The most magical place on earth, and definitely not the spookiest, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is a fantastic way to get all dressed up, trick-or-treat, and enjoy the rides of Disney! This is a perfect time to take the family to the Magic Kingdom if you’re on a tight budget, dislike the Florida heat, or not a fan of long lines. This was the second year I took my family to Mickey’s Halloween Party and I can safely say that even with the shorter hours, it’s a far better experience!
I am a Disney girl. I was born a Disney girl, I will die a Disney girl, and only my fleas will mourn me! I tend to get carried away with Disney quotes from time to time as well. So when I say that the little kid in me comes out to play the moment I step through the gates, I can assure you, that is not an exaggeration! A visit to Disney is a golden opportunity to enjoy myself and embarrass my children! From parking on the Villain’s side only, to the gates decorated with Mickey shaped pumpkins, to adults and kids alike dressed in costumes, you get the best of both worlds of Disney and Halloween.
From 7pm to midnight, you are immersed into a villainous world where you can skip through the streets (believe me, I did) in your Halloween costume from Space Mountain to the Haunted Mansion and on to Thunder Mountain. Along the way, the kids can trick-or-treat with either their own bags or the ones provided by Mickey! The lines were fairly short, which is a huge bonus for someone like me who is far too anxious to wait to ride the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train!
The most we waited in any line was between 25-30 minutes. An even bigger bonus is you are standing there at night! If you have ever gone to Disney during the daytime, you know how brutal that hot Florida sun can be, and somehow that 25-minute wait stretches on to infinity and beyond.
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I will say that not all the rides are open during the night time events. I was gravely disappointed that I could not drag my kids to the Carousel of Progress, but all of the big and more popular rides were in full effect. We had enough time to get on every ride, and even time to spare to ride a few twice! All the characters are out for pictures and autographs, especially the villains. It’s a great chance for you to snap a few pictures of your mini Cinderella with Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizzella! Jafar roamed near Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride, and the Queen of Hearts was near the Mad Tea Party spinning tea cups.
What night at Disney would be complete without their spectacular fireworks display? They did not disappoint as they lit up the night sky over the park. On stage located in front of Cinderella’s castle was a “scare-abration” with haunting melodies from all of your favorite Disney villains.
The prices for tickets are anything but scary for this event, too. Through the rest of September, there are select nights open to Mickey’s Halloween Party with prices starting at $75 (plus tax, of course), but that price will increase as you get closer to October. My advice would be to go sooner rather than later. Overall, we had a hauntingly fantastic time at Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party.
If a trip to Orlando is just not in the cards this time of year, there are plenty of other local, little monster-friendly events going on (via visitjacksonville.com)
Rebounderz Flips, Tricks and Treats Halloween Party – October 13 – Join Rebounderz for the Flips, Tricks and Treats Halloween Party! Unlimited jump, laser tag, laser maze, ninja warrior course, rock climbing wall, leap of faith, a haunted house, trick-or-treating, photo ops, a costume contest and more!
Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular – October 13-31 – Enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens during their most magical celebration with Halloween adventure for kids of all ages. You don’t want to miss one of Jacksonville’s most exciting Halloween events.
Skate Station Funworks Freaky Friday – October 13 – Friday the 13th, Freaky Friday! Scary face contest, best scream contest and trivia. Skate with the lights off and purchase some glow sticks!
The Catty Shack Ranch Halloween Haunted Forest – October 13-28 – Stroll through as the forest comes alive with creeps and crawls. They’ll have crafts and games for the kids and even a costume contest with prizes. They’ve got a touch lab for the little ghosts and the Trail of Fears for the big ghosts..
Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres – September 29th-October 27th- Come to Conner’s pumpkin patch and farm which also has train rides, a corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, farm animals and more. There is also a snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area available for day trips.
Adventure Landing Hallo-WEE Party – October 28 – A not-so-scary celebration for the kids! Only $3 per child; there will be crafts, games, bounce houses, face painting, goodie bags, costume contest and much more!
Mall-O-Ween at the Avenues – October 28 – Join the Avenues Mall for some scare-free trick-or-treating. All the retailers will be handing out goodie bags and there will be fun games, crafts, activities, costume parade and much more.
Murray Hill-O-Ween – October 29 – A Halloween themed block party and parade on the streets of Murray Hill. There will be food trucks, vendors, costumed characters, floats and even prizes.
Trick-or-Treat on the Street Downtown – October 31 – Come celebrate with Downtown Jax from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wear your best costumes and get your fill of candy, coupons and other goodies from participating businesses.