By Jaimz Dillman
When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, spooks come out in their best fancy dress for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Dates start earlier and earlier it seems for this popular hard-ticketed event which means humidity, heat, and rain can be the biggest villain of the night. Plan accordingly.
Special character meet and greets, dance parties, a fireworks show, a castle show starring the Sanderson SIsters of Hocus Pocus fame, a Boo To You parade, and handfuls of candy given at treat spots makes for a lot to do in the Magic Kingdom.
Entry is allowed starting at 4pm although the event doesn't officially start with all the above offerings until 7pm. But, as you're welcomed in with a trick-or-treat bag and some candy to get you started as you enjoy the park, the night comes quickly enough.
Stitch in an Elvis jumpsuit and elusive baddie Jafar were who we clocked for rare appearances. Heard Jack and Sally were chatting with visitors, too. And there are photopass photographers set up to give you a Headless Horseman photo op. This is probably the best time to see princesses, as well, since the wait times were significantly less than their daytime hours.
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The castle show is always a highlight with fun music and sinister spell casting from the three witches of Salem. Get there early for the best viewing areas, it gets packed.
Right after that, grab your spot for the parade. More rarely seen characters dance through the streets including favorites from the Haunted Mansion- gravediggers, the ballroom dancers, and eternal bride Constance Hatchaway are all cobwebbed up for at least two runs a night. The soundtrack will live in your head. Forever. And you'll probably find yourself singing along with it.
Treats galore are offered at the newly remodeled confectionery at the front of the park, as well as various food stations throughout each area. We tried the Doom Berry blackberry ginger ale served with EARidescent sugar for a nod to the current 50th-anniversary celebration and it was refreshing after logging in some serious steps.
Mike and Sully were inviting young and old to a dance party when we walked through Tomorrowland with tunes provided from a high-energy DJ/EMCEE keeping the party going 'till the midnight close.
Large illuminated balloons mark the candy stations and cast members are very generous with their handfuls filling up opened bags with a variety of M&Ms, Snickers, Starburst, Skittles, Snickers, etc. Allergy-free options are also offered. Just ask a cast member at any station and they can assist with those choices.
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Half of the fun of anything happening at Disney is people-watching. With the added layer of costumes, it's always a contest to pick who wins the night for you. Loads of Jessie and Woodys, royalty, and family group efforts abound but those who go just a little over the top will get top marks from me. The Beauty and the Beast cast group who like, love LOVE Halloween earned my 5 stars.
Specialty merchandise is mostly offered in the Main Street Emporium for your shopping needs on the way back to the tram and the added mobile check-out stations are a blessing to help with the massive crowds exiting at the end of the night.
I may be biased, but I think MNSSHP is fun for young and old, and I hope to keep attending till death do us part.