{"id":17829,"date":"2011-10-14T16:00:02","date_gmt":"2011-10-14T21:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=17829"},"modified":"2018-03-12T11:26:34","modified_gmt":"2018-03-12T16:26:34","slug":"disney-vacations-a-month-of-mischief-mayhem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/10\/disney-vacations-a-month-of-mischief-mayhem\/","title":{"rendered":"Disney vacations: A month of mischief and mayhem"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mickey and Minnie decked out for “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.”<\/p><\/div>\n

By Deborah Bowen<\/em><\/p>\n

Several months ago, I was given the opportunity to write blogs for Orbitz, an opportunity I eagerly embraced even with limited prior experience in traveloguing. My challenge? I didn\u2019t know how my blogs should \u201csound.\u201d Erring on the side of professionalism, I penned posts that were fairly straightforward and factual. But this time, I\u2019m dropping all pretense of objectivity as I introduce you to my favorite hard-ticket event at Walt Disney World<\/a>: Mickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.<\/p>\n

This annual Magic Kingdom bash starts in mid-September and runs through early November, just after Halloween. Peak nights fall during the week prior to Halloween, with the largest crowd attending on Halloween itself. The party is offered several times each week, so be mindful if your visit to the Magic Kingdom occurs during September\/October. This event requires a separate admission ticket (many nights offer early purchase discounts), and guests without proper party wrist bands will be escorted from the park after the party begins at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where to begin \u2026 how about with characters? All of the classic Disney characters come out to haunt the park that night, which is decorated for fall and Halloween, and they\u2019re all dressed up for Trick-or-Treat! A special highlight is the Villains Mix-And-Mingle show on the castle steps, during which many seldom-seen characters make very spooky appearances and take pictures with guests, most of whom are themselves dressed up\u00a0 (costumes are encouraged, provided they are appropriate, safe and non-obstructive).<\/p>\n

In between meeting your favorite Disney friends, look around for the big white lanterns. These mark treat spots. You\u2019ll receive a bag when you arrive, and by the end of the evening, it\u2019ll be bursting with candy (fortunately, a variety of large trick-or-treat containers can be purchased at the park!). Don\u2019t forget to grab some raisins, too.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need lots of healthy energy for rides! Because crowds are typically<\/em> lighter than during the day, you\u2019ll likely find waits to be minimal at popular attractions, and, in some cases, non-existent.<\/p>\n

Perhaps my favorite parts of the night are Mickey\u2019s Boo-To-You Parade and the unbelievable 360-degree fireworks. The parade steps off twice each night, and features, amongothers, a living tribute to the Haunted Mansion<\/strong> (keep an eye out for the gravediggers!).<\/p>\n

The fireworks are breathtaking. Narrated by the Ghost Host, they introduce us to villains, princesses, and a wealth of grim, grinning ghosts. Rather than occurring just over the spires of Cinderella Castle<\/strong>, these fireworks encircle the entire park. Viewing is spooktacular from any location in the park, but you\u2019ll want to try to be centrally located for the full circle effect.<\/p>\n

Mickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is perfect for children of all ages. It\u2019s the friendliness of Disney with a slight nighttime, haunted edge, striking a balance that will keep even the most jaded Halloween celebrant on the lookout for mysterious presences. And it\u2019s just incredibly fun. \u00a0Spice up your fall with an orange and black extravaganza Disney-style, or a ghost will follow you home!<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n