Walt Disney World Special Events –
Are They Worth It?
Depending on what time of year you are traveling, you may encounter one of Walt Disney’s World’s special events including the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, JollyWood Nights, or an after-hours event throughout the year. I often get asked whether these specialty-ticketed events are worth it. So, let’s get into it!
The Cost
To determine if one of these events is right for you, it makes sense to talk cost first. Why? Because these are not included in the price of admission of a regular Walt Disney World ticket. Cost can start as low as $99 and go as high as $200 or more, depending on the event and the date you are looking to attend. Mind you, that’s per person. Seems steep, right? Well – maybe. It’s all a matter of what do you “value” during your trip. These events often offer characters, attractions, snacks, meals, and other goodies that you just don’t get during the standard entry into the park. And, moreover, capacity is limited. This means wait times for all attractions are not much more than 20 or 30 minutes for the hottest rides, and in many cases walk-on. And, of course, there are the shows and parades – some of the best that Disney has to offer. So while a $99 to $200 price tag per person (plus tax) can definitely be a costly proposition, as with anything, what is the value in what you’re getting? In my opinion, a special event for one night of your trip is a GREAT way to add special memories you’d otherwise not have.
The Basic Entry Strategy
Because special events typically take place starting at 6 or 7pm, understanding how to make full use of the parties is essential. Start with the fact that it’s probably not a great idea to spend an entire day in the parks prior to your special event. I advise my clients to use the day as a “rest” day. Lounge by the pool, casually visit Disney Springs, go to a nice sit-down table service meal right before you head out to the park to start your special event. Keep it easy and chill, and maybe even consider a nap. This will keep everybody nice and fresh so that they can stay the duration of the event through midnight (or later, depending on when it ends).
Most special events start at 6pm or 7pm, but you can get into the park early! For example, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party lets you in starting at 4pm. While the official party doesn’t start until later, this is a great time to check out a few low-wait attractions, and, in some cases, meet some of the characters like Jack and Sally who command long wait times. And, since the park begins emptying out around this time, wait times start to go down so you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. When you enter, you’ll be given a wristband that allows cast members to see that you do, in fact, belong there. Beginning an hour before party time, cast members fan out across the park and start to “encourage” non party-goers to leave, leaving you alone with a few thousand of your closest friends who are also there for the party.
Even though you can’t get in until 4:00pm, the line to get in starts building even an hour before that. I advise that you get to the park an hour before you expect to be let in as it can take that long to make it through security and the entry area. From there, you have run of the park until they close later that night.
As far as strategy goes while you’re in the park, this is really going to vary depending on the party that you go to. But, in general, it’s a good idea to look at all is being offered prior to going and decide what is most important to you and your family. Pick 3 to 5 things that you absolutely want to accomplish. Otherwise, once you enter, everything is going to hit you all at once and, despite wanting to, it’s impossible to accomplish EVERYTHING. Let’s look at the two biggest ones Disney has to offer: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Join some of your favorite Disney characters for a fun, spirited evening. One of the highlights of this party is the ability to dress up as your favorite character. Normally costumes are not permitted in the parks by Disney – but this is the one exception. There are obvious rules and I encourage you to check out Disney’s website for full details. Once in the park, here’s what this party has to offer:
- Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular – watch the Sanderson Sisters at a stage show that is full of fun and fright. The show takes place multiple times a night.
- Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular – a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney characters, hosted by Jack Skellington. This takes place later in the night and there is only one, so if you want to catch it, be sure to be in front of the castle.
- Disney Junior Jam – a dance party held at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café which is perfect for the younger guests in your party.
- Boo to You Parade – this is one of Disney’s absolute best parades. From the pre-parade ride of the Headless Horseman down Main Street USA, to Disney characters dressed in their Halloween bests, to the unforgettable “Boo to You” soundtrack, the parade can’t be missed. There are two parades, one earlier in the night and one closer to park closing.
- Trick or Treat – there are treat stops scattered throughout the park where you’ll be treated with delicious Mars Candy. You’ll be handed a treat sack upon entering, but you can bring your own and I promise you, they’ll load you up with candy!
- Character Meet and Greets – there are characters dressed in their Halloween best all around the park, including exclusive characters you can’t find anywhere else. This includes Jack and Sally, the full 7 Dwarves, and even villains like Jafar.
So what about strategy? Since this is a party for all ages, after the first Boo to You Parade and fireworks show, many of the guests will clear out around 10pm. You’ll still have an opportunity for another Boo to You Parade and final stage show and those are virtually empty. I suggest riding your rides, meeting your characters, and trick-or-treating and using those later time slots for your shows. You’ll get a lot more done!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, the whole gang, and Santa? You just can’t beat it – unless of course, there is SNOW on Main Street USA, in FLORIDA! There is simply nothing better than Disney at Christmas and the Christmas Party is the epitome of that! Magic Kingdom Park lights up with excitement for all ages wit joyful music, Disney characters in their merriest attire, and enchanting entertainment that can be found literally around every turn! Here’s what you can expect:
- Minnie’s Wonderful Chirstmastime Fireworks Show
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – an exclusive parade that you can only see during this event or in the final few days right before Christmas.
- Characters dressed in their holiday attire, ready for meet and greets and pictures.
- Cookies and Cocoa at no additional cost.
- Winter Wonderland – snowfall on Main Street USA.
- Elaborate decorations that bring the spirt of the season to life.
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show – head over to Cinderella Castle for a yuletide stage show that stars Mickey Mouse.
Just like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the strategy here is similar. Low crowd sizes make riding your favorite MK attractions much easier, and with multiple showings of the stage show and parade, taking advantage of the later shows means you can get more done in a shorter period of time.
Planning a Trip?
So, are you ready for one of these parties? Then let Magical Memories by Casey help you! Visit www.caseywooley.com and fill out a planning blueprint or email me at caseywooley@mainstreetandmoretravel.com and we can start planning today!
Magical Memories by Casey 