Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

A fun, autumn Central Florida occurrence is Magic Kingdom’s annual Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party held on select nights from September 11 – November 2.  It provides a different experience than a regular Magic Kingdom visit, and whether you hate theme parks or are a Disney fanatic, it’s a fun and different way to celebrate Halloween.

Here are some ways that MNSSHP differs from a regular Magic Kingdom visit.

–        Slightly cooler temperatures! The event is held in the evening, so the Central Florida weather is a bit cooler and bearable (that’s reason enough, right?).  The party’s hours run from 7pm – midnight (though you can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm).

–        Candy!  Trick or Treating is not just for kids!  Adults, too, can get their fill of candy.  You can bring your own bags or MK will provide you with one.

–        Costumes! Everyone is encouraged to wear a Halloween costume, though of course you don’t have to.

–        Festive atmosphere! Instead of the wait-in-lines, ride-focused experience, there is more of a relaxed, party feel.

–        A unique parade! This special MNSSHP parade runs two times per evening.  Try to find a spot close to Main St. at least 30 minutes prior.  You will know when it’s about to begin when you see the Headless Horseman run by!  Then while the parade is winding its way along its route, a mini dance party will take place where children can get up and dance, dance, dance.

The Headless Horseman’s arrival signals the beginning of the parade festivities!

 

–        A special fireworks display!

 

–        Less crowded and shorter lines for rides, usually!  This depends, of course, on the night you attend.  Halloween night will be crowded (and more expensive).  The weekends are also more crowded.  A week night visit is best!

MNSSHP is not included in regular MK admission;  it is a separately priced event.  Tickets range from $57.95 – $69.95 depending on type of ticket and night of week.

For more MNSSHP tips check out the Disney Tourist blog. 

Have you ever attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?  What are your tips?

 

 

September Events in Florida

Headed to Florida in September?  You won’t be able to see any brightly colored fall foliage and the weather will still be hot, but it’s still a nice time of year to visit.  Most of the big crowds will start to dwindle, the locals will be back in school, and hotels and attractions will begin offering discounts.  Further, there are quite a few festivals and events planned around the state.  The Orlando Sentinel has a list of these grouped by region and dates.  For example there is Orlando’s Oktoberfest on September 29, and Epcot’s popular and tasty Food and Wine Festival that begins September 28.  South Florida has an antiques festival, a ballet festival, and a wine fair. And if you’re in the Panhandle you’ll find a seafood festival and Jamaican Fest.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Autumn Get-Aways

The travel editors of National Geographic have compiled their list of the Best Fall Trips for 2012.  Picks range from the  International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico to swimming in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls in Zambia.  Where would you like to go?

 

San Diego, California is on the Best Fall Trips for 2012 list

Germany, Autumn, and Wine!

A reminder from the German National Tourist Office about some upcoming wine festivals:

Winzerfest Freyburg                                                      September 7 – 10
Duerkheimer Wurstmarkt  Wine Festival          September 7 – 11, 14 – 17
Ingelheimer Rotwein Festival                                September 29 – October 7
Weinlesefest Neustadt                                                  October 5 – 15
Federweissenfest Cochem  Wine Festival           November 2 – 4, 9 – 10

 

And while we’re on the subject of Germany,  a new UNESCO World Heritage Site has been named there:  the Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth in southern Germany. (However, unfortunately the opera house is going to close in October 2012 for renovation.)