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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party : Everything you Need to Know For a Spooktacular Time!

August 22, 2016 / tkamsler

Summer’s almost over but don’t be sad — that means it’s almost time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. We’ve got a ton of information on this year’s party, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you’ve got more, please leave them in the comments.

Tickets are already on sale and Disney is beginning to release schedules for the Halloween festivities (with more to come the closer we get). Here’s what partygoers can count on so far:

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

The Sanderson Sisters are back! This year they’ll be joined by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other Disney villains in this not-to-be missed show featuring songs, dances and spells. The show is scheduled to take place several times nightly, as follows:

September 2 – September 13: 9:15 PM,10:40 PM and Midnight
September 16 – September 30: 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight
October 1 – 31: 7:45 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight

Cadaver Dans

Located in Frontierland and seen as part of the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, the Cadaver Dans will take you through rousing renditions of spooky Disney classics like “Grim Grinning Ghosts”, “Cruella DeVil” and the “Oogie Boogie Song” among others.

September 2 – October 31: In Frontierland at 7:15 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:55 PM and 10:50 PM

Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade

Lead by the Headless Horseman, this eerie but fun parade featuring ghosts and ghouls from the Haunted Mansion takes place twice nightly.

September 2 – September 30: 8:30 PM and 11:15 PM
October 1 – October 31: 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM

Celebrate the Magic

Cinderella’s Castle will be magically transformed with Halloween-inspired scenes featuring Disney Villains.

September 2 – October 31: 10:00 PM

Happy Hallowishes Fireworks

Disney Villains and the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion welcome guests to a spooky version of the Magic Kingdom’s much-loved evening fireworks display, set to the soundtrack of Disney’s scarier songs.

September 2 – October 31: 10:15 PM

Other events and sights to see at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Trick or treating for visitors both young and old.
Special Character Meets – These are incredibly popular and lines form early. Available in 2015: Jack Skellington and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, Jafar, Cruella De Vil, the Queen of Hearts, and Lotso, as well as many other regular characters.
The Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball and the Toy Story Dance Party are a character dance parties last held in 2014, and are scheduled nightly from 7 PM to Midnight, but no further information has been given as yet.
PhotoPass photographers will take Magic Shots during the party. When you look at your pictures, you’ll see something magically inserted into the shot with you… maybe a ghost or two!
Exclusive merchandise
An exclusive Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party : Everything you Need to Know For a Spooktacular Time! Share on X

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide and Map 2016

Download the PDF here. Click on images below for full resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party, do I need to have a Park ticket for the Magic Kingdom for that day as well?

A: No. You do not need a park ticket in addition to the special event ticket to attend the Halloween Party, which officially begins at 7 PM — however party guests have traditionally been allowed into the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 PM.

Q: Can I enter the Park at 4 PM, leave and come back?

You can, because you’ll be given a special Party wristband. But you’ll be giving up valuable Park time if you do.

Q: Do they really make non-Party guests leave Magic Kingdom at 7 PM?

Yes. As it gets closer to 7 PM, Cast Members will start reminding everyone not wearing a wristband that they must leave before the Party begins. Once 7 PM comes, Cast Members will start escorting anyone without a wristband out of the Park. You’ll always hear stories of people who claim they were able to sneak past the CMs and stay, but some of those may be exaggerated, and besides, you don’t want to be that guy, do you?

Q: What if I’ve got an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) at a Magic Kingdom restaurant like Be Our Guest at 6 PM? They’re not going to cut my dinner short, are they?

Definitely not. But when you are finished and leave the restaurant, you’ll be escorted to the gate.

Q: Will I be able to make FastPass+ selections for attractions during the Halloween Party?

No, but also kind of yes.

No — there are no FastPass+ selections available during the Party, between 7 PM and Midnight. The good news is, you won’t need them. Ride lines tend to be much shorter during holiday parties because guests are busy with other activities, like special character meet and greets, trick or treating, and the parades. So it’s a great time to ride your favorite attraction an extra time or two. Make sure to visit Haunted Mansion, of course, which is extra spooky this time of year.

BUT… you can make FastPass+ selections between 4 PM and 7 PM on those days, since Party ticket holders are allowed in the gates early at 4 PM, before the official event starts.

Q: What is the costume policy for guests at Magic Kingdom and for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Can we dress up?

A: This is an important question, as Disney has changed their policy regarding costumes recently. Here are the guidelines — note that the rules for guests 14 years and older are stricter than they were in the past.

Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.

All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.

Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.

Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests ages 14 and older:

Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.

Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)

Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.

Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.

Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.

May not wear masks of any kind.

Q: Are the special character meet and greet lines long during the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

YES. In past years both the Seven Dwarves meet and Jack Skellington & Sally’s in particular had lengthy, lengthy lines. If these character meets are important to you, get there early — as in, before the party starts early.

Q: Where is the best place to find exclusive merchandise during the party?

A: One of the easiest places to find items is The Emporium, but check out Big Top Souvenirs as well.

Q: How do I get tickets?

A; Tickets start at $72 for adults and $67 for kids and rise closer to $100 as Halloween nears. Click here for more details, and to purchase tickets now.

RUMOR: New device to replace MagicBands?

August 16, 2016 / tkamsler

There’ve always been a lot of rumors about Walt Disney World replacing or changing MagicBands, none of which have come to fruition. Today, though, thanks to some intel from MagicBand Collectors, there’s reason to think it might actually be happening.

A new post on the FCC’s system for MagicBand ID Q3E-MB-R1G2 shows some pictures of a prototype MagicBand puck that would fit into a changeable strap. This would allow guests to keep the same puck and interchange different straps as they would like.

[source: MagicBand Collectors. Visit their site for more images, including a size comparison with current MagicBands. The “puck” looks huge here, but actually appears to be approximately the size of a nickel.]

I’m hearing this is technology more like the FitBit step tracker — I don’t use one so I’m not familiar with the details in that regard. The idea is that you would snap this “puck” into a strap as either a bracelet or a necklace or perhaps a key fob. This would lower the cost of those straps (theoretically) because no chips would be embedded in each one, thus lowering production costs and IT support for Disney. Rumor has it that as guests’ accounts fill up with multiple MagicBands from multiple trips, this causes headaches and backup for Disney IT.

I personally see this is an all-new accessory revenue stream for Disney. Special light-up necklaces to hold your “puck” for nighttime or parties, new graphic designs for every character and every season — the possibilities for merchandising are endless, and no longer limited by needing that special chip in each decorative version. Right now Disney fans and park visitors love to buy limited edition MagicBands or ones featuring their favorite characters. In the future, you might be able to buy all kinds of items to hold your “puck”.

Will Disney replace MagicBands with a new wearable device? This rumor might be for real. Share on X

My thoughts: well, the thing is, I like MagicBands the way they are. I know a lot of park visitors don’t, but I think it’s fun to wear one. I’ve never had a technical problem with mine and I love the convenience. So this is a problem I didn’t think needed fixing, but it might be more of a back-end issue than something users can see. My first and foremost thought, though, is that it seems ridiculously easy to lose these, and thereby create headaches for everyone involved getting them replaced. I don’t know how easy or difficult it will be to “pop” them in and out of wearable straps, but there’s always a chance, with something removable, of it coming loose. More to the point, there are going to be plenty of visitors who don’t like wearing anything, or hate feeling cluttered, and just shove the disk in their pockets — thereby making them as losable as loose change. Since I’m not one of those people it’s not my problem to solve, but I can’t help thinking it’ll be a future factor.

There are currently no official announcements as to when we may see these in the parks — this is just in the rumor stage. But with the FCC filing, we know something is being tested at least — according to MagicBand Collectors, there has been a working prototype already tested behind the scenes.

New Rogue One: A Star Wars Story trailer reveals tale

August 15, 2016 / tkamsler

A new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story aired during Olympics coverage recently and it gave us much more information on the plot of this new film than we’ve heard before.

Rogue One takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, tells the story of unlikely heroes who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. If you’re having trouble fitting this new movie into the timeline, think of it as in-between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope (the original Star Wars movie); in other words, after Anakin Skywalker becomes Darth Vader but before Luke and Leia grow up and join the rebellion.

I’m really excited about this new movie. There’s such a rich universe in the Star Wars movies, there must be plenty of stories other than those focusing on the Skywalker family to be told. It’s a familiar setting and a familiar world, but with new characters to meet and know.

The cast includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, and Forest Whitaker. “Rogue One” is directed by Gareth Edwards, produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel, executive produced by John Knoll and Jason McGatlin, and co-produced by John Swartz and Kiri Hart.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters December 16, 2016.

UPDATED: Main Street Electrical Parade closing at WDW

August 9, 2016 / tkamsler

UPDATED: as per the Disney Parks Blog, “The Main Street Electrical Parade, Magic Kingdom Park’s long-running nighttime parade, will officially end its historic run at Walt Disney World Resort on October 9 and then head to Disneyland Resort for a limited-time encore engagement.”

There was a rumor going around that Walt Disney World’s Main Street Electrical Parade is closing on September 10, 2016, based on this tweet —

Anonymous source tells me that WDW Entertainment Cast were informed today Main Street Electrical Parade will close 9/10/16 #unconfirmed

— Aaron Wallace (@aaronspod) August 8, 2016

Will the parade be replaced by the Paint the Night parade from Disneyland, as some are speculating? No definite information is available. The Disney Parks Blog has this to say about plans at Disneyland:

“Paint the Night” parade will continue nightly performances, just before “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, through September 5 as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. And I’m excited to share today that this popular parade will return on select nights during the holiday season later this year.

When questioned in the comments about the possibility of Paint the Night moving to Walt Disney World in Florida, the blog had only this reply:

Disney’s Moana Cast News and New Trailer

August 8, 2016 / tkamsler

The cast of Disney’s newest animated feature, Moana, features Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger Join Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson in an epic big-screen adventure. Here’s the newly-released TV spot from the Olympics.

“Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on November 23, 2016 and tells a story that begins three thousand years ago, when the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Disney's newest animated feature, Moana, sails into theaters on November 23, 2016. Share on X

From Walt Disney Animation Studios:

BURBANK, Calif. (July 27, 2016) – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” which opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 23, 2016, features a dynamic roster of characters brought to life by a talented group of actors. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who were behind “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” “Moana” showcases the life-changing journey of a tenacious 16-year-old who teams up with the mighty demigod Maui to fulfill an ancient quest.

The newly revealed characters and voice talent join the already announced duo that includes newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, who lends her voice to the title character, Moana, a teenager who dreams of becoming a master wayfinder, and Dwayne Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”), who voices Maui—half god, half mortal, all awesome.

Joining Cravalho and Johnson are the following performers:

· JEMAINE CLEMENT (“The BFG,” “Despicable Me,” “Rio,” “Rio 2,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” Flight of the Conchords) provides the voice of TAMATOA, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab who lives in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. The conceited crustacean wants to be more than a “bottom feeder” and overcompensates for this perceived shortcoming by covering himself in all things shiny.
· RACHEL HOUSE (“Whale Rider,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”) lends her voice to GRAMMA TALA, Moana’s confidante and best friend, who shares her granddaughter’s special connection to the ocean. Although her son Tui, the chief of Motunui, is a no-nonsense leader, Gramma Tala most definitely dances to the beat of her own drum.
· TEMUERA MORRISON (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Six Days, Seven Nights”) voices Moana’s father, CHIEF TUI, the gregarious and well-respected leader of the people of Motunui Island. Chief Tui wants Moana to follow in his footsteps as leader of their people, but fears his daughter’s draw to the ocean and the world that lies beyond their reef.
· NICOLE SCHERZINGER (Grammy®-nominated singer, West End’s “Cats”) voices Moana’s mother, SINA, who always has her daughter’s back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water, but also wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef.
· ALAN TUDYK, star of Joss Whedon’s “Firefly” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”), is behind the voice of HEIHEI. Heihei is one dumb rooster—the village idiot, in fact. When the clueless chicken accidently stows away on Moana’s canoe, he lands a front-row seat for her epic journey.

“Moana” also includes the KAKAMORA, an intense team of crazy, coconut-armored pirates who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and PUA, Moana’s loyal pet pig with puppy energy and an innocent puppy brain.

For more information, visit http://disney.com/moana, like the movie on Facebook, or follow Disney Animation on Twitter, and Instagram.

Meet Belle at Liberty Square this month

August 4, 2016 / tkamsler

There’s a limited-time character meet and greet going on for Memory Maker customers only in Walt Disney World this month, August 2016 — drat, I’m super sorry to be missing this one! Belle is my favorite princess.

From August 7th to the 31st, Memory Maker customers can meeting Belle in her formal gown at Heritage House at Liberty Square, in the Magic Kingdom. There is no FastPass for this experience and it is for Memory Maker customers only.

Belle will be available daily for at the following times:

11 AM – 11:40 AM
12 PM – 12:40 PM
1 PM – 1:40 PM
2 PM – 2:40 PM
4 PM – 4:40 PM
5 PM – 5:40 PM

At WDW Aug 7 - 31, Memory Maker customers can meet Belle at Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. Share on X

More information:

Disney PhotoPass Service will offer a character experience at Magic Kingdom Park for Guests who have a Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day entitlement, including Annual Passholders. The Guest with the Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day entitlement will need to have his/her MagicBand or Park Ticket scanned prior to entering the character experience to verify that he/she has purchased one of the two products.

Update: This limited-time event is set to coincide with the DVD re-release of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

New Dooney & Bourke designs available on the Disney Parks App August 2016

August 1, 2016 / tkamsler

An update on the much-awaited new Dooney & Bourke designs, including one for Beauty & the Beast, was shared on the Disney Parks Blog this morning.

In August 2016, we will premiere three new Dooney & Bourke collections on the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. This free app offers access to thousands of products found at Disney Parks which you can have shipped directly to your home.

Each collection consists of a shopper tote, a letter carrier, and a wristlet. All three collections are coated cotton. No other configurations are currently planned, which may be disappointing news to some. Also, as stated on the blog and clarified in comments, as of right now at least, these items will be for sale ONLY through the Disney Parks app. There is no current plans for their availability in the Parks themselves. Pricing information was also not released at this time. My feeling: love the designs themselves, wish there was more variation in purses, and imagine the price will be in-line (as in, steep) with other Dooney & Bourke offerings.

The Muppets are coming to the Magic Kingdom!

July 28, 2016 / tkamsler

Those rumors about The Muppets coming to Liberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom — they’re true!

Those rumors about The Muppets coming to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom -- they're true! Share on X

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Beginning this fall, the Muppets will be visiting Magic Kingdom Park, where they’ll take part in an all-new live show, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.”

Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, will join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, as they gather outside The Hall of Presidents to present historical tales in hysterical fashion as only they can. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets appear throughout the day to share with Guests, their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America.

Featuring an original song and plenty of wacky Muppets humor, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” will make its debut in October 2016.

Listen up everyone: Disney is *not* replacing the Hall of Presidents with Muppets. This is an all-new addition that will happen outside the much-beloved attraction. As a Muppets fan myself, I’m thrilled. This also dovetails nicely to the recent news about PizzeRizzo replacing Pizza Planet in Hollywood Studios this fall.

New Pandora Gift Sets and Charms from Disney Parks

July 26, 2016 / tkamsler

I love my Pandora bracelets — I have one for Disney charms and one for the rest. I like to get a new charm on each trip or special occasion, so that I can look back and remember each one just by looking at my bracelet. Though my list of “must have” charms is already rather long as it is, I can’t resist checking out the new offerings whenever they’re available.

These new Disney Parks Exclusive charms will be available in the fall. The one on the left has a mother of pearl inlay.

Also coming from Disney Parks this fall are four new Gift Sets that include a bracelet, two clips, and a Disney-themed charm. These starter sets are available starting today (July 26, 2016) but in the Parks only — they cannot be purchased through the Disney Parks app.

Pete’s Dragon soundtrack will feature a song by the Lumineers

July 21, 2016 / tkamsler

The soundtrack for Disney’s reimagining of Pete’s Dragon will feature three all-new original songs, including “Nobody Knows” performed by The Lumineers.

The album will be released on August 12, 2016, the same day Pete’s Dragon opens in U.S. theaters, and features 3 original songs written for the film including the end credit track “Something Wild” by electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling, “Nobody Knows” performed by the Lumineers, plus “The Dragon Song” performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. The original score was composed by Daniel Hart (“Tumbledown,” “Comet”).

Performed by the Grammy®-nominated band The Lumineers, “Nobody Knows” was written by “Pete’s Dragon” co-screenwriter Toby Halbrooks with Andrew Tinker.

“The Dragon Song” performed by singer-songwriter Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (Will Oldham) was written by “Pete’s Dragon” director/screenwriter David Lowery and co-screenwriter Toby Halbrooks and bookends the film. Daniel Hart, who scored the film, is a multi-instrumental composer and performer and toured over a decade with bands from The Polyphonic Spree to St. Vincent to his own projects. His upcoming scores include the documentary “Eating Animals” and the FOX TV series “The Exorcist” airing this fall. The soundtrack also boasts a newly-recorded version of “Candle On the Water” performed by the critically-acclaimed Okkervil River, fronted by singer-songwriter Will Sheff. The band will release a new album this fall.

The Pete’s Dragon track list follows:

“The Dragon Song” Performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
“Something Wild” Performed by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
“Nobody Knows” Performed by The Lumineers
“Something On Your Mind” Performed by St. Vincent
“So Long, Marianne” Performed by Leonard Cohen
“Gina Anne” Performed by Bosque Brown
“An Adventure”
“Are You Gonna Eat Me?”
“Brown Bunny”
“Reverie”
“Tree Fort”
“North Star”
“Bedtime Compass”
“Timber”
“Breathe”
“Gavin Knows What He’s Doing”
“You Are Not Alone”
“Elliot Gets Lost”
“Takedown”
“It’ll Be Just Like It Used To Be”
“Follow That Dragon”
“Elliot at the Bridge”
“Abyss”
“Go North”
“Saying Goodbye”
“The Bravest Boy I’ve Ever Met”
“The Dragon Song Revisited” Performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
“Candle On the Water” Performed by Okkervil River

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence and Oscar® winner Robert Redford. For more on the story:

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.

There's a Girl in the Castle

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