My absolute favorite time of the year at Walt Disney World is here. Main Street, USA is lined with fall colored banners and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air...or maybe that's just The Main Street Confectionary...either way Walt Disney World has a special way of making even 100 degree days in August feel like the middle of October.
There's nothing like walking into Magic Kingdom the day after the fall decorations have been added and taking a picture of the fall Mickey wreaths. (I find myself taking a picture of these wreaths every single time I visit the parks, they are just so cute)
Upon entering the park you are instantly transported into a fall wonderland; adorned with vibrant colors and the cutest pumpkins. Be sure to look up on top of the buildings as there are so many little details to see!
On select nights the Magic Kingdom transforms into a spooktacular event called Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (abbreviated to MNSSHP). This is an annual ticketed event running from Mid August to late October. Because this is a ticketed event (meaning separate from the standard admission)- there are several activities as well as entertainment strung throughout the park, most of which are exclusive to the event. Costumes are encouraged, though not mandatory, and are fun for visitors of all ages to partake in. The two times we visited we ended up rocking our Mackryn Designs tees.
The parties run on select nights only. The 2018 dates are:
August 17, 24, 28 and 31
September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30
October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31
You are technically allowed to enter the park with your MNSSHP ticket at 4pm, with the party officially starting at 7pm. That leaves you with 5 solid hours to trick-or-treat, eat all the sweets you can find, meet the cutest characters (some of which are in halloween costumes), and enjoy some of the greatest nighttime spectaculars on property: Hallowishes and Boo To You Parade. I strongly recommend making a plan before you arrive to ensure you get the most out of your night.
Now onto my favorite topic--food! There are so many delicious treats for just about everyone at the party this year. They are located all around the park, so if you are thinking about trying one of everything I highly recommend making a plan of attack before arriving.
Some of the party exclusive offerings this year include:
Hitchhiking Ghost Dessert (Aloha Isle)
Mickey Pumpkin Cheesecake (Main Street Bakery)
Worms & Dirt (Pecos Bill Gal Tale Inn and Café)
Jack Skellington Cake Push Pop (Sleepy Hollow)
Oogie Boogie Meringue (Gaston’s Tavern)
Not-So-Poison Apple Cupcake (Main Street Bakery)
Malificent Cone (Storybook Sweets)
There are 14 treats locations all over the park, so if you are looking for some candy and some trick or treating, look for anywhere that has the big blow up balloons marked treats for their locations, or consult the party map to find out where they are.
There are a few new offerings this year that really add a new spark to those who have come to previous parties. In addition to the countless new (and old) treats, 4 areas feature major changes this year: Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, and Storybook Circus.
Pirates of The Caribbean has a fun new overlay with live interactive pirates in the queue and on the ride itself. Space Mountain transforms into an exploration through even deeper space, so deep, in fact, the light can’t even get there. That’s right the entire ride is in COMPLETE darkness and is set to a rock-type background music of sorts. Finally, Mad Tea Party has been given some funky new lights and a cool soundtrack to spin your heart out to.
In my honest opinion, Space Mountain was the most fun. Riding through the dark is normally terrifying but this time it was pitch black-- and I mean PITCH BLACK. You can't see anything. I found myself doing that crazy face...you know the one where you make your eyes really big because you think that is going to help you see something, anything...well it doesn't.
Pirates was a bit underwhelming as I thought there would be more actual pirates hidden throughout the attraction. Teacups is already not my favorite ride (I can't do spinning) but the added lights and music made it more fun, to me for some reason..I could probably do that one again in the future.
The Haunted Mansion area is probably my favorite attractions to visit during the party. Not only are the cast members dressed in the best costumes, but their makeup is on point as well. Chris and I happened to find a little nook over by the graveyard that just so happened to be oozing fog. We thought to ourselves "what a perfect spot to take some spooky pictures"--about 45 minutes later and you get these pics:
No matter what you like, there is something for you at this party. The question you are going to be asking yourself is whether or not you want to attend more than once. There are only a few parties left for 2018. Don’t miss out and order your tickets today!
Click Here to purchase your 2018 MNSSHP tickets.
And now I leave with you with some of my absolute favorite pictures that both Chris and I took this past weekend. If you have not gotten a chance to visit his photography page, head on over! (www.mackeemousemedia.com)
I hope you all liked my first blog! I can't wait to share more adventures with you very soon!
