You bought your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) tickets months in advance, picked out the perfect costume, and arrived at the Magic Kingdom ready to trick-or-treat… only to be greeted by a torrential downpour. Since many of the MNSSHP activities, like Mickey’s “Boo to You” parade and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks, take place outdoors, rain makes it near impossible to enjoy the party. Or at least get the full value of the event.
This was our experience at Sunday, September 8th’s party and we were both soggy and disappointed. It rained heavily off and on from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m., leaving only the last hour of the party somewhat dry. Neither of the parade times were able to happen nor any of the show times for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. We were shocked when the fireworks still went off in the rain and saw very few people actually watching them.
So here’s what you really want to know – how did Disney compensate for the lack of party entertainment? Once we realized we weren’t going to be able to experience any of the party-exclusive offerings, we left the park and were instructed to visit the Magic Kingdom ticket window to see if we could attend another MNSSHP date. This line was insanely LONG and this is where our faith in Disney Guest Services quickly disappeared. The line was backed up along the walkway to the Contemporary, all the way until we were perpendicular to the fourth Magic Kingdom bus stop.
Pretty early into waiting, a cast member walked the line handing out cards with a phone number to call the next day to receive a complimentary one-day park hopper ticket. We were instructed for any other options, we needed to continue waiting in line.
After not much progress, another cast member advised us that everyone attending that night’s party would automatically receive the one-day, park hopper ticket in their My Disney Experience app. Since we wanted to attend another party date, we were told to stay in line.
Finally, after waiting about an hour, we were handed a card to call the next day to book a rain check date for MNSSHP.
All’s well that ends well but it was a long journey to get there. We wish Disney would have communicated the options earlier and more efficiently helped people out of the line. As I passed hundreds of people in drenched costumes, including little ones, it’s hard to imagine it being a positive experience for anyone. In fact, our tram driver on the way back to the Ticket and Transportation Center felt very bold when he asked, “Who had a great time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary??” To which everyone on the tram responded with complete silence even when he asked a second time.
We ultimately will be back for another MNSHHP night in the next month and are really looking forward to experiencing all of it! Morale of the story, pack your patience, rain jacket, and a backpack to keep your candy dry from any potential rain.
Hannah Anderson is a Dreams Unlimited Travel Agent, DIS Contributor, former Disney Cast Member, and Orlando local. Mostly importantly, she is a mom and loves spending time in the Disney Parks each week with her family.
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