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

[FoxC63]

meet Mickey at 12:03 Jack and Sally at 12:23

Wow, these characters met that late!

 

[Kiara5]

Wow, these characters met that late!

Yep as soon as the end of the parade passed we walked very quickly and just made the cutoff, they closed the doors behind us!

 

[cakebaker]

There were reports earlier of announcments being made telling people tickets were for sale on parties that were not sold out. I'm not at all surprised it was over crowded. They've been this way for years now and the weather was all that kept crowds down. We have tickets for the 29th but all I care about is Hocus Pocus, Fireworks and a few magic shots so hopefully we won't get overly frustrated. We rarely if ever do the parties anymore because of crowd levels, but we really wanted to see the fireworks so biting the bullet.

 

[Dugette]

Anyone who's been to the Cosmic Rays DescenDance party - is it anything like this? (Disneyland's)

I've gotten the impression WDW's is much more minimal, but figured I'd ask.

 

[Krios16!]

We (me, DH, DD) are attending the party this Friday (our daughter's 7th birthday) and we only have party tickets, no park tickets, so we'll be focusing on rides and arriving as soon as they let us in (3:45 or whenever). Minimal trick-or-treating (we're flying Frontier the next day w/only small personal items allowed, so don't need much candy filling our bags) and minimal character meets. A few questions:

1.) We booked 3 FP: Tinkerbell 3:10-4:10, followed by Big Thunder and Splash. To get in during our Tink window, can we just go straight there and go back to the bypass later for treat bags/photos?

2.) How has the standby line been for meeting Mickey and Minnie around 4pm? Since they are dressed to party and it's our daughter's birthday, I'd love to do that, but couldn't get a FP and don't want to waste a ton of time in a long line.

3.) Is there a best time to try to attempt 7DMT with minimal waits? It's not an absolute must-do, but would like to if we can squeeze it in. Same question for Peter Pan.

4.) Realistic to do all of the special overlay rides, see the parade (either time, doesn't have to be the best spot), see the fireworks (again, from an okay spot), get some PhotoPass magic shots, and attend the DescenDance party? Planning to stay till the end. Anything you'd recommend we do right before closing?

5.) We're planning to eat a late lunch (Whispering Canyon) before the party, but if we need a meal, any recommendations for something quick? Could we eat at Cosmic Rays while our daughter enjoys the DescenDance party? (she's a huuuuuuuuggggge Descendants fan and will have her Dizzy costume on)

6.) Is Drizella out all night? By the carousel? Since Dizzy is her daughter, we'd like to meet her.

Any other tips are welcome. I am feeling some pressure to cram in everything in the world, since these 8 hours are the only park time we have (though I look forward to enjoying non-park activities before and after). Thanks, all!

I'm going to try to answer the best I can

1. Remember with a party ticket the earliest you can enter is around 4pm. At that time make your way to tinkerbell (bypass doesn't end until 8pm)

2. sorry can't answer (we will be there also on 09/20)

3. during the first parade or later in the night would be your best option for 7DMT. Last night I checked the app and there was a 15 min wait during the fireworks all the way up until the last parade.

4. before closing do thinks that were high up on your priorities list that you did not get to do early on in the party.

5. Pecos and Cosmic Rays have specialty items but if your daughter is a descendants fan then definitely Cosmics (mobile order!)

6. not sure....

 

[Bimmy56]

I would also like to know this - about the Descendants dance party at Cosmic Rays

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I cannot begin to image the crowd level when the "Sorry Folks..." sign gets used PLUS all those guests who use the Pass what the lines will look like then. Woof!

Plus I've not seen anything about merchandise being Sold Out which is a good thing, hopefully those looking to score "my precious" will be available at your party!
View attachment 436965

I guess I’m not Halloween hip/cool as I have no idea what that last part means!

 

[keishashadow]

I really enjoyed Cruella’s. It felt like an oasis from the hectic Halloween party. Cruella was amazing. She made us feel like we were special guests at her party but she still yelled in a funny Cruella-like manner. There were more savory items at this party than the fireworks dessert party. I especially liked the meatballs, fried mozzarella, pizza flatbread, & cold cuts. There were small rolls so I made cold cut sandwiches b/c that’s how I roll lol. I had a few glasses of Prosecco as well from the bar. For me, I was already tired so I really enjoyed having a place to sit down & relax for a little while. I also liked not having to stalk a parade spot. The parade view from the flagpole area is awesome. I would definitely do this party again. It was just a really good time.

I was just getting ready to cancel lol. Climbing back on the fence.

Like I said in my post our bus driver this morning stated that all cast members received a text that the party was sold out last night but no where can it be found on the internet to confirm this.

Well, considering it came from a bus driver

3.) Is there a best time to try to attempt 7DMT with minimal waits? It's not an absolute must-do, but would like to if we can squeeze it in. Same question for Peter Pan.

I’d try for one before close of regular park hours unless being in a character line would trump it. If not, work it in near end of party

There were reports earlier of announcments being made telling people tickets were for sale on parties that were not sold out. I'm not at all surprised it was over crowded. They've been this way for years now and the weather was all that kept crowds down. We have tickets for the 29th but all I care about is Hocus Pocus, Fireworks and a few magic shots so hopefully we won't get overly frustrated. We rarely if ever do the parties anymore because of crowd levels, but we really wanted to see the fireworks so biting the bullet.

Nice see somebody post a realistic expectation for what will likely be a very busy party night! Family there last sunday, said party was easy to navigate vs the opening night (sell out) last year. It was not a discounted night & they did have a long range forecast there might be bad weather though. Both may have contributed to the lower crowds.

 

[Cluelyss]

I cannot begin to image the crowd level when the "Sorry Folks..." sign gets used PLUS all those guests who use the Pass what the lines will look like then. Woof!

Plus I've not seen anything about merchandise being Sold Out which is a good thing, hopefully those looking to score "my precious" will be available at your party!
View attachment 436965

I would think (I would hope) that the number of party passes sold gets eliminated from the available ticket count on any given night - otherwise you could have a serious overcrowding situation?

 

[Best Aunt]

We (me, DH, DD) are attending the party this Friday (our daughter's 7th birthday) and we only have party tickets, no park tickets, so we'll be focusing on rides and arriving as soon as they let us in (3:45 or whenever).

1.) We booked 3 FP: Tinkerbell 3:10-4:10, followed by Big Thunder and Splash. To get in during our Tink window, can we just go straight there and go back to the bypass later for treat bags/photos?

You can do the bypass later, or skip the bypass entirely. You should bring your own treat bags because the ones they give you are tiny. If you don't want the bypass photos or candy starter pack, you can skip the bypass altogether. If you want that treat bag, I think you can get it at the trick or treat stops.

Big question: if a person enters the park with just a party ticket, do they have to get the party wristband as soon as they enter the park, or can they get the party wristband later? Because that could potentially slow you down if you get a slowpoke cast member putting on the wristbands.

Other question: how much of a grace period do you get to use your Fastpass after the fastpass time technically ends? I should know that but I don't.

 

[keishashadow]

You should bring your own treat bags because the ones they give you are tiny. If you don't want the bypass photos or candy starter pack, you can skip the bypass altogether. If you want that treat bag, I think you can get it at the trick or treat stops.

We use the treat bags but offload into a backpack, especially when kids along who quickly get tired of carrying their own lol

 

[Krios16!]

Other question: how much of a grace period do you get to use your Fastpass after the fastpass time technically ends? I should know that but I don't.
[/QUOTE]

15 minutes.. don't ask me how I know

 

[FoxC63]

I guess I’m not Halloween hip/cool as I have no idea what that last part means!

I think you just forgot! It's from The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and it was a ring that Gollum referred to as "my precious".

 

[FoxC63]

I would think (I would hope) that the number of party passes sold gets eliminated from the available ticket count on any given night - otherwise you could have a serious overcrowding situation?

Agree and that is what is still unknown. Not to mention even if all the tickets do sell out, I believe Military are still able to purchase and then we have those with the Pass. So all these guests are guaranteed entrance but I doubt if Magic Kingdom will reach park capacity, but the lines for exclusive characters, rides, Photos, quick serve and trick or treating will be long.

 

[lovethattink]

Last night at the party was miserable - never again! This had been our favorite party last year. It felt like they over-sold it this year. The crowds were insane. We waited 10-20 minutes at treat stops and they gave out very little. Our bags were 1/4 filled after 4 stops and we refused to wait in line all night after that for a few pieces of candy. If you need allergy chips, forget it. We received only one per stop and they gave out one little piece of Wurther's or one little bag of gummies, etc. per chip. That bag was literally empty after turning in our chips. We asked for a "craft" item at the allergy stand and was told no - they were only for someone who couldn't eat anything at all. We waited over 20 minutes for a photo with the black iron wagon after riding Haunted Mansion. We skipped the first parade as people were saving spots from 6 pm on and we couldn't handle fighting the crowds. Waited in line another 15-20 minutes to purchase a snack. After the fireworks we went to ride Space Mountain....so did the rest of the park. We rode the People Mover instead. Was able to ride Space with only a 10 min wait at 11pm though. Then tried to see last parade - we were 5 rows back and had very obstructed view. Please note we were in the park by 4pm. At that time there were no crowds but most party things didn't start until 7pm so didn't do us much good. We ever made it to POTC nor did we do any character meet and greets. We limped out in huge crowds just before midnight. And for this we paid $168 for 2 people with tax. DONE with this party. BTW the fireworks and parade were very good - loved the new fireworks show - and Space Mountain in complete darkness was the best. Beyond that though, the rest was not enjoyable due to the immense crowds and gridlock it created.

I'm sorry you had such a poor experience last night. What is a "craft" item?

We did tot during 1st parade with no lines at Horseshoe Saloon and Torture Tavern. They gave handfuls.

I didn't do an allergy bag last night. But did at two other parties. Redeemed at Liberty Square and got 2 of each item the first time and a randomly filled bag the second. The Sun Cups were my favorite!

We waited over an hour for a good Hocus Pocus spot. Also, waited during fireworks for a 2nd parade spot last night. We were in front row at the curb outside Emporium. Right across from where Nick and Judy come out. Other parties, we grabbed out spot 15 minutes before.

That's awesome you took your mom. What did she think of the party, did she enjoy herself?

She loved it!! She was the only person I saw wearing a sweater, lol. I was sweating jellybeans! She was most impressed by the parade. She use to be an AP from 2000 to 2010. She thought this was the best parade she ever saw at Disney. She had never seen projections on the castle and she was fascinated by the concept!

How does one tell if a party is sold out especially since some guests are using the Unlimited Party Pass? Typically DISers post the "I'm Sorry Folks..." sign or Disney's Event Calendar with "Sold Out" written on it. So far no one has posted either.

View attachment 436920

This was the main topic we discussed when the Pass was announced.

When we arrived at the TTC around 6pm, the sign still said tickets available.

Wow, that is pretty crazy!

Waits and lines were crazy except during parades last night.

We (me, DH, DD) are attending the party this Friday (our daughter's 7th birthday) and we only have party tickets, no park tickets, so we'll be focusing on rides and arriving as soon as they let us in (3:45 or whenever). Minimal trick-or-treating (we're flying Frontier the next day w/only small personal items allowed, so don't need much candy filling our bags) and minimal character meets. A few questions:

1.) We booked 3 FP: Tinkerbell 3:10-4:10, followed by Big Thunder and Splash. To get in during our Tink window, can we just go straight there and go back to the bypass later for treat bags/photos?

2.) How has the standby line been for meeting Mickey and Minnie around 4pm? Since they are dressed to party and it's our daughter's birthday, I'd love to do that, but couldn't get a FP and don't want to waste a ton of time in a long line.

3.) Is there a best time to try to attempt 7DMT with minimal waits? It's not an absolute must-do, but would like to if we can squeeze it in. Same question for Peter Pan.

4.) Realistic to do all of the special overlay rides, see the parade (either time, doesn't have to be the best spot), see the fireworks (again, from an okay spot), get some PhotoPass magic shots, and attend the DescenDance party? Planning to stay till the end. Anything you'd recommend we do right before closing?

5.) We're planning to eat a late lunch (Whispering Canyon) before the party, but if we need a meal, any recommendations for something quick? Could we eat at Cosmic Rays while our daughter enjoys the DescenDance party? (she's a huuuuuuuuggggge Descendants fan and will have her Dizzy costume on)

6.) Is Drizella out all night? By the carousel? Since Dizzy is her daughter, we'd like to meet her.

Any other tips are welcome. I am feeling some pressure to cram in everything in the world, since these 8 hours are the only park time we have (though I look forward to enjoying non-park activities before and after). Thanks, all!

1. You can get a candy bag at any tot stop. The bypass is only opened til 8pm.

2. I don't know about last night, but they were 20 minutes before the other parties we attended.

3. During parades.

4. Last night, we wouldn't have been able to accomplish all that. But the other parties we went to, would have been easy.

5. We ate at Cosmic Rays. Service was slow both nights we at there. The Descendants Dance party started right at 7pm. It was very popular with elementary age and pre-teens.

6. We only saw Drizella at one of the parties. She was near the carousel with her sister.

Anyone who's been to the Cosmic Rays DescenDance party - is it anything like this? (Disneyland's)

I've gotten the impression WDW's is much more minimal, but figured I'd ask.

Nothing like Disneyland's. Sorry.

I would think (I would hope) that the number of party passes sold gets eliminated from the available ticket count on any given night - otherwise you could have a serious overcrowding situation?

I wondered how that works too. We have the Party Pass. And I've met so many people in line waiting for things who also have the pass.

 

[Best Aunt]

Regarding the craft item: I saw pictures somewhere. If you have an allergy bag, when you trade in your tokens they had a few things to give away which were not edible. PP reported not being allowed to get a craft item if you could eat any of the allergy friendly food items.

 

[Bound and Rebound]

I have a dilemma. We decided to go on impromptu trip this weekend! Just decided 2 days ago.

I am in the navy and just found out there are military prices for the party. I called SOG and they said since it is within 2 weeks they won't sell over the phone. We will be driving and arriving Saturday morning, looking at buying tickets for Sunday's party. We can go straight to SOG to buy the tickets, they open at 8am. I am just nervous about this party selling out after reading that last night's party was sold out. I did see that it was the last night for CM discount, it IS a Sunday night, I'm guessing a lot of people staying for longer vacation come in on the weekend or leave on a weekend which *might* mean they wouldn't choose a Sunday night party.

Do we just buy the tickets from Disney direct or roll the dice and wait until Saturday morning. It is a significant savings for our family of four...to the tune of $100. BUT this is the reason we are even heading down. We are also going to Typhoon lagoon (Saturday) and have a trip planned for January, so we won't miss the other parks too much.

What do you all think the chances are of Sunday's party selling out before Saturday morning? Thanks for your expertise input.

 

[vinotinto]

I have a dilemma. We decided to go on impromptu trip this weekend! Just decided 2 days ago.

I am in the navy and just found out there are military prices for the party. I called SOG and they said since it is within 2 weeks they won't sell over the phone. We will be driving and arriving Saturday morning, looking at buying tickets for Sunday's party. We can go straight to SOG to buy the tickets, they open at 8am. I am just nervous about this party selling out after reading that last night's party was sold out. I did see that it was the last night for CM discount, it IS a Sunday night, I'm guessing a lot of people staying for longer vacation come in on the weekend or leave on a weekend which *might* mean they wouldn't choose a Sunday night party.

Do we just buy the tickets from Disney direct or roll the dice and wait until Saturday morning. It is a significant savings for our family of four...to the tune of $100. BUT this is the reason we are even heading down. We are also going to Typhoon lagoon (Saturday) and have a trip planned for January, so we won't miss the other parks too much.

What do you all think the chances are of Sunday's party selling out before Saturday morning? Thanks for your expertise input.

This is a very personal decision, but I would wait to buy the tickets on Saturday morning. It's a lot of $$ and if you can get a discount, that would be ideal. We are not clear if last nights' party sold out since there are no accounts of not being able to purchase tickets yesterday, etc., and sell-out parties are pretty rare. It's pretty clear the number of tickets they sell is pretty high number and with the exception of Halloween and possibly right before/after Halloween, if a party is going to sell-out it tends to happen the same day.

 

[mckennarose]

I guess I’m not Halloween hip/cool as I have no idea what that last part means!

Or.... you may be the hip/cool one as I know I've been called a nerd more than once over the years for being a LOTR fan!

 

[mckennarose]

For what it is worth, I saw several cast member friends of mine were at the party last night. I believe on certain nights they discount tickets for CMs. So that may have contributed to crowds.

/\
This.... this was our experience on a CM discount night last year at this time. We found it crowded, but manageable.