Our Top 8: Halloween is Happier at Walt Disney World

Apr 21

Any excuse to visit Disney is usually a good one, but if you ask me, visiting Walt Disney World in the fall is such a great time. Not only is the weather beautiful, but the parks are decorated for Halloween. It adds an extra special touch to an already magical place! Here are a few of my top reasons to visit Disney during the Halloween Season.

1) Weather & Crowds: While there isn't really a "downtime" in Disney any more, I have to say that the three times I've visited Disney in the fall (After Labor Day - Week Prior to Thanksgiving), the crowds were absolutely manageable and the weather terrific. There is nothing better than seeing a 15 minute or less wait time at your favorite rides and not sweating the moment you walk outside. These two reasons alone are enough to have me heading back there in October or early November. The kids can make up school work on the plane as far as I'm concerned!

2) Decorations: Disney does such a great job of adorning the parks with lots of pumpkins and fall decor. The lampposts are a highlight during the day. At night, Main Street U.S.A in Magic Kingdom becomes illuminated with pumpkins and other Halloween lighting effects.

3) Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party: This really is a must-do if visiting Disney during the fall (especially for the first time). This is a special event that requires additional park tickets to attend. Magic Kingdom closes early for regular ticket holders and only those with the special event tickets can either stay in the park or enter the park. The full dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2015 are as follows:

September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

Tickets just went on sale for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2015, with adult tickets ranging from $68-$87 without tax and children's tickets ranging from $63-82. Children are ages 3-9. Children under 3 are free.

The party officially begins at 7 p.m. inside the Magic Kingdom, although party guests are welcome to enter the park starting at 4 p.m. If you are already in Magic Kingdom the day of your special event tickets, you can remain in the park and ask a Castmember where you should go to obtain your wristbands. There will be designated spots throughout the park to exchange your tickets for the party wristbands.

4) Happy HalloWishes Fireworks: If you are attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you'll get to see the spectacular villain-themed fireworks show in Magic Kingdom. This special fireworks display is only available on the nights of the Not So Scary Halloween Party. So find yourself a great viewing spot on Main Street or over near the Rose Garden and get ready for a a real treat!

5) Boo to You Parade: Another perk of attending the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the special night time parade. One of the favorites in the parade is the Headless Horseman and watch the sparks fly while gravediggers dance around with shovels... you'll have to see it to understand. There are lots of spooky floats and characters in costumes. Be sure to find a spot along the parade route early so you have a front row seat to all the entertainment. I'd suggest 30 minutes in advance.

6) Costumes: You'll find the Disney Characters dressed in their costumes so make sure to bring costumes for the kids. Or better yet, schedule a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirate's League appointment in Magic Kingdom the day or evening of the special event. That way, your kids will be ready to attend the special party in costume. If the boutique or pirate's league aren't on your agenda and you don't want to pack a costume, bring a fun Halloween shirt for the kids. That's what I did last year and it was perfect. Oh and for you adults that like to dress up... go right ahead! You'll find kids and adults in their Halloween best!

7) Trick or Treating: One of the fun perks of attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the trick or treating throughout the park. You'll have to check your special guide to see where the spots are located, and it's open to kids and adults. Visit a location as many times as you want throughout the night! You'll be given a bag to hold all your loot, but I'd suggest either packing one or buying one (either at a Disney Store beforehand or at the Park). The bags that are given tend to be on the small side so for those kids that like candy, you'll want one that can hold a lot!

8) More Treats (my favorite topic): If candy isn't your thing, don't worry! There are lots of fun treats available throughout the fall in the Disney Parks that are just too cute (and too good) to pass up. How about pumpkin spiced waffle sundaes, candy corn cupcakes, caramel apples decorated as only Disney can do?! There are so many more Halloween themed goodies and fun merchandise available so make sure you have budgeted in some spending $$. Even better, with all the walking you will do, you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying at least a few of treats throughout the day.

I'm going to end this blog on a sweet note and just mention that if you are interested in planning a Disney trip during the fall, it's never too early to start. It is such a fun time to visit and I would love to help set up an itinerary for your family to make the most of your time there!