Today I want to talk to you about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I’ve heard a lot about it, and read a ton of information about what it is, how much it costs, and all of that, but I still wonder — is it worth it?
I know that single question may be the one thing that leads you to think — this guy’s a fraud! I’m never going to visit his site ever again! But let me tell you, there is a reason I ask the question.
We are going to Disney World for a quick weekend getaway on September 29 – October 2nd (have I mentioned that enough yet?), and when we originally decided to go, it was for two specific events:
- The 40th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom.
- Our first visit during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Since we have our Annual Passes, the only ticket we need is for my niece who is coming with us, and that will be a two-day ticket. With our hotel cost running us about $350 for the three nights, couple that with the ticket cost, and we’re looking at about $500 or so for the trip.
But then I started looking into MNSSHP, and I found out that Friday, September 30 is one of the days that it has special discounts for Annual Passholders and for DVC members, so I thought, if we can get the tickets cheaper, maybe we should think about it. The cost of the tickets, though, would run us about $200, and couple that our expenses already, if we aren’t careful, we could be looking at $1000 spent for a quick weekend getaway, regardless of how many things we are able to enjoy that we won’t be able to enjoy again, or not for a long time.
So today I’m coming to you for suggestions. Is the cost of the tickets for MNSSHP worth the extra ticket price? If we get the tickets, will we come away thinking that we didn’t really need to spend that money after all? What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Thank you all for your comments on the subject — this is definitely a case where my Disney Heart is conflicting with my logical brain, and while I almost always side with my Disney Heart, today I’m not convinced that it is the best thing. So please, help me out here, what should I do?
I have been to MNSSHP in Paris and we had an amazing time! I cant comment on how it works elsewhere but the park wasnt packed so we got on LOADS of things, Peter Pan; we went on it four times in a row without having to get off! We met sooo many characters and they wernt swamped with children so we actually had time for pics with them and even a mess around – i totally danced with a pumpkin! And the decorations make for wonderful photo op's! You get much better shots when there arnt ppl gathered around them hasselin u for their turn!
Thats my opinion anyway; as i say could be a WHOOOLE other story in the US parks but i figured if Paris can make it amazing then surely they can??! Hope this helps. X
We have been so torn on this. In the past, we have not even considered attending the party because our children were so young. We didn't want to spend a lot of money for them to be asking to go to bed by 8:00. This year will be different, but to avoid giving away the surprise tomorrow in our countdown to Disney, I can't say more than that! :-)
I still can't believe it's MK's 40th Anniversary! I remember when it was the 25th anniversary and the Castle was all decorated on TV…it's hard to believe that was 15 years ago….man how time flies!
Hmmmm. Probably not. And I really LIKE the parties. BUT – when we DO go, we go for a longer period and we intend to soak up as much Disney as we can for a good long while. Toward that end, we've budgeted in advance for doing things like the Halloween or Christmas Party. They are neat, but they're not the End-All-Be-All.
Think of it this way – if you're really sort of concentrating on Food and Wine (which isn't always the greatest notion on weekends – beware of inebriated tourists staggering 'round World Showcase), will you really want to leave to do the Party? Also, on weekends the parties CAN get insanely crowded.
I'd say, save the party tickets for another trip when you're staying longer, hitting the party midweek, and able to go back to the hotel and nap in mid-afternoon in order to get the most out of the party.
Thanks everyone for all the great comments!
We will be at Disney at the same time…lol. We always go to the party because we LOVE it! I know it is really a personal thing everyone I talk to is different. I would say that you should do it at least once. :0)