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

[Pdollar88]

Just checked out the Magic Shots thread - thank you for all of that hard work!

I saw a reference above to a Maleficent magic shot, but I don't see that one in the Magic Shots thread. The Magic Mirror shot is near the carousel, correct? I found that info later in the magic shots thread, but not in the stickied MNSSHP post.

 

[Best Aunt]

Regarding Trick Or Treating at the first MNSSHP this year:

I waited until after about 7:45 to start trick or treating. The lines seemed long and slow prior to that time.

After that time - the lines moved continuously and quickly. I did every trick or treat stop with no problems, and I was being careful this year to not do anything which would require me to stand around for a long time. (I overdid it last year when two character lines ended up being slower than expected, and my back was killing me. I refused to make the same mistake this year.)

 

[brnrss34]

Sorry if this has been asked but can DVC or AP buy merchandise before 7? I plan on being there at 2 but want to know what I can do besides waiting in character lines, and ride rides. Does the Plaza desert party give out any candy?

 

[Cluelyss]

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.

The one with all three ghosts is exclusive to the party. The one you can get daily only has one ghost.

 

[Cluelyss]

Sorry if this has been asked but can DVC or AP buy merchandise before 7? I plan on being there at 2 but want to know what I can do besides waiting in character lines, and ride rides. Does the Plaza desert party give out any candy?

Yes, most locations will sell merchandise prior to 7 if you have your party band already. No candy at the desert party.

 

[Best Aunt]

My general thoughts about MNSSHP and crowds and grumpiness:

I attended the first MNSSHP this year and last year. I'm claustrophobic and my back hurts if I stand in one place for a long time. You can still have a great time at the party, even if it is crowded, if:

a) You watch the fireworks -- but from near the water in Frontierland rather than the Hub.

b) You trick or treat (all the stops if you want ) -- but you wait until after about 7:45 to start

c) You meet characters, but only when the lines are short. The characters in Fantasyland had fairly short lines (I'm guessing about 15 minute wait or shorter) after the fireworks. But you have to resign yourself to either skipping Jack & Sally, Moana, and the Seven Dwarfs, or dedicating a lot of time to those lines.

d) You do Magic Shots early - the lines will be shorter or non-existent.

e) People are going to gather in certain spots for the parades and fireworks. Be realistic - if you try to walk through those points at those times, you will be fighting the crowds. Either avoid it, or know it will happen and, as one person behind me said, "Keep swimming, keep swimming."

f) Do not expect the rides to have short lines. If you want rides with short lines, go to one of the Disney After Hours events, not MNSSHP.

g) If you don't have a portable phone charger, buy one before the trip.

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Here is my experiences for 8/20.
5 things before:
1.This was a last minute trip planned for AP SWGE previews. We were only in DW for 3 nights.
2.We went to the 1st party last year, so we had lower expectations for this night.
3. We did EMM here so hit most of the rides we wanted. Skipped overlays since we did last year.
4. I had a screaming headache almost all night, so our night was not a typical touring night.
5. We had both dessert parties planned, so fireworks and parade were not an issue.
I asked DS7 before we left what his priority was. He said if Stitch's line or Jafar's lines were not bad he'd do those, otherwise candy and a couple of MSs.
I wanted the MSs on Main Street, and the hitchhiking ghosts. Anything more was a bonus (we have headless horseman from last year)

We arrived from WL to MK around 6. Got right in, walked the back path. Headed to see what waits were like in the Tomorrowland area. Stitch's wait was way out to the end of the building, so that was a no go. We checked Buzz, still at 30ish. So we walked around back to see if Fab 5 had started lining up and a CM said they do not come out until 7, so we walked past LM ride, and Photographer had no line. I asked if she had magic shots, thinking it was the crab, to my surprise it was the fire pumpkin.
Rode IASW since it was 5 min.
Party:
TOT at Jamboree Bears right at 7, walked straight thru quickly.
Went to TOT behind Splash
TOT by BTMR
walked thru to see JC line wayyyy backed up, and Jafar's line was longer than DS was comfortable with. So headed back thru to HM, that line was backed way out as well
BUT Hatbox ghost MS was only 5-10 min, so we did it.
Went to Gazebo, line for Gavediggers was I am guessing 20 minutes? We did it last year, so skipped it this time. BUT, no wait for hitchhiking ghosts!!
As we walked thru Main Street, found a Photographer with no line, so we knocked out those MS! We ended up with 2 different burning pumpkin shots, both diff backgrounds and poses tho.
Tot at Monsters around 8ish, long line, but little stopping.
Did COP, didn't realize it was an applesause.
Went to check in for plaza dessert party bcuz my headache was making me feel nauseous.
We were among maybe 2 other people, lol. Ate some desserts, rested. Watched a bit of castle show from our table.
Headed back out to Monsters Tot one last time and sat for a bit to watch.
Bathroom break and went to get a spot in garden early so I could lay down. Caught some of parade from our spot, not a good view, but could see some.
Projections were great. I wish I wouldn't have read other reviews/opinions prior to, bcuz they were in my head while I watched. lol
After fireworks we went straight down to Cruella's.
Got some food and drinks, DS enjoyed the pizza. I didnt eat much so can't give a review on the food. Cruella was out and about mingling, but didn't do a great job of hitting tables. Infact, a couple of women sitting by me at parade view were not happy with Cruella part. I didn't need a pic with her, I wasn't sure I could smile at this point bcuz of my headache.
We went over to parade spot at 11. Glad I did bcuz we got a bench. There was curb space open in our area, but it filled up quickly.
There was no curb space open that I saw around Tony's. (I looked to see if I wasted my money. )
Once parade started my head was not as bad, thank goodness, bcuz I could enjoy my FAV part of this night.
We left after that, I needed my bed.
For me, in my condition, I was happy to have both dessert parties. Gave me plenty of breaks from crowds and craziness to rest.
YMMV
Sorry so long!

ETA:We came home with 3+ pounds of candy between the 2 of us.

 

[Sjm9911]

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!

Im in the same boat as you, but I'm going to steal someone else's plans that were allready posted. So, it looks like stuff is doable if you plan it out. Since they allready planed it, take stuff that was allready done, then add in aling the way. I havent been to disney in about 15 years, everything has changed there in that time. I'm not looking forward to the crowds but what i did learn is , plan ,plan, plan, and then be able to go with the flow changing as needed. Will it work out perfectly, probably not. But having the resources here on this board are sure to make it go smoother! Good luck, dont stress and try to enjoy!

 

[twinmom13]

What time do the treat trails begin?

 

[joviroxx]

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

It really is a personal choice. We went to our first party almost 15 years ago with our then young kids. We didn't do character meets, did some trick or treating, rode only a couple of rides. There were no magic shots, etc. It was much more about the atmosphere and seeing MK in a different light. We had a great time, but its never really been about doing it all or seeing it all for us.

If your main mission is to experience it all, and you have every right to do that, then I can see how crowds can affect you. If not, I believe you can still have a great time just soaking it all in.

 

[Cluelyss]

What time do the treat trails begin?

7 pm

 

[twinmom13]

7 pm

Thank you!

 

[Cluelyss]

Here is my experiences for 8/20.
5 things before:
1.This was a last minute trip planned for AP SWGE previews. We were only in DW for 3 nights.
2.We went to the 1st party last year, so we had lower expectations for this night.
3. We did EMM here so hit most of the rides we wanted. Skipped overlays since we did last year.
4. I had a screaming headache almost all night, so our night was not a typical touring night.
5. We had both dessert parties planned, so fireworks and parade were not an issue.
I asked DS7 before we left what his priority was. He said if Stitch's line or Jafar's lines were not bad he'd do those, otherwise candy and a couple of MSs.
I wanted the MSs on Main Street, and the hitchhiking ghosts. Anything more was a bonus (we have headless horseman from last year)

We arrived from WL to MK around 6. Got right in, walked the back path. Headed to see what waits were like in the Tomorrowland area. Stitch's wait was way out to the end of the building, so that was a no go. We checked Buzz, still at 30ish. So we walked around back to see if Fab 5 had started lining up and a CM said they do not come out until 7, so we walked past LM ride, and Photographer had no line. I asked if she had magic shots, thinking it was the crab, to my surprise it was the fire pumpkin.
Rode IASW since it was 5 min.
Party:
TOT at Jamboree Bears right at 7, walked straight thru quickly.
Went to TOT behind Splash
TOT by BTMR
walked thru to see JC line wayyyy backed up, and Jafar's line was longer than DS was comfortable with. So headed back thru to HM, that line was backed way out as well
BUT Hatbox ghost MS was only 5-10 min, so we did it.
Went to Gazebo, line for Gavediggers was I am guessing 20 minutes? We did it last year, so skipped it this time. BUT, no wait for hitchhiking ghosts!!
As we walked thru Main Street, found a Photographer with no line, so we knocked out those MS! We ended up with 2 different burning pumpkin shots, both diff backgrounds and poses tho.
Tot at Monsters around 8ish, long line, but little stopping.
Did COP, didn't realize it was an applesause.
Went to check in for plaza dessert party bcuz my headache was making me feel nauseous.
We were among maybe 2 other people, lol. Ate some desserts, rested. Watched a bit of castle show from our table.
Headed back out to Monsters Tot one last time and sat for a bit to watch.
Bathroom break and went to get a spot in garden early so I could lay down. Caught some of parade from our spot, not a good view, but could see some.
Projections were great. I wish I wouldn't have read other reviews/opinions prior to, bcuz they were in my head while I watched. lol
After fireworks we went straight down to Cruella's.
Got some food and drinks, DS enjoyed the pizza. I didnt eat much so can't give a review on the food. Cruella was out and about mingling, but didn't do a great job of hitting tables. Infact, a couple of women sitting by me at parade view were not happy with Cruella part. I didn't need a pic with her, I wasn't sure I could smile at this point bcuz of my headache.
We went over to parade spot at 11. Glad I did bcuz we got a bench. There was curb space open in our area, but it filled up quickly.
There was no curb space open that I saw around Tony's. (I looked to see if I wasted my money. )
Once parade started my head was not as bad, thank goodness, bcuz I could enjoy my FAV part of this night.
We left after that, I needed my bed.
For me, in my condition, I was happy to have both dessert parties. Gave me plenty of breaks from crowds and craziness to rest.
YMMV
Sorry so long!

ETA:We came home with 3+ pounds of candy between the 2 of us.

Thanks for the amazing report! Sorry your headache kept you from enjoying more of the party, but thankful you had the desert parties to sit and relax!! And seems like it’s totally doable to do both!!! I know you said you didn’t eat much at Cruella’s, but was the food still plentiful when you arrived? What time did you head to the flagpole? Appreciate you taking the time to post!!

 

[Mom2Stitch]

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!

I know how you feel, when I read some of the reports I wonder if maybe we should do the party at all, it does make you feel a little bit panicked. We had done the party for many years, all of this planning and needing to do 2 parties to get it all done was not required, things have definitely changed.

I think the biggest thing is to be prepared with a plan(and a back up plan!) and be prepared mentally with expectations. And let those people you are planning for and with know up front that there will be crowds and that it will be fun, but some patience will be required.

I've gotten to the point that I plan every single Disney day like this-have a plan, then a plan B, and most of all keep expectations in check.

I am truly grateful for everyone who contributes to this thread! Think about the advantages you have over those who don't read here.

 

[Rivergirl2005]

Yes, most locations will sell merchandise prior to 7 if you have your party band already. No candy at the desert party.

Is this only for dvc and ap? I am neither and I was hoping to try around 1ish...would that work?

 

[Selket]

We attended the first MNSSH party and also did the dessert party with plaza viewing - which is mostly what I'll comment on here. I'd say overall the dessert party was very disappointing. The food was nothing that great - all of us had expected some more interesting desserts. I did a Jingle Bam party at DHS a few years ago and it was amazing - great food - lots of it, etc. They had sodas and waters you could drink there or grab one to take with you to the fireworks viewing. They even gave us a big gingerbread man cookie wrapped up with a bow to take with us. Here it was all stuff you pour in a cup - no sodas or bottled water. The BIGGEST disappointment was the allergy plate they served my teenage son who is allergic to peanut/treenut/shellfish. He picked it at a bit and said it wasn't good. We all tried it - and it was AWFUL. The allergy dessert at the Jingle party was amazing - this was so bad it was laughable. However as a parent you feel horrible eating something in front of your kid when he has nothing comparable to eat - or even close to comparable. We did bring it up with the server who said there was no other options for him - and supposedly they refunded his dessert party ticket (I can't find the refund I'll need to call them). The plaza viewing was fine but I'll probably not consider a dessert party again if they're like that now - the food/drinks/dessert definitely were not special and not worth it - not even that great. We ate at Chef Mickey's for dinner beforehand and the dessert options for dinner were definitely WAY better than the party desserts.

The MNSSHP itself was good - crowded as expected. Did a few treat trails. Seems like the fireworks started lated and then I went to get a spot for the 2nd parade which also was late - wasn't over until midnight then the party was over! I didn't do one ride or one photographer shot or anything. Last year I watched the 2nd parade from the same spot and still had maybe 20 minutes of party left. I think you have to do two parties these days - one for fireworks and parade and maybe some treating and the other for rides and characters!

 

[teach22180]

When I am in line for a character, especially those that don't come out for many hours, I do not mind holding "your spot" but I do expect you to hold my spot in turn. I have done this for the 7 dwarfs and Jack/Sally lines.

Thanks guys. As I suspected while making my FP today, my plans became more clear. I was able to get SDMT before lunch and couldn't think of other FP I wanted. So waiting for 2 hours for a special picture must be what I REALLY want to do!

 

[rlessig]

I'm curious what the party crowd levels will be like once Galaxy's Edge and Food & Wine open at the end of the month. I feel like there may be an influx of people who are waiting to come and experience all of these things during one stay. Hopefully after that the overall crowd levels will mellow out a bit through late September/Early October as they have in past years. Of course, with the party pass being offered this year for the first time, only time will tell.

 

[Mrspeaks]

How long does the parade last? Thank you

 

[caylene44]

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!

I feel the same way as you! I have a plan of attack and I really only have a few must dos, but it will be hard to corral my family and manage their expectations. I'm going to stick to my touring plan whether they follow me or not I'm going to keep reading the reports but my party is coming up on 9/2 so we will see if anything changes for the parties before then!