It’s hard to believe that September is just around the corner and that means that it’s high time to figure out what I’ll be wearing at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! “Dressing up? That’s for kids!” you say. I assure you I thought the same thing…once.
The first time I went to MNNSSHP I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was staying at the Wilderness Lodge and come around 6:00 I made my way to the boat dock for the ride over to the Magic Kingdom. There were several of the obligatory pirates and princesses on board, and a few parents wearing mouse ears, logo wear and the like. I didn’t feel too out of place since I was not in costume.
Next stop was the Fort Wilderness boat dock. These folks are some serious Disney devotees! As we approached I look out to see pirates, princesses, adult Woody AND Buzz, a couple, well into their retirement years dressed as Minnie and Mickey. Everyone was in full costume, some Disney, many not but ALL were decked out to the 9’s! Now I felt like I was missing out on something.
As I entered the turnstiles, there was a convergence of all sorts of characters, young and old, some still in strollers. Some guests were in street wear, and others with elaborate costumes. The ambience was amazing as fog machines belched out thick plumes of sweet smelling smoke. The music and lighting cast an eerie spell over the park, but not too intense as to not frighten little ones.
I was alone this trip and yes, I went trick or treating just like everyone else. It really was like being a kid again and took me back to my days of roaming Hasson Heights on Halloween with my friends as we tore from house to house with pillowcases full of treats. My mind was made up that night that this would be an annual event for me and I was going to dress up for thenext occasion!
The following year I attended again but this time with a cast member friend of mine and we went as Pinocchio and Geppetto in costumes I threw together. We met more people, and were asked to pose for more photos than you can imagine. We were joined up with another Pinocchio, three Hogwart’s wizards and a Mad Hatter. We had a blast, starting off as strangers and ending the night as friends.
If you have not had the opportunity to attend this special, ticketed event, I highly recommend you set time aside to do so. This really is what they mean by Disney magic. When you can suddenly be transformed back to your youth, or go trick or treating with your child AS a child, there’s not a ticket price for that. It’s a great way to interact with fellow guests and the cast members get very personal and interactive.
The Mickey’s Boo To You Parade and Hallowishes Fireworks are unique to the experience and as always are sure to please everyone in your party. Oh, and if you don’t get your treat bag quite full making your way around the park…ask nicely on the way out and they’re usually more than happy to top you off!
