There’s a first time for everything and this year was our family’s first time attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom Park! This specially ticketed event only comes around once a year, to celebrate the Halloween season and just like everything else associated with Disney Parks, it’s quite a magical experience!
To be honest, I think I spent half the party looking around at everything in awe, As the park is transformed for the occasion, frightfully fun décor, grinning ghosts, costumed characters, and extra entertainment pop up all around. There’s just so much to see and do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party and it can be overwhelming, in a good way, of course.
I put together a guide of tips to “know before you go” as a way to help future Mickey party-goers get the most out of their experience. Here’s my best advice for what you should see and do when you attend.
Purchase your party tickets right away – Dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are announced during the summertime on Walt Disney World Resort’s site and the Disney Parks Blog and usually go on sale soon afterwards. I highly recommend getting your tickets as early as possible because this event is so popular that certain dates tend to sell out right away. There’s nothing worse than being “too late”.
DO Wear a Costume – There isn’t even a question. DO wear a costume. It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult. A majority of guests at the party are dressed up and if you don’t wear a costume, you’ll most likely feel a bit left out. I saw so many fun costumes. My favorites were groups of people with coordinating group Disney costumes. We put together simple DIY costumes from Monsters, Inc. because we were traveling and needed to pack our suitcases wisely, but I already know that next year, I’m going to get a little more nuts with our costumes. Actually, I can guarantee it!
Look up the party schedule online beforehand – It’s a good idea to look up the schedule for the party night you’re attending beforehand on the Walt Disney World site to get an idea of the schedule of special entertainment such as the parade and fireworks. 
You’ll receive a party guide for the evening as you enter at the Main Gate which is helpful to guide you to the treat stations and has other useful information. I just recommend planning a little bit beforehand so you don’t run out of time because there’s a lot to see.
Get there during daylight – Guests are able to enter Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party up to 3 hours prior to the event’s official start time of 7p.m. I highly recommend getting there while there’s still daylight, mainly for the photo opportunities. Luckily, the Disney PhotoPass photographers are very experienced and take great pictures even when it’s dark outside. Grab as many photos as you can though, while it’s still light outside. Also, getting to the party early will allow you to maximize your time on the attractions and explore all of the other things.
Speaking of photo opportunities, during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party, there are party-exclusive Magic Shots throughout the park that you should definitely seek out. I loved this one with the Headless Horseman! .
Get your trick or treat on – Guests can pick up a trick-or-treat bag at any of of the treat stations throughout the park. Locate the treat stops by looking for the super tall, lighted up stations. Expect to leave the party with a ton of candy. Tip: Bring an bag or backpack to the party so you can dump out the trick-or-treat bags as they fill up. 
Eat ALL the Halloween treats – It’s always fun to find the exclusive treats and food offerings during the party, only offered this time of year. If you keep an eye on The Disney Parks Blog before your party date, they usually share about these treats so you’ll know what to look for. Check out this fun post on the Disney Parks Blog featuring Top Halloween Treats at Magic Kingdom Park. (Tip: Seek out the collectible popcorn bucket and get one!)
Seek out the characters and take photos – During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there are a plethora of photo opportunities with more Disney characters and Disney Villains than you can imagine! Even more fun is that you’ll find these characters dressed up in their own Halloween costumes. 
The party is your chance to grab photos with the characters without waiting in lines that are very long. PhotoPass photos are available to download and share almost instantly through the My Disney Experience mobile app when you add Memory Maker to your vacation package and/or party ticket. (Read more info about Memory Maker here.)
Take in a show – One of the exclusive offerings during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show. You’ll be dazzled by this stage performance as the 3 sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus”use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard.
Don’t miss the Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade (& Beware of the Headless Horseman) – There are 2 performances of this special Halloween-themed parade, each night of a party. See Disney characters as well as the stars of the Haunted Mansion. Each parade starts with a spooktacular ride by The Headless Horseman so beware!Happy HalloWishes Fireworks are a must! – There are so many great spots in Magic Kingdom Park where guests can go to watch the Happy HalloWishes fireworks.
Check out the special souvenirs and merchandise – Special souvenirs and exclusive merchandise are also available during the party and you’ll want to save some time to check out the shops along Main Street, U.S.A.
We had so much fun at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. It was such an enchanting experience. I wish we could go back for a second night this year. There’s always next year, right?
Have you been before? Share your favorite memory with me in the comments. If you’ve never been, perhaps you should look into making a special trip next Halloween season!
The 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be something never-before-seen for Anaheim. It’ll offer dynamic dining and entertainment options and a hotel experience for both resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park. Having the monorail stop inside of the hotel is such a great part about this addition and reminds me of when we stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World! (Have you been there before?) 
The guest rooms, public spaces and gardens at the new hotel will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. The addition of an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the spectacular nightly fireworks in Disneyland Park. The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants, opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza, and complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel will connect all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for our Disneyland Resort guests.
The additional parking capacity and access lanes will streamline vehicle arrivals on the west side of the resort and eliminate backups onto city streets. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2018, with the structure set to open the following year.
We spent a day there last weekend and it was so much fun. Since the weather is almost always perfect here in Southern California, it really turned out to be the perfect “Sunday Funday” for us, between all of the Knott’s Spooky Farm activities to the regular attractions, included water rides. Since there’s still plenty of time to head to Knott’s Spooky Farm this year, I want to share about all of the fun things you can explore on your visit. Here’s my family guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm, which includes all of the things I think you won’t want to miss!
Go Trick-or-Treating in Ghost Town
Children will be able to interact spooky (but very friendly) shopkeepers and ghosts in Ghost Town. Children are welcome to dress up in costumes. Adults are too. (no masks please.)
Visit the Creepy Crawlers of Calico in Livery Stable
Enter the Peanuts Costume Contest 
Catch a Performance of “The Monsters Are Coming, Charlie Brown” Stage Show 
Take “A Trip to Camp Spooky” on The Grand Sierra Railroad in Camp Snoopy
Take a Ride on Halloween Hootenanny
Decorate a Pumpkin in the Pumpkin Patch
Visit the Ghastly Gallery
Knott’s Spooky Farm runs weekends September 30 – October 29 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Halloween Day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is included with regular park admission. For more information on all the exciting things that are going on at Knott’s Berry Farm, click 
A very special thank you to Knott’s for hosting our family. 
“The Grand” isn’t a new property, although it was recently renovated in a big way, but the hotel has been a family favorite for over 40 years. 
Today I want to give you just 5 of the reasons you should book a stay sat the Grand Legacy at the Park on your next trip to Anaheim.
Location, location, location
They have newly renovated rooms and suites 
The Grand Legacy at the Park went through a major renovation just last year, which included a brand new lobby and new suites, some that are even facing the Disneyland Resort!
The hotel offers renovated rooms that range from Classic 2 Double Beds up to Grand Legacy 3 Room Suites. Whichever room you stay in, you’ll find all the comforts of home with these amenities:
Other amenities you’ll find at the Grand Legacy at the Park include a complimentary Snack Bag” (includes seasonal fruit, water, a granola bar, and string cheese.) which you can grab and take with you in the morning if you’re leaving early but don’t want to take the time to have a full breakfast.There are also 2 self-service coin laundries available on property, along with 24 hour dry-cleaning. Roll-away beds and cribs are available for Deluxe, Premier, Luxury, and Suites at no extra charge and are based on availability. Car parking is $15.00 plus 17% tax/fees per car, per night, with a limit of two cars per reservation. For reservations in our Classic, Deluxe, and Premier rooms, the second car parking fee will be $25.00 plus 17% tax/fees per night. They also offer valet at no additional cost for your convenience. While you’re staying at The Grand, you’ll also want to take advantage of the heated pool, which features a beach entry and a kids area. 
The Grand Legacy at the park is home to Anaheim’s ONLY Rooftop Bar
You can enjoy an assortment of artisan cocktails, craft beers, and delicious small plates perfect to share in the 5000 square foot open-air rooftop.
There are fire pits and plenty of seating all around, allowing guests to get a fabulous view of the Anaheim skyline, along with the nightly Disneyland® Resort fireworks. (when available)
The FIFTH is also a great location for a special occasion or celebration and is available to book for private parties. For more information about reserving the space for your special occasion, you can email: 
There are great food options adjacent to the hotel
You’ll find a Jimboy’s Tacos, Pizzaterian, and a Creamistry. When I’m traveling, especially with my family, I like to have several options to choose from so that everyone can find something to eat that they like.
For your convenience, there’s also a Discount Tickets & Tours and an Alpha Gift Mart also located next to these eateries.
It’s in the heart of Orange County and close to many other nearby attractions 
The entire Park is open for Party Nights Saturday September 30, and every Saturday in October. The home of Halloween fun is filled with…
Brick-or-Treat Party Nights is a special event and admission can be purchased for as low as $49 if purchased online in advance. New this year, guests can purchase a full 2nd day Resort Hopper ticket to enjoy LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE aquarium and LEGOLAND® Water Park.
We’re really excited to share more about Brick-or-Treat nights when we attend later on in October. For more information about Brick-or-Treat Party Nights at LEGOLAND® California Resort or to purchase tickets, go 
LEGO® NINJAGO® Days are new for this year and guests will be able to join their favorite ninjas – Lloyd, Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane and Nya – to experience LEGO NINJAGO attractions, meet LEGO NINJAGO characters, and celebrate the September 22 opening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ all-new big-screen animated adventure THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE! With unique building activities, giveaways and more, you won’t want to miss out on the fun! Have you watched the trailer yet? Here it is:
Mystery Mosaic LEGO® Build -Work together to build a LEGO mosaic and check out the LEGOLAND Calfiornia Facebook page to see it completed! Please note: This activity will be available on a first come, first serve basis. 
All of the activities available during LEGO Ninjago Days are included with the price of a regular park ticket. For more information or to purchase your tickets ahead of time, please go 
The creepy chaos of creatures on the loose and Rocket scheming to save Groot adds to the high-energy action, only during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, Sept. 15 – Oct. 31, 2017!
In keeping with the dark humor of the experience, all-new 1970s-style punk rock song,
As Fall and Halloween near, guests staying at Great Wolf Lodge anywhere from October 1 through October 31st will be in for an extra special treat. One of Great Wolf’s seasonal offerings is its Howl-O-Ween Costumes and family water park fun come together in October at Great Wolf Lodge. When you take a Great Wolf Lodge Howl-O-Ween vacation with your family, you’ll be able to treat your kids to their most spooktacular Halloween ever during this month-long Howl-O-Ween festivities. Here’s a fun video featuring Hall-O-Ween:
Here’s what you can expect to find at Great Wolf’s Howl-O-Ween:
Spooktacular Story Time – Everyone loves the magical atmosphere they create for their Howl-O-Ween Story Time, because they strike the perfect balance between spooky and funny. This has to be one of the favorite family traditions of all time.
Monster Bash Dance Party – Our Monster Bash Dance Parties will be the highlight of your Howl-O-Ween vacation, because if there’s anything we love more than wearing our costumes, it’s dancing in our costumes!
For more information about Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween and to book your stay,go 
This year, applicants will be able to apply for this amazing and unique opportunity beginning on September 6! The application window will only be open through September 13 and I don’t recommend waiting until the last minute to apply! This was the tweet that announced it on Twitter: 
Whether guests have a question about a theme park, restaurant, service, shop, hotel or activity, the Moms Panel is there to help with that planning.
It’s a Magical, Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity 
You Have NOTHING to Lose By Applying, Only Something to Gain! 
The photo above was me attempting to make my video submission for Round 2 of the selection process. To read more about my experience about “What It’s Like to Apply for the Disney Parks Moms Panel”, click 