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Magic Kingdom

Disney Villains After Hours – Is it worth it?

by Jamie Rumph June 10, 2019

The newest in After Hours events has arrived! The Disney Villains After Hours at the Magic Kingdom!

Disney After Hours has been slowly expanding across the parks for a while now. It originated at the Magic Kingdom in 2016 and I was lucky enough to experience the very first one it shortly after moving to Orlando. I was in awe of the magic that happened when you walk onto every ride and feel like you have the park to yourself. It truly is magical!

2020 Villains After Hour Dates have been announced!

The event will run from 9 pm to 12 am on the following dates:

February 7, 21st
March 6th

and from 10 pm to 1 am on the following dates:

February 14, 28
March 11, 18, 27
April 3, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8, 14, 22, 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26, 29
July 6, 10

I don’t anticipate additional dates will be added for 2020. In 2019 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party began in August as the late-night evening event through the beginning of November and then the year was finished out with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

While you may not be interested in attending these extra ticketed events you do need to be mindful of them when planning your vacation. You won’t want to schedule your Magic Kingdom day for an After Hours evening as your day will be cut short.

Disney's Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom photo wall

When they introduced the same After Hours Event with a Villain spin I knew I had to try it out! Who doesn’t love a good Disney Villain!

Is it Villains After Hours worth it?

Before I can answer this for you, first I need to tell you what it’s all about!

Disney's Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom projections

What is Disney After Hours?

The big idea around and After Hours Event is enjoying the park with a very limited number of guests and endless Mickey Bars. This means enjoying all Disney has to offer without a wait. And since it takes place after park closing you’re also doing it all in the dark without the heat of the Florida sun beating down on you! That alone has quite a bit of value! At Disney After Hours, you’re able to walk on, or minimally wait, for the most popular attractions and ride them repeatedly until your heart is content! It’s like every Disney lover’s fantasy!

Disney Villains After Hours at the Magic Kingdom

Disney's Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom projections The newest After Hours event to debut is “Disney Villians After Hours at the Magic Kingdom”. It puts an evil spin on your typical After Hours event with a few special appearances!

What’s Included?

Disney Villains After Hours starts at 10 pm and goes until 1 am, but you’re able to enter as early as 7 pm. (some dates start at 9 pm and go until 12 am). This means you can arrive early enough to enjoy the evening fireworks before the event begins or get started riding your favorite attractions. Truth be told, this isn’t necessary! You will have plenty of time to ride all the attractions you want to ride!

Enjoy endless…

Popcorn
Bottled Soda/Water
Mickey Bars, Mickey Sandwiches and other novelty ice cream selections at select carts.
Access to the most popular attractions at each park

The Villains Spin…

When you choose to attend a Disney Villains After Hours Event a few extras are thrown in! The event felt like a mix of a traditional After Hours Event and a seasonal party but in a very toned-down way.

Entertainment

A Villainous DJ takes the stage on Cinderellas Castle and turns the Hub into a nighttime dance party while the castle is lit up in it’s a most gorgeous spooky overlay. I never thought I’d see the Magic Kingdom lit up like a club.

https://loveofthemagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_9272.mov

Villains Unite the Night Stage Show

Guests will also enjoy Villains Unite The Night at one of three theatrical dance shows on the Castle Forecourt Stage. In the evening I was there the shows were at 11:00 pm, 12:00 am and 1:00 am but you should check your event guide to be sure.

Hades and Meg from Hercules host the show with appearances from Jafar, The Evil Queen, Dr. Facilier and Maleficent. The show is 25 minutes in length and in my opinion a bit too long. I was satisfied after seeing the first few scenes and then I was ready to move on.

Maleficent at Night

Maleficent at night at the Disney Villains After Hours event

The most exciting part of the night for me was when Maleficent in her dragon form strolled through the park in the night. This is the same Maleficent dragon we all know and love from the daytime Festival of Fantasy parade. She makes her way from Frontierland to the Hub and back twice nightly (10:40 pm, 11:45 pm) and then makes her final stroll at the end of the party all the way down Main Street at 1:20 am.

There was something extra magical about her breathing fire in the night and with the lack of crowds she was up close and personal. In a sense, it seemed like she was wandering the park like the rest of us! My favorite place to see her was in Liberty Square and heading into Frontierland but probably the most magical photo opp happened and she made her way in front of Cinderellas Castle which was lit up quite spookily.

Villains After Hours Specialty Food & Beverage – for purchase

In addition to the included endless popcorn, novelty treats and bottled soda/water the Disney Villains After Hours event had a wide selection of treats for purchase. A few we’ve seen before at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party but many were new for the event. I tried several but truly I was in junk food overload before I could get all the way through them! (and many aren’t gluten-free)

Our favorites were the Dr. Facilier’s Tarot card and the Drink from the other side, both from Sleepy Hallow. The peanut butter filling with dark chocolate ganache was amazing! We both agreed that the Yzma’s Llama Potion from Cool Ship was way too sweet but had a fun element to it with the dry ice and bubbly smoking effect.

Not-So-Poison Apple Cupcake – Main Street Bakery
De Vil’s Treat – Casey’s Corner
Hades Temptation Mocktail- Tortuga Tavern
Hades Nachos – Tortuga Tavern
Dr. Facilier’s Tarot Card Tart – Sleepy Hallow
A Drink from the Other Side – Sleepy Hallow
- Headless Horseman Brownie – Liberty Square Popcorn Cart
Dragon’s Breath Float – Storybook Treats
Maleficent Cone – Storybook Treats
Yzma’s Llama Potion – Cool Ship
Evil Emperor Zurg’s Noodles – Cool Ship

Villainous Merchandise

Event Exclusive Tshirts/Tanks
Event Exclusive Hats
Event Exclusive Tumbler and cell phone cases
Headless Horseman Novelty Straw

Merchandise photo credit: Disney

These items can only be purchased during the Villains After Hours event. Day guests will not be allowed to purchase these items.

Face Painting

Add a touch of evil with event Face Painting in Fantasyland. I saw several people with their faces painted in some really cool designs. Prior to visiting the face painting station, I wondered if the lines would be outrageously long. After all face painting is a fairly tedious process and some of these are pretty intricate.

Disney's Villains After Hours event facepainting

When I arrived I was surprised to find no wait at all. My hunch is the price was just too much for a few hours during the event only to go back to your room to sleep it all off. I mean I know I slept like a rock after staying out past 2 am! I’m no spring chicken these days!

If you’re interested in having your face painted I suggest you go straight to the face painting area in between Mickey’s Philharmagic and Peter Pan at the very beginning of the event. That way you can enjoy the face paint as long as possible and also have it in all of your photos.

Photopass & Magic Shots

Scar in Adventureland
Main Street Castle
Oogie Boogie in Tomorrowland
Maleficent in Fantasyland

Villainous Adventure Attractions

Pirates of the Caribbean live characters (same as the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party)
Space Mountain – ride in the pitch black with villainous music

What happens when it’s over?

One would think you’d just simply leave tired and exhausted right?

Wrong! You’ll get one last glimpse of some of Disney’s favorite villains as they “throw” you out of the park with their comedic standup telling everyone to “get out” from high above Main Street on the train station platform! It was a great ending!

What Parks have an After Hours Event?

How much does After Hours Cost?

Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom:

$145 plus tax in advance for adults and children
$155 plus tax for adults and children when purchased the day of the event
DVC and Annual Passholders – $115 plus tax for adults and children

*prices are subject to change without notice.

How do I purchase party tickets?

To purchase tickets you can email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com

A small commission is paid when you purchase your tickets with me. It helps keep the blog running and the Mickey bars flowing!

Event Map

The Disney Villains After Hours Event map was extra special in of itself! I was shocked when they handed me a heavy cardstock, embossed map with a fun shape to it! The magic is in the details and Disney is superb at them!

Disney's Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom event map

What if I’m a Magic Kingdom Day Guest?

Day guests who do not have a ticket to the Disney After Hours events will be required to leave the park at normal park close time. Cast Members are experts at politely directing you to the exit if you don’t have a party wrist band.

If you are a day guest staying for the Disney After Hours event you do not need to exit the Magic Kingdom and reenter with your wrist band. All guests can check-in at the event check-in in Tomorrowland in between Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Montsters Inc Laugh Floor.

Will Cast Members make me leave if I don’t have a wristband for the event?

Cast Members are positioned throughout the park and will ask to see your wristband for the evenings’ event. If you don’t have a wrist band you will be directed towards the exit.

Additionally, at each attraction or food kiosk, I visited Cast Members ask to see my wristband prior to joining the queue line for the attraction or allowing me to purchase any food. They are under strict instructions to not admit/serve anyone without an event wristband. As they should, the event has a fairly steep price tag and should be preserved for those who paid!

What to wear to a Disney After Hours Event

For a typical Disney After Hours event, your daytime park clothes are perfect to wear through the night. It is still pretty warm in the evenings/late night in Orlando.

At the Disney Villains After Hours event a spooky twist can be put on your attire! I saw many guests whose outfits had a nod to their favorite Disney Villain, also known as “Disney Bounding” and others who had Villain ears or event t-shirts on.

However, you’d like to celebrate the occasion is great! Do keep in mind that Disney does not allow adults to wear full costumes into their parks except for during the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Characters

Sadly the Disney After Hours events, even the Disney Villains After Hours event does not offer the opportunity to meet characters.

I’ve heard many say and I really do agree that if Disney were to add Villain Meet & Greet opportunities to this event that it would add a huge amount of value and fun! For now, we’ll have to look forward to Villain photo ops during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Open Attractions

Magic Kingdom – So much of Magic Kingdom is open that it’s truly easier to tell you what’s NOT open!

Hall of Presidents
All Meet & Greets
Tom Sawyer’s Island
Liberty Square Riverboat
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Casey Jr. Splash N’ Soak Station
Carousel of Progress
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor

*subject to change.

Touring Plan

This may be the only time in the history of ever that you’ll hear me say (write) that you do NOT need a touring plan! That is just how magical this event is!

Touring Plans for all of the parks can be found here:

Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood Studios – coming soon
Animal Kingdom – coming soon

Is it worth it?

If you enjoy staying up late and the idea of your parks being less crowded or if you have a trip that is relatively short and you’re worried about being able to cover all of your favorite attractions this is definitely the way to accomplish it! But you should be prepared to sleep in the next day. I think it is definitely worth doing if this appeals to you!

For someone local like me who can visit the parks regularly and have an annual pass, I don’t really think it was worth the additional price of admission. I rarely feel like I have to accomplish everything in one trip! But I do remember the days when we were visitors and I literally checked off a list of everything I wanted to see and do while I was here. It was exhausting!

Disney After Hours is a sure-fire way to accomplish more in a short amount of time. Can it replace a full day in the parks? Maybe a second full day but I wouldn’t give up the daytime park activities and only do the After Hours event.

For most, I would say yes, it’s an event worth experiencing at least once!

More Information

For more information or help planning your Disney vacation email me at Jamie@lotmv.com

Also, follow along for Disney updates at fun on my Facebook and Instagram pages @loveofthemagic

June 10, 2019

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom touring plan

Disney World Extra Magic Magic Kingdom Planning Touring Plans

How to see Magic Kingdom with a Touring Plan

by Jamie Rumph June 8, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

Seeing all of Magic Kingdom in one day is impossible. I always recommend two days if you’d like to see and do everything but if you only have one day to spend at the Magic Kingdom I can help you to work through some of the best attractions with my one-day touring plan for “Ride Lovers” or one-day touring plan for “Families with Small Kids”.

My touring plans work to move you around the park in a timely manner while also not having you dart back and forth between the lands. You will easily put in 10,000 steps a day at Magic Kingdom and eliminating any unnecessary walking is crucial to park survival!

For those of you with two days to tour Magic Kingdom use one of the two touring plans mentioned above and then add on the second-day plan.

In order to get started, you will need to prioritize which attractions are the most important to you and then strategically go about seeing them. If I haven’t listed an attraction you MUST SEE while here, swap out one you’re less interested in. The idea is to cover as much as possible but still stay flexible if there’s something you really want to do or a shorter than expected wait time pops up.

You can expect to average one attraction per 45 minutes or an hour based on just how busy the park is on the day you visit. Having this in mind will help you to understand how much you’ll be able to cover in a days time.

If you’ve never visited the Magic Kingdom and you’re not sure what you want to ride I’ve got you covered!

Hang on friends, it’s time to visit Magic Kingdom like a pro!

Touring Plans – Why you need one.

Standing inside the Magic Kingdom, or any other Disney park can be quite overwhelming for anyone, especially a first or second-time visitor. Staring at a map and trying to orient yourself while the kids all put in their two cents about what they’d like to do next can derail any Disney day. Families do much better with a plan in place. Having a plan up front can help to ease frustration and also ensure you cover the maximum amount of attractions possible on your park day.

There are over 38 attractions and character meet and greets at any given time and this doesn’t even include the parades, fireworks, and stage shows. Knowing what you’d like to do ahead of time will ensure you leave the park knowing you did what you came for and reduce stress about what you might have missed!

How FastPass+ Works

Each guest with a valid park ticket can select up to three FastPass experiences per day prior to park arrival, at no additional cost.

On property and good neighborhood guests will be able to select them 60 days prior to arrival
Guests staying off property will select them at 30 days prior to arrival.

For each FastPass you have, you’ll be able to skip the “stand-by” line by entering through the “FastPass line”. Upon arrival to the attraction, you will tap your MagicBand at the FastPass line entrance and then proceed to the front of the line.

Cast Members intermix the number of FastPass guests and standby guests at the merge points and magically keep each line moving. Ultimately this means you will skip the line for at least three attractions each day.

Once you have tapped your MagicBand on your third FastPass attraction you are then able to login to your My Disney Experience app (or visit a FastPass kiosk) to select additional FastPass attractions, one at a time.

Each attraction has a limited number of FastPasses per day and once they run out you won’t be able to select that attraction as a FastPass option. This is why it’s so important to select the first three FastPasses based on your highest priority attractions combined with the typical wait time these attractions have. More on this in the FastPass table below.

For example: Maybe your highest priority attraction is Under the Sea – Journey of a Little Mermaid. You can tell from the table below that this is a low priority Fast Pass selection. The reason this attraction is in the third tier is that it consistently has a shorter wait time in comparison to most other attractions. Trust me on this! Choose all three of your original FastPass attractions from Tier One if possible, or Tier Two if necessary. You will still be able to ride Under the Sea – Journey of a Little Mermaid.

Fast Pass Selection Day

Be prepared to login to your My Disney Experience account the morning of your FastPass selection day (either 60 or 30 days prior to arrival) and select your desired FastPasses.

FastPass selection opens at 7 am EST each day.
FastPasses are chosen in hour-long increments meaning you have one hour to use the FastPass you’ve selected.
The times can not overlap even by a minute.
Upon arrival at the park, you can check in up to 5 minutes prior to your arrival time and up to 10 minutes past your arrival time. This is NOT a rule written in stone and is at the Cast Members discretion so try to be on time.

FastPass+ Choices – How to Choose

Magic Kingdom has more than 25 attractions, shows and character greetings that offer FastPass+. Some of these are not ideal selections for your first round of FastPass+. Use the table below to help decide which FastPasses you should be choosing.

When selecting FastPasses choose your top three priorities, from the top tier of the FastPass chart below. These are the most popular attractions that consistently have the longest wait times.

I personally choose the three mountains; Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. BUT if your priorities are not the “mountains” adjust accordingly from the top tier. If Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan are a top priority then choose one of those to replace one of the “mountains”. We’ll talk more about how to cover the remainder of the top tier attractions below.

If you are not able to get all three of your top tier FastPasses you can select one from tier two. But I caution you to choose from tier two only if you don’t want to ride what’s listed in tier one.

Don’t stress yourself out that if you don’t have a FastPass for an attraction in Tier Two you won’t get to ride. This is not the case. We are simply maximizing our time in the parks by using FastPasses to skip the lines that are consistently the longest. Make sense?

Need me to just handle this for you? My team and I take care of all of these details and more for our clients at no additional cost to you.

Prior to Arrival

Have your FastPass selections in place.
Download the My Disney Experience app to your phone and log in.
Screenshot your day’s plans. This alleviates any issues you might have with the My Disney Experience app once inside the park. This does happen!
Choose your touring plan below – this ideally happens prior to you selecting FastPasses. It will act as a guide for the ideal time slots you select for your FastPasses.
It is imperative that you check the park hours prior to going. Hours are always subject to change and looking 6 months prior to arrival is not sufficient planning. Double checking the week before or the day before is best.

Arrival to Magic Kingdom and Rope Drop

On your Magic Kingdom day, you’ll want to arrive 45 minutes to an hour prior to park opening time. We will use the early morning hours to cover a few attractions prior to the park becoming crowded. But you must be in place and ready to go when the park officially opens.

Cast members will admit guests into Magic Kingdom and down Main Street to the Castle Forecourt stage approximately 45 minutes prior to the listed park opening time.

All of the Main Street shops and dining locations will be open for you to wander through and grab your morning coffee but I highly suggest you resist temptation and move on towards the castle!

Cast Members will be standing at each of the four “spokes” holding a rope to keep guests from accessing the lands prior to the official park opening. This is where we get the term “rope drop”.

After the morning opening show on the castle stage, Cast Members will drop the rope and allow guests to move to their land and attraction of choice.

The crowds will gather at these ropes to wait in the hopes of being first in line at their desired attraction. This is where strategy comes into play.

You should be standing near the rope closest to your land of choice ready to go at rope drop.
This is when you will ride the Top Tier attraction that you were NOT able to get a FastPass+ for.
And hopefully, ride one other top tier attraction prior to moving on to your selected FastPasses.

Park Map

To see all Magic Kingdom has to offer go here.

Touring Plans – How to choose the best one for you.

Choose from my Family Touring Plan or Touring Plan for Ride Lovers.

The family touring plan has attractions that everyone can ride (based on height) and the touring plan for ride lovers includes more thrilling attractions that have a height requirement. Keep in mind that Magic Kingdoms “thrilling attractions” are still very mild in comparison to intense coasters elsewhere. This will change when Tron opens. (opening date not yet announced as of June 2019).

For guests that have more than one day to spend at Magic Kingdom, and this is highly suggested that you do, please add on the second day’s plan to your chosen “one day plan”.

One Day – Touring Plan for Ride Lovers

*Suggested FastPass selections and times are in red.

Arrive at Magic Kingdom 45 minutes to an hour prior to park opening and proceed down Main Street and to the “spoke” of the land, you’ll be starting in.

At park opening:

At Rope Drop go directly to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (or the Top Tier attraction you did NOT get a FastPass+ for)
Peter Pan (if high priority and wait time is less than an hour)
Small World
Haunted Mansion
Lunch
Big Thunder Mountain – FastPass suggested time 12:30 – 1:30 pm for a 9 am opening. Plan to arrive at Big Thunder near the end of your FastPass time so that you are immediately able to use your Splash Mountain FastPass once you’re off Big Thunder.
Splash Mountain – FastPass suggested time 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain – FastPass suggested time 2:45 – 3:45 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Under the Sea – Journey of a Little Mermaid – if time.
Dinner
Dumbo – if time.
Meet Characters as time allows.
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

*The Ride Lovers Touring Plan does not list any Character Meet and Greets. Please fill in characters where you see fit.

One Day – Touring Plan for Families with Small Kids (under 40″)

At park opening:

At rope drop go directly to Princess Fairytale Hall – meet Cinderella & friends. Characters subject to change.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
It’s A Small World – if time, if not do after Peter Pans Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00 am
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Lunch
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Meet Ariel in her Grotto
Festival of Fantasy Parade – find a spot on Main Street 45 minutes prior to start time; typically 3 pm.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – FastPass suggested time 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Jungle Cruise
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Dinner
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

*If you’d like to rest mid-day plan to leave the Magic Kingdom after the Festival of Fantasy Parade which typically happens at 3 pm. Then come back to Magic Kingdom for a late dinner and evening fireworks.

*If you don’t think late fireworks is ideal for your family, consider staying at one of the three monorail resorts, Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a theme park view room to watch the evening fireworks from your room.

2 Day – Touring Plan for Ride Lovers

For our two day touring plans we’re essentially going to split the park in half and cover more of the attractions that Magic Kingdom has to offer.

Day One: Fantasyland & Tomorrowland

At rope drop go directly to Peter Pan’s Flight
It’s a Small World
Princess Fairytale Hall – meet Cinderella & friends
Enchanted Tales with Belle – if time
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – FastPass suggested time 11:30 – 12:30 am
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Meet Pooh & Tigger – if time
Lunch
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Festival of Fantasy Parade – find a spot on Main Street 45 minutes prior to start time; typically 3 pm.
Space Mountain – FastPass suggested time 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – FastPass suggested time 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Tomorrowland Speedway
Dumbo
Goofy’s Barnstormer
Dinner
Meet Mickey Mouse & Tinker Bell – Town Square Theater on Main Street
Complete the remaining attractions and character meets in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland that you have not done or would like to repeat.
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

Day Two: Adventureland, Frontierland & Liberty Square

At rope drop go directly to Pirates of the Caribbean
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jungle Cruise – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00 am
Enchanted Tiki Room – if time
Splash Mountain – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm (arrive near the end of the FastPass time so you can immediately get on Big Thunder after you’ve ridden Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain- FastPass suggested time 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – if Haunted Mansion is an option or something you’d like to repeat from the day before, choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Lunch
If you’d like to see the Festival of Fantasy parade again, view it in Frontierland or Liberty Square.
Haunted Mansion
Tom Sawyer Island (closes daily at 5 pm)
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Hall of Presidents
fill in characters and the few remaining attractions you have not experienced: Country Bear Jamboree, Swiss Family Tree House.
Choose to see the fireworks again or repeat your favorite attractions.

2 Day – Touring Plan for Families

Day One: Fantasyland & Tomorrowland

*This is a really full plan for small children. Use at your discretion. Skip what doesn’t feel exciting and nap in the middle of the day if needed!

At rope drop go directly to Princess Fairytale Hall – meet Cinderella & friends
It’s a Small World
Princess Charming Regal Carrousel
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Peter Pan’s Flight – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Lunch
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Meet Pooh & Tigger – if time
Goofy’s Barnstormer – 35″ tall to ride – FastPass suggested time 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Dumbo – or FastPass for Dumbo if you dont’ want to ride Goofy’s Barnstormer
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Meet Ariel in her Grotto
Festival of Fantasy Parade – find a spot on Main Street 45 minutes prior to start time; typically 3 pm.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – FastPass suggested time 3:20 – 4:20 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover
Dinner
Fill in attractions you missed, want to do again or characters you still want to meet or REST! You will be exhausted!
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

Day Two: Fantasyland, Frontierland & Adventureland

Meet Mickey Mouse & Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater – at park opening
Meet Jasmine & Aladdin
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – FastPass suggested time 10:00 – 11:00 am
Enchanted Tiki Room – if time
Jungle Cruise – FastPass suggested time 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Pirates of the Caribbean – FastPass suggested time 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Select next FastPass from the app – choose your highest priority based on what’s still available.
Lunch
Tom Sawyer Island
Country Bear Jamboree
Liberty Square Riverboat
If you’d like to see the Festival of Fantasy parade again, view it in Frontierland or Liberty Square.
Ride the Walt Disney Railroad to return to Fantasyland for the remainder of the day.
You probably did not complete day one. Use the afternoon of the second day to complete day one or meet characters.
Dinner
Fill in the attractions you missed, want to do again or characters you still want to meet.
Happily Ever After Fireworks – see times guide for time. Arrive at Main Street 45 minutes to an hour prior. Sit on Main Street from Casey’s Corner forward to just behind the Hub for the best views of both the fireworks and the projection show.

*If you don’t think late fireworks is ideal for your family consider staying at one of the three monorail resorts, Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a theme park view room to watch the evening fireworks from your room.

Characters at Magic Kingdom

Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse together – Town Square Theater, Main Street USA
Tinker Bell – Town Square Theater, Main Street USA
Main Street characters – schedule and appearances vary
Belle – Enchanted Tales with Belle – Fantasyland
Peter Pan – Fantasyland
Ariel – Fantasyland
Pooh and Friends – Fantasyland
Cinderella & Elena – Fantasyland
Rapunzel & Tiana – Fantasyland
Gaston – Fantasyland
Donald, Daisy, Goofy & Minnie – Fantasyland
Buzz Lightyear – Tomorrowland
Stitch – Tomorrowland
Merida – Fantasyland
Woody & Jesse – Frontierland
Tiana – Liberty Square
Aladdin & Jasmine – Adventureland
Captain Jack Sparrow – Adventureland

*Character appearances subject to change. Often times characters will appear at the Flag Pole or in undisclosed locations. Keep your eyes open to see some of your favorites!

Touring Plan for Other Parks:

Epcot Touring Plans
Hollywood Studios – Coming Soon
Animal Kingdom – Coming Soon
Blizzard Beach – Coming Soon
Typhoon Lagoon – Coming Soon

Rider swap

Rider swap is available at the following Magic Kingdom attractions:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Goofy’s Barnstormer
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Tomorrowland Speedway

How rider swap works

Rider Swap is a great way to get all willing and tall enough guests on the attractions together when one member of the party is either too short to ride or does not want to ride.

When you approach the Standby or FastPass entrance simply let the Cast Member know that you’d like to rider swap.

The Cast Member will give you a paper FastPass that can be used for up to 4 people. The first group will ride while one adult and unwilling/too small participants stay behind. After the first party returns the adult that stayed behind will be able to use the FastPass entrance to ride the attraction along with the other members who just rode.

This system is a fantastic way for everyone to get to experience the attraction together even when some aren’t able too. It’s also a great way for the kids to be able to experience many of the attractions twice!

Single rider lines

Unlike Disneyland and a select few attractions at Disney World, Magic Kingdom does not have any single rider lines.

Additional Planning Resources

Find out about all current and upcoming refurbishments here and new attractions coming soon here.

For additional help planning your Disney World vacation email hello@LOTMV.com

June 8, 2019

Animal Kingdom Disney Resorts Epcot Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom Planning

New at Disney World in 2019

by Jamie Rumph November 27, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World has many new and highly anticipated additions coming in 2019! Here is a complete list of what we have to look forward to in the new year!

I’ll continue to add pictures to this post so bookmark it and check back to see the progress!

Magic Kingdom

Mickey and Minnies Surprise Celebration

Mickey and Minnies Surprise Celebration begins on January 18th at Magic Kingdom. Mickey and Minnie will finally be together in one spot for a picture taking opportunity! I’m so excited!

Move It, Shake It, MousekeDance It!

Move It, Shake It, MousekeDance It also begins on January 18th. This updated version of the current Move It, Shake It, Dance It, Play It parade will have new music and costumes celebrating our favorite mouse!

EPCOT

EPCOT Forever Nighttime Spectacular

Summer 2019, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, a long-standing fan favorite will end and a new show Epcot Forever, will begin. It’s unknown if this will happen simultaneously. The new show will play for a limited time as Disney reimagines the feel of Epcot.

Hollywood Studios

Galaxies Edge

Perhaps the most anticipated new addition at Disney World is Galaxies Edge (Star Wars Land) at Hollywood Studios. This fully immersive land will feature two new attractions “Millenium Falcon – Smugglers Run” and “Star Wars Rise of the Resistance” when it opens in the Fall of 2019 along with new dining locations and of course a gift shop. The new Star Wars Hotel will also be part of the land but is not slated to open in 2019.

I’m not even a huge Star Wars fan and I’m really excited to experience this new land! Sorry guys, Star Wars is great and all I’m just not a diehard.

However, seeing glimpses of what’s to come while riding Slinky Dog Dash and just what’s peering over the tops of the walls has me pretty excited to experience what Disney has dreamed up this time!

Mickey’s Runaway Railway

This Mickey filled experience is taking the place of the Great Movie Ride inside Hollywood Studios. I was completely sad when Disney closed the Great Movie Ride I’m equally excited about the opening of Mickey’s Runaway Railway! This new 3-D attraction is scheduled to open in 2019 and is sure to be loved by all mouse fans!

Metroville

Pixar Place is currently being reimagined at Metroville home to the Incredibles and will open on January 18th. This area was once the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania and home to the Woody and Buzz meet and greet but upon the new Toy Story land opening Disney quickly put up walls and began construction on something new.

Meet Mike and Sully

On January 18th, Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc will be coming to Hollywood Studios for a new meet and greet. You will find them inside One Man’s Dream in the same spot we’ve seen Guardians of the Galaxy, Moana and some other character favorites. Because of where they are meeting I anticipate they will only stick around for a short time.

Lightning McQueen Racing Academy

Beginning in early 2019 Lightning McQueen and his racing buddies Tow Mater and Cruz Ramirez will star in a new show located near Rockin Rollercoaster. I anticipate this show to be in the building behind the coaster that has featured a few dance parties in the past. Lightning McQueen is excited to share his racing knowledge with all of us but has to think on his feet when it doesn’t go as planned.

Wonderful World of Animation Show

Disney continues to celebrate the history of animation and movies in Hollywood Studios with the debut of a new nighttime show beginning May 2019. This projection show will share 90 years of Disney Animation and is assumed to be another projection show on the Chinese Theater. As long as they include the original animation Steamboat Willie my little Disney heart will be happy!

Animal Kingdom

Hakuna Matata Time

A new dance party titled “Hakuna Matata Time” begins on January 18th as part of the celebration of Mickey throughout Disney World. I don’t anticipate this one to draw crowds like the shows featuring Mickey.

New Transportation at Disney World!

Disney’s Skyliner

Opening in the fall of 2019, this new gondola system will connect 4 resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and the new Rivera Resort, to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

All of the connector poles are in place and the cable system is being installed. Each of the 4 new platforms to board the gondola are also well underway. Each platform has been designed to match the theming of its location.

Resorts

Rivera Resort

In the Fall of 2019, just in time for Galaxies Edge, Disney’s new Rivera Resort will be opening at Disney World. This new resort is the fifteenth Disney Vacation Club resort. There will be approximately 300 new rooms and views of Hollywood Studios and Epcot fireworks from the top floor restaurant.

Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

In July 2019 this new 545 room tower which includes 50 suites will begin welcoming guests in a two-story grand lobby. This new tower is situated to the right of the original resort and will be the new check-in location. Two new restaurants will also open at the resort. One on the rooftop of the tower and the second on an island in the middle of the 14 acre Lago Dorado lake. The original rooms at Coronado Springs are also getting a facelift to match the resorts new style.

Disney Springs

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Disney Springs has had an abundance of “new” over that last several years as it was transformed from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs. This shopping, eating and entertainment area has been very popular among guests and is often quite crowded in the afternoons and evenings.

City Works Eatery and Pour House will open in the summeopen019 and will feature over 80 beers on tap and abundance of large screen TVs. This sports bar type atmosphere will be family-friendly and perhaps a favorite hang out location for all of the sports-loving dads out there.

November 27, 2018

Animal Kingdom Epcot Extra Magic Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom

Disney Worlds Private VIP Tour – Everything You Need to Know

by Jamie Rumph November 26, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Recently I experienced a Private VIP Tour at Disney World. You don’t want to miss this magical extra! Here’s why!

My Private VIP Tour Experience

I went on a Private VIP Tour with a large group, 13 total including myself. Each Private VIP Tour has a maximum of 10 people and therefore we needed two guides for our group size.

In our 7 hour tour, we wanted to cover all 4 parks and the majority of the E-Ticket attractions in one day.

E-Ticket means the most popular attractions. This term comes from when Disneyland first opened and guests bought ticket booklets to ride the different attractions instead of the all-encompassing ticket we purchase now.

Our guides picked us up at 10 am at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This is where the excitement really began! We piled into our two private vehicles and we were off to Magic Kingdom!

Park One: Magic Kingdom

One of the greatest perks on the tour is entering each park from backstage and skipping the long ticket and bag check lines!

At the Magic Kingdom, we entered through “Park One” near Space Mountain. This parking lot is heavily restricted and only the most important Cast Members are allowed in. In fact, after your VIP Tour Guide lets you out of the vehicle and escorts you into the park another Cast Member moves the vehicle out of the way until your return! That’s just how small and coveted this parking space is!

After arriving in Park One/Magic Kingdom we were given water bottles and snacks, our Magic Bands were scanned and off we went!

We entered Magic Kingdom via the bypass that runs behind Main Street USA. The bypass is only opened on really busy nights after fireworks or during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Attraction One: Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin

From there we walked straight to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin. We went into through the exit door, loaded the attraction and off we went. I was lucky to ride with one of our tour guides Kelvin. He pointed out all the targets to shoot for the highest score! It seems however if you can’t aim very well, you still can’t win! Even the greatest tour guide can’t fix my lousy aim!

Attraction Two: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Unfortunately, Space Mountain was temporarily closed so we passed it up for our next great attraction Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This attraction consistently has a 90 – 120 minute wait time and a FastPass can be pretty hard to get if you don’t grab them at 60 days prior to arrival.

Another perk of the Private VIP Tour Guide is unlimited FastPasses so to speak! We entered Seven Dwarfs Mine Train via the FastPass line and went straight to the front! In a matter of minutes, Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho It’s off to work we went!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom. This short smooth roller coaster is great for all ages. A starter coaster I sometimes call it!

I don’t get to ride if often because of the long wait so this was a real treat for the day! An extra treat was riding it with our other VIP Tour Guide, Julia, where she pointed out TWO hidden Mickey’s! I’ll give you a clue, they’re both in the mine!

Attraction Three: Haunted Mansion

After Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, we walked through a crazy congested Fantasyland and straight in the back door of the Haunted Mansion. We entered this attraction in the same place as I did with the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, another magical extra that you must try!

This special entrance takes you right into the holding room, skipping the standby line and FastPass line. We then entered the stretching room. (Did you know there are actually two stretching rooms?) After the stretching room, we made our way to the attraction queue. (Another side note, when touring by yourself always stand under the “Pink Lady” the door opens under her!) We entered behind the crowd in order to keep our large group together but were then escorted from the back of the line to the front of the line bypassing the remaining queue. I tell you this VIP Tour has perks!

Because I had ridden Haunted Mansion on the Key’s to the Kingdom Tour I knew the magical secrets being shared here! It’s fascinating how this attraction works! And of course, there’s a hidden Mickey and a few other great secrets in here as well! I don’t want to give them all away so if you want to know more take the Keys to the Kingdom Tour!

Attraction Four: Big Thunder Mountain

By the time we’d exited Haunted Mansion, it was about 11:15 am. We had been in the park for just over an hour and already ridden three of the most popular attractions. We continued our loop around the Kingdom and over towards Big Thunder Mountain. The crowds were insane at this point and it took some maneuvering to get through Liberty Square and Frontierland.

At Big Thunder Mountain we joined the FastPass queue which was somewhat backed up. The wait was not long by any means but we didn’t hop right on as we had at the other attractions. At most I’d say we waited 10 minutes which truly isn’t a bad wait!

Once again I rode with our VIP Tour Guide Julia and she shared the hidden Mickey at Big Thunder. Big clue, it’s near the end as you make your way back into the mine house.

Attraction Five: Pirates of the Caribbean

Our fifth and final attraction at Magic Kingdom was Pirates of the Caribbean. We used the FastPass entrance and were whisked right through to boarding the boat. Our tour guides stayed behind to have our VIP vehicle called back to Park One while we enjoyed the attraction. As our boat pulled away our guide yelled from behind the jail bars “the Hidden Mickey, he’s in the locks scene”.

This is an attraction I have ridden so many times that I couldn’t even begin to count but I loved listening to the guests who have never ridden this infamous ride! And of course, help them locate that Hidden Mickey in the locks scene!

From there we walked through Adventureland and across Main Street USA, stopped for a quick picture with the castle and continued our march back to the bypass and out of Magic Kingdom. It was an odd feeling to have experienced Main Street and the “Castle shot” and the end of our Magic Kingdom tour and not in the beginning but it’s a feeling I could get over if it meant I got to tour the park VIP style!

Park Two: Animal Kindom

After getting back to our private vehicles we headed across Disney property to the other side of the World and Animal Kingdom. If you’re a park guest it’s a long way to the other side! A minimum 20-minute drive and that’s if the traffic is decent. But when you tour with the VIP Tour Guides everything magically takes less time!

We drove from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom in 10 minutes via a back road that only Cast Members have access to. I’ve seen this road many times and have wished to enter but never been able too. One of the downsides of living with a Cast Member is knowing all of the cool backstage access they have and wondering what it’s all like! I’ve seen a few things here and there while participating in RunDisney events but this Private VIP Tour took me all the places! (ok not all the places but quite a few) and this magical shortcut road to the Animal Kingdom was one of them!

Attraction Six: Flight of Passage

We entered Animal Kingdom from backstage and parked directly behind Pandora – World of Avatar and Flight of Passage. Which would be our sixth attraction of the day! The line here is consistently 120 minutes long and the Fast Passes are gone often before you’re able to get them 60 days prior to arrival. (Trick: make Animal Kingdom your third of forth park day to have a better chance of getting a Fast Pass for this attraction). We accessed the line via the FastPass entrance and walked right to the first holding point to get on the attraction.

This is arguably the best ride in all of Disney World! I say arguably because there are so many elements that go into a ride being the best! Therefore we could choose other attractions based on various factors, however, Flight of Passage definitely earns the best attraction for the most innovative and immersive attraction at Disney World. Here you are truly whisked away on the back of banshee inside the world of Pandora. I LOVE to watch newbies experience this and listen to their awes and exasperations as they dip, drop and smell their way through this awesome attraction!

Lunch Break

We stopped for a quick lunch at Pizzafari with the kids, which I mobile ordered while waiting in line for Flight of Passage. The adults opted for Flame Tree Barbecue. (My favorite quick service location inside Animal Kingdom).

Ideally, we would have mobile ordered this as well but the service was not working. The adults instead walked over to order and brought their good back to Pizzafari to join the kids. After lunch, we proceeded to our next attraction!

Attraction Seven: Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest was our next stop! I was surprised when the VIP Tour Guides loaded us back into the vehicles and drove us around the backside of Animal Kingdom to get closer to the entrance of Expedition Everest. We parked behind Finding Nemo – The Musical building and quickly walked to Everest.

Did you know Animal Kingdom is the largest park at Disney World? Magic Kingdom has more ground for guests to cover and a manages a higher capacity of people but because of the large savannah that is part of Kilimanjaro Safaris Animal Kingdom is actually the largest of the parks!

Here we used the FastPass entrance to board the attraction and ride through the Forbidden Mountain Pass and past the trouble making Yeti all on full tummies! This may not have been our smartest move of the day but everyone survived so that counts for something!

With our final descent from Everest, we were off to our forth park of the day just a little over 4 and a half hours from our 10 am start time.

Park Three: Hollywood Studios

Our next stop on this Private VIP tour was Hollywood Studios. At Hollywood Studios, you park behind Rockin Rollercoaster and walk the entire length of the park to do the attractions on the other side. Granted this is the smallest of the four parks at Disney World and therefore fewer steps to cover it all. But it can also feel the most crowded due to its smaller size. By 3 pm when we arrived it was really crowded!

Our guides warned us that we were starting to cut close our ability to do four parks in one day. Even though we were able to utilize the FastPass lines for everything we had done, it still took some time to maneuver around the parks with the crowds.

Because we wanted to cover all four parks without adding any time to our private tour, we opted to only ride Slinky Dog Dash and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios.

Attraction Eight: Slinky Dog Dash

After grabbing a quick coffee we joined the other toys in Andy’s Backyard, bypassed the 180-minute wait to ride Slinky Dog Dash, and slinked our way over the backyard on the backside of Slinky Dog catching a quick glimpse of Galaxies Edge in the distance. This attraction always has me giggling like a kid and living up the endless childhood nostalgia that screams 90’s kid!

Attraction Nine: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

I have a lot of favorites at Disney World! In fact, I have so many that if you ask me what my favorite is I can’t tell you! I can’t choose just one. But Tower of Terror is right at the top of my list!

I love Tower because it’s different every single time! Yes, I know what’s going to happen, but the order of elevator drops is never the same, always leaving me in the same childhood anticipation that every great theme park ride gives you.

What I had forgotten I loved so much about this attraction was experiencing it with someone who has never ridden it before! This was the case with my group of 12! The majority of them had never been on the ride and it was terrifyingly funny listening to their every gasp as doors opened and closed and the elevator car moved about the storyline.

When the elevator finally clicked into the drop zone and the ride truly began all I could do was laugh and scream as we all experienced this part for the first time. One of those first-timers may have let out an “I hate you all” on the final drop! I”ll never tell who.

There is something about laughs of joy, screams of delight (ok maybe terror) that make family theme park days so much fun!

Park Four: Epcot

And with that, it was time for Epcot! At this point, we’d already walked over 15,000 steps and everyone was Disney exhausted! You only know exactly what this means if you’ve walked Disney World through your exhaustion and kept on moving by the magic of Disney! Somehow your feet just keep going!

We parked behind Test Track and entered to the side of it which was fantastic because that’s exactly where we were headed!

Attraction Ten: Test Track

The kids on our tour we’re dying to try out Test Track and that’s just what we did! We joined the FastPass line, built our streamlined cars in the waiting queue and then buckled ourselves in! After break checks and a responsiveness test we went from 0 to 60 in seconds and circled the outside of the building with the cool breeze in our hair. It was the perfect carefree ride to end our VIP Touring day!

The End

After loading back up into the van our guides dropped us back off at Disney’s Polynesian Resort were our VIP Tour had come full circle.

This was a truly amazing, one of a kind park day that I highly recommend! 4 parks, 10 E-ticket attractions all in 7 hours on the day before Thanksgiving with holiday-sized crowds! Wow!

Why 4 Parks in One Day?

Four Parks in one day at Disney World is a Disney bucket list item for many Disney parks fans. It can be done many ways but often includes one to two E-ticket attractions at each park to say you’ve done it. I have to say it was exhausting doing it on a Private VIP Tour and I’m positive it would be even more exhausting if I’d had to navigate Disney parks transportation, ticket ques and bag checks.

It’s a Disney World bucket list item I have not done in the past simply because I’m spoiled by having Disney in my backyard and access to the parks weekly. I will say however that I have the Parkology Challenge has been looming in the back of my head to be completed at some point. I should do that soon since it’s only going to get harder to accomplish with the opening of Galaxies Edge in the Fall of 2019!

How Disney’s Private VIP Tour works

Tours have a maximum guest count of 10 people per tour guide.
All guests including infants count in the guest count for the group.
There is a minimum touring time of 7 continuous hours
The start time is flexible, you can begin when you’d like.
Guests can add on time in increments of 15 minutes to their touring time prior to the start of the tour or while the tour is taking place.
Tours are prepaid 48 hours prior and range in price from $425 – $625 per hour, per tour guide. (Prices can change at any time) Holidays and peak season will be higher in price.
VIP Touring guides will pick you up at your desired location and return you to your next destination at the end of your tour.
Everyone in your group will ride in the VIP Touring vehicle that your tour guide will drive.

How to reserve your VIP Tour guide:

To book your VIP Tour guide call your Love of the Magic Vacations travel agent or 407-WDW-PLAY (our travel agents make a small commission off your tour and help us keep our blog running. Your price is the same as if you booked it directly)
VIP Tour guides can be reserved 180 days prior to arrival.

FAQs

What’s included?

Included in the cost of your VIP Tour is one Disney VIP Tour Guide specific to your group.
Access to any of the four parks from backstage skipping the ticket entrance and main bag check.
Your VIP Tour Guide will tour you through any of the four parks, your choice, and give you FastPass access to any attraction with a FastPass queue.
VIP Tour Guides will make suggestions based on your attraction style and offer expertise in touring the parks and the parks history and details if you’re interested.
VIP seating at most parades, stage shows, and live nighttime spectaculars.

Do you need a Disney World park ticket for the VIP Tour?

Yes, all guests need a park admission ticket for the tour.
The VIP Tour price does not include park admission.
If you’ll be touring more than one park in a day like I did you’ll need the Hopper option added to your park ticket.

Is lunch included?

The cost of lunch is not included on your VIP Tour, however, your Tour Guide will be happy to stop for lunch (or any meal) as desired.
Tour Guides can make suggestions of where to eat in each park.
Keep in mind that time spent eating is less time touring the parks and truth be told, make for a very expensive meal if you eat slowly!

Should you tip your VIP Tour Guide?

It is customary to tip your VIP Tour Guide 10% of the total cost of your tour.
Please keep this in mind when budgeting for your tour total.

Do I have to do the same tour you did?

You do not have to do the same touring plan or attractions our group did on our tour.
Your groups VIP Tour can be customized to the experience you want to have at Disney World.

Does Disney offer group VIP Tours?

Yes, Disney offers a handful of group tours that you can join. These tours are not customizable and have a schedule the VIP Tour Guide follows.
View the Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour, Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, and Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour here.

Can you go to the front of the Photopass/Character lines?

VIP Tour Guides have the ability to move you through any attraction or character meet and greet through the FastPass line.
Guides can not cut other lines or lines without FastPass ques. For example, if you’d like your picture taken on Main Street by a Photopass photographer you will have to wait in line like other guests or have your guide take your picture with your camera.
Other examples include characters that have lines to meet guests on the streets do not have FastPass ques and therefore VIP Tour Guides do not have the ability to get you to the front of the line. You will have to wait in the same line as non VIP Touring guests.

Was it worth it?

100% without a doubt YES! I’m a Disney World local and visit the parks weekly. I know my way around all four parks, never need a map and know the ins and outs of the parks like any great Disney junkie does. I have literally ridden ALL of the attractions more times than I can count (yes I love it every single time, it never gets old) and I still say this tour is 100% worth it!
Why? Because it’s a Disney experience like none other! Having the ability to have unlimited FastPasses to the attractions is just part of the fun. Skipping the lines is great but skipping the ticket lines, parking lots, trams, and bag checks all while seeing backstage and having your VIP Tour Guide share cool Disney news with you is what makes it worth it for me! I LOVED it!

Do you recommend dining with your VIP Tour Guide?

We all have to eat something during the 7-hour tour timespan and a snack probably isn’t going to cut it so do plan on eating a meal while on your VIP Tour.
I would suggest a quick service meal that you can mobile order from your My Disney Experience app. Your VIP Tour Guide can help suggest when and where to do so on your tour.
I do not recommend a table service (think waitstaff) dining experience while you’re on your VIP Tour simply because of the amount of time it takes for a sitdown meal. I don’t personally think it’s a good use of your VIP Tour time or expense.

Can the VIP Tour Guides get a reserved parade or show spot?

Yes, your VIP Tour Guide can utilize VIP reserved viewing areas during parades and shows including the fireworks displays. Simply let them know that’s one of the items you’d like to do on your tour.

Can the VIP Tour Guide get you in to hard to eat places?

As part of the concierge level of services the VIP team provides they will check on and make your dining reservations at 180 days prior to your arrival for the entire duration of your Disney World vacation, not just your VIP Touring day.
However, they do not have the ability to book reservations at restaurants that show no availability.
While you are in the parks your VIP Tour Guide can inquire at any location you’d like to eat to see if there is an opening. They can not guarantee you’ll be able to eat at your desired location. See above about using your VIP Touring time for table service restaurants and my thoughts on that.

Are your bags checked on entry?

Yes, your bags are checked as you enter the backstage parking lots in your VIP vehicle.

Are your tickets scanned at each park?

Yes, your park admission ticket or MagicBand is scanned at each park you enter on your VIP Tour.
Valid park admission is required for any of the four parks you enter.

What if I cancel my Private VIP Tour?

VIP tours can be canceled at any time prior to 48 hours of your scheduled tour without penalty.
If you cancel inside the 48-hour window you will pay a cancellation fee equalling two hours of the booked tour rate.

What kind of vehicles do the VIP Tours use?

Depending on your party size you will be driven around in a large van or Suburban.

How to do a VIP Tour more affordably.

If you’re dying to try out the VIP Tour but it’s out of budget consider these options to make the experience more affordable:

Book your tour during low season. Use my crowd calendars to determine lower crowd levels and off-peak seasons.
Gather a group of 10 friends and split the cost. At the lowest price of $450 per hour and 7 hours that makes the cost of the tour around $315 per person plus tip.
Instead of doing the Private VIP Tour you can choose one of the group VIP Tours Disney offers.
Consider taking off one of your park days to help defer the cost. With the VIP Tour you will cover more attractions in one day and theoretically can shave off a day of your park tickets or even a night of your stay.

November 26, 2018

Extra Magic Magic Kingdom

Disney World Fireworks Cruise

by Jamie Rumph September 22, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

This Disney World fireworks cruise is one extra magic opportunity you won’t want to miss while on your Disney World vacation!

Magic Kingdom Fireworks cruise on Seven Seas Lagoon

You know that Disney picture we’ve all seen, the magical commercial with fireworks behind Magic Kingdom’s train station, Cinderella’s castle popping up in the background and the monorail perfectly traveling in front of it all?? The Disney vacation commercial that makes us say “I want that” vacation experience?

I’m here to tell you HOW to have that tv commercial like experience at Walt Disney world.

I try so many things at Disney and the majority of them I really enjoy. They’re all fun! And nearly all of them give me that pinch me moment of “is this real life? How did I get lucky enough to call Disney my weekly playground? But this one experience tops so many of the other Disney World experiences I’ve had! It’s one you don’t want to miss. If you’re looking for extra magic… this is the one!

Fireworks from a boat on Seven Seas Lagoon

You must watch Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom fireworks show, from a boat on Seven Seas Lagoon. And no, not any boat will do. Hopping on the ferry or other boat transportation isn’t what I’m talking about! And truthfully as much fun as Pirates and Pals is fun, I’m not talking about it either! What I’m talking about it chartering your own private boat with Disney!

Why it was so amazing!

Watching Happily Ever After fireworks on a boat on Seven Seas Lagoon was the best viewing I’ve ever experienced! Yes, even better than the reserved seating with the fireworks dessert party. (It was pretty awesome too!) The view was stunning, completely picturesque and best of all, I didn’t have to fight for a place to stand! In fact, I sat and relaxed the whole time! It was like our own private viewing of Happily Ever After! No heads in the way, no tired feet and completely uninterrupted music as it played over the boat speakers! It’s an experience everyone should have if they love Disney and fireworks!

Here’s how it works! And it’s less expensive than you would think!

Disney owns approximately 27 pontoon boats and 1 very fancy Grand Yacht that can be chartered by guests each evening for the fireworks show.

To book your chartered boat ask your travel agent to call 407-WDW-PLAY or visit Disney’s Speciality cruise page. Ideally you would make your reservation at 180 days prior to arrival but honestly, unless it’s a very popular time, think holidays, you’re ok to call in closer to your vacation. In fact, we booked our cruise only a month in advance for a weeknight sailing in September.

You will have the option to charter the Grand Yacht or a pontoon boat. They have two size pontoon boats that hold 8 to 10 people.

The yacht is really pricey at a mere $800 per hour whereas the pontoon boats are much more affordable. We chartered a 10 person pontoon boat for $375.00 for the evening from 7:15-9 ish for an 8 pm fireworks show. The price does vary by season and rates are much higher for holiday nights.

Where to board your boat

When you schedule your fireworks specialty cruise you will choose to meet your boat at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge. We chose Disney’s Polynesian Resort because we wanted to have dinner at their quick-service restaurant, Captain Cooks (one of my most fav quick service places to eat all over Disney World), prior to sailing.

When you arrive at the resort you’ll head to the marina where you’ll meet up with your boat driver. The boat is pristinely clean and waiting complete with soda, water, and a few light snacks.

Once you’re aboard snap a picture and then it’s time to head out on the water!

What’s included

Seating for 8-10 people
Life jackets
Light snacks
Water/Soda
2 ish hours of boat your time
Front row seating to Magic Kingdom fireworks
Happily Ever After Fireworks music played inside the boat
Boat ride around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake
Snacks – chips, cookies, soda, and water
Decorations for special events like birthdays, anniversaries or honeymoons.

Bonus!

After the fireworks, our boat driver took us on a nighttime boat ride across Seven Seas Lagoon and over onto Bay Lake! On the Bay Lake side, he showed us a few things that are “no longer” at Disney World. One of them being the old water park, River Country that closed in over 13 years ago! The slides here were never torn down and are now just overgrown and there are signs posted for guest to keep out! It’s a really interesting piece of Disney history complete with all the rumors that go with something like it! This picture is not great but certainly worth sharing just for the fun of seeing past Disney history! If you visited River Country as a kid (or adult kid) make sure you email me your pictures! I’d love to see them! (RUMOR confirmed! In October 2018 Disney announced they would be building a new resort in between Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This space is exactly where the River Country Water Park is!)

September 22, 2018

Extra Magic Magic Kingdom Touring Plans

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2019

by Jamie Rumph August 27, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is my most favorite ticketed event all year at Disney World! “It’s really not that scary!” and so much fun for kids and adults! It’s the perfect Halloween party for everyone!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party happens on select nights at Magic Kingdom during the fall season! This year the party starts in August and runs through November 1st.

August is crazy early to be celebrating Halloween but the crowds show up anyway each year and prove again that this is the best Halloween party of the year!

2019 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates

August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
October 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

How much does the Halloween party cost?

Ticket prices run between $79 and $135 per person and get gradually more expensive the closer to Halloween you visit. Weekend parties are also higher in price than weeknights.

Plan to purchase your party tickets prior to arrival because the parties often sell out on the night of the event. For dates like Halloween and the couple days right before Halloween buy your tickets well in advance. These nights will be sold out before you know it!

How do I purchase party tickets?

To purchase tickets you can email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com

A small commission is paid when you purchase your tickets with me. It helps keep the blog running and the Mickey bars flowing!

Are there party ticket discounts?

There are discounts for annual pass holders and DVC members for some party nights. These discounts can be found by logging into your My Disney Experience account. The correct price will be displayed when you navigate to the special events ticket area.

Get the Party Map – 2018

When the 2019 Party Map is relaease I will update it here. For now, enjoy last years map to see what it’s all about.

What time does the Halloween Party start?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts at 7 pm and goes to midnight but what you should really know and plan for is that you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm with your party ticket. The last show of the evening starts at midnight on the Cinderellas Castle stage which means you could be in Magic Kingdom into the wee hours of the morning!

What if I’m a Magic Kingdom Day Guest?

Day guests who do not have a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be asked to leave the Magic Kingdom at 6 pm. It takes Cast Members well over an hour to usher days guests out of the park and have only party guests present in Magic Kingdom when the party begins at 7 pm.

If you are a day guest staying for the party you do not need to exit the Magic Kingdom and reenter with your party ticket. You will simply find a Cast Member distributing party wristbands, show them your ticket and then enjoy the party.

You should, however, head to the Main Street bypass (this runs behind Main Street from Tony’s Town Square to Tomorrowland Terrace) and pick up your Trick or Treat bag and take the first few pictures of the night.

You can get a Trick or Treat bag at each Trick or Treat station but there’s a fun bag of candy handed out at the bypass stop so don’t miss it!

What time should I arrive for the Halloween party?

If you are not a day guest and plan to go to Magic Kingdom for only the party (which I recommend) you should arrive at the gates of Magic Kingdom by 4 pm.

After entering Magic Kingdom you will get a colored wristband from a Cast Member standing nearby. This wristband shows that you have a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket and will be allowed to stay for the duration of the party. Without a wristband, you will be asked to leave Magic Kingdom.

After you have your wristband you will enter Magic Kingdom as normal through the right entrance by Town Square Theater.

From there Cast Members will direct you to the bypass where you will have the opportunity to take a few pictures and pick up your Trick or Treat bag.

If you have food allergies let the Cast Member know and they will give you a teal Trick or Treat bag which you will use later to pick up all of your treats inside Town Square Theater. More on food allergy friendly treats below.

Once you have left the bypass you are ready to take part in all of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party festivities!

It is a good idea to have a plan in place to make the most of your party time! There is so much to see and do that you can’t do it all so prioritize what is most important. You simply can not do all of the party festivities in one night.

I’ll share a touring plan below to help you get through a good portion of it! For now, let’s talk about all the different components that make up the party fun!

Will Cast Members make me leave if I don’t have a ticket to the party?

Cast Members are positioned throughout the park and will ask to see your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party wristband. If you do not have a wristband you’ll be directed toward Main Street and not be allowed to pass through to other areas of the park.

Cast Members are very nice about asking you to leave if you don’t have a party wristband but they are also very systematic about it and you will be slowly pushed out of the park. It’s actually quite neat how you’re sent towards the gates without ever being pushy about it.

Costumes

Costumes at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are not just for the kids! In fact, they’re encouraged for all guests! And I highly suggest you do wear a costume or at least a festive shirt and ears.

One of my favorite parts of the Halloween parties is the families that dress up in a theme. We’ve done a few different family costumes throughout the years like Peter Pan and a Pirate family.

And if costumes aren’t your thing consider wearing a fun Halloween shirt and Halloween ears. I’ve done this a few times too!

Dressing for Florida Weather

Keep in mind that it is still hot and muggy in Orlando all through the fall season including Halloween. The temperatures don’t cool off in Orlando like they do in other parts of the country. So you will want to make sure that your costume is cool and comfortable and made with materials that breathe.

Costume Guidelines for the Halloween Party

General

Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests ages 14 and older:

Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g.,full-length Princess dresses)
Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
Masks of any kind may not be worn.

Characters

Character lovers will LOVE Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet a few rare characters up close! They vary from year to year but there are always a few that are extra special on the list.

These rare characters that have the longest wait times, sometimes 3 hours or more and will require some planning if you really want to meet them. In fact, if you have a character that’s on your must meet list, plan to meet them first before doing anything else.

In 2018 some character meets started as early as 5 pm (which is before the party actually starts). You will want to be hanging around the meetup spot just prior to the character’s arrival to be in line as early as you can.

It would be nearly impossible to meet all of the characters, see all of the shows and Trick or Treat in one party night. If you want to meet characters I suggest you pick one or two top priorities and do those first. Then move on to the rest of the party.

2018 Character Line Up

The Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party map has icons of Mickey Mouse to show you character locations.

2019 Character locations will be updated after the first party on August 16th.

The map does not, however, tell you what character is located where. If you want to see a particular character you can use my guide below or ask a Cast Member while you’re at the party. Characters are subject to change without notice.

* Notates popular characters that will have long wait times.? See the Touring Plan below to plan your night and how to meet the most popular characters.

Town Square Theater

Mickey Mouse
Tinker Bell

Tomorrowland

Lots-O Huggin Bear* near Buzz Lightyear’s Spaceranger Spin
Elvis Stitch – Inside Stitch’s Great Escape

Liberty Square Gazebo

Jack Skellington & Sally* (characters arrive at 5 pm)

Frontierland

Brer Fox & Brer Rabbit

Adventureland

Aladdin with Abu
Princess Jasmine
Jafar
Genie
Tarzan
Jane & Terk
Captain Jack Sparrow
Moana* inside the Enchanted Tiki Room (character arrives at 5:45 pm)

Storybook Circus

7 Dwarfs* (characters arrive at 6:15 pm)
Donald
Daisy
Minnie Mouse
Pirate Goofy
Cruella De Vil

Fantasyland

Belle and Gaston – Gastons Tavern
Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, Queen of Hearts – all near the Mad Tea Party
Ariel & Prince Eric near Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
Pooh, Tiger, Eeyore & Piglet at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Cinderella, Princess Elena, Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairy Tale Hall (seen separately)

Halloween Party Entertainment

Besides the rare character “meet and greets” my favorite part of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is the parade and shows! There are several party specific shows and they happen multiple time each evening so you don’t have to worry about missing it!

Hallowishes is the only event of the night that happens ONE TIME ONLY at 10:15 pm!

Photo: Disney

NEW for 2019, Hallowishes is being updated to a new fireworks show “this new show will feature state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks that come together to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. The show will take guests along on a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy – find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house. ” – Disney

Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular happens on Cinderellas Forecourt Stage 3 times each party evening.? We all love the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus and even if you don’t you’ll love the appearance of several of Disney’s greatest villains and the very popular Oogie Boogie!

Shows are at 8:30, 10:45 and 12 am.

For a good view of the show, you should be somewhat close to the stage but keep in mind that the stage is very tall.? If you are too close it can be tough to see.? I would stand somewhere between the stage rope and the hub street but you could easily stand back by the Partners statue and still have a good view.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” parade is the BEST parade of the year! I literally watch it twice every time I go to the party! I love it that much!

The parade begins with the Headless Horseman riding down the parade route. It’s spectacularly spooky!

Following the Headless Horseman are villains galore and my favorite, the Grave Diggers who scrape their way down Main Street all while the Boo-To-You theme song plays along. I simply love it! The parade happens twice each evening at 9:15 and 11:15.

To have a front-row view of the parade make sure to arrive at your preferred location 30-45 mins prior to the parade start time. I personally prefer to sit near Casey’s Corner so that I am in a prime viewing spot to see the fireworks afterward or a little further up where the floats make the turn from the hub and head down Main Street. (When looking at the castle I like to be on the left side but be careful not to be too far up and off the parade route).

Happy Hallowishes Fireworks – Updated for 2019

Hallowishes fireworks happen once each evening at 10:15. Don’t miss it! “Delightful Frights fill the night as favorite Disney Villains conjure up and unforgettable Halloween spectacular” high above Cinderellas Castle!? The fireworks for this show are amazing and literally light up the sky in 180-degree view!

For the best view find a spot somewhere between Casey’s Corner and where Main Street meets the hub (circle in front of Cinderella’s Castle). Anything closer and you won’t get the full effect of the 180-degree fireworks and some of the fireworks behind the castle will be blocked.

Monstrous Scream-o-ween Ball

At this fun dance party at the Tomorrowland stage, you’ll be able to meet up and dance the night away with Mike Wazowski and Sulley. The dance party happens all night long and I suggest you stop by for a quick dance while passing from one place to the next. Mike and Sulley are out the whole time but do note that they may take a bathroom break or two. You should also know they won’t stop dancing or pose for a picture. It’s a dance party and they have to keep moving!

Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam – NEW for 2018

I’ve yet to see this party but I assume it’s very similar to the Monstrous Scream-o-ween ball but with our favorite Disney Junior characters. I’ve heard you’ll dance the night away with Doc McStuffins and Timon from Lion Guard. You’ll find this dance party near Pete’s Silly Side Show in Storybook Circus.

Cadaver Dans

I love the Cadaver Dans Halloween party performances! They add so much to the spooky festivities. You’ll find them each evening in Frontierland performing songs like Boo to You, Cruella de Vil, and the Headless Horseman.

2018 Show Times: 7, 7:45 8:30, 9:50 and 10:30 pm.

If you hang around after the performance they’re happy to take a quick picture with you!

Special Halloween Treats

Like all special events and seasons at Disney World, there are yummy and festive treats for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party too! You’ll find them throughout Magic Kingdom. Some of these special treats are offered throughout the day and a few are only offered at the party.

Halloween Treats and their locations – 2018

Main Street Bakery (also Starbucks)

Halloween Cinnamon Roll $6.29
Not So Poison Apple Cupcake $6.99
Pumpkin Cheesecake – gluten-free – $5.99 (party only)

Main Street Confectionery & Big Top Treats

Poison Carmel Apple
Jack-o-Lantern Mickey
Minnies’ Witch Hat Apples
Marshmallow Wands
Cake Pops
Krispy Treats

Casey’s Corner – Main Street

Minnie Witch brownie – $4.29

Aloha Isle – Adventureland

Hitchhiking Ghost (black Cream Puff Doombuggy) desert $5.99 (party only)

Pecos Bills – Frontierland

Hades Nachos – $12.79 (party only)
Worms and Dirt dessert – gluten-free – $4.49 (party only – starting Oct 1)

Golden Oak Outpost

Warm Carmel Stuffed Pretzel- $4.79 (party only)
Cinnamon donut holes – $4.99
Chilled apple cider – $3.49 (party only)
Apple cider slushy – $4.99 (party only)

Liberty Square Market

Madame Leota Tart $5.99 (party only)

Sleepy Hollow – Liberty Square

Jack Skellington Push Pop $4.99 (party only)
Zero Pumpkin Waffle sundae $6.49 (party only)

Storybook Treats – Fantasyland

Maleficent Waffle Cone $5.29 (party only)

Gastons Tavern

Oogie Boogie Meringue – gluten-free (party only)

Aunty Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – Tomorrowland

- Candy Corn Soft Serve Ice Cream $3.99

Candy Corn Milkshake $7.99

Cosmic Rays – Tomorrowland

Muenster Smash Burger (party only)

Popcorn Carts

Oogie Boogie Popcorn Bucket (party only)
2018 Happy Halloween Popcorn Bucket
Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket
Headless Horseman Star Clip

Hallowishes Dessert Party

The Hallowishes dessert party works just like other Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties in that you will have an exclusive selection of desserts at Tomorrowland Terrance about 1 hour prior to the fireworks show.

When booking your dessert party you’ll choose between viewing the fireworks from Tomorrowland Terrace or from the Plaza Garden. I personally prefer the Plaza Garden viewing area.

The price is dependent upon the viewing location you choose. Tomorrowland Terrace view $84 per adult, $50 per child or the Plaza Garden View $69 per adult, $41 per child. A valid party ticket is also required. Reservations can be made on your My Disney Experience account or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Personally, I don’t think this is a good use of your party time. You will spend a good majority of the evening eating deserts while seated at a table inside Tomorrowland Terrace. If you’re interested in attending a dessert party (which I do recommend) choose a regular park night to do so when you won’t be missing all of the fun experiences and entertainment exclusive to Halloween party guests.

What Magic Kingdom attractions are open during the Halloween Party?

Many of Magic Kingdoms attractions are open during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, however, there is only a handful I would choose to do during party hours!

My rule of thumb is if you can experience something during a normal day at Magic Kingdom don’t waste your party time on it! The attractions you should visit during the party are in bold below.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom– Firestation

Pick up your exclusive Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party playing card

Adventureland

Swiss Family Treehouse
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean – Halloween Fun! – Pirates have a party overly where guests will help find “Gunpowder Pete”

Frontierland

Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square

Haunted Mansion – while the attraction itself is the same, this is still one I would visit during the party for a few reasons. First, there are some extra characters out front that put on a great show and you can also take your picture with a Hitchhiking Ghost! More on this below in Magic Shots!

Fantasyland

It’s a Small World
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
The Barnstormer
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party – Halloween Fun! – special lights add to the Halloween festivities while you’re riding the teacups!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Princess Fairytale Hall (see characters you can meet above)

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Speedway
Space Mountain – Halloween Fun! A new soundtrack and lighting effects too make it spooktacular!
Astro Orbiter
People Mover
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Magic Shot Photo Opportunities

Disney is known for the Magic Shots during normal park hours and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is no different! There are so many fun pictures to take while partying the night away.

You need to have Memory Maker (photo pass) to be able to download the photos however the photographers will take pictures with your camera you’ll just be missing the magic!

Headless Horseman at the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom
Haunted Mansion ghosts animate your picture in Town Square looking down Main Street
Pumpkin Patch in Town Square
Haunted Mansion dancing ghosts on Main Street
Ghost Coach Driver outside of Haunted Mansion

Trick or Treating

There are 14 Trick or Treat stations around Magic Kingdom and you’ll be surprised to find that the handfuls are generous and the candy is name brand and totally worth eating.

As you walk the park you’ll look for these Trick or Treat poles and then walk through the lines, which move really quickly and collect your goodies.

If you have food allergies you’ll pick up a teal token to return later in the evening to trade for allergy friendly treats. More on this below.

When you enter Magic Kingdom you’re directed behind Main Street through the bypass where you’ll be handed a bag to Trick or Treat with. These bags are fairly small but sturdy. If you Trick or Treat at very many stations your bag will be full pretty quickly. Cast Members at the treat stations will give you an additional bag or I prefer to pick up a reusable bag for my candy. You can find the party bags in multiple locations throughout Magic Kingdom for about $4.99.

Personally, I don’t plan out my evening with Trick or Treating in mind. I tour Magic Kingdom in the order of entertainment and attractions I want to experience and then Trick or Treat along the way when a station is nearby.

Trick or Treat stations are also noted on your party park map but honestly, you can’t miss the stations with the large lit up Trick or Treat poles!

Allergy Friendly Trick or Treating

Disney is fantastic with food allergies! It’s one of the few places I visit that I know I will eat well and eat safely. Their menus are extensive and full of things I don’t normally get to eat while out and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is no different!

After entering Magic Kingdom and through the bypass Cast Members will be handing out Trick or Treat bags. You will ask the Cast Member for an allergy-friendly Trick or Treat bag. You’ll get the teal bag in exchange for the normal Trick or Treat bag and forego the first bag of candy handed out in the bypass.

At each Trick or Treat station you’ll be handed a teal chip rather than candy to drop in your bag.

At the end of the evening, you will take all of your chips and your teal Trick or Treat bag to one of the two Allergy Friendly Centers where Cast Members will exchange your chips for a bag full of candy.

The two Allergy Friendly Centers are located at the Liberty Square Ticket office and at Town Square Theater.

Note: You don’t need multiple chips to get more than a piece or two of candy. In fact, you don’t need anything more than your teal bag. The chips serve as something to be handed out in the Trick or Treat line for kids and adults to feel included in the fun. However, if you don’t want to Trick or Treat you can still return to one of the two Allergy Friendly Centers and have your candy bag filled to the brim with treats.

I have experienced a couple of times where the most popular allergy friendly treats run out. The Cast Members do what they can to keep the candy stocked but they do run out and have to wait on refills. If candy is an important part of your experience I suggest you go to one of the Allergy Friendly Stations earlier in the evening rather than waiting until you are ready to exit the park when the party is over.

Food Allergy Friendly Candy Options

Several great brands of allergy-friendly treats are available for guests. In fact some of my favorite allergy friendly candy I tried for the first time at Disney!

You’ll be asked to choose which items are safe for you from their candy menu and then your bag will be filled. If all of the items are safe you can simply tell them you’d like some of everything. Cast Members will not choose for you! They don’t want to be responsible for adding something to your treat bag that is not safe for you or your child.

Smarties
Surf Sweets Jelly Beans
Surf Sweets Gummy Worms
Surf Sweets Gummy Bears
Enjoy Life Ricemilk Chocolate Bar
Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Bar
YumEarth Lollipops (cherry, watermelon & strawberry)
Gogo Squeeze
Enjoy Life Crunchy Mini Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies
Enjoy LIfe Mini Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dark Chocolate Morsels
Seed & Fruit – Mountain Mambo
Rice Chocolate Sun Cups

Merchandise

There is so much fun Mickeys’ Not So Scary Halloween Party apparel and memorabilia. Anything that is specific to the party requires are party ticket to purchase it. Cast Members will stop guests without a party band from entering the party merchandise area prior to the day guests leaving.

You can find party merchandise in three locations in Magic Kingdom:

Emporium – apparel, ornaments, totes (what I use for Trick or Treat bags), trading pins, and the official party Magicband.
Big Top Souvenirs – apparel, ornaments, totes, trading pins, and the official party Magicband.
Frontier Trading Post – trading pins and the official party Magicband.
Mickey Star Traders – apparel, ornaments, and trading pins
In addition to MNSSP specific merchandise, Disney offers plenty of non-party related Halloween themed items.

Touring Plan

In order to make the most of your party time, I would have a plan in place before arriving for the evening.

Please note that I have NOT covered all of the special attraction overlays or character meet and greets. It is impossible to do everything the party has to offer in one evening. If there is something you really want to do but I have not listed please swap your priorities with an item on my touring plan you don’t want to do.

Notes: Trick or Treating and dance parties (Monstrous Scream-o-ween Ball and Storybook Circus Disney Junior Janm) should be attended as you pass by them on the way to your next prioritized location.

* notates characters that are popular and may have extremely long waits

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Be at the ticket gate and entering Magic Kingdom at 3:45 pm.
Follow Cast Member directions and enter the bypass street to collect your Trick or Treat bag and first set of goodies.
Don’t be distracted by the many picture opportunities as you enter. Save these pictures for later in the night.

4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Pick one of the three early character arrivals and head that direction.?
- Jack Skellington & Sally* (5 pm arrival), Seven Dwarfs* (6:15 pm arrival) or Moana* (5:45 arrival). You should be in line at least 30 minutes prior to your top character’s arrival possibly sooner for Jack Skellington & Sally or the Seven Dwarfs. These are the two most popular character meet and greets at the party and the lines easily have 2-3 hour waits throughout the night.
Depending on how long your first character meet up took you can choose a second character to meet. Ideally, it would not be one of the most popular characters unless your party priorities are only meeting rare characters.

7:00 pm – 10:15 pm – Ride attractions that have “Halloween Fun”

Note: choose the attraction you are most interested in riding. If there is the time you can choose your second choice and so on.

Ride Space Mountain with it’s Halloween Fun!
Meet Stitch or Lots-o-Huggin Bear *

Ride the Mad Tea Party Tea Cups (if the line is more than 30 minutes I would skip this)
If you have the time or interest meet with Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, Queen of Hearts you won’t have time to meet with all of them.

Ride Haunted Mansion
Take the Magic Shot after you get off Haunted Mansion
Look for the roaming characters and request a picture with them.
Watch the Cadaver Dans perform at 7:45 pm or 8:30 pm

Ride Pirates of the Caribbean
Meet Captain Jack Sparrow, Jasmine, Jafar, Genie, Tarzan, Jane & Terk or Moana*

9:30 pm

Find your place on Main Street for Hallowishes. I suggest sitting somewhere near Casey’s Corner for the best view of the fireworks. If you find a spot on the curb you can easily sit right there and wait for the Boo-to-You parade after the fireworks.

10:15 pm – 10:45 pm

Hallowishes

10:45 – 11:15 pm

Find a spot on the curb on Main Street to watch the Boo-to-You parade. The parade route will fill up quickly so it’s best to get a spot as soon as the fireworks are over. One person can hold the spot while another grabs a treat from the Boardwalk Bakery or other nearby locations or wander in the stores to pick up party merchandise.

11:15 – 11:45 pm

Boo-to-You Parade
After the parade is over move towards Cinderellas Castle forecourt stage and find a spot to see the Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular. If you are in front of the Partner’s statue you’ll have a good viewing spot.

12:00 am – 12:25 am

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

12:25 am until late

After the Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular, you can use this time to take your Magic Shots on Main Street and shop in the stores for party merchandise.
All attractions will be closed but Main Street remains open until the wee hours of the night letting guests shop and enjoy treats down Main Street.

More Information

For more information or help planning your Disney vacation email me at Jamie@lotmv.com

Also, follow along for Disney updates at fun on my Facebook and Instagram pages @loveofthemagic

August 27, 2018

Extra Magic Magic Kingdom

Fireworks Dessert Parties at Disney World

by Jamie Rumph May 28, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Fireworks Dessert Parties at Disney World

Happily Ever After strawberries

I’ve been sharing magical extras for your Disney World vacation. The dessert parties are at the top of my list for magical extras! Sure, you can come to Disney play all day in each of the four theme parks, maybe spend a day swimming at the pool or visiting Disney Springs and add on a character dining meal or two and have the best trip ever!!! But there’s also a million more magical extras to add to your Disney vacation to customize the experience!

Dessert Party

Recently I spent an evening at the Magic Kingdom with plans to attend the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party. Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed!

Tomorrowland Terrace

I’ve always been reluctant to do this because of my food allergies. I assumed that I wouldn’t get my monies worth when most desserts are filled with gluten. And while I couldn’t eat near the number of treats that my friends did, I was certainly stuffed to the brim and on a sugar high by the time we were done. The desserts were amazing and, the fun, well it was priceless.

Mickey mini cupcakes

Raspberry brownies

Mini Cheesecakes

Smores

Personally, I just picked around the deserts that I knew to have gluten, like cupcakes and brownies. That being said I am not celiac but just sensitive to gluten and try to avoid it at all costs. If you are celiac you can request a dessert plate separate from the buffet line. Disney is AMAZING with food allergies! You can eat safely here!

We arrived at Tomorrowland Terrace to start the dessert party at 7:30, the fireworks were scheduled for 9 pm on our party night.

Disney recommends you check the daily times guide on your dessert party day to ensure the fireworks time hasn’t changed and you don’t miss the party. The party starts 75 mins prior to the fireworks show.

We checked in, were given a wristband and then escorted to a reserved table. Then we were free to explore the dessert buffet!

Castle cupcakes

Ursula cupcakes

Pineapple desserts

Macaroons

There were endless options for deserts including a fruit and cheese tray for those that want it. However, they seemed to be the least touched items!

cheese tray

They also had a decorate your own dessert station that could be a lot of fun for the kids. The station included cookies and cupcakes with icing and toppings galore. I skipped this table. I prefer my desserts to be perfectly decorated by someone else. Kidding. Sort of.

After enjoying a few trips to the buffet, no shame here, and grabbing a bottle of water for to take with me, we headed over to the Plaza Garden to wait for the fireworks show.

My piled high dessert plate

Reserved Fireworks Viewing

As you approach the gate for the Plaza Garden (grassy area) your wristband is checked and you’re let inside. The exact spot you choose on the grass is first come, first serve, but honestly there’s plenty of room. Don’t rush through your desserts because you’re anxious about a good view. We showed up about 10 minutes prior to the fireworks show and still had a great spot.

Garden Plaza

We also had time to take this fun picture to commemorate the experience. Of course, the Photopass photographer will use your personal camera for any shot they take in the parks, but at night their camera does a much better job!

You can download all of your photos including ride photos if you purchase the Memory Maker photo package. But I digress!

Have your picture taken and settle into your spot to see the show!

Happily Ever After Fireworks

The Happily Ever After fireworks show debuted on May 12, 2017, and takes the place of Wishes, my all time favorite fireworks show. But Happily Ever After is great too! The thing to know about this show is that it includes projections onto Cinderella’s Castle as well as the fireworks in the sky, so you’ll want to be able to see both!

What you need to know to Reserve your Dessert Party Spot

180 days prior to arrival you can book by calling 407-WDW-DINE or on your My Disney Experience account.
The reservations line opens at 7 am EST
If you don’t see availability that day call in and also check back, sometimes reservations get added at a later date.
Parties schedule varies by season. During slower times the party may not happen every night.
This event does not accept dining plan credits.
You’ll pay in full at the time of booking the event.
Cost depends on location. For a reserved seat at Tomorrowland Terrace during fireworks $84 per adult, $50 for kids ages 3-9. For reserved space in the Plaza Garden like I did, $65 per adult and $39 per child ages 3-9. Prices are subject to change.
Cancellations and refunds can be made up to 24 hours prior to the event.

You can see more from Disney here.

There are several other dessert parties to choose from:

Star Wars, Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party in Hollywood Studios.
Epcot hosts the Frozen Ever After desert party.
Celebration at the Top at California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Fantasmic Dessert Party Hollywood Studios
Pirates and Pals Dessert Voyage
Tiana’s Riverboat Party – Ice Cream Social and Parade viewing in the Magic Kingdom

For 7 Easy Steps to Planning Your Disney Vacation click here.

For the Ultimate Disney Packing List click here.

Follow me on Facebook here and on Instagram here.

Have more questions or need help? Email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com

May 28, 2018

Extra Magic Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour

by Jamie Rumph May 9, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

“Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Disney is made up of layers. You can’t do it all of Disney in one trip or even two. Today’s adventure, Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour, can definitely be filed under the extra magic “layer” of Disney! And it’s a layer worth doing!

Partners Statue

There won’t be too many pictures to share in this post simply because much of what you’ll want to see on the tour I wasn’t allowed to photograph.? So I’ll just tell you all about it!

What You Need to Know

The Keys to the Kingdom tour is 5 hours long and begins at the Town Square Theater on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. A valid park ticket for the day is required and not included in the cost of the tour.

There are 5 Keys to the Kingdom tours each day beginning at 8 am and the last tour departing at 10 am. These tours are fairly small so book early to get the time you’d like. It is Disney’s most popular tour. We toured with the 9:30 group.

After checking in you’ll be given your name tag and will place your lunch order for Pecos Bills.? Then it’s time to get the Keys to the Kingdom tour started!

Keys to the Kingdom Name tag

Keys to the Kingdom is based on the four keys that Disney’s Cast Members follow

1. Safety

2. Courtesy

3. Show

4. Efficiency

Main Street

As we wandered down Main Street Macky, our tour guide Macky, pointed out elements on Main Street that exemplified these 4 keys. From the names of great former Cast Members in the Main Street windows right down to the music coming from these windows in the small alcove off of the hustle and bustle of Main Street. After all, it’s the little things that make Disney so magical. All of these elements are the show portion of what makes up Magic Kingdom and it’s the “Show” that all of us love! But the combination of all of the keys is truly what makes Disney, Disney.

These windows can be seen in the little street that is off of Main Street by the Main Street Jewelers. If you listen closely you can hear music coming from them!

The open doors on all of the Main Street shops and Cast Members waving and saying hello (and goodbye) exemplify “Courtesy” telling us that we are all welcome and appreciated here. It may not feel huge at the moment but go to any other theme park where no one greets you and you’ll feel the difference.

Adventureland

After departing Main Street USA we walked through Adventureland talking all about the early years of Disney (both Land and World) and how “Efficiency” came into play when moving guests through the park. The idea of efficiency is an ongoing process from the early years to now. For example, the Swiss Family Treehouse is a park attraction in where guests choose the pace in which they experience the attraction. Therefore Cast Members have very little control over how many guests can move through the attraction, or be able to gauge the wait time because each individual does it differently.

Newer attractions with ride cars have a controlled pace in which you move through the ride. Because of this wait times can be estimated and more people are able to view the experience within a given amount of time. As the concept of efficiency continued to develop at Disney, things like paper fast passes came into play and eventually fast pass plus, the electronic version of the fast pass was introduced, thus eliminating the need to walk all over the parks to get your daily paper fast passes. Hello, amazing efficiency right in the palm of our hands!? It will be interesting to see what Disney comes up with next to increase the number of attractions we’ll be able to do in a day while visiting the parks!

After entering Adventureland we boarded our own private boat on Jungle Cruise. Macky took over the microphone and we had a different tour of the Jungle. She shared details of the animatronics and a history of the first days of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. The details she pointed out were amazing. Did you know that the face in the picture below is used throughout Disney just with different details to fit the scene? Talk about reusing content! Walt was smart enough to recognize that you can change up the details and storyline and save time and money by not constantly recreating the wheel. I should take note!

Jungle Cruise guy

Backstage

Next up was a stop we had all been waiting for! A trip backstage! We were ready to see where the magic happens!

We went backstage by Splash Mountain, the area where the Festival of Fantasy Parade starts. This is an area I hear a lot about because my husband is a Cast Member and spends a fair amount of time?backstage for meetings.? So it was extra fun to see what he had been describing and where he spends so much time on a daily basis.

As we made our way backstage we experienced the smell of the huge amounts of trash Disney deals with on a daily basis. Yikes! (Yes it’s true there’s a trash shoot, no it’s not true that the Main Street trash cans connect directly to the shoot. They’re just regular trash cans too!)!

Did you know that there is a large fan of sorts that blows the garbage smell away from the inside of Magic Kingdom near Splash Mountain? I had no idea!

The magic or “show” of Disney uses all five of senses to enter into this world of fantasy that happens at Magic Kingdom. Just imagine if the wind blew wrong, you smelled hot garbage and were suddenly whisked back to reality and no longer were fully immersed in the Disney experience. Sure you’d probably still have a good time, but you wouldn’t have the same show experience that we all know and love when spending a day at Magic Kingdom or any other Disney park for that matter!

After entering backstage we were able to go inside the parade float garage. It was so fun to see them up close and really be able to look at the details.? You’d be amazed at the thought that goes into each of the floats and the story they are telling as they glide through the Magic Kingdom.

While inside the float garage we did have to stand inside a taped off area and were not able to wander freely, but we were still up close to many of the floats.

It’s hard to image these floats being maneuvered in and out of this building daily. They are massive in size and many of them are literally driven by looking at cameras similar to a backup camera on your car. There is literally no windows and no doors. Just kidding about the doors. The no windows, that’s the truth.

Another great surprise was spotting some of the Halloween and Christmas floats in the float garage. It’s great anticipation for what’s to come in just a few short months! I absolutely love the Boo to You Parade during Mickey?s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Lunch

After touring the float garage we were led back “on stage” meaning where guests are present and cast members must be “show ready” (perfectly dressed and in character) to Pecos Bills for lunch. Our food was ready and waiting for us in a private dining space just off the entrance. No lines for us!

lunch at Pecos Bills

While eating we were able to visit with other tour guests and Macky our tour guide about all things Disney. She came from California for the College Program and never left. This happens often I hear! As I tell my husband we’ve all been pixie dusted and brainwashed. It’s just that magical around here!

Me with my Keys to the Kingdom tour guide Macky

Liberty Square

After lunch, we headed to Liberty Square talking about the show elements and details along the way. Did you know that the building numbers from Frontierland into Liberty Square go from smaller to larger mimicking the time passing? Another great show element is the different colored concrete through Liberty Square mimicking the emptying of bedpans that was thrown in the streets before indoor plumbing made life a little simpler and a lot cleaner. So many little details tell the story of times past, present, future, and fantasy.

Just past Liberty Square we took the back entrance into Haunted Mansion and rode the attraction with a few new show secrets in mind. We had our eyes peeled for the hidden Mickey, the matching character from Jungle Crusie and a handful of other show secrets to keep our eyes wide open for. Don’t miss the shooting hidden within the dining room scene of the attraction.

Haunted Mansion

The Utilidor!!!

And then the part we had all been waiting for, the part we paid a $100 to see, the time had arrived! The tunnel! We entered this forbidden zone we’ve all heard about but never seen! We entered from inside Fantasy Faire and descended into the infamous Disney Utilidor!

Once in the tunnel, I expected to be quickly marched through and back out the other side but was surprised to get a tour. As we walked under Fantasyland we saw the wide open entrance to the tunnel from backstage where all of the Cast Members are dropped off by their magical carriage aka the bus. It was like a New York subway train had just unloaded watching the hustle and bustle of Cast Members head to their place to make magic for the day! We all just stood around watching and taking in all in. I’m sure the Cast Members we’re thinking you dummies paid a $100 to see this! (At least I know my husband would be thinking that!)? This entrance and the tunnel is what keeps costumed Cast Members from being seen in the wrong areas of the park and keeps the stories true to the time period it’s in.? You may have never noticed before, but you will never see the wrong costume in the wrong land.? The tunnel keeps this from happening!

We continued walking the tunnel and right past costuming, under Cinderella’s Castle (seeing the inside of the elevator that goes up to the Cinderella Suite) and up Main Street, the whole time getting a quick run through of the history of Disney complete with pictures on the wall of various events.

Cinderella's Castle

Back to Main Street

As our tour neared completion, we ascended back into the park and came out behind Main Street in the bypass. You know the bypass, it’s the “kind of backstage area” that guests sometimes use to exit the park after fireworks when the park is extra crowded. (This is also the area that guests are directed through at the beginning of Mickey?s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.) And then as quickly as it began our tour came to a conclusion right where we started at the Main Street Theater.

Would I Recommend This Tour?

The story of how Walt and Roy Disney purchased the land for Disney World in secret after Disneyland was such a success, the timeline to what Disney World has become and the details that make it Disney were so entertaining to hear. Much of it I knew simply because I’m a huge Disney fan and have read many books and internet articles on the subject.?However, the tour was still worth the price of admission!? I’d recommend it to anyone who loves Disney, has visited the Magic Kingdom many times, and is ready to unlock another layer of the park! If all of this describes you, sign up! You won’t regret it!

What you need to know about this tour:

The Keys to the Kingdom tour can be booked at 180 days prior to arrival.
Call 407 – WDW – TOUR to book.
Participants must be 18 or over
This is a 5-hour walking tour with minimal breaks.
Lunch is included.
You will visit backstage behind Splash Mountain and go in the utilidor (underground tunnel) at the end of the tour.
The cost for the tour at the time of publishing this article is $100 per person. Price is subject to change.

Have questions? You can email me at jamie@LOTMV.com

May 9, 2018

Extra Magic Holidays Magic Kingdom

5 Not to Miss Moments at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2019

by Jamie Rumph March 21, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Beginning November 8th Disney will be celebrating Christmas for 23 magical nights with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! It’s the BEST way to celebrate the holidays at Disney World.

Here is all you need to know before attending the party plus my top 5 things you won’t want to miss while you’re here!

You’ll also find a touring plan to help you get the most from you Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party night!

To see past party pictures, go here!

2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates:

November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24

December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22

Things to Know:

Prices vary based on the party date.
Tickets sell out most dates. Purchase them early to avoid disappointment. Tickets went on sale in April for the 2019 party dates.
Many guests wear their holiday PJs! I think this is so fun! It’s like a cozy night out. You’re sure to enjoy PJ’s, hot cocoa and apple cider while enjoying the Magic Kingdom.

My Top Five Don’t Miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Moments

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks. New for 2019!
Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade! My fav. Keep an eye out for the Toy Soldiers.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration on the Castle Forecourt Stage.
1 or 2 characters meet and greet – more on this below. You’ll have to be selective.
Exclusive party merchandise.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party map

Party maps are handed out as you enter the party or can be picked up as you enter. The specialty map includes the evenings times guide and will help guide you through all things Christmas Party. I still recommend you have a tentative plan in place to ensure you get through as much of the party as possible.

2018 Map – will be replaced with the 2019 map when it’s available.

2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Highlights:

Cookies, Hot Chocolate, and other treat stations. Allergy-friendly treats available!
A Frozen Holiday Wish – Elsa lights up the castle 2 times nightly. Check times guide for times. Typically 6:15 pm and 8 pm.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – I love this show! It takes place four times nightly on the Castle Forecourt Stage.
VoicePlay – This acapella group will sing your holiday favorites and get you in the holiday spirit.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade – don’t miss it! This happens twice each party.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks – New for 2019 – A 180-degree view fireworks around the Magic Kingdom.
The Reindeer Wranglers in Frontierland
Rare character meet and greets!
Specialty party treats and merchandise

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Entertainment

2018 Party Line Up. Some things may change for 2019 but we typically see the same general outline each year.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

I love this show with it’s current nods to technology and Christmas traditions.

MIckey's Most Merriest Celebration at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Magic Kingdom

4 times nightly on the Castle forecourt stage.
Showtimes: 7:40, 9:25, 10:30 and 11:55

A Frozen Holiday Wish

This can be seen each night at Magic Kingdom, not just on party nights.

Elsa lights up Cinderellas Castle nightly at Magic Kingdom for the holidays

Queen Elsa lights up the castle twice nightly.
Showtimes: 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm on the Castle forecourt stage.

Once Upon A Christmas Time Parade

I love a good parade and this is one of my favorites! The Toy Soldiers are a highlight for me! This party happens twice nightly on party nights. After the party nights have concluded for the year, December 22nd is the last party for 2019, the parade will happen during the day at Magic Kingdom. Check the times’ guide for daily times.

Mickey's Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom

Parade times: 8:30 and 11:00 pm
The parade happens twice nightly and you don’t want to miss it! This parade is a fantastic flurry of holiday fun!
For the most festive views, I suggest you find a spot along Main Street with views of the castle in sight. Find your spot 45 minutes to an hour prior to parade time. This is a great time to enjoy a Main Street Bakery party-specific treat.
The 8:30 pm parade will be more crowded. If you’re staying until the end of the party I suggest you watch the 11:00 pm parade for fewer crowds. Or if you love a parade as much as I do, plan to see them both!

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks – New for 2019

Showtime: 10 pm
Arrive 30 – 45 minutes prior to pick your viewing location. I prefer to be at the end of Main Street between Casey’s Corner and where Main Street meets the hub. (the circle in front of the Castle).
Remember it’s fireworks! The majority of it will be high in the sky.
Both the Hallowishes and Holiday Wishes long time standing fireworks shows have been replaced in 2019. If Minnie’s Fireworks show is as good as the new Halloween fireworks show you won’t be disappointed. However, you should know that a good portion of the show is projected on the castle. You will have obstructed views of the castle no matter where you stand. It’s ok! As long as you can see part of the projections you’ll enjoy the whole show.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

This show is super cute and catchy. The kids will love it. Especially lovers of Stitch who spends the party looking for Santa Claus to ensure he’s ready for Christmas Eve.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas featuring Stitch at Magic Kingdom Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland
Showtimes: 7:45, 8:35, 9:25, 10:45, 11:35

The Edge Effect

Acapella holiday music favorites. This group performs in between the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas show. Stay seated to see both shows in a row.

Showtimes: 8:10, 9:00, 10:20, 11:10 pm
Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland

Club Tinsel

A rockin good time to dance with Rudoph, his reindeer friends and the local Polar Bears. This is a pass-through kind of event for me and my family. Grab your treat at Cosmic Rays and then dance your way back outside to continue the fun.

Club Tinsel dance party at Tomorrowland Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party meet Rudolph and the Polar Bears

Ongoing from 7:00 pm to 12 am
Dance party with Santa’s Reindeer and Polar Bears
Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe

Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam

Ongoing from 7:00 pm to 12 am
Dance party with Disney Junior characters Vamparina and Timon *subject to change
Storybook Circus

Special Character Appearances at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

There are many opportunities to meet some of your favorite rare characters in their holiday attire at the party and also rare character combinations such as a princess and her prince. You won’t be able to meet them all in one party night. Make sure you prioritize who’s most important to ensure you have time to meet them.

2018 Character Line Up

The character line up is generally very similar each year.

Aladdin with Abu – Agrabah Bazaar in their holiday attire. The combination of the two of them together makes it a rare meet and greet opportunity.
Ariel & Prince Eric – Near Under the Sea. Rare opportunity to meet them together.
Aurora & Prince Philip – Fantasyland near Pinocchios Village Haus. Rare opportunity to meet them together.
Belle in her town dress – Fantasyland near Gaston’s
Captain Jack Sparrow – Stage near Pirates of the Caribbean (available during regular hours). I suggest skipping him unless you’re looking to have a family pirate picture taken with him or something of that nature that is specific to the Halloween Party night.
Cinderella and Prince Charming – Princess Fairytale Hall. You’ll also meet Elena of Avalor in the same line. Rare opportunity to meet Cinderella and Prince Charming together.
Country Bears – Big Al, Liverlips, Shaker and Wendell – Near the Country Bears Jamboree in Frontierland in their holiday attire. Rare opportunity to meet them all together.
Daisy – Fantasyland Train Station in her holiday attire.
Donald and Scrooge McDuck – Storybook Circus in their holiday attire. Scrooge himself is a rare character meeting opportunity coupled with them being together.
Elena of Avalor – Princess Fairytale Hall. You’ll also meet Cinderella and Prince Charming together in the same line. Rare opportunity to meet Cinderella and Prince Charming together.
Jack Skellington & Sally as Sandy Claws – Town Square Theater in their holiday attire. Rare meet and greet opportunity.
Jasmine & the Genie – Agrabah Bazaar in their holiday attire. The combination of the two of them together makes it a rare meet and greet opportunity.
Mary Poppins & Bert – Liberty Square Gazebo. Rare opportunity to meet them both together.
Mickey Mouse – Towne Square Theater in his holiday attire.
Minnie Mouse – Fantasyland Train Station in her holiday attire
Moana – Enchanted Tiki Room (rare)
Nick Wilde & Judy Hopps – Near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – Rare opportunity to meet them individually and both together.
Peter Pan – Adventureland in his holiday attire
Rapunzel & Flynn Rider – Princess Fairytale Hall. You’ll also meet Tiana & Prince Naveen in the same line. Rare opportunity to meet these princesses and their prince together.
Santa Claus – Near City Hall
Santa Goofy – Between Barnstormer and Dumbo in his holiday Santa suit! A favorite of mine! This is the only place to meet Goofy as Santa until after Christmas when he takes the place of Santa through the New Year.
Santa’s Reindeer and Polar Bears – Cosmic Rays at Club Tinsel Dance Party. This is not a typical lineup and meet her character experience. Do not expect him to stop and pose for a picture. You’ll have to take action shots.
Seven Dwarfs – Storybook Circus near Pete’s Silly Slide Show – rare character meet opportunity. They’re only at the Halloween and Christmas parties.
Snow White & Prince Charming – Fantasyland near Pinocchios Village Haus. Rare opportunity to meet them together.
Tiana & Prince Naveen – Princess Fairytale Hall. You’ll also meet Rapunzel & Flynn Rider in the same line. Rare opportunity to meet these princesses and their prince together.
Tigger & Friends – next to The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh in their holiday attire. It also includes Pooh, Eyore, and Piglet.
Timon – Disney Jr. Jingle Jam Party at Storybook Circus. This is not a typical lineup and meet the character experience. Do not expect him to stop and pose for a picture. You’ll have to take action shots.
Vampirina – Disney Jr. Jingle Jam Party at Storybook Circus. This is not a typical lineup and meet the character experience. Do not expect her to stop and pose for a picture. You’ll have to take action shots.

Speciality Christmas Treat Locations

There are Seven treat stations included in the party throughout the Magic Kingdom. In addition to these stations, guests can also purchase additional themed and very Instagramable treats through the park.

Included Treat Stations:

Main Street

Red Mickey Santa Sugar Cookie

Adventureland

Tortuga Tavern – Snowman Soft Pretzel and Sno-Cone

Liberty Square

Liberty Square Ticket Office – Ginger Molasses Cookies and Eggnog

Fantasyland

Pinocchio Village Haus – Hot Chocolate, Fruit Flavored Soda and holiday cookies
Friars Nook – Chilled Apple Cider and Dove Chocolates
Storybook Circus Snacks – Peppermint Crunch Cookie

Tomorrowland

Cosmic Rays – Snickerdoodle Cookie and Hot Cocoa
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies- Chocolate Chip Cookie and Sno-Cone

Holiday Speciality Treats for Purchase:

Main Street

Main Street Bakery
- Sugar Rush Jumbo Cupcake
- Mickey Ornament Gingerbread Cookie – Served at the party only
- Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll
- Chocolate Yule Log – Gluten Free – Served at the party only
Casey’s Corner
- Ugly Sweater Brownie
- Poutine Dog – Served at the party only
Plaza Ice Cream Parlour
- Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae or Cone

Liberty Square

Sleepy Hollow
- Sandy Claws Dessert – Served at the party only
- Red Velvet Zero Waffles – Served at the party only

Fantasyland

Gaston’s Tavern
- Gaston’s Cinnamon Roll
- Vanellope Eclair – Served at the party only
Storybook Treats
- Peppermint Soft Serve Cone
- Peppermint Soft-Serve Sundae
- Scrooge McDuck Eggnog Custard (gluten-free) – Served at the party only

Tomorrowland

Cosmic Rays
- Mickey’s Very Berry Lemonade
- Holiday Burger – Served at the party only
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies (closes at 5 pm on party nights)Christmas Cookie Sundae
- Christmas Cookie Milkshake

Frontierland

Pecos Bills
- Feliz Navidad Nachos – Served at the party only
- Three Caballeros Spiced Yule Log (gluten-free) – Served at the party only
- Churro Bites with Red and Green Sugar

Extra Party Dining Options

There are a number of specialty dining add on’s you can purchase to enhance your evening at the party. Disney also offers guests the opportunity to eat at a handful of table restaurants during the party. Personally, a regular table service dining experience is NOT how I would spend my party time. Unless the experience is specific to the party I would save that for another time.

2019 Table Service Dining Options Available During the Party

These restaurants are available to make reservations between 6:30 and 9:30 pm. Please note, there is nothing special about these reservations. They are NOT holiday-themed.

Be Our Guest
Cinderellas Royal Table
Crystal Palace
The Plaza

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace or Fireworks Party with Plaza Garden Viewing

The dessert party for each of these two options is exactly the same. At your selected time you’ll arrive at Tomorrowland Terrace and enjoy a buffet of specialty desserts before the fireworks.

Where the two experiences vary is based on where your reserved fireworks spot is. You’ll either view the fireworks from the Tomorrowland Terrace or you’ll view them from the Plaza Garden, a gated and grassy area near Main Street.

Personally I prefer the Plaza Garden. In my opinion, the views are better and it’s slightly less expensive than the Tomorrowland Terrace option. A win, win in my book!

Plaza Viewing

$69 per adult, $41 per child age 3-9
8:30 pm – 10:15 pm

Terrace Viewing

$84 per adult, $50 per child age 3-9
8:30-10:15 pm

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party

This holiday party at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant with alcohol included was a new addition in 2018 and will continue for 2019.

The party includes:

Sweet and Savory treats
Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Reserved viewing area for the 11 pm holiday parade.
Special Photopass photographer inside

You can check-in for the party as early as 2 pm at Tony’s Town Square. All of the food and beverage are served inside and the reserved viewing is outside.

$99 per person
Come and go from 9:30-12:30 pm (after party is over)

Photopass Opportunities at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

There are quite a few Photopass and Extra Magic shots throughout the party. Every time you stop to have your photo taken to make sure you ask the photographer to include any magic shots available.

Note: You must purchase Memory Maker to be able to download your photos that are displayed on your My Disney Experience account. Memory Maker is a magical extra that I tell all of my clients it’s a must-have!

Christmas Tree – Main Street USA
Candy Cane – in front of Cinderella’s Castle or on the bridges into Adventureland, Fantasyland or Tomorrowland
Festive Tinkerbell – any Main Street photographer
Mickey Mouse Cookie Shot – magic shot featuring a large cookie – on the bridges into Adventureland, Fantasyland or Tomorrowland
Mistletoe – any Main Street photographer
Olaf – animated magic shot – on the bridges into Adventureland, Fantasyland or Tomorrowland
Reindeer and Gingerbread Men – Picture in front of the Train Station after going through the ticket entrance but before entering the Magic Kingdom
Santa Claus – Candy Cane Garden, near Town Hall – Animated magic shot available
Tinker Bell Lantern – Fantasyland near Enchanted Tales with Belle
Toy Soldiers marching into your photo, animated magic shot – any Main Street photographer

In addition to the Magic Shots, there will be various photo props available specific to the Christmas party.

Exclusive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise

Each year in addition to the park-wide holiday merchandise there’s a slew of party-specific merchandise offered to party-going guests. You must be attending a party to purchase this merchandise and Cast Members are actually very strict about this policy.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise is offered during party hours only and can be found in the following locations:

Full Party Collection:

Tshirts, ornaments, pins, MagicBands and more.

Emporium
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Big Top Souvenirs
Mickey Star Traders

Pins:

Emporium
Frontier Trading Post
Mickey’s Star Traders

Party Magic Band:

Frontierland Trading Post
Tomorrowland Light and Power Co.

Passholder Specific Merchandise:

Emporium
Mickey Star Traders

Sorcerers of Magic Kingdom Card

Do you play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom? If so, and even if not stop by the Fire Station to pick up your free party-specific collectible playing card.

Open Attractions and Overlays

Most attractions are open during the party however I don’t suggest you spend your party time riding rides. There is so much more to experience at the party that you can’t do any other time. The rule at our house is we only ride IF it’s party-specific.

Jingle Cruise – an overly on the Jungle Cruise that is available during normal park hours. I will sometimes make an exception to ride this during the party but only if the lines are short.
Mad Tea Party has a holiday lights overlay
Tomorrowland Speedway is decked out in holiday decor. This can also be experienced during regular park hours.
Space Mountain holiday overlay – We always love the Space Mountain party overlays.
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor with a holiday twist

Touring Plan for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

In order to make the most of your party time, I would have a plan in place before arriving for the evening.

Notes: Treat Stations and dance parties (Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam and Club Tinsel) should be attended as you pass by them on the way to your next prioritized location.

* notates characters that are popular and may have extremely long waits

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Be at the ticket gate and entering the Magic Kingdom at 3:45 pm.
Follow Cast Member directions and enter the bypass street to collect your first Holiday Treat.
Pick one to two photo opportunities in the bypass that have short waits. Save the others for later in the evening if you have time.

4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Pick one of your top three popular characters and head that direction.
- Jack Skellington & Sally as Sandy Claws*, Seven Dwarfs* typically have the longest wait times. You should be in line at least 30 minutes prior to your top character’s arrival possibly sooner for Jack Skellington & Sally or the Seven Dwarfs. These are the two most popular character meet and greets at the party and the lines easily have 2-3 hour waits throughout the night.
Depending on how long your first character meet took you can choose a second character to meet. Ideally, it would not be one of the most popular characters unless your party priorities are only meeting rare characters.

7:00 pm – 8:15 pm – Ride attractions that have “Holiday Overlays”

Note: choose the attraction you are most interested in riding. If there is time, you can choose your second choice and so on.

Ride Space Mountain with it’s Holiday overlay
Skip Tomorrowland Speedway (this is also available with the holiday decor during normal park hours)
Watch Monsters Inc with a holiday twist
Ride the Mad Tea Party Tea Cups with the holiday overlay (if the line is more than 30 minutes I would skip this)

*Stop at the three Fantasyland treat stations if riding Mad Tea Party or taking Magic Shots.

8:15 pm – apx 8:30 pm – A Frozen Holiday Wish – Castle Forecourt Stage

Stay for the 8:30 parade OR head to Tomorrowland to watch A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Edge Effect. Personally, I would go to Tomorrowland and catch the late parade at 11 pm where it’s less crowded.

8:35 pm – apx 8:50 pm – A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas – Rockettower Plaza Stage, Tomorrowland

9:00 pm – apx 9:15 pm- Edge Effect – Rockettower Plaza Stage, Tomorrowland

*Stop at the two treat stations in Tomorrowland while you’re here for the attractions/shows/Magic Shots.

Please note, I’ve only covered 5 of the 7 treat stations. If those are a priority to you, eliminate attractions or character meets.

10:00 pm – 10:25 pm – Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks

Arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the start time.
Find your place on Main Street for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time Fireworks. I suggest sitting somewhere near Casey’s Corner for the best view of the fireworks. If you find a spot on the curb you can easily sit right there and wait for the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade after the fireworks.

11:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Find a spot on the curb on Main Street to watch the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade. The parade route will fill up quickly so it’s best to get a spot as soon as the fireworks are over. One person can hold the spot while another grabs a treat from the Boardwalk Bakery or other nearby locations or wander in the stores to pick up party merchandise.
The parade goes from Frontierland through Liberty Square and them makes its way in front of Cinderella Castle and down Main Street then back out by the Firestation. You can line up anywhere along this route. I personally prefer to see the parade down Main Street. It’s extra magical to me. But if you’re indifferent or find yourself near Frontierland or Liberty Square watching from here is an option.
For optimal viewing make a reservation for Tony’s Most Merriest Christmas Party which includes reserved seating for the 11 pm parade directly behind the Christmas tree on Main Street looking towards Cinderella Castle.

12:00 am – 12:25 am– Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebrations

After the parade is over move towards Cinderella Castle forecourt stage and find a spot to see Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. If you are in front of the Partner’s statue you’ll have a good viewing spot.

12:25 am until late

After Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, you can use this time to take your Magic Shots on Main Street and shop in the stores for party merchandise.
All attractions will be closed but Main Street remains open until the wee hours of the night letting guests shop and enjoy treats down Main Street.

FAQ’s

How Much Does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Cost?

Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party vary in price between $99 per adult, $94 per child up to $139 per adult, $134 per child. The ticket price increases the closer you get to Christmas and on weekends with the most expensive tickets on the last two party nights, December 20th and 22nd.

How do I purchase tickets to the party?

To purchase tickets to the party please email me at Jamie@LOTMV.com or contact your favorite Love of the Magic Vacations travel advisor.

*When you purchase tickets through me I make a small commission and it helps to reach our Disney sales goals. You pay the same price as if you purchased them directly through Disney.

What do I wear to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Many guests wear Christmas PJ’s to the party. The weather can vary greatly this time of year so check before you go.
Holiday attire such as ugly Christmas sweaters or Christmas themed T-shirts.
Dressing for the occasion is highly recommended.
Normal Disney dress code applies and costumes are not allowed for anyone over the age of 14.

Dressing for Florida weather

Although it is the winter season during the party it’s not cold like other parts of the country. Temperatures vary between the high 60’s to mid-’80s. It is entirely possible that you could be very warm during the party so make sure you don’t choose clothing that is winter weight. In fact, I suggest you wear lightweight pants or shorts and bring a hoodie or jacket when the temperatures get cooler in the evenings. Watch the weather and know that some nights the temperature can dip into the 60’s. In Florida, that’s cold so be prepared! Typically you’ll be pretty warm though.

To see past Christmas Party pictures, go here!

What time does Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts at 7 pm, but party guests can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm with your party ticket.

The Magic Kingdom will close for day guests beginning at 6 pm and guests will be ushered out of the park at this time. Many day guests stay to watch a “Frozen Holiday Wish” when Elsa lights up Cinderella’s Castle at 6:15 pm and then exits the park.

Do I have to exit if I’m a Magic Kingdom Day guest and have tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Guests who do not have a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be asked to leave the Magic Kingdom. Party wristbands are checked throughout the park and guests are slowly and politely ushered towards the exit.

If you are a day guest staying for the party you do not need to exit the Magic Kingdom and reenter with your party ticket. Cast Members will be stationed throughout the Magic Kingdom distributing party wristbands. You should, however, head to the Main Street bypass (this runs behind Main Street from Tony’s Town Square to Tomorrowland Terrace) and pick up your party goodies and take the first few pictures of the night.

What time should I arrive at the Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

To get the full benefits of your party ticket I suggest you arrive and be ready to enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm for a 7 pm party start time. At a bare minimum be at the park gates by 6:30 pm so you’re ready to go when the party starts at 7 pm.

How do I enter the Magic Kingdom as a party guest?

After arriving at the Magic Kingdom Main Gate area you follow the signs directing party guest entrance. This is typically on the far right side of the ticket turnstiles.

After scanning your ticket you will be given a party wristband. The wristband shows Cast Members that you have purchased a party ticket and can stay for the evening’s events.

Will I be asked to leave if I don’t have a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party?

Yes. If you are still in the Magic Kingdom after 6 pm Cast Members will ask to see your wristband to move through the park as the party begins. If you do not have a wristband you won’t be allowed to proceed through the park but will instead be ushered towards the exit. They are pros at this!

Can I use my Dining Plan for Minnie’s Fireworks Dessert Party’s or Tony’s Merriest Town Square Party?

The Disney Dining Plan credits can not be used for Minnie’s Wonderful Fireworks Dessert Party or Tony’s Merriest Town Square Party. Guest’s credit cards will be charged in full at the time of reserving the party.

Reservations can be made here.

Can I use my Dining Plan for the specialty treats sold at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Most specialty treats can be purchased with your Disney Dining Plan snack or quick service credits. Each item will be noted on the menu with the Disney Dining Plan symbol.

What else can we do while we’re at Disney World to celebrate the holidays?

I love the holidays and the extra magic it brings to Disney World. One of my favorite things to do is resort hop to see all of the holiday displays and Christmas trees. You can do this too! Use my Disney World Holiday Resorts Tour to see them all!

Check out the International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot. I really enjoy seeing how the rest of the world celebrates the holidays.

March 21, 2018

Extra Magic Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

by Jamie Rumph March 21, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

Mickey's not so scary halloween party

Halloween Party last updated: March 20, 2018

2018 party dates have been released! Tickets are now on sale!

34 nights beginning August 17th! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is my favorite party at Disney World! The decor is amazing and party activities are worth the ticket cost! Don’t miss it!!!

Party Dates:

August 17, 24, 28, 31

September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30

October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31

To see the 2017 Party Line Up, click here.

To purchase tickets or find out more, email me jamie@lotmv.com

Things to Know:

*Ticket prices start at $74 to $115 for adults, and $69 to $100 for children. Prices vary based on party date. Halloween night is the most expensive.

*Tickets sell out most dates. Purchase tickets for the first party and party on Halloween night ASAP!

*New this year, tickets will be more expensive, if still available, at the gate.

*Adults and children can and should wear costumes! They must be family friendly! No masks, capes past the waist or props that look like weapons will be allowed.

When You Arrive:

The party doesn’t technically start until 7 pm, but you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm. You will be asked to go through the turnstiles to the right side of the entrance. From here you will be given your party wristband. This is what shows you have purchased a party ticket and can stay for the evenings events! Take your picture in front of the Train Station (before entering the park) with all of the fall decor.

Last Years Halloween Party Nightly Entertainment:

I anticipate 2018 party entertainment will be similar. I will update after the first party when we have all of the details!

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – this show is on the castle stage 3 times an evening. 8 pm, 9:15 pm and 10:40 pm. It’s a must see!
Cadaver Dan’s Barbershop Quartet plays throughout the night in Frontierland. A not so spooky twist to your typical barbershop quartet! This is so entertaining!

If you’re lucky, you can get a picture with them! Don’t be afraid to ask!

Most of all, don’t miss Hallowishes! The Halloween version of Wishes fireworks! This fireworks show is grand in size featuring perimeter fireworks, meaning a 180 degree view! LOVE! The music changes to feature some of your favorite spooky songs and Disney villains! Hallowishes happens one time each night at 10:15 pm over the top of Cinderella’s Castle. Don’t stand too close to the castle or parts of the fireworks will be blocked. Anywhere behind the Hub is perfect! I always enjoy the fireworks from the new Hub grass!

Scream-o-Ween Dance Party happens throughout the night at the Tomorrowland Stage.
Celebrate the Magic Villain’s Style Castle Show – This show is projected onto Cinderella’s Castle which magically transforms into the most amazing backdrop! Nightly at 10 pm.
Boo to You Parade!? I LOVE LOVE LOVE this parade! The Headless Horseman will make his appearance down Main Street before the parade begins followed by my favorite float with the gravediggers! Such spooky fun!
Trick or Treat around Magic Kingdom! Bags are provided, but they give you so much candy you will want a backup bag! Maybe even a backpack!

To see the 2017 complete party line up, go here!

To purchase tickets or find out more, email me at jamie@lotmv.com

See ya real soon, Jamie

March 21, 2018

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