September is upon us, which means I am ready for all things pumpkin and fall including sharing details about what’s new for Disney’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018. My family loves making the Halloween party part of our annual celebration, and for 2018 Disney added several not-so-scary updates to the party fun.
Thank you to Disney for providing us tickets to this special event.
My daughters dressed up as characters from Disney’s Zombies — Addison, Eliza and Zoey — for the party. They were thrilled the be recognized often and we had a lot of fun creating their costumes. (More about their costumes coming soon.)
If you haven’t attended Disney’s Halloween party before, be sure to check out my post 5 Things to Bring to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. We still bring all 5 things every time we go.
What’s New At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018
In addition to the typical minor changes to character meet and greets and candy trail locations, Disney has added four notable enhancements to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018. Each of these simple changes add to the element of fun and make the party a more unique experience than a typical day at Disney.
Deep Space Mountain
This year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was the night of mountains for our family. K recently decided to tackle her fear of rollercoasters. At the Halloween party, she made it her goal to tackle all four mountains for the first time. I am VERY proud to say, she did it and loved most of them!
Tip – the earlier in the season you attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party the less crowded it is, which is how we were able to tackle all four mountains without Fastpasses.
The only problem with tackling the roller coaster for the first time at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was that mom didn’t realize the update for Space Mountain wasn’t just new music. It was also pitch black. Yes, Space Mountain is always dark, but not this dark. We are talking NO light, no stars, zip. The only thing you could see were the red lights of the inferred cameras. As someone who loves Space Mountain, I LOVED the experience. It was amazing and I wanted to do it again. For someone who was tacking her fears and trying it for the first time, not so much.
She did agree to try it again on another visit with lights, so that’s progress. But it is probably not the best time for a first attempt.
As far as cool enhancements for the Halloween party, I give the simple adjustment two thumbs up! It really made it a unique ride experience.
Live Pirates Invade Pirates of the Caribbean
Having updated Pirates of the Caribbean in the spring with the new lady pirate, Redd, I was excited to see the invasion of live pirates at Pirates of the Caribbean the Halloween party. Adding live pirates defiantly gave the ride a special feature for the party, but I hope the expand on the concept in the future.
There were three live pirates added to the adventure – one midway through the queue, one just before boarding and one on the ride. Unfortunately, it is so loud in the caves while in line it was hard to hear the pirate in the queue. We saw him and waved, but couldn’t make out what he was talking about. Just before boarding a female pirate was shouting about finding Gunpowder Pete, and finally Gunpowder Pete himself was on a bridge during the ride.
I love the special touch live pirates bring to the party, but I hope Disney adds a few more actors and some microphones in the future – more like Madame Carlotta at Haunted Mansion.
Mad Teacup Party
The Mad Tea Party also received special treatment at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018 with new lighting and music. Since this is a favorite ride for my family, we were pleased with the fun upgrade for the night. My daughters said it felt like a party during the ride.
Who can resist party music, party lights and spinning teacups? Defiantly a simple and great addition to the party atmosphere.
Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam
For the little ones Disney added a special dance party featuring Disney Junior pals. Located in Storybook Circus, kids of all ages can get their groove on with Disney Junior characters like Doc McStuffins and Timon from “The Lion Guard.”
Unfortunately, we were so focused on the mountain quest, we didn’t make it to Storybook Circus. I know my toddler would have loved it. I hope the dance party continues next year, and we will make it a priority to stop by for some dance time.
Mickey’s Not So Scary 2018 Candy Trails
Disney offers trick or treaters 14 official candy trails at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018. Candy trails are designated by a Mickey pumpkin on the party map and easily identified by the lit blow ups marked “treats” throughout the park. Even if you don’t memorize all of the locations before you go, you can’t miss them.
Our favorite candy trail is the Main Street bypass when you enter the park. Instead of walking down the crowded Main Street as people are trying to leave, you can take the less crowded bypass stopping at the first candy station. Not only are there tons of cute photo opps along the bypass, but you also receive a special treat bag that has different candy than all of the other stops in the park – some of it is even full-size candy.
TIP we entered the park just after 4 pm. While the party and trick or treating do not officially start until 7, the Main Street bypass candy trail opened at 4 and was handing out candy.
If you want to maximize your candy haul, but don’t plan to hit all of the spots be sure to stop by the candy trails at Mickey’s Philharmagic, Pinocchio Village Haus and Monster’s Laugh Floor. These three trails each have two candy stops along the trail.
It is also worth mentioning that on the night we attended the party I discovered a 15th unmarked candy trail. When exiting Space Mountain, we were brought outside and around the building, instead of directly through the gift shop. As we approached the end we were surprised to find a candy stop just for people exiting the ride. I don’t know if the candy trail will be a regular stop or if it was something Disney was trying for the evening, but if you are planning to ride Space Mountain anyway it is a nice treat.
Once again, Disney is offering Allergy Friendly Treats at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018 Party Dates
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018 continued to live up to my family’s excitement. I think the party gets better and better every year, and all of the new changes add to the fun. While the party is technically only 5 hours long, entering the park as early as 4 pm gives you a full 8 hours to enjoy the park.
In addition to the new changes mentioned, you will also find special Halloween treats, merchandise and character meet and greets only available during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party making it a special, not-to-miss event.
If you are looking to save on tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018, be sure to buy your tickets in advance. By purchasing tickets at least a day in advance you will save $10 per ticket. (Discount not available for October 31, 2018.) Purchase your tickets online.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018 party dates:
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
What is your favorite Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018 enhancement?
