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

[ali_in_al]

Last night at the party was miserable - never again! This had been our favorite party last year. It felt like they over-sold it this year. The crowds were insane. We waited 10-20 minutes at treat stops and they gave out very little. Our bags were 1/4 filled after 4 stops and we refused to wait in line all night after that for a few pieces of candy. If you need allergy chips, forget it. We received only one per stop and they gave out one little piece of Wurther's or one little bag of gummies, etc. per chip. That bag was literally empty after turning in our chips. We asked for a "craft" item at the allergy stand and was told no - they were only for someone who couldn't eat anything at all. We waited over 20 minutes for a photo with the black iron wagon after riding Haunted Mansion. We skipped the first parade as people were saving spots from 6 pm on and we couldn't handle fighting the crowds. Waited in line another 15-20 minutes to purchase a snack. After the fireworks we went to ride Space Mountain....so did the rest of the park. We rode the People Mover instead. Was able to ride Space with only a 10 min wait at 11pm though. Then tried to see last parade - we were 5 rows back and had very obstructed view. Please note we were in the park by 4pm. At that time there were no crowds but most party things didn't start until 7pm so didn't do us much good. We ever made it to POTC nor did we do any character meet and greets. We limped out in huge crowds just before midnight. And for this we paid $168 for 2 people with tax. DONE with this party. BTW the fireworks and parade were very good - loved the new fireworks show - and Space Mountain in complete darkness was the best. Beyond that though, the rest was not enjoyable due to the immense crowds and gridlock it created.

Thanks for your report. I'm sorry it was such a bust - wonder if it was really sold out?

 

[FoxC63]

Thanks for your report. I'm sorry it was such a bust - wonder if it was really sold out?

How does one tell if a party is sold out especially since some guests are using the Unlimited Party Pass? Typically DISers post the "I'm Sorry Folks..." sign or Disney's Event Calendar with "Sold Out" written on it. So far no one has posted either.



This was the main topic we discussed when the Pass was announced.

 

[vinotinto]

Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought that this year, the only party that can "sell out" is October 31st. All the other parties are included in the "party pass" and won't have a sell-out point.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought that this year, the only party that can "sell out" is October 31st. All the other parties are included in the "party pass" and won't have a sell-out point.

Parties can still "sell out" for someone looking to buy a single-event tickets. The party pass will let you in even if single-event tickets for that particular night are sold out.

And yes, the party pass isn't valid on 10/31.

 

[sheila14]

Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought that this year, the only party that can "sell out" is October 31st. All the other parties are included in the "party pass" and won't have a sell-out point.

Like I said in my post our bus driver this morning stated that all cast members received a text that the party was sold out last night but no where can it be found on the internet to confirm this.

 

[okw19]

For what it is worth, I saw several cast member friends of mine were at the party last night. I believe on certain nights they discount tickets for CMs. So that may have contributed to crowds.

 

[FoxC63]

Last night at the party was miserable - never again! This had been our favorite party last year. It felt like they over-sold it this year. The crowds were insane. We waited 10-20 minutes at treat stops and they gave out very little. Our bags were 1/4 filled after 4 stops and we refused to wait in line all night after that for a few pieces of candy. If you need allergy chips, forget it. We received only one per stop and they gave out one little piece of Wurther's or one little bag of gummies, etc. per chip. That bag was literally empty after turning in our chips. We asked for a "craft" item at the allergy stand and was told no - they were only for someone who couldn't eat anything at all. We waited over 20 minutes for a photo with the black iron wagon after riding Haunted Mansion. We skipped the first parade as people were saving spots from 6 pm on and we couldn't handle fighting the crowds. Waited in line another 15-20 minutes to purchase a snack. After the fireworks we went to ride Space Mountain....so did the rest of the park. We rode the People Mover instead. Was able to ride Space with only a 10 min wait at 11pm though. Then tried to see last parade - we were 5 rows back and had very obstructed view. Please note we were in the park by 4pm. At that time there were no crowds but most party things didn't start until 7pm so didn't do us much good. We ever made it to POTC nor did we do any character meet and greets. We limped out in huge crowds just before midnight. And for this we paid $168 for 2 people with tax. DONE with this party. BTW the fireworks and parade were very good - loved the new fireworks show - and Space Mountain in complete darkness was the best. Beyond that though, the rest was not enjoyable due to the immense crowds and gridlock it created.

So sorry you had a bad experience this year. Just for data collecting, would you mind answering a few questions?

1. We waited 10-20 minutes at treat stops - What time did you go Trick or Treating?
2. Which Allergy Stations did you go to when you exchanged Blue Tokens - Main Street or Liberty Square?
3. 15-20 minutes to purchase a snack - Where and which snack?
4. Last parade we were 5 rows back - Where and what time did you arrive?

Thank you.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For what it is worth, I saw several cast member friends of mine were at the party last night. I believe on certain nights they discount tickets for CMs. So that may have contributed to crowds.

I was just going to ask if anyone has access to the CM discount dates, I noticed we don't have that info on Page 1 yet. I'll do some asking around too, although it's probably around somewhere in front of my face and I just don't know it.

I follow a few Disney/CM types on Twitter and saw a lot of party posts last night, not that that means much.

 

[FoxC63]

For what it is worth, I saw several cast member friends of mine were at the party last night. I believe on certain nights they discount tickets for CMs. So that may have contributed to crowds.

Yes. Last night party included discounts for; CM's, Military and AP's and I agree with @evlaina who wrote ".. hurricane Dorian people pushing their trip back.."
In this mix we need to include those using the Pass.

 

[vinotinto]

We skipped the first parade as people were saving spots from 6 pm on and we couldn't handle fighting the crowds.

Wow, that is pretty crazy!

 

[Marionnette]

FWIW, yesterday had very nice weather, albeit hot weather. I’m sure that it contributed to the decision-making for those who were debating between last night and Friday’s party.

 

[FoxC63]

I was just going to ask if anyone has access to the CM discount dates, I noticed we don't have that info on Page 1 yet. I'll do some asking around too, although it's probably around somewhere in front of my face and I just don't know it.

I follow a few Disney/CM types on Twitter and saw a lot of party posts last night, not that that means much.

August: 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30
September: 2,6,8,10,13, 15, 17

Most likely October dates will be added later.

 

[FoxC63]

Wow, that is pretty crazy!

Strike that, sounds like the hub. Parade, Fireworks & Hocus Pocus.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

August: 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30
September: 2,6,8,10,13, 15, 17

Most likely October dates will be added later.

Cool, thanks! For my reference, is this info published/available somewhere?

 

[lvcourtneyy]

A CM friend told me that last night was the last night for CMs to get discounted party tickets for September. We accidentally attended that party a few years back and it sold out and was very crowded. We felt that party was more crowded than parties we’ve attended the last week of October the last two years.

 

[Dugette]

We (me, DH, DD) are attending the party this Friday (our daughter's 7th birthday) and we only have party tickets, no park tickets, so we'll be focusing on rides and arriving as soon as they let us in (3:45 or whenever). Minimal trick-or-treating (we're flying Frontier the next day w/only small personal items allowed, so don't need much candy filling our bags) and minimal character meets. A few questions:

1.) We booked 3 FP: Tinkerbell 3:10-4:10, followed by Big Thunder and Splash. To get in during our Tink window, can we just go straight there and go back to the bypass later for treat bags/photos?

2.) How has the standby line been for meeting Mickey and Minnie around 4pm? Since they are dressed to party and it's our daughter's birthday, I'd love to do that, but couldn't get a FP and don't want to waste a ton of time in a long line.

3.) Is there a best time to try to attempt 7DMT with minimal waits? It's not an absolute must-do, but would like to if we can squeeze it in. Same question for Peter Pan.

4.) Realistic to do all of the special overlay rides, see the parade (either time, doesn't have to be the best spot), see the fireworks (again, from an okay spot), get some PhotoPass magic shots, and attend the DescenDance party? Planning to stay till the end. Anything you'd recommend we do right before closing?

5.) We're planning to eat a late lunch (Whispering Canyon) before the party, but if we need a meal, any recommendations for something quick? Could we eat at Cosmic Rays while our daughter enjoys the DescenDance party? (she's a huuuuuuuuggggge Descendants fan and will have her Dizzy costume on)

6.) Is Drizella out all night? By the carousel? Since Dizzy is her daughter, we'd like to meet her.

Any other tips are welcome. I am feeling some pressure to cram in everything in the world, since these 8 hours are the only park time we have (though I look forward to enjoying non-park activities before and after). Thanks, all!

 

[Disneymaddness]

We were at the party last night also. Our first time. OMG, was it crowded! Lines were very long and I thought never again until the parade and fireworks. They were awesome! We watched the parade in frontier land. Got a spot 1/2 hr before the parade and viewing was good. The fireworks are so much better live, we had seen them on YouTube and wasn’t quite sure about them, but they’re good. For us, all lines were manageable after 11 but by then we were too hot and tired. Oh, we tried the pumpkin spice milkshake. Yum!

 

[FoxC63]

Cool, thanks! For my reference, is this info published/available somewhere?

This and other info was sent to me. Some I've posted here and others I didn't.

 

[FoxC63]

Parties can still "sell out" for someone looking to buy a single-event tickets. The party pass will let you in even if single-event tickets for that particular night are sold out.

And yes, the party pass isn't valid on 10/31.

I cannot begin to image the crowd level when the "Sorry Folks..." sign gets used PLUS all those guests who use the Pass what the lines will look like then. Woof!

Plus I've not seen anything about merchandise being Sold Out which is a good thing, hopefully those looking to score "my precious" will be available at your party!

 

[Kiara5]

We went to the party on September 8th just thought I would share what we were able to accomplish after all the great tips on this thread. We used a regular ticket to get in and our FP were Haunted mansion and Space Mountain took a be our guest cupcake break. Short waits for jungle cruise, pirates and splash mountain. Then it was back to fantasyland to use our last fast pass for seven dwarves. Then under the sea and Buzz ride. We went to get our bands and treat bags about 5:20 Had dinner at CRT after dinner we did the space mountain over lay and tea cups. Then off to Haunted mansion watched the characters outside for a bit and did the magic shot in front of the carriage. Then off to Pirates for that overlay. (Photopass says 9:20) then Elvis Stitch. 10:15 for the fireworks, 10:45 Hocus Pocus 11:15 parade ( 2nd row curb in hub) meet Mickey at 12:03 Jack and Sally at 12:23 and the headless horseman shot at 12:28 We stopped at a few TOT stations along the way. Very generous with the candy ( jungle cruise and monsters inc)