Got your Double Espresso Mocha Latte Cappuccino ready? There’s over 135 (mostly high quality) photos plus videos in this review. I’ll forgive you if you have to favorite it and return later.
Be sure to check out my full Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party event guide too!
(Click on any pic for a larger view.)
Walt Disney World has never offered a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this early in the season. It seemed really premature to be offering everyone a “Happy Halloween” while we were pouring sweat all night long on Labor Day. I suppose the goal was to sell more…
With the lowest crowds of the year being around Labor Day, it was a foregone conclusion that this party wouldn’t sell out and it was VERY lightly attended. There were times when we felt almost lonely in the park due to the low crowds. I’m not complaining, just saying the place was pretty empty compared to other parties. Turn right to enter pardner. 
All the festive banners, pumpkins and candy corn is out to celebrate the national holiday that is the first Monday in September.
Purdy huh?
As we entered the park, they gave us maps (didn’t need them, mine was better :) and candy collecting bags.
Even in early September, these guys bring a smile to your face while wiping the sweat away.
They really want you to feel welcomed!
We had stopped by Will Call to pick up our tickets that we pre-purchased with annual pass discount and looked around a bit. When then proceeded to the Fire Station to pick up our FREE special Mickey’s Not So Scary Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom party exclusive card. (Phone pic)
We had Fastpass+ for Tinker Bell and Mickey already arranged. You can use your party ticket to book FP+ between 4:00 & 7:00pm, but there is NO FP+ of any type during the party and yes, that includes meet and greets.
Smile and say queso! Jordyn was a bit disappointed that Mickey only asked if she wanted a photo. She had hoped for a more full conversation. My money was on Hitchhiking Ghosts because I seem to always get that spiel. We later learned that Mickey was meeting in a special costume in Town Square and later in Town Square Theater during the party. We’ve seen him in it before, so we didn’t circle back.
Jordyn held down our spot for Jack and Sally in the shade while I went to explore and post photos and info to Twitter and Facebook. Here’s the line that had formed for this couple around 5:30pm. (Phone pic)
The posted wait for Anna and Elsa was 50 minutes at 5:38pm and dropped to 30 minutes shortly before the party began. Most guests were reporting waits of about 20 minutes during the party. (Phone pic)
Here’s the line for Seven Dwarfs meet and greet at 5:40pm. About a half dozen brave souls. (Phone pic)
The queue was really full by 6:30pm
Because attendance was low, I mean really low, we could have returned late at night for no wait, but we wanted the full party for fun and didn’t want to take a chance as this was her #1 meet for the night. Dwarfs line began to fill out about 6:00pm and was cut before the night ended.
I returned to meet Jordyn at 6:40pm and this was the line for Jack and Sally in Town Square.
Jack and Sally seem to be really in love, in a scarred and sewn up sort of way.
Jack asked if I wore orange in honor of him and pumpkins. I told him we’d go with that. He was already pouring sweat just like me and had only been out a few minutes. Did I tell you it was hot? “It’s like a sauna up in here.” Jack said it’s hot like the bad place and pointed downward. I think he meant Six Flags.
We then dropped into the Emporium to pick up 3 pins for Jordyn’s collection. She tries to get a pin for different special occasions and has a special pin board in her room full of Disney Parks memories.
From there we lined up to meet Tarzan, Jane and Terk. If you catch the overlap correctly, you can get all 3 at once. Their schedules and all others are on my app www.characterlocator.com. 
Tarzan and I discussed my love for elephants (Alabama football) and he is particular to tigers in the same color as Jane’s dress. He carries a spear, so I relented that tigers are okay sometimes too, as long as they aren’t present with elephants. It’s always a pleasure to see Jane, she is so sweet. We waited from 7:27 to 7:59pm. Tarzan would remain 15 more minutes before the scramble back and forth would commence. 
We had to do a bit of hunting to find the Aladdin group. They are hidden between Aloha Isle and the bathrooms in a little room with a tiny sign. We waited 18 minutes, from 8:02 to 8:20 because we had arrived right as they were rotating with Jasmine and Genie.
The lamp is a nice touch.
It was beginning to get nice a dark and Adventureland was EMPTY. Most people refuse to listen to my advice and still attend the first parade. Fine with me. I’ll go meet Jack Sparrow with very little waiting! I’ve said this before, but bears repeating. Be sure to get a mid-day nap on a party night or your little ones will either throw a fit (that’s tantrum for non-southerners) or fall asleep in the stroller and you’ll have to carry them to the resort.
I tried to capture this one with the moonlight, but eh…
Initially the lady told us we wouldn’t make this set and we’d have to wait until the 9:00pm meet, but the line moved pretty quickly and we made it in with 7 minutes to spare. we waited from 8:25 to 8:38pm.
When we greeted him with “Hi Jack!” he reminded us that it’s CAPTAIN Jack. Doesn’t understand why everyone forgets that.
We talked about how we had recently met his nemesis. He asked “Which one. I have so many.” We told him that Barbossa basically messed up our camera. 
We were unsure what to expect with character lines, so Jordyn held down the spot for Jafar to return at 9:00pm and I ventured on for a few minutes.
I found the Cadaver Dans in Frontierland across from the Country Bears Jamboree. They are easy to spot and they have amplified sound in the area. They also appear closer to Liberty Square. Their schedule and all show schedules are in my app found here.
Talk about a headache!
Here’s a video I recorded of their performance while singing “Grim Grinning Ghosts.”
He told us to raise our hands for a pledge, but there’s always that one guy.
Yeh, you. I caught you.
After enjoying the Cadavers I made my way over to Club Villain to see who would be there. It takes place in the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon. The inside is well themed, but they forgot a Club Villain sign outside! I was a slacker and didn’t take a video. It’s modern pop/dance tunes and villains dance with you, you get the idea.
Cruella is such an awesome character and good choice for a dance party, but I’d prefer the meet and greet! I saw a LOT of selfies being taken with characters at dance parties.
Lady Tremaine poses for the press.
I think she was asking why the girl didn’t dress in “Poopie.”
Anastasia and Drizella were there too. Sorry D, the photo looked terrible due to the smoke in the room.
Gratuitious Disney DJ booth photo bomb. Those things pop up everywhere.
The artwork on the walls was top notch and really looked great under the black lights. Well done there.
No, Pete doesn’t appear in any of the Disney theme parks before you ask.
So at 9:00pm promptly Jafar returned from parade duties and began his meets. Jordyn said it was a real waste of time to arrive more than 5 minutes early. This is the type of quality research we provide at KtP.
Come join me young princess!
Photo taken while I blinked. I wasn’t asleep at 9:00pm. We hung around a few extra minutes because someone asked me to join their family for a photo. I had the opportunity to meet a bunch of great people who follow this little blog and use my “web based mobile site application.” Super nice folks!
From there we made out way to Main Street to find a place to view Celebrate the Magic: Villains Edition and Wishes. Each of these are only performed once per night. We got a great spot between Casey Corner and the hub. We were just in front of a bunch of bloggers who had the street blocked off. Sorry about the guy with the kid on his shoulders who stood in front of a camera on a tripod for the first few seconds.
The full Happy Hallowishes fireworks show. I need to study my video a bit so I can take some cool photos for my next review.
After viewing those shows, we made our way forward so we could view the final Villains Mix and Mingle: Live on Stage! Okay, if you want to choose a dumb name, leave the word “Mingle” into something that is merely a show. Bring back the villains meets or call it Villains Castle Show like I do.
We moved in right behind all the people who paid $99 each for the Villains Soiree and left saying the “Fireworks were too close to the Castle.” Hehe, sounds like my review of the Star Wars Premium Package. The viewing area that we got free of charge for the Villains Caslte Show and second parade is across from the castle in the hub. Primo view for parade, but too close for fireworks ;)
Here’s the viewing area for the parade and fireworks if you pay $99 for the Soiree. I got this for FREE right after the fireworks show.
A super nice Photopass lady asked if we had gotten our Magic Shot yet and took this photo for us.
Where to find the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Photopass Magic Shots
If you click the little play button, it will present moving pictures and sound from the Villains Show!
That’s Cinderella Castle right behind the Headless Horseman. They did something a little different with the Horseman. They held him at the bridge, then played a little audio bit. He walks more since they had those dangerous falls in the past.
The best view of the Horseman is still the one my buddy Rob recommended last year in front of the Barber Show in Town Square.
Pretty Disney smile to begin the parade.
Who is there?
Piglet, you don’t have your costume on!
Jordyn said, “If I was that Jasmine, I’d love to have this photo.” My daughter is too sweet and compliments my terrible photography and editing skills. Is she sponging for a car?
Jasmine and some other guy.
It’s Minnie and Mickey!
Donald Duck and Daisy on the other side.
Wendy, the lost boys, Mr. Smee and Peter Pan join Captain Hook on the pirate ship.
He seemed nervous about all the character cuts that occurred for 2014 Halloween Party.
Hook is searching for all the missing villains.
Nothing says “Pirate” like waving a flag, right?
Barbossa!
How about a tasty apple?
Rum, why did it have to be the rum?
I finally got this guy to turn for a photo and the dog decided to turn away. Uggh. I guess I’ll need to throw down another $58 and return. Maybe these guys should be at the Soiree?
Hey dude, that’s pavement! You can’t use a shovel on pavement.
Fewer character meets, but more dancers!
You got a problem with dancers pirate guy?
Nah.
Clarabelle cruising the Castle Hub in style.
Clara Cluck follows closely behind in her hen house.
New to the parade this year are Vanellope and Wreck-it Ralph. My little girl is excited to see them parade past and most of the kids around were too.
Well, they were excited until they realized that Goofy got chintzy and took away the suckers that he handed out for the last several years!
Maybe Ed ate them?
Always nice to have a quality rock band.
We never had Bowler Hat around until last year and now he’s joined the parade and seemed excited about it!
Judge Claude Frollo says, “Dude, relax with all the talk about cuts in the Halloween Party or every party will have this light attendance!”
Found the money that they made on the Villains Soiree. Not sure you can trust that treasurer.
Let’s get contentious. She’s always worn orange in the parade, looks great in dark light. I used flash. Makeup could be more dramatic though.
Want to know how to make people mad on Facebook? Show a photo of Maleficent smiling. Remember, I caught her about to laugh villainously and villains do smile too. 
Villains smile, but she doesn’t!
Stop smiling! Stop it I say! It gives you wrinkles.
After the parade we made our way around and did a bit of the “blogger fly by” that is a popular way to document events. Tiana was NOT meeting with Naveen. Do that on a non-party day.
No princes, no villains after Castle Show this year. And you can only meet Maleficent, Snow Queen and Captain Hook at Soiree too.
Kenny, all we really care about is the wait time for Anna and Elsa! Please tell us that people walked right in. Well, they did at the end of the night. Posted wait seemed to be stuck on 40 all night. I don’t trust those signs anyway. People reported 20 minute waits. Hey, if they cut the Princes, we should have really low waits. Cinderella and Rapunzel were 10 minutes or less all night.
Snow White and Aurora meet near the new Castle wall on the right side when looking toward the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. They had a short wait and can be met at Magic Kingdom during the day or at Epcot. Don’t waste party time on daytime characters!
Our destination was to meet the Witch. We met her at Villains Unleashed and the lines were LOOONNNGG. Tonight we waited 2 minutes at 11:10pm.
Would you like a lovely apple?
We then made our way around to meet the Queen of Hearts, Alice and Mad Hatter. Queen was ending her set at 11:20pm and Mad Hatter was on his way out for his final set of the night. We only waited because we wanted to meet Mad Hatter when he returned.
The Mad Hatter is such a great fun character. He really keeps an interaction going and is on par with Gaston and Tremaines for fun. Be sure to meet him. You might catch the Queen of Hearts at Character Palooza (weather permitting)
We then stopped by the Monstrous Dance Party in Tomorrowland to see Mike, Sulley, Boo, Needleman and George Sanderson.
Lotso and Buzz share a single meet and greet line, but have separate meet stations.
Smells like strawberries, but don’t let the smile fool you! Most of the night the wait was 20 minutes or less.
Minnie and Daisy were meeting together at Storybook Circus entrance and had a 15-20 minute line most of the night.
I missed the Donald and Goofy meet and greet. I know, I’m terrible at this blogging stuff! I can tell you that Donald was wearing this Pumpkin costume again this year.
Pooh and the Gang is always a popular meet so arrive at least 15 minutes before their set time. With 4 characters, the meet moves kind of slowly.
The Dwarfs remained until really late, but they had already cut the line when we checked the final time at 11:50pm.
We got our Hitchhiking Ghost Photopass Magic Shot before moving to the Haunted Mansion
We had a couple minutes to spare before the Mansion closed, so we took in the final Magic Shot of the night.
.This guy loves his job. Just look at that enthusiasm.
We’ll end the night with various photos of the the decor. We only collected a little candy on two stops, but my favorite is the chewy caramels at Pinocchio Village Haus!
MY THOUGHTS: I hate that they made so many cuts to this party. It’s always been the most fun we’ve had at Disney with the special characters, parade, villains show and fireworks. We had a great time this night as well, but seemed a little empty without the Princes and most of the villains.
I’m being sponsored to try the Villains Soiree and create a Princess plan for the September 12th party. If you’d like to meet up, we’ll be in the Dwarfs line around 6:00pm. I’ll write a full review of the events that night.
Hi. I was there on September 1st and they stopped selling the mnsshp mystery box set pins and the hocus pocus pins. Do you know if and when they will sell it again?
No
Did you get a chance to confirm who signs autographs and who doesn’t when you went Friday?
Dwarfs NO
Hag NO
Aurora NO
Snow White NO
Jack and Sally CARD
Lotso & Buzz NO
Jafar NO
The remainder were signing
Hi Kenny, quick question… I noticed on you character locator app that the witch’s final set ends at 11, but you got in the line at 11:10 and it only took 2 mins. Is there a different schedule or does it just vary?
She stays out longer than the officially posted times.
When do the Tarzan characters schedules overlap so that we can meet all 3 of them together? And depending on the time their schedules overlap, when should we get in line for them? Thanks!
All schedules are at http://www.characterlocator.com
Thank you so much for all the great photos, detail, tips, etc! We’re attending MNSSHP on Friday October 17 right before we leave for our Disney Cruise. We’ve already met the dwarfs and will meet Jack and Sally on the cruise… so we’re planning to meet the Witch first thing. What time do you think we should get in line? Any idea when Jafar might end his set before the first parade? Also is there any rhyme or reason when the characters end their sets for the night? We’re planning on meeting Lotso after the 2nd parade (from Main St). I’m assuming we’ll have time. Sorry, didn’t set out to ask so many questions! Thanks for all you so :-)
Line didn’t form for her until she showed up and there was no line after 11pm either. Meet and greet times are on http://www.characterlocator.com and click on the Halloween Party icon. Lotso is out late.
Can you get more pictures of the villains during the parade? :)
Sure, I’ll do my best
A few changes from tonight that differ from what you seemed to experience: Lotso and Buzz had separate lines tonight. Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy had separate meets still, but just one line. The Hag stopped meeting after an hour or so and went to the dance party instead. And no sign of Abu or Boo from what I could tell.
Some of those changes like the Hag were due to rain. Abu was with Aladdin. Boo comes each night but not all night.
Great write up! Few questions… I am trying to get my daughters autograph book together. Does Latso stamp, sign or just take photos? Also on a side note it been a while since we have seen mike and sully at Hollywood Studios do they stamp or sign? I’m thinking neither if my memory serves me. Also Gaston? Does he sign? my daughter is going as town belle and we are hoping to meet him and get some awsome pics. Thanks for the help.
no one signs during the Party !!!
So the photos I took of Tarzan and Jane signing and the autographs we got from Aladdin, Abu and Jack Sparrow aren’t real?
I’ll be confirming who signs and who doesn’t this Friday and post that information after. No dance party characters sign or stamp. Gaston does sign all the time and you can meet him during the day.
Thanks for looking into it! Have fun Friday!
Kenny do the pooh characters meet all 4 at the same time? Or do they do pairs?
All 4 just like the photo
Are you still allowed to stand in the area right below the stage for the Villains stage show (it’s across from the hub) or is this also roped off for the people who paid extra money for the special dessert meet and greet ?
Dessert party people don’t meet and greet after the show in front of the castle. The villains just leave right after and no the area immediately in front of the stage isn’t reserved. I have a photo in this post of the reserved area.
Going to be at the Sept 23rd Party. Will you be there? Would love to meet up and Say Hi! Followed your blog last year for the Christmas Party, was a great help! :)
No, I work on Tuesday nights. Sorry.
Thanks for the review / advice! Our family is dressing up like the Princess and the Frog characters (since my daughter wanted to be Tiana – she decides all of our fates) Anyway, Tiana and Dr. Facilier are priorities for us. Tiana will be at the party – just meeting without Naveen? Is there any chance of meeting Dr. Facilier at Club Villian?
He was in club villian the first night. Took a bunch of pics with him.
Yes, that photo was of her at the party. She meets all day, so visit her before the party starts. Facilier does appear at the club, just rotates with those characters I listed.
Thanks Kenny & Mike!
I have a question about the Sally and jack line. Most of my 4 person party plan on being on line at the recommend time of 5:30. One member will be joining us later. My question is will there be any issues with people leaving the line for food or long periods of time ? I see you left your partner in crime alone for a bit. I just wanted to know how people reacted. Normally our group sticks together but one member is driving straight from work and we want to eat in line to save party time. We would always leave two people in line and the space for 4. Thank you for your time.
Just be polite when you return and people will be understanding.
Do you think we should jump into the Jack and Sally line as soon as we arrive? Or try and get them at the end of the night when things slow down? We will be there ON Halloween. Crazy busy night. Lol
If they are a high priority, go there at 5:30.
Great write-up, Kenny! I wanted to let you know I sent Disney an email outlining my disappointment with the whole removing the princes for Maleficent/Evil Queen at PFH and then making them exclusive to the Sinister Soiree, and I thought you might like to read their response. It’s mostly a bunch of BS, but still:
Thank you for contacting us regarding the availability of Disney
Villains at this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
We wanted you to be aware that many of your favorite Disney Villains
will be available to meet with Guests throughout the park, as well as at
Club Villain in the Diamond Horseshoe. While Maleficent and the Queen
will not be greeting Guests during the party, Guests will be able to see
them in Mickey’s “Boo to You” Halloween Parade, as well as Villains Mix
& Mingle ? Live on Stage. After further review of the event, it was
determined that Princess Fairytale Hall would not be able to accommodate the demand for these additional character greetings and there is not another suitable location available during the party.
We appreciate your passion for our Disney Villains and apologize for any confusion or disappointment this change may have caused.
Had nothing to do with demand. It was because they weren’t prepared for the Soiree to take the villains away.
Yeah, their responses to complaints are usually full of BS.
Fastpass+ question: You said you had prebooked them? Do you mean when you got there or online earlier? Just wondering how to do it without it counting against our 2 park ticket days. Thanks!
Online before because I had my ticket linked. You can use in park kiosks as well.
Thanks! I have ours linked so I went ahead and booked them. Thanks so much!
Welcome!
Thanks for the information. I am excited about our trip in June. Will I be able to use the fast pass system for 4 to 7 if I just have the MNSCHP ticket and not an annual pass? Thanks!
MNSSHP doesn’t take place in June. September and October only.
Lol, I have no idea why I wrote June. We are going the first week in October. Thanks!
Makes more sense. Link your MNSSHP ticket to your MDE account to pre-book from 4 to 7pm and NO FP+ of any type during parties.
Great review. I feel the same about all the cuts but it still looked like you had a good time. Pics are awesome! How do u know what to do to better your photos especially nighttime shots. Did u read something specific or just trial and error. Any advice!
I don’t understand the question.
Thanks for the review. Your daughter is right, the photos are great! Can’t wait to hear about the soirée.
Thanks
thanks for the great review – we will be there on tuesday 9/23 and can’t wait! do any of the characters at the party sign? also, do you have a plan of attack for the shows/fireworks? we will be doing the late parade like you recommend. if we do celebrate the magic at 9:15 and hallowishes at 9:30 – when should we do the villians mix and (not) mingle – the 8:55 or 10:00? would the same spot be good to view villians, celebrate the magic and hallowishes? thanks!
Some sign, some don’t. Just follow my steps to see those events and you’ll have the best views.
Thanks for the info, Kenny! I was one of the many suckers who signed up for the Soirée so I will be very interested to read your review after you attend it.
Hope to post it the weekend I experience it.
Great into! Do PeterPan/Wendy/Smee do any meets? My Hook loving daughter could probably be pacified with those. I know we can meet during the day but the kids will be in hook/Smee costumes at the party. Thanks :)
Pan in Magic Kingdom schedule. Wendy MVMCP only. Smee and Hook are sometimes Character Palooza and always at Pirates and Pals. None are at MNSSHP for meets this year.
thanks for the in depth review! I’ve been waiting for it and was so happy to see it today! We aren’t going until Oct 28, so I’m guessing that it will be a lot more crowded and wait time for characters longer. Still, we’ve never been and are very excited, thanks to your coverage!
After fireworks is always a great time to meet characters, but it should be busier.
Hello! I love reading your blog and this is my first comment/question – we are going to utilize the low ride waits when we go to MNSSHP on Oct 16th BUT I really want to see the Dwarfs and get our pic with them….we are planning on staying the whole night (hopefully) – would it be better to hit the line for them immediately following our 4:40p Crystal Palace ADR or see them later in the night? thanks!
Be in line for Dwarfs by 6:00 or meet them late. You’ll find that ride waits are equally as low during most party days, so focus on party fun.
Great job here Kenny thanks :-)
Great stuff. I had a tremendous time that night and it was really great to meet you. My wife and son called it just before fireworks but I hung to meet a few characters watch fireworks and castle show and hit a few rides I haven’t been on since way before he was born like pirates haunted mansion and space mountain, all with zero lines or waits. Only think we missed was mad hatter and gaston who I simply forgot about, as well as the castle magic shot. Maleficent a bummer but thanks to kenny I met hook and queen in May at palooza.. No more than 20 minute waits for characters if that and we met dwarfs snow hag captain jack jack and Sally Aladdin whole crew Tarzan whole crew jafar lady tremaine and step sisters cruella gov rat cliffe faciler lotso buzz mike and sully .. And watched first parade, got prime spot 5 mins before it started. Was a really great time .
Thanks for the update and great meeting you too
Kenny when I contacted the Disney Communications department regarding my disappointment over the MNSSHP I was offered a full refund. Is the party still worth it? I trust your option and thought I would ask you. Thanks for all the photos and great information. I only have 20 days until our first trip!
Depends upon what you want to accomplish. We had a great time, but missed those characters.
May I ask who you talked with? I called and spoke with the ticket people and customer relations and was told its only refundable in the event of a death in the family. We were going for the princes and now with all the villans, I’m worried my kids will be scared.
There are other fun characters and villains are really easy to avoid this year.
Very cool, Kenny! I know I already wrote in to ask this question, but I need to know which night would be better, October 13 (Monday) or October 17 (Friday). Will they be about the same in terms of crowds??
Thought I already answered this. Monday
Where do you get the magic shot?
There’s a full post on that here on the blog
Wow! Please tell me you will do the same for MVMCP
Yes and probably multiple posts for MNSSHP. Be sure to check the planning info under EVENTS