Six Tips for What Not To Do at MNSSHP
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Heading to Disney for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Check out this what not to do at MNSSHP guide and plan your trip BEFORE you go!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is in full swing at Disney and I am super excited about it! Special events at Disney are always my favorite, because it’s something that is exclusive to certain times of the year. I love all of the decorations, the exclusive shows, the yummy food, I could honestly live at Disney during these times!
Usually I like to do a “what to do” post for these special events, but this time I’m doing it a little different. So if you’re ready to find out what not to do at MNSSHP, keep reading!
For these types of special events I like to have a plan in mind before we go. Since we’re going to a party in October this year (we usually try to go in September) I have to be a little more reserved in my expectations, because going so close to Halloween means it will be incredibly crowded. That’s why I’m heading to the park with my checklist so that we don’t miss all the things that are important to me!
So, let’s talk about what not to do at MNSSHP!
Don’t get to the park at 7pm
Most people don’t know that you can get into the park at 4pm for the party! You have to show your party card and you will be given a MNSSHP band to wear so that Cast Members know that you can stay in the park when it closes to the general public at 7pm. Chris and I like to get in early and do a few things we know we won’t do during party hours.
If you decide to spend the entire day at the Magic Kingdom, you must leave the park at 4pm and come back in to get your party band. It’s annoying, but it’s easier to do it early rather than closer to 7pm!
Don’t go on rides
Yep, I’m advocating that you don’t jump in lines when you’re at the Magic Kingdom for the party! Why? Because there are so many other things to do that you wouldn’t be able to do during normal operating hours. If you want to ride rides anyway, get to the Magic Kingdom at 4pm and use those three hours to ride your favorite rides and eat your favorite foods! That way, when the party starts you’ll be ready to check out all the activities you can do at the party.
Don’t miss out on the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular
So, we’ve actually never seen the Sanderson Sister’s at the party (we couldn’t go with our newborn last year) but it’s something I’m determined to do this year! I’ve heard it’s so fun and a must-see. So don’t miss it!
Don’t waste time standing in line to meet characters
Lines for characters can get super long (especially popular ones like Jack and Sally). The best times to get in line are right before the party starts, or during the parades. If you can catch the second parade (which I highly recommend) you can jump in short lines for character meet and greets during the first show! So if there’s a character you’re dying to see, now’s the time to do it!
If you decide to stand in line for characters, you may not get a good spot for the parades or fireworks. If you want to get a front spot for the parades, you have to stake out your spot at least two hours before the show. Which means, if you want to catch the first parade (which starts around 8:15pm) you need to get in the park early and sit in your spot by 6pm.
Don’t forget to Trick or Treat
If you’re going for an adults-only trip, trick or treating may not be on the top of your list. I don’t blame you, there’s a lot to do and candy really isn’t a priority! But I do suggest that you go to at least one or two stations to pick up treats. If nothing else, it’s nice to snack on while you’re waiting for the parades and fireworks!
If you’re like me and have food allergies, you can still partake in all the candy goodness. Disney is so great at providing allergy-friendly treats, and they’re really yummy too. If you need allergy-friendly treats you can go to any of the trick-or-treat stations and ask the Cast Member for a teal token (teal is the official color for food allergy awareness!) that you can later trade in for sweets you can actually eat! The best suggestion I have is to go get your treats early! Do not wait until the end of the party. We’ve done that before and they’ve been all out of chocolate (which is my favorite treat).
Do not stand in line for Photopass photographers
Okay, so let me explain my reasoning behind this! Unless you are getting in line right before the party starts, there is no reason to waste time standing in line for 20 minutes just for a picture! Find the short lines (ones that you won’t stand in for more than 5 minutes) and hit those up during the party.
I highly suggest getting in line for the Main Street photo op (by the Walt bench at the beginning of Main Street) before the party starts. It’s my favorite spot for pictures, as well as every other Disney-goer. If you can’t get in line early, try going during the parades OR at the end of the night.
I absolutely love going to MNSSHP each year and I can’t wait to go again this year! It’ll be the first time our little boy will go and I’m already excited to share my love for the party with him.
Do you have any what not to do at MNSSHP tips to share? I’d love to hear them!
Want more Disney tips? Check out these posts!