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

[sherlockmiles]

This is disappointing. Seems like they could find a way to ensure there is some special merch available at every party. I know they don't want to get stuck with leftover stock, but they could save a small amount for the last parties at least.

There's LOADS AND LOADS of discussions on this topic.
Best solution is to allow party goers to pre-order (and pay for) party specific items when they buy their ticket. If ticket cancelled, order cancelled. Pick up items day of party.

many of us have resorted to hooking up with other DISers attending early parties who are willing to pick up items for others. Of course you then also have to pay for the shipping.

Topics been discussed for a few years and disney does not seem to be listening very well. Sometimes they do release new items later in the season (ie October).

 

[MonaMN]

If you watched the first parade from the HUB you could stay there for the fireworks and then watch the second parade again from a better location. It eats up some time, but that area does get crowded.

Any thoughts on when you'd need to start holding a spot for the first parade in that area? I was originally thinking second parade too, but after reading through this *long* thread, it seems like the second parade might be the best time to catch Elvis Stitch, which I think will be our only character priority. There's only three of us, so I'm thinking I'd hold a spot and send DH/kid off to ride BTMR, etc without me.

 

[mckennarose]

I just thought of something.... If you watch the fireworks and have plans to head directly to 7DMT, or PP they do not have the path by Sleepy Hollow open at that time. The path is finished and able to use it during the party, but for crowd flow they block it after the fireworks and re route everyone through Liberty Square. There are also big fences between Liberty Square Market and CHH for the work they're doing there, so plan accordingly.

 

[Funfire240]

Had so much fun I added another party , another Cruella’s Halloween too.

Dd and bf land at 8:30pm 10/10. I’ll get there early and :

Reserve a locker so they uber right over and dump their stuff(MEing the suitcases)

Get in line at Tony’s for a table

And wait patiently to introduce bf to WDW and Boo to You! . Poor guy is gonna get spoiled!

Can’t do 10/11 party , he has his 1st HS rides at night. SDD, RR and ToT.

Then said said hmmm , maybe we need the Tonys Christmas party too?

My last AP with these prices, I’m packing in the weekends!!!

Am I reading this right that you're paying for party tickets for them and they may not even make it to the party until it's over half over? If they land at 8:30 pm, they still have to disembark and then get the ride to MK- is it worth it for them to be there for only maybe 2 hours? What happens if they are delayed in any way?

 

[mckennarose]

Any thoughts on when you'd need to start holding a spot for the first parade in that area? I was originally thinking second parade too, but after reading through this *long* thread, it seems like the second parade might be the best time to catch Elvis Stitch, which I think will be our only character priority. There's only three of us, so I'm thinking I'd hold a spot and send DH/kid off to ride BTMR, etc without me.

I didn't notice when people were lining up in the hub for the first parade, sorry. We watched from Frontierland and people started claiming spots there around 8:30. We sat down at the curb at that time and the ropes were already up.

 

[lovethattink]

Any thoughts on when you'd need to start holding a spot for the first parade in that area? I was originally thinking second parade too, but after reading through this *long* thread, it seems like the second parade might be the best time to catch Elvis Stitch, which I think will be our only character priority. There's only three of us, so I'm thinking I'd hold a spot and send DH/kid off to ride BTMR, etc without me.

At our 1st party, people were already lined along the hub before the 8pm castle show.

 

[ksromack]

Great reviews / info... thanks GADisneyDad14!

Unfortunately, based on this information, I'm debating cancelling our upcoming party reservation for the 9/27 party (bold emphasis mine):


I also recall seeing a couple other posts in this thread on being disappointed with the dessert/food/drink offerings at this fireworks party.
For the price, I'm expecting the desert/snacks/drinks to be enjoyable/desirable... if not, and if we can find a better viewing spot with less obstructed views with not too much effort (say 30 minutes prior to the fireworks), then I'm leaning towards cancelling the reservation.

I hoping they make some improvements on the dessert offerings (wishful thinking?) - and I'm keeping an eye out for some more plaza party reviews.

We originally had the dessert party reserved for Labor Day but cancelled due to Dorian and moved our MNSSHP to last Friday 8/30. I wrote that my original plan was to watch the second parade, but we changed it to the first parade and watched near CBJ and as soon as the last float passed, we cut through the path to Adventureland, quick bathroom break and got to the HUB by the time the Incredibles floats were near the castle. That said.... I would almost think that if you got a spot in the HUB for the first parade, even if it wasn't front row, you would be in a much better position for the fireworks. As soon as the parade rounded near the castle people did flood the area, from both behind the parade (which I why I DONT recommend following the parade along the route, unless you were close to the last float) and from Adventureland. And my party wasn't super crowded because of Dorian.

If you watched the first parade from the HUB you could stay there for the fireworks and then watch the second parade again from a better location. It eats up some time, but that area does get crowded. If you did the dessert party, that would also eat up some time as well, just for comparison. When the parade finished everyone from Main St. started coming up as well.
The only thing I would also add is that once Jack came on stage people who couldn't see him kept trying to move and budge in for a better look. They do announce that they don't want people moving around in the low light once the show starts, but people don't listen. Aside from the hedges and things blocking some of the view, Jack himself is not that easy to see unless you are close enough or have an unobstructed view.

You could also ask a CM about the garden in front of Casey's. There was a private event in there the night we were there, but I don't think that's always the case and sometimes it's open. ????

We rescheduled our party to Aug 30 also but had originally booked the Plaza Garden viewing for our original MNSSHP on Labor Day. We were originally planning on watching fireworks from the Casey's garden. There was a very small portion blocked off (closest to main street) but not the whole garden. We were worried about getting to that spot after the first parade though and we weren't guaranteed they wouldnt block or all off so we stood right along a fence to the left of the Partners statue. We could actually see down the streets the parade came from Frontierland. It wasn't a front row seat, though so if that's important I would look elsewhere. It WAS, however, a perfect spot for the fireworks show! Jack was actually blocked by a light pole (or maybe it was the shrub in the way) but that wasn't as important to us.

 

[ksromack]

Any thoughts on when you'd need to start holding a spot for the first parade in that area? I was originally thinking second parade too, but after reading through this *long* thread, it seems like the second parade might be the best time to catch Elvis Stitch, which I think will be our only character priority. There's only three of us, so I'm thinking I'd hold a spot and send DH/kid off to ride BTMR, etc without me.

We claimed our spot at least 20 minutes before the parade started and we did not have a front row seat for the parade.

 

[menotyou21]

Has anyone gone to meet Ariel/Eric first thing during the party? Just wondering how long folks waited first thing, and what time I should get in line for the first set.

Keeping in mind I attended the Aug 30 party.....hence low attendance.....I walked by the Ariel/Eric M&G at 7:15 and there were maybe 10-15 people in the line; kids included.

 

[trishadono]

Am I reading this right that you're paying for party tickets for them and they may not even make it to the party until it's over half over? If they land at 8:30 pm, they still have to disembark and then get the ride to MK- is it worth it for them to be there for only maybe 2 hours? What happens if they are delayed in any way?

Yes I am. It’s a risk for sure. However I have a job where I don’t get traditional vacation time. We are open Monday-Friday except 6 national holidays.

So when I get a long weekend off I go big lol. My dh will cover so I can be with our adult daughter. Now that our kids are grown we also have $ left over each month. No more “ I need this, I need that “ for school. It adds up!

Honestly our 1st few parties we left by 10-10:30 so this isn’t much different. We can stay until 12:30 at Cruella’s. For us it’s a BANG way to start our vacation

They will uber and should be there 9-9:30p all goes well and stay until 12:30. It’s that or I can sit in the room by myself waiting for them. I choose a chance!!

 

[lilmape]

Anyone at tonight’s party?

 

[hereforthechurros]

Yes I am. It’s a risk for sure. However I have a job where I don’t get traditional vacation time. We are open Monday-Friday except 6 national holidays.

So when I get a long weekend off I go big lol. My dh will cover so I can be with our adult daughter. Now that our kids are grown we also have $ left over each month. No more “ I need this, I need that “ for school. It adds up!

Honestly our 1st few parties we left by 10-10:30 so this isn’t much different. We can stay until 12:30 at Cruella’s. For us it’s a BANG way to start our vacation

They will uber and should be there 9-9:30p all goes well and stay until 12:30. It’s that or I can sit in the room by myself waiting for them. I choose a chance!!

Not saying in any way you should change your plans but last year my husband did exactly this. Landed, Uber, right to MK to meet us for the Halloween party. No delays, everything went smoothly, and it still took 90+ minutes for him to get to MK. Land, taxi, deboard, out to ground transportation, 30-35 minute Uber ride if there’s no traffic, drop at TTC, wait for monorail or ferry, security. It’s adds up! Just no way should you expect them at 9 pm if they land at 8:30 pm.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Anyone at tonight’s party?

Doesn’t look like it, from the wait times! (Granted it is between 1 parade and fireworks at the moment)

This is the weekend I used to take DS before he had real school and how we fell in love with the whole MNSSHP concept. Miss those days!

 

[lilmape]

Our first party was our honeymoon in 2007. Talk about low crowds. It was amazing and such a fun atmosphere. It was the 3rd week of September. I’m kinda hoping crowds stay low for our parties the 15th (our anniversary) and the 20th. We were supposed to be there tonight and the 2nd

 

[Dugette]

Thanks for all the info in this thread! We are surprising our Disney-loving daughter with a quick trip/MNSSHP party on her birthday! (she turns 7 on 9/20). Two questions:

1.) Headless horseman PhotoPass at the entryway - what time is this available? We are planning to enter the park the second they let us (3:45 or whenever) since we don't have park tickets and want to make the most of our park time - is the magic shot going that early?

2.) I can barely find any feedback on the DescenDance party at Cosmic Rays. My daughter is a HUUUUUUGE fan of the Descendants movies and this was part of the reason we decided to do this crazy birthday thing (though she also misses WDW badly, so it's not only for the DescenDance party). Anyone spend any time there? To give you an idea, we were at a school picnic tonight and music was playing - a few Descendents songs were mixed in there and she ran to the "dance floor" and was having a blast each time one came on. So, hoping for a minimum of that, because she'd enjoy it, but hoping there is some extra magic, given it's WDW. She'll be in her "Dizzy" Halloween costume, by the way.

Thanks!

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks for all the info in this thread! We are surprising our Disney-loving daughter with a quick trip/MNSSHP party on her birthday! (she turns 7 on 9/20). Two questions:

1.) Headless horseman PhotoPass at the entryway - what time is this available? We are planning to enter the park the second they let us (3:45 or whenever) since we don't have park tickets and want to make the most of our park time - is the magic shot going that early?

2.) I can barely find any feedback on the DescenDance party at Cosmic Rays. My daughter is a HUUUUUUGE fan of the Descendants movies and this was part of the reason we decided to do this crazy birthday thing (though she also misses WDW badly, so it's not only for the DescenDance party). Anyone spend any time there? To give you an idea, we were at a school picnic tonight and music was playing - a few Descendents songs were mixed in there and she ran to the "dance floor" and was having a blast each time one came on. So, hoping for a minimum of that, because she'd enjoy it, but hoping there is some extra magic, given it's WDW. She'll be in her "Dizzy" Halloween costume, by the way.

Thanks!

I don't know what time they start that photopass.

The descendants dance party had dancing and games. I saw beach balls being thrown, hoola hoops on the ground.

 

[trishadono]

Not saying in any way you should change your plans but last year my husband did exactly this. Landed, Uber, right to MK to meet us for the Halloween party. No delays, everything went smoothly, and it still took 90+ minutes for him to get to MK. Land, taxi, deboard, out to ground transportation, 30-35 minute Uber ride if there’s no traffic, drop at TTC, wait for monorail or ferry, security. It’s adds up! Just no way should you expect them at 9 pm if they land at 8:30 pm.

Thanks for the time example.

Last year for 7/4 it did take dd forever in traffic. Last week she was at poly and to our room by 9:15p in time to watch HEA from the patio.

Fingers crossed it goes smooth.

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for all the info in this thread! We are surprising our Disney-loving daughter with a quick trip/MNSSHP party on her birthday! (she turns 7 on 9/20). Two questions:

1.) Headless horseman PhotoPass at the entryway - what time is this available? We are planning to enter the park the second they let us (3:45 or whenever) since we don't have park tickets and want to make the most of our park time - is the magic shot going that early?

2.) I can barely find any feedback on the DescenDance party at Cosmic Rays. My daughter is a HUUUUUUGE fan of the Descendants movies and this was part of the reason we decided to do this crazy birthday thing (though she also misses WDW badly, so it's not only for the DescenDance party). Anyone spend any time there? To give you an idea, we were at a school picnic tonight and music was playing - a few Descendents songs were mixed in there and she ran to the "dance floor" and was having a blast each time one came on. So, hoping for a minimum of that, because she'd enjoy it, but hoping there is some extra magic, given it's WDW. She'll be in her "Dizzy" Halloween costume, by the way.

Thanks!

1. I want to say I’ve seen it / done it around 4p.

2. Sorry my dd is 24 so we skipped that last week.

 

[MaxsDad]

We were at the Friday night party. We were in line for Jack and Sally at 3, we were probably about 10 groups back. I kept leaving with one of my DD's to grab a snack and take bathroom breaks while my DH and the DD I wasn't taking held down our spot. The last time I was coming back in to the Town Square theater right around 4:20, one of the castmembers checking bands told me the wait was 2 1/12 hours. I am not sure how that compares to a "normal" party because we did the same strategy the first time we met Jack and Sally last Christmas but that seems like a hefty line despite the low crowds. I can't recommend enough getting in line for Jack and Sally (if they are a priority) as close to 3 as you can. It gave us a great A/C and rest break in the afternoon and yes, we had to wait about an hour and 45 minutes total but we weren't spending valuable party time waiting.

I am sorry I can't speak to Seven Dwarfs and Moana.

Was it relatively easy to come and go in the jack and Sally line? I am thinking we will have to do the same (snacks and bathroom breaks) with my daughter, but wasn't sure how easy it is to get in and out. I would hate having to try to get by a bunch of people every time.

 

[Best Aunt]

For the person whose family members will go from the airport directly to MNSSHP: Ubering to the Contemporary and walking from the Contemporary to MK probably would be faster than Ubering to Transportation & Ticket Center and getting monorail or ferry to MK from there.

Of course, I don't know your family members; maybe that would would not be right for them.

Also, I have not timed this so I can't say for sure.