“Halfway to Halloween” Hands Out Dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

May 6, 2024

 

For most of the country, planning is just starting for this year’s Mother’s Day celebrations.  If you are a longer-range planner, maybe you are looking forward to your unofficial kick-off to the summer with a Memorial Day BBQ at the end of this month.

But over at Disney, they launched their #HalfwaytoHalloween celebration this morning. It might be halfway to Halloween if you contemplate Halloween as an October 31st holiday, but when Disney begins their Halloween festivities in August, we’re actually far more than halfway there.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Be that as it may, Disney released a ton of information about their plans for the fall. Many of the items are dates that fans have been waiting for in order to finish making arrangements for their upcoming vacations, including dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party in Florida, and Oogie Boogie Bash in California.  (Disney has even set up a special webpage for its Halloween activities and updates.)

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog also highlighted Halloween fun for Disney’s Hulu, Freeform, and Disney+ networks; showed off spooky villains-themed wedding attire and accessories for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons; and offered up training schedules for the first-ever (but already sold out) runDisney 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.  If you are looking for more info, you can also follow @31nightsofhalloween as they count down October’s “31 Nights of Halloween” flicks on Freeform.

  
So, on to the stuff you’ve really been waiting for…

At Walt Disney World

 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom will kick-off August 9 and take place from 7:00 p.m.-midnight on select nights through October 31.  The separately ticketed evening will include a new DescenDANCE Party, inspired by the upcoming Disney+ movie,  “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” and the Boo-To-You parade times will be moved earlier to accommodate little ones’ schedules.  

Event tickets go on sale for guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green starting May 8. Tickets will be available to all guests starting May 15.  You can purchase tickets at Disneyworld.com/Halloween, or call the Disney Reservation Center at 407-934-7639.

If the sugar you gather at the Trick-or-Treat stations isn’t enough, and you’d like to add on Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party (which includes fireworks viewing from Plaza Garden or Tomorrowland Terrace), reservations for the dessert party open on June 7.

 
Ticket prices for Not-So-Scary range from $119 to $199 (with discounts available for Annual Passholders and DVC members). The dates for the 2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties include:

 

• August 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
• September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
• October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
  
  

Disneyland Resort

 

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will be returning to Disney California Adventure, with even more dates than in previous seasons.  Also a separately ticketed, after-hours event, the party happens on 27 select nights, including: Sunday, Aug. 25; Tuesday, Aug. 27; Thursday, Aug. 29; Tuesday, Sept. 3; Tuesday, Sept. 10; Thursday, Sept. 12; Sunday, Sept. 15; Tuesday, Sept. 17; Thursday, Sept. 19; Sunday, Sept. 22; Tuesday, Sept. 24; Thursday, Sept. 26; Sunday, Sept. 29; Tuesday, Oct. 1; Thursday, Oct. 3; Sunday, Oct. 6; Tuesday, Oct. 8; Thursday, Oct. 10; Sunday, Oct. 13; Tuesday, Oct. 15; Thursday, Oct. 17; Sunday, Oct. 20; Tuesday, Oct. 22; Thursday, Oct. 24; Sunday, Oct. 27; Tuesday, Oct. 29; and Thursday, Oct. 31.

Details on when tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash will go on sale have not yet been released, but prices range from $134 to $189.

The Bone Chillin’ Halloween Merchandise Preview link will give you a peek at some of the merchandise you will be able to find at the event.

  
If you want to try to win an Oogie Boogie surprise, Disney Movie Insiders Oogie Boogie Sweepstakes! on Instagram (@DisneyMovieInsiders) is running a contest for an Oogie Boogie prize pack. Enter before May 12, 2024.

Disney Cruise Line Halloween on the High Seas

 

“Halloween on the High Seas” heads to the ocean once again for Disney Cruise Line in 2024 in September and October, for select itineraries.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Disney Treasure

 

The Disney Treasure sets sail this December, and one of the ship’s most anticipated details is the Haunted Mansion Parlor.  As part of the Halfway to Halloween celebration, Disney shared new details and photos on the décor of this first-of-its-kind bar, as well as imparted a bit of spooky history for the lounge.  A ghost fish aquarium and an eerie portrait gallery will help set the stage, and a series of ceramic mugs that look like carvings from the wooden planks of a ghost ship will be coming to the Disney Treasure. Among other ghostly depictions, they’ll be inspired by the backstories shared by Disney of The Mariner and The Captain’s bride.

 
Hong Kong Disneyland

 

From September 12 to October 31, House of De Vil-lains; “Let’s Get Wicked;” and the Nightmare Before Dinner experience will be returning.

Disneyland Paris

 

The Disney Halloween Festival will take place October 1 to November 3, with the return of the show, Mickey’s Halloween Celebration.

 
Tokyo Disney Resort

 

Brand new theming at Tokyo Disneyland, with new entertainment, will run from October 1 to November 7.

  
Descendants: The Rise of Red

 

If you are a fan of the Descendants franchise, there’s a little Halfway to Halloween fun for you, too.  The Disney Original movie, Descendants: The Rise of Red (and its soundtrack), begin streaming July 12 on Disney+, but the first single from the movie, “What’s My Name (Red Version),” has been released for streaming now.

Descendants: The Rise of Red  follows Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, who is forced to team up with her opposite Chloe, Cinderella’s daughter, when they travel back in time to save Auradon.

 

Disney Snacks and Stuff

 

If you just can’t wait to get into the Halloween spirit, you can get a jump on the season by heading to Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs. Until May 8 (or while supplies last), you can enjoy four different spooky treats, edible and non-edible:

 

• Mephistophelittle’s Hand Pie: A flaky pastry packed with chocolate chip cookie dough and lined with dulce de leche. (Limit two per person) 

 

• The Frankenstein Cookie: Normally dished up in October, this fan favorite has been released for a nanosecond just for Halfway to Halloween. Made from “pieces of all the candies you want in your treat bag,” there will be M&M’s, crushed Oreo Double Stuff, and chocolate chips in every bite. (Limit two per person)

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

• Gideon’s Trading Card Series 3: There are free trading cards hidden at the bottom of every medium and large cookie box, and only for Halfway to Halloween, a free Barnabas Mephistophelittle Promo Card will materialize with your purchase (while supplies last).

 

• Barnabas Mephistophelittle Merchandise: Brand new merchandise featuring Gideon’s Halfway to Halloween Ambassador, Barnabas Mephistophelittle, will be available, including a collector’s pin and 24oz cold brew tumbler.

 
If you are on the West Coast, head to Kayla’s Cake in Downtown Disney District before May 9, for the Skull Macarons, macarons with vanilla confetti buttercream and a printed black skull.

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. More information at

https://raykeatingbooksandmore.com/shop/ols/products/disneyplanner. And please listen to the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast. 

Dates Announced for 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party; Tickets To Go On Sale Next Week

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 20, 2023

 

We may be “Halfway to Halloween” in Disneyspeak, but the dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom actually begin in August, and tickets go on sale next week.  Disneyland’s popular Oogie Boogie Bash is also returning, with 24 dates scheduled for September and October in California.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight. However, party guests may enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. to get a jump on their celebration. Ticket prices vary by date, with dates rising in price the closer you get to Halloween.  Prices begin at $109 for Adults (ages 10 and up) and $99 for children (ages 3 to 9), and top out at $199. There are discounts available for annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members.

 

Mickey’s 2023 Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates are:

August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29

September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29

October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31

November: 1

 

Guests who have a stay booked at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, 2023. Ticket sales will open to the general public on May 2, 2023.  Popular dates have been known to sell out quickly.

So, what are some of the highlights of the Not-So-Scary party? Candy, of course!  Guests are given a commemorative Trick-or-Treat bag upon entering the park, and are invited to make their way through designated “Treat Trails” throughout the Magic Kingdom. You’re welcome to collect as much free candy as your heart desires.  There are also a number of special treats available for sale throughout the evening, some of which are party exclusives.

 

While most of your favorite rides and attractions are open (except for those being used as treat trails) and offer much lower wait times during the party, several of the rides have themed party overlays to make the party more exciting. And TRON will be open for the parties this year!  (Be sure not to miss the Pirates of the Caribbean ride on party night for a little extra mischief from the scallywags.)

 
Party-only shows include the ever-popular Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular; a Not-So-Scary Fireworks Spectacular; and the Boo-To-You Parade which runs several times each night, with the very cool grave diggers “sparking” their way down Main Street. 

 

Elsewhere in the Kingdom, there are a number of meet-and-greets with rare characters, usually including Jack Skellington and Sally, and other character favorites in holiday costumes. And if you’re looking for some great photos of your night, there will be event-exclusive 3D step-in photo opportunities, as well as special event Magic Shots from the PhotoPass photographers throughout the park.

 

If you feel the need to work off the calories from all that Halloween candy, head over to one of several dance parties that typically take place throughout the evening, including the Disney Junior Jam Dance Party at Cosmic Ray’s.  And speaking of music, one of our family’s favorites will be returning: The Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet becomes the Cadaver Dans, with eerie (and corny) versions of their traditional jokes and tunes.

Don’t forget that the Not-So-Scary Halloween party is the one chance for grown-ups to dress the part as well (just make sure you are abiding by Disney’s costume guidelines…. and make sure your costume will allow for comfort in the Florida heat!)

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

Breaking News! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to Return for 2022!

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 28, 2022

 

As part of this week’s “Halfway to Halloween” Celebration, Disney World today (April 28) announced the return of the much-loved “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party,” a unique after-hours, separately ticketed event that has been among the missing since COVID descended on the land.  Last year, Disney filled the gap at Magic Kingdom with the After Hours Boo Bash party, a similar-but-not-quite-the same evening of treats and special activities.

Tickets for Not-So-Scary go on sale May 18, 2022, for 37 dates from August 12 through October 31, with the party running from 7 pm until midnight (though ticket holders are usually permitted into the park several hours earlier at 4:00 pm).  Disney World Resort Hotel guests can jump in even earlier, beginning May 12th.

 

Ticket prices range from $109 to $199, dependent on dates. Discounts of $10 are available on select dates for Annual Pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members.

This year’s dates include: 

• August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30

• September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30

• October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

 

Returning as part of the festivities will be the Headless Horseman’s ride down Main Street, the “Boo-to-You” parade with its haunting music and spooky outfits for characters, and the Sanderson Sisters’ Hocus Pocus “Villain Spelltacular” on the hub stage. Dress in your best Halloween costume (Disney guidelines apply), and trick-or-treat at the treat stops for as much candy as your treat bag can handle. Oh, and the Cadaver Dans will be back with their especially “dapper” outfits and “dead pan” humor. Finish off your party night with the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and projections show at the castle.

 

In addition to the entertainment, there will be limited edition, available-only-at-the-party seasonal treats, and the PhotoPass photographers will have special party shots available (Our family’s pic from the last 2019 party is still hanging on our refrigerator!  They are guaranteed fun moments.) A commemorative keepsake print will be available for take home as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. New 3D photo backdrops will also provide a tie-in for the 50th anniversary.

 

(Note to guests visiting Disney this Fall: If you are coming to Disney World during that time frame, be sure to check the event dates, even if you are not planning on attending the party. The Magic Kingdom closes early to regular park guests on party days, so you don’t want to cut your Magic Kingdom day short by visiting the park on a Halloween party date. Choose a different park for that day!  Yes, that is the voice of experience sharing with you!)

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

Party Dates Released for Disney World’s “After Hours Boo Bash”

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 2, 2021

 

On nearly two dozen spooky evenings this year, from August 10 through October 31, Disney World will play host to the “Disney After Hours Boo Bash,” a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event that takes over from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Disney has released some details about the new party, as well as the list of party dates. There will be three special cavalcades throughout the night, including “Mickey’s Happy Halloween Cavalcade,”with Mickey and friends in holiday attire; the “Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade”; and “Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade,” featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie parading down Main Street to everyone’s favorite party song, “This is Halloween.”  Maleficent, in fire-breathing dragon form, will also be making her way through the park.

 

Party entertainment will include performances by the Cadaver Dans; appearances by fan favorites Miss Carlotta, Miss Renatta and Broome the Butler at the Haunted Mansion; and surprise characters showing up in their Halloween outfits. Guests can also take advantage of Disney PhotoPass, which will offer magical and spooky shots throughout the night.

 

This year, because Disney will also be simultaneously celebrating Disney World’s 50th anniversary, with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” the park decorations will be uniquely transformed for the October event nights, blending the traditional fall look “with the enchanting story of Cinderella by creating special pumpkin coach decorations that will add to the park’s sparkling EARidescence during this magical time.”

 

Tickets for the three-hour event go on sale June 15, but guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can book their tickets as early as June 8. Tickets start at $129–$139, plus tax, for August/September nights; $159–$169, plus tax, for October nights; and $199, plus tax, for Halloween. (There is a $10 discount for event nights in August and September for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.)  

Party prices include select complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, along with select beverages, but there will also be a variety of specialty food and drinks available for purchase. Among the goodies will be an Apple Ginger Dale frozen drink and a Foolish Mortal Funnel Cake.  The Halloween candy trick-or-treat stations will be back from Mickeys-Not-So-Scary, much to everyone’s delight.  

 

Party attendees can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 7 p.m., and the “After Hours Boo Bash” dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation. Guests can also come in costume for the event, but party-goers should check the Costume Policy before donning their outfits.  

 

The Boo Bash will run from 9 p.m. to midnight, except for a few nights in August and September, when the party will be from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.   This year’s dates for the “Disney After Hours Boo Bash” are:

 

• Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021
• Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021
• Friday, Aug. 20, 2021
• Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021
• Friday, Aug. 27, 2021
• Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021
• Friday, Sept. 3, 2021
• Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021
• Friday, Sept. 10, 2021
• Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021
• Friday, Sept. 17, 2021
• Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021
• Friday, Sept. 24, 2021
• Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021
• Friday, Oct. 8, 2021
• Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021
• Friday, Oct. 15, 2021
• Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021
• Friday, Oct. 22, 2021
• Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021
• Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021
• Friday, Oct. 29, 2021
• Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021

 

Tickets, as well as additional information for the “Disney After Hours Boo Bash” are available here, or by calling 407-939-4240.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

“Boo to You” Means Something New This Year at Disney World

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

May 8, 2021

 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will not be returning to the Magic Kingdom again this year. That’s not surprising, given that fireworks, parades and close-up contact with character meet and greets are still on hiatus. The annual not-so-fright fest was cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

“Boo to You,” though, means something new this year. Replacing the Not-So-Scary festivities will be a Halloween-themed Disney After Hours event called “Disney After Hours BOO BASH.” It will take place on select nights, August 10 – October 31, from 9 p.m. to midnight most nights, with a few evenings slated for 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., after the Magic Kingdom closes for the day. 

 

Halloween-themed cavalcades, character sightings (with some more rarely seen characters such as Dr. Facilier and Captain Barbosa), and candy-filled treat stops will be part of the entertainment. Special performances by the Cadaver Dans will bring holiday music to the park and help set the scene for a spooky evening. Disney’s themed holiday décor and special event lighting will also add to the mood. A few “BOO BASH” limited edition themed treats are sure to make an appearance at the party as well.

 

For those unfamiliar with Disney’s after-hours events, guests will not need a daytime park ticket or Disney Park Pass reservation to attend the special-ticketed event, which sells only a limited number of tickets for entry. “Disney After Hours BOO BASH” tickets will give party-goers admission to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m. for the fun. Because the event takes place after the park is closed to day guests, party-goers also have access to more than 20 attractions and rides while experiencing very low wait times. 

 

As was the case with the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary parties, guests of any age can dress in costume for the event, as long as they adhere to the safety guidelines (such as only guests younger than 14 being allowed to wear costume masks – they are a no-no for adults. Check the Costume Guidelines page on Disney’s website to plan your party attire.) 

Disney has not yet released prices for the event, but tickets will go on sale next month. Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will have the ability to purchase their party tickets early before tickets go on sale to the general public. More information and ticket sales will be available at the Disney World website here. Disney will release additional BOO BASH details as the dates get closer.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!