5:20 when we got in line and were the third party in line. The line started to build quickly behind us. My sister went to go get the pumpkin milkshake around 6ish after seeing someone in line come back with one. We met Pooh and friends right about 6:40pm. We also met them last year and encountered the same issue again, their photopass photographer seems to run behind. We had the character attendant take our photos, but only received two. We also didn't receive autograph cards this year (maybe they hadn't arrived with them yet?).
We walked over and saw a posted 20 min wait for Cinderella and Elena, that was a walk-in. We had a fun interaction with Cinderella. When we exited, we stopped by the photopass studio to try out some of the new photo props. We had a really fun photographer who had us laughing the whole time. We exited and had missed the announcement of the party starting (I love hearing this!). We waited for a few minutes to see if Anastasia and Drizella came out. We found a mysterious line formed near Pinocchio's and asked what it was for and no one knew what they were waiting for! We finally found a cast member to ask and were told it was a magic shot, but there wasn't anyone there for photopass yet. We passed some time waiting for A&D by trick or treating in Ariel's M&G line and Philharmagic. Both of these lines were very, very long and we got 2 pieces of candy out of each stop, definitely skip until later in the night!
We finally found Anastasia and Drizella out roaming and got a picture with them, it was a fun interaction. There was a man dressed up as Cinderella that they walked all around with, it was funny to watch! We headed off to Liberty Square and got in line for the Gravediggers. We loved meeting them last year and had a lot of fun again. They really didn't like hearing that we were dying to meet them, we got a major stinkeye! People were taking turns holding spots to take the hitchhiking ghosts magic shot here. My sister stepped in some fresh gum and went to go find something to get it off her shoe, so we didn't do this then.
We went to check on the line for pirates and found it was really long, out to the egg roll cart. We decided to grab a snack and get a spot for the first parade. I loved the caramel pretzel last year and wanted to get it again. The new dessert holder at Golden Oak Outpost made that a little tougher. We waited it out and then I had issues that I was rang up for getting one, even though I didn't order it. It took about 20 mins for a manager to come over and fix it. My sister grabbed us a spot for the parade while I was waiting. We had some fun interactions including Flynn telling me he was already married! haha
After the parade, we headed for Pirates and waited about 20 mins to ride. One of our favorite entertainment CMs is a live pirate this year or we would have skipped this.
We made it to Tomorrowland as the fireworks started going off. We found an empty bench (with a large puddle in front of it) facing the speedway and the castle. This was a great no-stress spot to enjoy just the fireworks. From our vantage point, we could see three large launch points. What looked like behind the castle, behind BOG and behind storybook circus. As the finale was ending, we hopped up and got in line for Space Mountain. I think we waited around 15 minutes to board. When we came out, the line was long, stretching back into tomorrowland. We decided to check out the Monsters inc overlay, it was cute. The CMs here were a lot more generous with candy, we went through 3 times and filled up our bags. We crossed back over to Liberty Square and watched the parade from across the bridge near the gazebo. We had a few mins to grab the hitchhiking ghost magic shot too.
One thing I didn't see mentioned anywhere (but definitely could have glossed over) is that if you want to make a quick exit after the parade, they try to let people out during any lag in the parade. This mainly happened between sets. You need to be where the flagpole is, we only saw one open spot where this is. The CM were great at handling this, we were so impressed watching it. We love the parade so stayed and watch it cross through. We exited as soon as the parade finished to a very long line for the Yacht and Beach bus and no bus in sight (we really didn't like combined bus service this week). We hopped right on to a Boardwalk bus waiting and walked around back to the Beach club.

All in all, we had a great night! We're headed to our first Halloween night party this year, so I'll be following along still to see if anything changes from the first night!

May I ask where you were for the first parade in Frontierland and what time you got the spot

 

[Halloweenqueen]

We are hoping for a better experience Friday after our Tuesday’s party experience. So to recap:

+arrived 4
+did our three FPs
+HM
+Splash

I posted sitting across from Pecos Bill waiting for the first parade. Loved it. Decided to ride Splash again since we were leaving the area. Got stuck in the queue when someone jumped out of their boat. This shutdown the ride for the rest of the night. By the time we were freed there was no time to grab a spot for fireworks so we jumped on Big Thunder. No wait and we rode twice with the fireworks all around us. Wonderful! We went to the dock and they filled our bags after seeing how empty they were. Score! We went on Pirates and Carpets. Got blocked by the second parade and caught a great view wanting to cross. We were able to do Buzz and Peoplemover by midnight. On the way to the bus my daughter started to feel faint. Took us over an hour to get on a bus since she was afraid to stand. Wanted to get a Minnie van at that point but phone was dead. Got to our room at 1:40.

I think it is the APs and the season pass offering that is contributing to the crowds. We are big followers of the least crowded park sites/vlogs and today was packed at AKL. 50 minutes for Dinosaur??? We still had a blast. It was our first time in Pandora.

I want to thank everyone who has posted in this thread. My best advice for the party is that it is essential that you plan and focus on your must do things.

My fondest memories of parties past was the atmosphere. We caught a glimpse from 11-12. Not worth it, imho.

 

[Sakura1017]

So if you do the dessert party at plaza garden, do you get only great views of fireworks and projections, and not the parade?

 

[Lsdolphin]

dessert party check in started at 8, we came in 10 minutes ago, no line.
We needed a break!!
Tot lines much shorter in Frontierland at start. But all look long but move fairly quick.
We got I think all magic shots, no characters, lots of candy

Did you do both fireworks dessert party and Cruella's on same night ?

 

[FoxC63]

I am interested. Where may I find these treasures?

The link is in my Signature



You can also go: HERE

 

[FoxC63]

So if you do the dessert party at plaza garden, do you get only great views of fireworks and projections, and not the parade?

Correct. There are Two dessert parties with Fireworks (FW) only:
Plaza Garden Viewing
Tomorrowland Terrace

Then there's Cruella's Halloween Hide Away with: Parade Viewing

Remember, if you see words in BLUE, it's a link.

 

[yorkieteacher]

I think I may take a break from reading this thread for a while-I felt our first party expectations were low and was so excited to finally get to go to one-be there before four and go through the Halloween entrance, be done with a few rides and dinner by 645, during the party ride Pirates for the overlay and Haunted Mansion for the atmosphere and "ghosts" on the lawn, do about three or four treat trails, see the first parade from Frontierland, then decide if we want to stay for the fireworks-no characters, and no magic shots unless we happen upon some with very short lines. Now I am wondering if I should prepare my extended family, whom I talked into this extra expense, that before the first parade we may only get in 1 ride and one or two treat trails. I do want to experience a Halloween party, but now I am almost dreading it from the reports/advice of waiting an hour for the first parade, an hour for the fireworks, 45 minutes for Haunted Mansion during the party. And I am usually a very optimistic person!

 

[lilmape]

I think I may take a break from reading this thread for a while-I felt our first party expectations were low and was so excited to finally get to go to one-be there before four and go through the Halloween entrance, be done with a few rides and dinner by 645, during the party ride Pirates for the overlay and Haunted Mansion for the atmosphere and "ghosts" on the lawn, do about three or four treat trails, see the first parade from Frontierland, then decide if we want to stay for the fireworks-no characters, and no magic shots unless we happen upon some with very short lines. Now I am wondering if I should prepare my extended family, whom I talked into this extra expense, that before the first parade we may only get in 1 ride and one or two treat trails. I do want to experience a Halloween party, but now I am almost dreading it from the reports/advice of waiting an hour for the first parade, an hour for the fireworks, 45 minutes for Haunted Mansion during the party. And I am usually a very optimistic person!

If you go in with a plan you’ll have a good time. Using info from the people that attend before you will also be helpful. The Halloween party is our favorite and we have always accomplished what we want. I just never plan to do more than 10 things. If we get to do extra, awesome!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I think I may take a break from reading this thread for a while-I felt our first party expectations were low and was so excited to finally get to go to one-be there before four and go through the Halloween entrance, be done with a few rides and dinner by 645, during the party ride Pirates for the overlay and Haunted Mansion for the atmosphere and "ghosts" on the lawn, do about three or four treat trails, see the first parade from Frontierland, then decide if we want to stay for the fireworks-no characters, and no magic shots unless we happen upon some with very short lines. Now I am wondering if I should prepare my extended family, whom I talked into this extra expense, that before the first parade we may only get in 1 ride and one or two treat trails. I do want to experience a Halloween party, but now I am almost dreading it from the reports/advice of waiting an hour for the first parade, an hour for the fireworks, 45 minutes for Haunted Mansion during the party. And I am usually a very optimistic person!

IMO, threads like this are a really valuable resource, but they have the ability to sort of twist and morph people's perceptions, expectations, and anxieties - sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it can be a bad thing. I see it here and on the After Hours threads all the time as the tone about certain topics ebbs and flows. I'd stick with what drew you to the party in the first place, do what works for your group, and adjust if needed accordingly.

FWIW, I'm sort of in the same boat too at the moment. I'm appreciative of the detailed party posts but I've moved on to "just ready to experience it myself" mode, so I do more skimming than reading unless it involves a specific detail that would be relevant to my plan.

 

[Jocelynaus]

I’m also really regretting buying MNSSHP tickets after these crowd reports, does anyone have experiences getting refunds when cancelling party tickets.

 

[cakebaker]

I think I may take a break from reading this thread for a while-I felt our first party expectations were low and was so excited to finally get to go to one-be there before four and go through the Halloween entrance, be done with a few rides and dinner by 645, during the party ride Pirates for the overlay and Haunted Mansion for the atmosphere and "ghosts" on the lawn, do about three or four treat trails, see the first parade from Frontierland, then decide if we want to stay for the fireworks-no characters, and no magic shots unless we happen upon some with very short lines. Now I am wondering if I should prepare my extended family, whom I talked into this extra expense, that before the first parade we may only get in 1 ride and one or two treat trails. I do want to experience a Halloween party, but now I am almost dreading it from the reports/advice of waiting an hour for the first parade, an hour for the fireworks, 45 minutes for Haunted Mansion during the party. And I am usually a very optimistic person!

For all my moaning and groaning about crowd levels and difficulties with MNSSHP, I have us booked for the end of September. Thing is, I know up front what it's most likely going to be like. I prefer that to walking in blind, with expectations that probably wouldn't be met. We want to see the fireworks, the shows and parade. We want to ride HM, Space and POC, do a couple of magic shots and a very small amt of TOT'ing, no character meets at all, no other rides. I think that's a reasonable list of must do's and despite the crowds, should be able to get in without too much trouble. Knowing what to expect is a good thing, but if you've read enough reviews, you already know what the conditions are. Drilling it into your head over and over again isn't helpful, so just gloss over the negative and look for tips that will help you get the most out of the party.

 

[TikiBirdRunner]

Decided to ride Splash again since we were leaving the area. Got stuck in the queue when someone jumped out of their boat. This shutdown the ride for the rest of the night. By the time we were freed there was no time to grab a spot for fireworks

I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to you! I will never understand guests who do this sort of stuff

 

[Cluelyss]

I’m also really regretting buying MNSSHP tickets after these crowd reports, does anyone have experiences getting refunds when cancelling party tickets.

Technically, party tickets are non-refundable. However, many have had success moving dates and getting refunds. The trick is to keep calling until you get a CM who's willing to help.

When is your date? There have been two parties so far - not really enough data to considering cancelling IMO, but you need to do what’s best your family. Also remember that people are more likely to post their complaints than their compliments, so don’t let negative report scare you away. MNSSHP is my favorite WDW event. We’ve been doing them for years and have been on sold out nights and nights that felt empty. But a plan is an absolute necessity, no matter when you go. The party exclusive shows and characters will ALWAYS have a wait, regardless of crowd level. Good luck in your decision, and I hope you’ll still consider going - it’s really an awesome event!

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Did you do both fireworks dessert party and Cruella's on same night ?

Yep. going to post my night experience in a minute.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

I think I may take a break from reading this thread for a while-I felt our first party expectations were low and was so excited to finally get to go to one-be there before four and go through the Halloween entrance, be done with a few rides and dinner by 645, during the party ride Pirates for the overlay and Haunted Mansion for the atmosphere and "ghosts" on the lawn, do about three or four treat trails, see the first parade from Frontierland, then decide if we want to stay for the fireworks-no characters, and no magic shots unless we happen upon some with very short lines. Now I am wondering if I should prepare my extended family, whom I talked into this extra expense, that before the first parade we may only get in 1 ride and one or two treat trails. I do want to experience a Halloween party, but now I am almost dreading it from the reports/advice of waiting an hour for the first parade, an hour for the fireworks, 45 minutes for Haunted Mansion during the party. And I am usually a very optimistic person!

It was crowded, did not wait an hour for any parade or fireworks. I waited 30 minutes for fireworks and had an excellent spot in the hub, but the wait was a welcome bit of downtime to sit on the ground and rest my feet.

Party wait times were highest for attractions with overlays. Lower than the posted wait times. In comparison to evening EMH the following day, I think some waits were higher - particularly the attractions with overlays. Like others suggested, have a plan and decide what your priorities are. We prioritized attractions with overlays and the shows. We only did 2 treat trails and that was enough for us. Also skipped characters (we barely do those on normal park days). Use your fast passes before the party to do attractions without overlays that tend to have long wait times and then spend party time on the ones with the overlays.

 

[MickeyMouseCD524]

I was planning to do the MNSSHP on Tuesday August 27 but am finding surprisingly few things of interest for me now that all the video reviews are coming out. The only thing luring me now are the Magic Photos.

Are the Magic Photos at Haunted Mansion there all day? Or just for the Halloween partay?

I am referencing the Hat Box Ghost, the Haunted Carriage, and the Hitch Hiking Ghost photos.

Not sure about the other two but the hitchhiking ghost you can get outside the party. We've done it a few times on non-party days.