"Official" 2019 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - A Frightfully Festive Celebration

[freshstart19]

Perspective from a first time party goer. We have never been to a party (have done a couple dessert parties and two EMM mornings, but have never been there for a party). This was our experience (myself, DD20, DD17, my dad age 78 and loves Disney).
Arrived at 5:15pm by choice - knew we could have arrived earlier but didn't think we could do it all with my dad if we were in the heat at 4. HOWEVER, the weather was the best evening August weather ever!
Did the By-pass, got our candy bags, saw Monsters Inc Laugh Floor show
Used our FP for Haunted Mansion at 6:00pm (made it just in time)
We had supper at Cosmic Rays at 6:30, just before party started.
We noticed CM's in a line making sure that people without bands were not getting on any rides. They were very actively getting non-party guests to leave, so that was good to see.
The rest of the night...
-rode Buzz Lightyear, IASW, Winnie the Pooh, People Mover, Pirates (so much fun!!!), Haunted Mansion
-saw the women / show on HM lawn, saw Cadaver Dans,
-did a ton of trick or treating
-saw 2nd parade
-did plaza dessert party
The only downside to the night were certain aspects of the dessert party. We went to check in at 8:40pm (tried to check in earlier but they were not open- @joviroxx asked me to reply back regarding check in). We were checked in by 9:10 and put in a corner that was so difficult to navigate around. The line for desserts were so long and they ran out of the cider which was so good- we wanted a second glass but could not get one. Also could not get more than 3 chocolate covered strawberries for our family of 4. But, overall, desserts were nice, as was the fruit / cheese / cheeseburger egg rolls. The viewing at the plaza garden was good. We walked over and sat on grass about about 10:10 and the firework show started just after 10:15 (people stood up at this time). I have read mixed reviews here, but we loved the projections, story, music, fireworks. My dad thought it was the best evening ever. I would pay for the dessert party again as it allowed him / us to sit for an hour and relax, then have a space for the show.
We left about 12:30pm.
Fantastic night overall. I will say again that the weather was so great - I'm sure if it was raining or too hot, it would have made it more difficult with my dad, but the cool breeze was fantastic.
Thought it was a one and done, but we will go to a party again if it's offered when we're there next August.

Thanks for the detail about the dessert party. I was not planning on checking in until after we see the first Hocus Pocus show. Bummed some of the desserts will be gone by then but mainly booked the party to have a stress free fireworks experience.

 

[FoxC63]

Here’s my experience of cruella add on. Just got home after a overnight flight so apologies in advance for typos. For my family it was worth it. This was our first party, we arrived at 2.30, did haunted mansion, dwarfs mine train and met Mickey using fast passes then had tea at the plaza before party started. Got party bands from inside the park, got a few photos, did pirates and both sides of space mountain, did a few treat trails including monsters inc. I felt part was really crowded and we were flagging by 9 pm so we went to check in for cruella. Staff were very specific that tables were first come first serve but you can pop in and out at will showing you cruella armband. Cruella opened promptly at 9.30 pm. Staff were waiting on entry with trays of drinks to take as you entered. We easily found a table and and had drinks. The drinks were plentiful and included red and white wine, beer, cider, sparking wine plus soft drinks. There were 2 bars set up to serve drinks throughout the night. I really liked the food offerings, lots of little nibbles pizza, meatballs, spinach dip, ravioli together with fruit and cheese and deserts. Staff were very attentive and made you feel welcome. I saw cruella come out for photos 3 times, she took time with guests and engaged them with conversation. It never felt too crowded but it was a media event that night so many bloggers and vloggers were taking pictures of the food which was funny. We saw the parade from reserved viewing. It’s true you could get a good view without the reserved viewing but I felt the parade characters gave us more attention. Personally I enjoyed the view and the less stress atmosphere. We watched fireworks from mainstreet and got a good view. We also went back to cruellas after the parade and food and drink was still plentiful. Over all cruella made the event for us. I didn’t enjoy the actual party, too hot and crowded but cruellas was a peaceful oasis that stopped us going mad and made us feel special. Yes it did cut in to party time but I think it was worth it.

Which location did you get your party wristbands and what time did they start? Thank you! And thanks for a very detailed review, very helpful!

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Here’s my experience of cruella add on. Just got home after a overnight flight so apologies in advance for typos. For my family it was worth it. This was our first party, we arrived at 2.30, did haunted mansion, dwarfs mine train and met Mickey using fast passes then had tea at the plaza before party started. Got party bands from inside the park, got a few photos, did pirates and both sides of space mountain, did a few treat trails including monsters inc. I felt part was really crowded and we were flagging by 9 pm so we went to check in for cruella. Staff were very specific that tables were first come first serve but you can pop in and out at will showing you cruella armband. Cruella opened promptly at 9.30 pm. Staff were waiting on entry with trays of drinks to take as you entered. We easily found a table and and had drinks. The drinks were plentiful and included red and white wine, beer, cider, sparking wine plus soft drinks. There were 2 bars set up to serve drinks throughout the night. I really liked the food offerings, lots of little nibbles pizza, meatballs, spinach dip, ravioli together with fruit and cheese and deserts. Staff were very attentive and made you feel welcome. I saw cruella come out for photos 3 times, she took time with guests and engaged them with conversation. It never felt too crowded but it was a media event that night so many bloggers and vloggers were taking pictures of the food which was funny. We saw the parade from reserved viewing. It’s true you could get a good view without the reserved viewing but I felt the parade characters gave us more attention. Personally I enjoyed the view and the less stress atmosphere. We watched fireworks from mainstreet and got a good view. We also went back to cruellas after the parade and food and drink was still plentiful. Over all cruella made the event for us. I didn’t enjoy the actual party, too hot and crowded but cruellas was a peaceful oasis that stopped us going mad and made us feel special. Yes it did cut in to party time but I think it was worth it.

Was there seats at the reserved viewing or did you have to stand? Also, where was the reserved viewing located? Thanks!

 

[thought_bubbls]

Just curious, are you going to write to Disney about your experience with the dessert party?

I definitely am!

 

[FoxC63]

I definitely am!

I hope others do as well not just for us who have not attended yet but for next year as well. Thank you for your time, you've been most generous.

 

[theHEN]

Hello!
I know it has been asked a few times already but I've yet to see anyone answer, what was the candy/treats given out for the trick or treaters?
We are going October 1st and I'm trying to get all the info I can now to fully prepare! DD will need an allergy bag but DS and I are all about that candy life.

 

[Best Aunt]

Hello!
I know it has been asked a few times already but I've yet to see anyone answer, what was the candy/treats given out for the trick or treaters?
We are going October 1st and I'm trying to get all the info I can now to fully prepare! DD will need an allergy bag but DS and I are all about that candy life.

Trick-or-treat summary:
Gogo Squeeze at Carousel of Progress.
Everywhere else it was various versions of:
Starburst
Lifesaver gummies
Skittles
M&m
Dove
Snickers
Twix
Milky way
3 musketeers

I will do full report when I get home. I don’t type well on phone.

I don’t know what the allergy-friendly treats were.

 

[pangyal]

I attended cruella, we saw fireworks from main street near shops , my view was good not crowded easy to pop back in between fireworks and parade. The hub was only reserved for parade but parade characters make an extra special fuss of cruella guests...

Thank you for posting your experience! It’s very helpful as I am on the verge of cancelling our Cruella booking.

Can you please confirm for me whether the reserved area was in fact only cordoned off on Main Street after the fireworks, not before? And you did not watch the fireworks from anywhere near Cruella’s, correct? May I ask what time you got your spot on Main Street to watch the fireworks?

Thank you so much

 

[Disneybound!!]

Spoil Allert!

CRUELLA'S HALLOWEEN HIDEAWAY REVIEW Mickey's Not So Scary Party | Food, Drinks, Parade Viewing

Cruella's Halloween Hide-A-Way Experience and parade

Thanks so much for these! After watching these and reading other reviews from this thread, I think I've talked myself out of Cruella's, and now I'm considering the Plaza dessert party instead. I can't thank you, and everyone else, enough for all of the help and information!

 

[pangyal]

Thanks so much for these! After watching these and reading other reviews from this thread, I think I've talked myself out of Cruella's, and now I'm considering the Plaza dessert party instead. I can't thank you, and everyone else, enough for all of the help and information!

I am in exactly the same boat. I feel that many people are, to be honest.

 

[theHEN]

Trick-or-treat summary:
Gogo Squeeze at Carousel of Progress.
Everywhere else it was various versions of:
Starburst
Lifesaver gummies
Skittles
M&m
Dove
Snickers
Twix
Milky way
3 musketeers

I will do full report when I get home. I don’t type well on phone.

I don’t know what the allergy-friendly treats were.

Thank you SO much!!

 

[scullylam]

I have a question about Country Bears and Tiki Room. Before the party, do you think it is possible to be able and do both of these attractions in the 4pm hour when you get into the park?

 

[Wdw1015]

Hello!
I know it has been asked a few times already but I've yet to see anyone answer, what was the candy/treats given out for the trick or treaters?
We are going October 1st and I'm trying to get all the info I can now to fully prepare! DD will need an allergy bag but DS and I are all about that candy life.

This is 3 gallon size bags worth

 

[theHEN]

View attachment 426913

This is 3 gallon size bags worth

Thank you!! Yay for candy!!!

 

[ashleyrm]

I have a question about changing party days. We bought tickets to go on Tuesday because I was worried our flights on Sunday would be cutting it too close. Now we are arriving at 12:30 which should give us plenty of time to get to the party. Is it possible to change the dates for the tickets we bought? they are the same price. Thanks all!

Agree with others. Usually if you call Disney and explain the situation they will do it for you. If they hesitate, call back and try again. That usually works for me. Good luck!

 

[Crystal_Marie]

This sounds more doable. Did you find out what time the characters meet and where their located? I'd probably do 7 Dwarfs first as their line stays long, like all night. Then do Pooh and save Moana for later like after the second parade.
I believe the rides with overlays are going to cost you time anywhere between 30-45 minutes and Space may take up to an hour. It's really hard to say as we've only had one party and I'm not sure if the new Unlimited Party Pass is going to increase them. Have you read any reviews from those who attended the first party? There's a lot of information there to further assist you in creating your itinerary.

Thanks Fox !! I have been keeping up from the threads since the party started. I will try and keep up with them until we leave for Disney. I appreciate your advice

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Plaza dessert folks:what time did you leave to find a spot? Any tips on where to sit/stand?

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

I'd assume genie Aladdin Jasmine etc meet where they normally do during regular hours to the side of the magic carpets. Where does jafar meet?? Closer to jungle cruise side?? Need to know where to line up!

 

[lovingeire]

I spent some time today working on my party plan. It seemed like people were in line for Jack and Sally super early. I know previously I was first 10 people getting in line at a little before 4. (Entered with party ticket.) I have an AP and could enter earlier, but my family does not. So I'll be watching reports from parties closely to monitor the timing. I originally was going to do a Peter Pan FP, but remember the line being super long for HM so might do that instead. But then I need to find time to get back over for the MagicShots. Right now here is my tentative plan, but I'm still totally tweaking it. (We don't go till Halloween night, which I expect to be packed!)

3:00 - Arrive at MK (get in at 3:45-ish and go straight to Jack & Sally)
*take Headless Horseman on way in?
*bypass and/or SotMK card before or after J&S

4:00-5:20pm - Jack & Sally (Hope to be towards the front of the line-ish.)

5:10pm-5:30pm: Haunted Mansion FastPass.

5:35pm-6:20pm: SDMT FastPass (will try to hit this as early in the window as possible previously rode around 6pm with this plan, but could have riden earlier.)
*could reverse FP order as well so walking past CHH after HM?

*Grab dinner at Columbia Harbor House to go via mobile ordering. Will eat in Pooh & friends line. (Think it’s possible to mobile order before getting on Mine Train or just order when we get off?)

6:20 – 7:30: Pooh & Gang (making their first set)

7:35 – 8:15: Donald & Daisy M&G
*ToT at Storybook Circus Train Station (either tag team or hit on way there or back.)
*If time might check others in this area, but doubtful on Halloween

8:15 - 8:30: *ToT at Ariel’s Grotto, Pinnochio's Village Haus & Philharmagic depending on lines & time.

8:30 - 8:50: Magic Shots on Main St.

8:50 - 9:30: Stake out spot and watch 1st Boo to You Parade

9:30 – 9:40: Ride BTMR (two years ago rode BTMR at 9:15 after parade so might have more extra time between parade and fireworks?)
*ToT at Splash
*Depending on where we sit might do MagicShots at HM here then head to Thunder Mountain?

9:40 – 10:00: Ride Pirates
*ToT at Jungle Cruise

10:05 - 10:30: Fireworks (thoughts on watching from train station area or worth going to hub? Do not think my husband will want to be a sardine right in front of the castle)

10:30 - 10:50: Vampire Mickey

10:50 - 11:05: Headless Horseman MagicShot (I really have no clue how my little kids will do late at night with pictures, but would prefer this shot when dark. Ideally I’d do it on the way out, but not even sure how late they’ll last! We may have to rent a park stroller for them!)

11:05 - 11:30: Space Mountain or Lotso (Littles probably won’t ride Space so…)
*ToT Carousel of Progress & Monster’s Inc

11:40 - 11:50: Teacups

11:50 - 12:15: Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular

Hit Headless Horseman and any other MagicShots or shop on the way out.

 

[Wdw1015]

Plaza dessert folks:what time did you leave to find a spot? Any tips on where to sit/stand?

We got in line to check in around 8:30 and it was about 9:15 when we were done with desserts. We didn’t go right to the garden area though. We rode tea cups and did some shopping. Went back to plaza around 9:50 or so. Stood in the back along the rail and had a perfect view. This gives you something to lean against and also has maybe a 2 inch curb thing for kids to stand on if need be. Learned that tip on here!