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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 Magic Kingdom!

Disney After Hours has been slowly expanding across the parks for a while now. It originated at 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!

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 lovers fantasy!

Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom

Disney's Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom projections The newest After Hours event to debut is “Disney Villians After Hours at 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 most gorgeous spooky overlay. I never thought I’d see 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. On 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 face 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?

What are the dates of Disney’s After Hours Events?

Disney releases the dates of the After Hour Events a few at a time. For the most current date information please visit Disney After Hours.

How much does After Hours Cost?

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios:

$125 plus tax in advance for adults and children
$129 plus tax for adults and children when purchased the day of the event
DVC and Annual Passholders – $95 plus tax for adults and children

Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom:

$139 plus tax in advance for adults and children
$144 plus tax for adults and children when purchased the day of the event
DVC and Annual Passholders – $109 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 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 definetly 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 acoomplish everything in one trip! But I do remember the days when we were visitors and I literally checked off a list of everythign 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 activiites 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 35 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?

On select nights there are discounts for annual pass holders and DVC members. 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 Confectionary & 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

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2017

by Jamie Rumph September 4, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

? ? ? ?Mickey’s Not So Scary?Halloween Party 2017

Halloween Party last updated: June 25, 2017

Tickets NOW on sale! ?Contact me to get yours today jamie@loveofthemagicvacations!

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

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! ?2017 party dates span 4 months, starting at the end of August and going through the first of November.

2016 Party Picture spot!

Stop to take your picture on Main Street where you can get a full view of the fall decor, Main Street and Cinderella’s Castle!

Halloween Party Dates

The party starts at 7 pm and goes until midnight, however you can enter Magic Kingdom as early at 4 pm. ?This party requires an extra ticket which varies in price depending on the night you go.

Party dates are as follows:

August 25, 29

September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29

October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31

November 1st?

Costumes are for Adults too!

Costumes are allowed and encouraged for both adults and children however they must be family friendly, meaning not too scary. ?Capes can not be longer than waist length, costumes cannot include accessories that look like weapons and no full face masks; eyes must be visible.

Halloween Party Map – 2016

(I will update with the new 2017 map when it becomes available)

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.

After entering head to the right, Cast Members with party signs will usher you towards the park bypass. ?During party nights, the bypass is being used to give party goers their Trick-or-Treat bags and provides a stop for the first candy station. ?The bypass gate can be seen just to the right of the party sign, next to Tony’s Town Square.

Check out these oh so adorable Halloween character statues just inside the bypass gates! ?These are just a few of them! ?

Halloween Party Nightly Entertainment

I LOVE the entertainment at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! ?Here’s what you will see!

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!

“In Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use?their?magic to?throw?the?best, most evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!” – Disney

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 Tommorrowland 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.

As the crowds come together on Main Street to get ready for the first parade, there is a lot to be seen! ?There’s a great excitement in the air! ?This truly is a party you can’t miss!Jack Skellington balloons!

I love these Mickey pumpkin wreaths! ?They are all down Main Street and light up at night!
The castle is lit up in Halloween colors!
?Main Street takes on a special party glow in oranges and greens!

Halloween Party Character Mania! Locations for 2106 / 2017 coming soon!

Characters are a big part of the party! ?You will be able to meet some hard to find characters as well as a few of your favorites dressed in their Halloween party attire!

Mickey & Minnie dressed in Halloween?attire. ?I LOVE Minnie’s dress!?
Jafar is Adventureland along with Aladin, Princess Jasmine and Abu
Tarzann, Jane and Terk
Jack Skellington & Sally, party favorites are located in Liberty Square.
Queen of Hearts is in Fantsyland near the Teacups
Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet are also dressed in their Halloween costumes outside Pooh’s attraction.??Not a great picture, but it gives you the idea.

The 7 Dwarfs! Another party favorite! ?They are in Fantsyland near the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train. ?The 7 Dwarfs are very popular. ?If you want to meet them, make sure to line up to see them when the party starts, if not 15-20 minutes earlier.
Lots-o-Huggin’ Bear is with Buzz in Tomorrowland in between Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Carousel of Progress.

More pictures of exclusive characters to come!

Exclusive Halloween Party Merchandise 2016/2017 coming soon!

Each year Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party brings out exclusive party merchandise, meaning you can only buy it at the party. ?Even if you are there as the party starts and wandering through the Emporium on your way out, you will not be allowed to purchase exclusive merchandise without a party wristband.??

This year’s party exclusive merchandise includes a party MagicBand, trading pin and T-shirt. ?You can find them in a few places.?

Emporium – T-shirts and MagicBands
Mickey’s Star Traders – Event T-shirts
Box Office Gifts – MagicBand
Big Top Souvenirs – Event T-shirts, trading pins

Halloween Party Special Event Treats! 2016

There are many Halloween party treats available for purchase throughout the park!

Spider Cupcake and Worms & Dirt at the Main Street Bakery?
Creepy Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at Plaza Ice Cream?
Ghoulish Strawberry Lemonade Slushy at Friars Nook?
Candycorn soft-serve ice cream at Storybrook Treats?
Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern
Candycorn Cotton Candy throughout the park?
Vampire Mickey Popcorn Bucket at popcorn stands throughout the park?
Halloween Hot Mug throughout the park?
Poison Apple Stein at Plaza Ice Cream?

Trick-or-Treat throughout Magic Kingdom 2016

Trick-or-Treat at 13 stations throughout the park. ?You will load up on some of your favorite candy at these stations! ?Disney will give it out by the handfuls! ?Look for these…??

Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party is now Allergy Friendly!!!

New in 2016 Disney has allergy friendly trick-or-treat options! ?This makes my food allergy suffering self beyond happy! ?Eating at Disney with food allergies is easy, it’s one of the many reasons I LOVE Disney! ?No longer does my family have to skip trick-or-treating at the party!

“Do you have a good allergy? If so, we have a special trick-or-treat experience just for you! Please see a Cast Member or visit one of two Allergy-Friendly Centers, hosted by Mylan, to?receive?a teal treat bag. (Did you know? Teal is the official color of food?allergy awareness.) When you trick-or-treat with your teal bag, Cast Members will give you a teal token at each treat station. ?You can later redeem your tokens at one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers to receive your special treats!” – Disney

Halloween Party Magic Shots with Photopass 2016

Don’t miss the magic shots at the party! ?Take your picture with one of Disney’s Photopass cast members at select locations and when you view your picture later, you’ll be surprised to find a few extra guests taking the picture along with you!

Magic shot outside Disney’s Haunted Mansion
Main Street Entrance

New this year are animated magic shots! ?Pre-purchase Photopass for $169 (at least 3 days prior to arrival) to get the animated shots!

A Few Extra Halloween Party Notes:

As if there wasn’t enough fun already happening, there’s a little extra magic to be had!

If you play the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game, or would like to start, go to the Fire Station and pick up your exclusive party card!?

Make reservations early for the Hallowishes Dessert Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace. ?The cost is $79 per adult and $47 for children ages 3-9. ?Your card will be charged when you make the reservation!

See Ya Real Soon!

As you leave Magic Kingdom for the evening, the magic continues! ?Take a moment and get one last picture of the train station and the Mickey ghost projected on the sidewalks! ?Until next year, I hope you enjoyed the most magical party of the season!

?See ya real soon, Jamie

September 4, 2016

Animal Kingdom Disney World Epcot Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom

Disney World What’s New this Summer

by Jamie Rumph May 23, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

disney world what’s new this summer

Awaken Summer – Disney’s Newest Summer Attractions are now open!

Disney World What’s New this Summer!

last updated: June 19, 2016

Disney’s widely shared Awaken Summer event begins Memorial Day weekend bringing guests a wide variety of new attractions and shows! ?

Its an exciting time to visit Disney World!

We can’t wait to experience Disney World what’s new this summer! ?We’ll be sharing each of these attractions and shows as they open, with pictures, live videos and more! Head on over to my YouTube channel to see the live videos as I post them!

Beginning Memorial Day weekend guests will have the opportunity to view some long awaited attractions! ?Here’s the run down by date! Disney World whats new this summer

Friday, May 27, 2016

Tree of Life

Animal Kingdom?disney world what’s new this summer

The Show has arrived! ?View the video here!

The Tree of Life lights up with thousands of twinkling lights and projections
2 new parties – Harambe Wildlife Party and Discovery Island Carnival
Kilimanjaro Safaris offers new nighttime safaris.
Tiffins, a new table service restaurant opens
Nomad Lounge opens

Blizzard Beach?disney world what’s new this summer

Frozen Games begins! ?Olaf & Kristoff host daily winter themed activities

Hollywood Studios?disney world what’s new this summer

Toy Story Mania’s third track opens helping to shorten wait times at this popular attraction.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Animal Kingdom??disney world what’s new this summer

Jungle Book: Alive with Magic debuts. ?A water show that retells the tale of Baloo & Mowgli happens every night on Discovery River.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Magic Kingdom? disney world what’s new this summer

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire debuted and was a hit! ?View the video here!

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, Magic Kingdoms new castle stage show premiers featuring loved Disney characters Tiana, Naveen, Louis, Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Olaf, Anna, Elsa and of course our favorite Mickey Mouse, plus many other great Disney friends!

Hollywood Studios? disney world what’s new this summer

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show in it’s newest form will light up the night sky at Hollywood Studios

Epcot? disney world what’s new this summer

Soarin Around the World opens! ?See the new Soaring Video here!

After debuting at Shanghi Disney on June 16th, guests at Epcot’s Disney World will get to experience this updated attraction! ?Sure to be spectacular! ?You can see the classic Soarin over California from May 27th – June 16th

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

EPCOT

Frozen Ever After opens! ?The much anticipated attraction in Norway opens for all of the Frozen lovers!
Royal Sommerhus, the new meet and greet area for Anna & Elsa opens in Norway.

Later this summer:

Magic Kingdom disney world what’s new this summer

Princess Elena of Avalor will be greeting guests in Magic Kingdom. ?Date and exact location to be announced.

Check back often for updates and follow along as we explore the excitement of what’s new?on all of our social media channels!

May 23, 2016

Disney World Magic Kingdom

Disney After Hours

by Jamie Rumph April 20, 2016

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney After Hours, is it worth it?

Recently Disney offered a newly ticketed event called Disney After Hours. ?It happens a select number of nights in April and May, with very limited ticket sales. ?Myself along with my great Disney pal Samantha were lucky enough to attend the new event on it’s first night.

We can not even begin to rave enough about the fun we had at Disney After Hours! ?If you desire to have Magic Kingdom all to yourself, with the ability to walk on all of your favorite and most popular attractions, along with endless Mickey ice cream bars, this is the ticket for you!

So, is Disney After Hours worth it? ?

Event Details:

Dates: ?April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5, May 8, May 12, and May 19

Time: ?The event begins at park close, however you can enter Magic Kingdom as early at 7 pm. ?Magic Kingdom closes to Disney After Hours ticket holders up to 3 hours after park close.

Cost: $149 each, cost for both adults and children over 3

With the purchase of your event ticket you will receive:

*Disney After Hours lanyard

*Access into Magic Kingdom at 7 pm to enjoy all of the parks night time entertainment, including Wishes, the Electrical Parade and Celebrate the Magic

*Endless Mickey Ice Cream Bars, well really endless ice cream of your choice that is sold from the ice cream carts

*Endless coke products in a bottle, also sold from the ice cream cart.

*Access to literally walk on each and every ride! ?It is amazing!

Exclusive Attraction Access includes:

Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square * Barnstormer * Dumbo the Flying Elephant *It’s A Small World * Mad Tea Party *The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh *Mickey’s PhilharMagic *Peter Pan’s Flight *Prince Charming Regal Carousel *Seven Dwarfs Mine Train *Under the Sea, Journey of The Little Mermaid *Princess Fairytale Hall *The Magic Carpets of Aladdin *Jungle Cruise *Pirates of the Caribbean *Swiss Family Treehouse *Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room *Big Thunder Mountain Railroad *Country Bear Jamboree *Splash Mountain *Haunted Mansion *Astro Orbiter *Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin *Space Mountain *Stitch’s Great Escape *Tomorrowland Speedway

In other words, just about EVERYTHING!

When we began our evening of Disney After Hours, we thought, lets see if we can ride everything. ?Within 15 minutes or so, it was clear that we could have ridden everything and maybe everything multiple times. ?So rather than just trying to ride it all, we decided to ride our favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train repeatedly. ?Because really, why not! ?As you know, 7 Dwarfs can be darn near impossible to get on without a FastPass or 90 minute wait, so to ride it repeatedly WITHOUT waiting at all!!! made it all that much more fun! ?I can now tell you without a doubt that the best place to ride this attraction is in the VERY back! ?I know this because I rode it everywhere! ?That’s how UNcrowded?it was!

Along with endless walk on access to all of your favorite Magic Kingdom attractions you can have as many Mickey bars and sodas/water as you’d like! ?If you add up the cost of one ice cream and a soda, you’re looking at about $7.25, do that 3 or so times and you’ve easily made up the difference in a regular day’s park ticket cost vs the Disney After Hours cost. ?In my opinion, this is a ticket worth having!

After you’ve enjoyed all of the walk on attractions your heart desires, and all of the Mickey bars your tummy can handle, then you can walk over to Cinderella’s Castle or Main Street and enjoy all of what Main Street has to offer. ?It is truly beautiful and serene and really somewhat peaceful when the park is empty! ?This honestly was my favorite part! ?The attractions are fabulous of course, but enjoying Magic Kingdom all to myself was truly magical. ?I honestly can’t even describe it! ?And then to make it even more magical, Disney magic happened! ?The music came on, the castle lit up and we had our own private little castle projection show! ?Disney Magic at it’s finest!

Here is what our evening looked like:

We arrived at 8 pm just in time to watch Disney’s Electrical Parade

Starbucks stop, because I am way to old to stay out until 2 am after I’ve worked all day!

Found a spot to watch Celebrate the Magic and Wishes, two shows I could watch over and over again.

Visited Rapunzel and Cinderella. ?We waited a short 10 minutes to see them.

Goofy’s Barnstormer

We walked right onto this ride, rode the ride with only one other car filled and then we were asked by the attendant if we would like to just stay on and go again! ?WHAT? ?This does NOT happen at Magic Kingdom! EVER!!!

After Barnstormer, we walked onto Dumbo

At this point, the park is still open so we decided to meet Ariel. ?(Ariel is not available after hours) No wait to meet Ariel either. ?Pretty much everyone leaves the park after Wishes or the last Electrical Parade, so you are able to do some attractions with a short wait time then. ?At this point, Seven Dwarfs still had a 30 minute wait. ?Short for Seven Dwarfs!

Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

all by ourselves…. I mean, seriously, it was EMPTY!

We got off of Under the Sea about the time Magic Kingdom closed. ?From here we headed to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. ?It’s what we had been waiting for and the line was non-existent! ?It was really quite confusing in an I just can’t believe this kinda way!

This is our 7 Dwarfs pic… you’ll just have to trust me on this one. ?We rode twice, 2 times in a row. ?We didn’t even leave the main area, no walking the que the second time. ?Just right back on the ride. ?The attendant says, “pick anywhere, it’s up to you”. ?That never happens at Disney either! ?We choose the back and it is now official… the back is the BEST place to ride! ?It was amazing! ?A completely different ride than anywhere else in the car!

From there we headed for our first of many Mickey ice cream bars. ?Well, Samantha did anyway. ?No ice cream for this poor girl! ?We sat, she ate, we broadcast live on Facebook, we sat longer. ?Remember we’re too old to be out this late, and then we just sat some more, in awe of the fact that Fantasyland was empty! ?EMPTY!

Up next after our endless sitting, Facebooking live and just sitting was Peter Pan’s Flight

We forgot the on-board selfie, so we opted for this one… hum sorry for the bad angle.

After Peter we walked freely, without dodging people or small children, or strollers or any of the endless things that makes it hard to cross the path from Peter Pan’s Flight to It’s A Small World and again, walked right on board… right on! ?The longest part of the line, was just walking the que, which is actually REALLY long when you’re walking it and not waiting in it!

The selfie was terrible, so we went with this picture. ?A Cast Member took it for us. ?And to get us and the sign in, she walked clear across to Peter Pan and just snapped the shot! ?Without anyone else in the way or waiting for our picture to be taken! ?It’s just me, Samantha and the Cast Member! ?I’m still overjoyed by this!

Haunted Mansion was next…

It’s too dark inside for a doom buggy picture, however I supposed we could have used the flash. ?Typically a no, no… but NO ONE was there!

Unfortunately, it started to rain a bit at this point. ?Not hard, it was tolerable with a poncho, so we headed over to Big Thunder Mountain. ?No picture here because by the time we got there it was really raining. ?We walked on the attraction, picked our own seat, all which is feeling normal at this point, (lines and being told what car to get on will never feel the same again) and then off we went! ?Big Thunder in the rain, not so great. ?Nothing like rain drops in your eyeballs and you flailing around on the ride! ?So we only rode once and then headed to Main Street!

We were full of laughs and just enjoying the evening, but no longer felt like we had to ride everything! ?But you could, you could for sure if you wanted too.

We walked towards Cinderella’s Castle and this is when we were taken by the greatest surprise…

Cinderella’s Castle and the Partners statue, with no one else around…. we were dying!

I have enjoyed this view before with an early morning, before the park opens, breakfast reservation. ?It is a gorgeous view then, but it is absolutely spectacular at night!

We stood there in awe, for 30-45 minutes doing nothing but enjoying and taking in an almost empty Magic Kingdom. ?It was beautiful!

Every once in awhile, some Disney magic would pop up. ?Like this double Decker bus that drove up and down Main Street giving guests rides from Cinderella’s Castle to the train station. ?It was never full, there was never a line to wait to get on.

As we walked down Main Street just taking it all in, we stopped and talked to the Cast Members and met a special Disney Photopass Photographer. ?I’m unsure his name, but hope someone will read this and know! ?He took the most fun photos, all while saying nothing! ?He is a mime! ?Nothing but gestures and whistling and this was the result!

The entire night was nothing but Magical! ?A special extra kind of Disney magic was in the air at Disney After Hours!

So, is the Disney After Hours ticket worth having…

Absolutely, without a doubt, ?YES!

Disney After Hours, is it worth it was last updated: April 17, 2016

April 20, 2016

Planning

What to Pack In Your Disney World Bag!

by Jamie Rumph June 30, 2015

written by Jamie Rumph

What to Pack in Your Disney World Park Bag!

Last updated: July 20, 2016

Being prepared for a long day at the Disney Parks is a must! It will make your day more enjoyable and save you some money, or at least save your money to spend on endless souvenirs!

?In my opinion, a backpack works best for a few reasons. First, the bag tends to get a bit heavy after all of the necessities are in it. A backpack seems to be the easiest to carry all day, rather than a bag that is only carried on one shoulder. ?Second, a backpack zips up tight so that you don’t have to worry about its contents falling out when you set it down at rides and shows.

What goes in this bag?

Wallet?- reduced to the minimum! ?Your drivers license, a credit card and cash should be sufficient
Sunscreen
Sunglasses – put them in your bag the night before. ?It won’t be sunny in the morning when you leave bright and early. ?You don’t want to forget them!
Lip Balm!?– I can’t live without mine! ?I have a favorite a good friend of mine manufacturers and sells on Etsy! ?Inquire for more info! I seriously LOVE this stuff!
Water bottle –?I prefer an insulated one. ?You can refill them up for free in the parks!
Towel – great for a seat saver/wiper, sun blocker and blanket!
Tissues/wipes! – I like wet wipes! For those sticky moments after you eat Mouse ear ice cream!

Pins! and Lanyards?– We love to trade pins! I’ll post about how to do that less expensively soon!
Jacket– it does actually get cool in Florida! ?Maybe not in July, but at other times of the year! My mom always says it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! ?This can be used to save seats and provide shade as well!
Snacks!?-Seriously you will not want to buy every snack you consume in the parks! Picture this, your standing in line, your hot, overly tired kid is whining and hungry! You’re half way to the ride… To far in to go out, but not close enough to survive the impending temper tantrum! Give that kid, and yourself!!!, a snack!
Ziploc Bags – a must! ?This is the perfect place to store left over snacks/meals or anything else you might want to contain!
Camera -?extra battery, charger, cord and additional SD card
Cell Phone?– download the My Disney Experience app before you go! ?It can be helpful in the parks
External Charging Device for your phone -?Soon you will be able to purchase a Love of the Mouse one here! ?Inquire to learn more! ?After all, who doesn’t love mouse ears all over everything!
Band-aids – in case of blister or other scrapes
Poncho – in case of rain, but also for the water rides you really want to ride, but don’t want to get wet. ?You can buy these at the dollar store and save big! ?They are around $20 each in the parks.
Spray Bottle Fans – you can buy these in the parks, but it’s much cheaper to bring your own!
Cooling towels – It’s hot, really hot! ?Get them wet, shake them out and miraculously they get cool!
Autograph Book and Pens – you can buy these in the park, but again it’s much cheaper to bring your own! ?I always bring extra sharpies (my pen preference) to share. ?There is always someone in line scrambling for a pen. ?Yes, it’s perfectly ok to just loan yours, but it’s even better to pixie dust that pen so they don’t have to scramble again the next time! ?You can buy a large set at your local craft store and use a 40% coupon.
Pennies?and a Penny Container?- there are many pressed penny and quarter machines in all of the parks. ?This is a great and fun souvenir without having to spend a ton of money! ?I pressed my first penny in college standing on top of the Twin Towers in NYC the summer before they fell. ?Needless to say, this is now an awesome token!
MagicBands – put them in your bag the night before so you don’t forget them!
Hat?– you’ll need this, until you replace it with mouse ears that is!
Medicine – prescription but also a pain reliever of your preference

What Not to Put in Your Disney bag:

Disney provides a list of items that are NOT allowed in the parks. ?Make sure to check the list before you go as things can change regularly! ?Disney does have a bag check area that all guests must go through to enter the parks. On the “restricted personal items” list you will find these items:

Selfie Sticks – As of June 30, 2015, Disney will no longer allow selfie sticks to enter any of the parks.
Alcohol
Wagons, scooters, and inline skates
wheelie shoes
weapons of any kind
folding chairs
glass containers
pets (yes, some people try to bring pets in in their bags)

Hope this helps you pack the perfect Disney World vacation bag!

Make sure you like us on facebook at “Love of the Mouse”!

See ya Real soon!

June 30, 2015

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