MICKEY'S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM

(Kent Phillips, photographer)

Be sure to check your calendar for a chance to attend one of our favorite Magic Kingdom special events.  Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

This year's dates are: Sept. 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30; Oct. 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31; and Nov. 1.

Don't forget to wear your favorite Halloween costume.  I always look for a comfortable costume that can be good in very hot weather or possibly a cool evening.   In Florida one never knows the weather until it is happening.

Steve usually wears a Mickey Mouse costume and Mickey ears replace his usual hat.  And, yes, we have pictures of Steve in a Mickey Mouse costume "hiding" in the park.  These pictures do not make it to the website but we enjoy them in our family album .

(Garth Vaughan, photographer)

We find a viewing spot  in time to get a front row view of Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade.  Our favorite is the Headless Horseman.  This unique parade includes Disney villains and a few of our friends from the Haunted Mansion..  Year round the Haunted Mansion ghosts enjoy playing tricks on Steve by occasionally rearranging the plates in the banquet hall so as to make a well-known Hidden Mickey disappear, then later reappear.  Steve has to check on them often.

During the evening we get our picture taken with the Disney characters in their Halloween attire and we spend some "trick or treating" just for fun.  We do not generally need any candy but we enjoy listening to the children check their goodies.

(Gene Duncan, photographer)

Of course the Haunted Mansion ride is open and not to be missed! Many other popular Magic Kingdom attractions are also open.  It is a great night !

There is an 8:15 p.m. parade but we prefer the less crowded 10:15 p.m. parade.  The fireworks take place at 9:30 p.m.

Be sure to stand where you can see the pumpkins on the castle for the HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular ,  a  unique fireworks show created especially for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for Sept. 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, and 30; Oct. 2, 6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 27; and Nov. 1.

To purchase advance tickets, guests can visit http://www.disneyworld.com/halloween or call 407/W-DISNEY.