Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

For the first time in years, guests can get excited for the return of Walt Disney World’s most spooktacular celebration! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially returning to the Most Magical Place on Earth. This special Halloween event is coming to Magic Kingdom on select nights August 12, 2022 through October 31, 2022 after normal park operating hours, from 7:00 PM to midnight.

Guests can look forward to the return of their favorite Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party moments like trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom, the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, themed attraction overlays, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and more. To celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guests will also receive a keepsake 50th anniversary reusable trick-or-treating tote bag and a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration commemorative print!

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

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

Tickets for this special Halloween event go on sale May 18, 2022, with ticket prices ranging from $109-$199. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members are eligible for specially priced tickets for select dates. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary tickets can be purchased online or by calling 407-939-4240.

We’ll continue sharing new details for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as they materialize, so check back as we get closer to the spooky season! For now, let’s celebrate being Halfway to Halloween this weekend at the Most Magical Place on Earth. From limited time eats and treats to new Disney PhotoPass opportunities and Halloween details at the Disney Parks, we’re sharing everything you can look forward to for Halfway to Halloween this weekend.

No Tricks, Just Eats & Treats

Frankenstein Cake Slices

This three-layer chocolate cake is inspired by Frankenstein. Covered in cookies and cream buttercream and topped with M&M’s, it’s sold by the slice. Grab yours at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs for a limited time through May 1, 2022.

Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes

Three rich devil’s food cake cupcakes with “peanut boo-ter” filling decorated with colorful frosting to resemble each of the Sanderson Sisters. Find the Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes through May 1, 2022 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket

Nightmare Before Christmas fans, get excited! This Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket is available in Magic Kingdom at the Liberty Square Popcorn Cart and other outdoor vending carts for a limited time. Grab yours for Halfway to Halloween through May 1, 2022. (Limited to two buckets per person per transaction while supplies last.)

Lady on the Gravestone 50th Chilling Chamber Pop

This pop features citrus cake crumbs, raspberry buttercream, and blue crisp pearls topped with white chocolate Lady on the Gravestone piece. Find it in Magic Kingdom at Sleepy Hollow through August 13, 2022.

Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket

This Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket is back at Disney Springs for the Halfway to Halloween weekend! Find it on the West Side of Disney’s Shopping and Dining District at various outdoor vending carts through May 1, 2022. (Limited to two buckets per person per transaction while supplies last.)

Pumpkin Spice Shadow Cakes

Enjoy chocolate-dipped spice cakes with a festive pumpkin buttercream filling. Find this treat through May 1, 2022 at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs.

Sister’s Elixir Hot Cocoa Bomb

We smell chocolate – a dark chocolate cauldron from The Ganachery in Disney Springs! This cauldron is filled with marshmallows and hot cocoa mix, topped with an edible image of the Sanderson Sisters and served with a chocolate broom stirrer. It’s only available this weekend, so grab yours through May 1, 2022.

Valentina Cake

A classic red velvet cake covered in light cookies and cream marshmallow buttercream. Find the Valentina Cake through May 1, 2022 at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs.

Halfway to Halloween Trading Cards

Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs is getting into the spirit of the season this weekend. In addition to the spooky specialty treats, each four and six cookie box will feature one of sixteen exclusive trading cards for Halfway to Halloween through May 1, 2022. There’s even a bonus card featuring Barnabas Mephistophelittle for those waiting in line at Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Spooktacular New PhotoPass Offerings

New Disney PhotoPass Lens

Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new Disney PhotoPass Lens that’s perfect for Halfway to Halloween! You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to that stormy night long ago when five people boarded an elevator that took them directly to the Twilight Zone. With purchase of Disney Genie+ services, this new Disney PhotoPass Lens can be found on the My Disney Experience app.

Haunted Mansion PhotoPass Update

While flash pictures aren’t allowed on this classic Magic Kingdom attraction, guests will find that an image from it will materialize on the My Disney Experience app after riding it. While this ride photo is nothing new, the update does take advantage of the dead space in the picture. Each Haunted Mansion photo will feature a grim grinning ghost, just in time for Halfway to Halloween.

We’re still a few months away from spooky season at the Most Magical Place on Earth, but knowing what Halloween excitement is in store is half of the fun! We hope you’ll take advantage of these Halfway to Halloween offerings if you find yourself in Orlando this weekend. Discuss it all with 150,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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Below, we’ve provided a brief breakdown on the current ways for you to rediscover Disney fandom and a link to each option. As things begin to return to normal (as normal as things get nowadays, anyway), some guest-favorite park tours and exclusive experiences have returned to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. These include an in-depth look at Walt Disney World’s most iconic theme park as well as a couple of excursions across Walt Disney World’s property that you normally wouldn’t think of. While these experiences aren’t your typical theme park fare, these enhancements to your visit could still reinvigorate that Mouse House fandom that we all hold dear. On that note, let’s get into the details about each one.

Magic Kingdom

Keys to the Kingdom

Location: Town Square in Main Street, USA
Price: $114.00 plus tax per guest 16 years of age or older

This is for the true Disney enthusiasts. During the 5-hour walking tour, guests are granted a behind-the-scenes look at Magic Kingdom. While the tour guide provides secrets, tidbits, and trivia to the park’s classic attractions via earpiece, guests are treated to the infamous “utilidors” that lie beneath the property. Guests will also be given some insight towards Walt Disney’s vision for Magic Kingdom and his thought process during its conception and development — you may even come across a Hidden Mickey or two! Cell phones and cameras aren’t allowed while you’re on the tour and (although it should go without saying these days) valid theme park admission and same day park reservations are required in addition to the tour bookings. However, lunch and a commemorative keepsake to take home are included along with bragging rights for acquiring this unique perspective of Walt Disney World’s mainstay park.

If you were to ask me what the best tour for any Disney World fan is, this would be it. It’s perfect for Magic Kingdom veterans or for someone visiting the park for their first time. The Keys to the Kingdom tour returns on February 6, 2022. Looking ahead, availability looks to be between one to three time slots daily. This could vary depending on the size of your party, so we’d suggest to book this offering sooner rather than later as the time you’d prefer may sell out due to the tour’s popularity.

Disney hotels: Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Port Orleans

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

Location: The Bike Barn at The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort
Price: $90.00 plus tax per guest 16 years of age or older

 This two-hour Segway X2 tour allows guests to cruise the Fort Wilderness property as they stop at the Wilderness Lodge, the Tri-Circle D Ranch stables, and glassy Bay Lake.  Guests are entertained and informed with facts and anecdotes via headset as their tour guide brings them along the property’s nature trail. If you aren’t familiar with operating Segways, don’t fret — guests are provided approximately 30 minutes of instruction and practice time in navigating their all-terrain vehicle on a training course before the tour embarks. There are some things to know before booking, including minimum and maximum weight restrictions and a mild dress code due to the nature of the tour, which you can read up on here.

You’ll also want to make a note that the Segway tours will currently only depart Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 A.M. This may make booking the right day a little strenuous, especially given availabilty limitations. However, with the proper planning, it’s certainly a considerable choice for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Location: Port Orleans — River Side and Fort Wilderness
Price: $55.00 – $75.00 plus tax 16 years of age or older

We’re including this because sometimes it’s all about adding in just a little extra magic to your trip. Sure, it isn’t a tour of any sort, but being whisked away on a horse-drawn carriage is an excellent way to add some extra flare to anyone’s day. The rides last about 25 minutes, with carriages fitting up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 small kids). This is a perfect idea for anyone wanting to spark up a little romance or fitting for those who just need a quick get-away from the parks. Personally, I’m a sucker for the Port Orleans theme, but either is great since Fort Wilderness also has its own place in my heart.

Fort Wilderness began their carriage rides on January 7th, 2022 and Port Orleans Riverside will commence theirs on February 4th, 2022. Finally, you may be delighted to know that you don’t need park admission for the carriage rides nor the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. Taking part in these options is as simple as booking them.

Have you done any of these experiences? What’s your favorite one? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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There have already been countless announcements regarding event gestures occurring across each theme park leading up to the October 1st kickoff, which will formally begin 18 months of celebrating. You might have caught headlines about limited-edition event merchandise, or anniversary embellishments located across all four of their main theme parks, and even new, epic nighttime shows. Since there’s so much exciting information to behold and absorb, we’ve compiled this handy list for your perusal and easy reference. 

1. Iconic Makeovers

Cinderella Castle has been a canvas for many celebratory looks in its time. Despite a full shutdown in 2020 during the heat of the pandemic, Walt Disney World stayed hard at work in their efforts to celebrate both Cinderella’s 70th cinematic anniversary as well as their own 50th operating anniversary, and the end result is captivating. The castle’s body has been transformed from the former gray and blue concept to a lustrous blend of pale pinks; the spires are topped with a hue of dark, bold blue and are elegantly trimmed and ribboned with glittering gold. While the recent change has sparked some debate, it certainly defines the”EARidescent Excitement” theme encompassing the event. 

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, and Chip and Dale (the “EARidescent 8” as they’ve been honorably dubbed for the event), are also getting in on the action! Each character has received wardrobe enhancements in the form of custom-cut garb featuring the EARidescent blue, pink, and purple tones of the celebration as well as impressions of Cinderella Castle embroidered into the shimmering fabric. Of course, what’s a festive makeover if you can’t then show it off? During various hours of the day, Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade will make their way around the Magic Kingdom. This will not only give guests an up-close showcasing of the gang’s new fashion, but also get everyone in the spirit for the 18-month event.

2. New Attractions

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Location: EPCOT, France Pavilion

After a postponement in 2020, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has made a new home in the France Pavilion in World Showcase. (This is a fitting placement, as our Little Chef is no stranger to EPCOT. Alongside Figment, Remy has found himself a natural mascot of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival.) In this new attraction, guests are shrunk down to rat-sized and scamper with Remy through Gusteau’s restaurant in this amazing, trackless, 4-D experience! Even the little ones can get excited to take part since there isn’t a height requirement for this family ride. This attraction is latent with references from the movie, from the Parisian roof queue to nuanced scenery in the surrounding outside area in the France Pavilion, the details of which caused the area to nearly double in size during expansion.

3. Daytime Shows and Night Spectaculars

Disney Enchantment

Location: Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A.

Naturally, the Mouse House is setting the expectations high as they promise to take guests on an empowering journey of wonder and adventure set to the tune of You are the Magic, an original song by popular songwriter Phillip Lawrence. The park’s brand new night spectacular will incorporate aspects of Disney and Pixar’s robust library of cinema and soundtracks with fireworks, breathtaking light effects, and visual projections layered across both Cinderella Castle and the buildings of Main Street U.S.A. Everything leads up to an inspirational moment where Tinker Bell flies across the audience and moves us to believe in magic all over again. This moment is groundbreaking, as it’s the first time any of Magic Kingdom’s night shows has expanded past the castle. Disney Enchantment is yet another example of Disney exceeding in its endeavor to breathe new life into their parks.

Harmonious

Location: EPCOT, World Showcase Lagoon

On October 1, Harmonious will make its debut at EPCOT, taking the place of Epcot Forever. This show is being boasted as one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park, and, if what few details given are any indication, it’s pretty clear why. Harmonious will enable guests to re-discover their favorite Disney anthems sung in over a dozen languages in collaboration with over 240 artists. The show’s intention within the show is to bring the world in harmony through their musical catalogue and the magic of special effects, which include pyrotechnics, moving fountains, lighting, and other inspirational visuals. This message is delivered in three parts: “Gather,” during which guests are welcomed to become part of the world family around the park’s lagoon; “Celebrate,” which transports guests around the globe in celebration of each other through the art and magic of Disney; and lastly, “Unite,” the show’s epic finale that showcases the spirit of what EPCOT is about.

Disney Kite Tails

Location: Animal Kingdom, Discovery River Amphitheater

Guests venturing out to Animal Kingdom will have the opportunity to enjoy a new daytime show at the park’s Discovery River Amphitheater, which astute readers and Disney goers will remember as the former stage for Rivers of Light. In order to bring this show to life, Disney performers and water crafts will parade colorful wind catchers and kites of all shapes and sizes — some reaching upwards of 30 feet long!— to tunes from the company’s rich catalogue of movies and television shows. While your ears are being dazzled by a soundtrack of timeless Disney classics, you’ll see three-dimensional representations of Simba, Baloo, Zazu, King Louie, and other “animal friends.” Of course, Disney Kite Tails will take place several times throughout the day, so there will be plenty of chances for every family to catch a showing.

4. Beacons of Magic

Location: across all parks

In “Beacons of Magic,” each Disney park icon (Cinderella Castle, Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth, and the Tree of Life) will receive their own visually-projected adornments and accompanying rendition of “The Magic is Calling,” an original song created for the 50th anniversary celebrations. Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Tower Hotel will take on its own EARidescent shimmer as it evokes the glitz and glamour of the golden age of imagination and adventure; Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life will illuminate as enchanted fireflies summon the spirit of Nature; Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will receive a new projection overlay as its reflective panels sparkle and twinkle like the galactic planes; and Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom will receive its own spectacular shimmer through the dazzle of pixie dust.

5. New Dining Experiences

La Creperie de Paris

Location: EPCOT, France Pavilion

La Creperie de Paris offers hungry guests a menu conceived by celebrity chef Jerome Bocuse and was inspired by France’s Brittany region. The restaurant is a traditional creperie, offering both quick- and table-service  with a focus on made-from-scratch crepes and galletes. In order to add authenticity to the experience, Disney has even imported buckwheat exclusively from Brittany, and the restaurant features three distinct flavors of hard cider popular to the region. As this is located near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, there are new enhancements and details in its perimeter, seamlessly tying together hints of Remy’s world, La Creperie de Paris, and the Brittany region of France. Given all the new embellishments and additions, I’d dare to say this is worthy of even Ego’s approval.

Space 220

Location: EPCOT, Future World

Boarding one of two elevators located near Mission: Space, guests will ascend 220 miles from Earth to board the Centauri Space Station, where they can dine from a prix fixe menu put together by Executive Chef Marc Kusche. While specifics have yet to be disclosed, we know we can look forward to a selection of fine wines, phenomenal cosmic cocktails, and out-of-this-world culinary offerings that will, as Disney themselves put it, “bring new meaning to ‘the height of dining!’” Once seated, guests will be able to look out across the cosmos, taking in a breathtaking view of our big, blue planet as well as observing activities performed around the space station’s atmosphere. This astro-themed restaurant is set to be a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience and will begin daily lift offs on September 20th of this year, so we’d recommend to get your reservations soon!

6. Other Exciting EPCOT Updates

New Entryway

Starting back in 2019, preparations were announced not only for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, but also for EPCOT’s 40th in 2022. As part of its thematic overhaul, EPCOT’s entry way was redesigned, inspired partly by the original look of the park. Guests will be greeted by twelve flags celebrating each of the six original pavilions from their opening day concept; once inside the gates, guests will encounter the new prism fountain centerpiece directly in front of Spaceship: Earth. New nighttime lighting, including a color-coordinated ribbon, and music throughout the day will also be part of the ambiance for visitors. Considering how well Disney has already executed a modern spin on nostalgic concepts, this writer is excited for the final product.

Club Cool

Location: Future World

Prior to the pandemic in 2019, Club Cool closed their doors in preparation for the sweeping renovations to EPCOT’s Future World. After a 2-year hiatus, the Coca-Cola sponsored gift shop and attraction will officially return at their new location near the former home of Mouse Gears! Just as before, the venue will offer samplings of Coca-Cola products from across the globe — including the much beloved Beverly — as well as select merchandise for purchase. From what’s been shared, the new location looks promising, and we love the incorporation of the new font that can be found throughout EPCOT as part of the overall transformation.

Creation Shop

Location: Future World

Just next door to Club Cool, the Creation Shop will premiere as the EPCOT’s new flagship store. This unique shopping experience blends a contemporary aesthetic with hints of nostalgia, and sports a hand-painted mural of Mickey Mouse spanning over 35 feet. It also features an open concept with large windows allowing natural light to cascade in. The combination of the shop’s sleek design as well as its use of Mickey as a creative inspiration makes it as a perfect representation of its home, World Celebration. We expect some pretty stylish finds here, possibly including the new 50th Anniversary merchandise.

Speaking of which…

7. Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Merchandise

Location: across all parks

As with every celebration, Walt Disney World has announced their new lines of 50th Anniversary Merchandise. Overall, there will be five unique collections inspired by the event. Three of these collections will be released alongside the October 1st kickoff: Celebration, which features a wide variety of items that provides guests with everything they’ll need to remember the anniversary celebrations; Disney Castle, which is expected to pull its inspiration from the park’s definitive icon; and the Vault Collection, which will harken back to the colors and styles from the park’s opening days. Later in October, the EARidescent Collection will debut with stylish items showcasing the event’s festive themes. Finally, the Luxe Logo Collection will premiere with high-end fashion pulling from Mickey’s color palette. No matter which one speaks to you, there’s certainly something for everyone.

8. Fab 50 Statues

Location: across all parks

Keeping in the spirit of their 50th anniversary, Walt Disney World is debuting their Fab 50 statues, a golden dedication to 50 of their most beloved characters, honoring each one’s legendary status. Along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip, Dale, Goofy, and Pluto, visitors will come across others from the long and distinguished lineage of Disney characters who’ve crossed our screens and warmed our hearts. At the moment, the complete list of statues has yet to be fully revealed, but judging by what’s been presented thus far, it seems safe to say that majority of your favorites can be found at the Magic Kingdom. Since the statues will be placed throughout all four of Walt Disney World’s major theme parks, you’ll find characters suited to certain locations, like Timon and Pumbaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Woody and Bo-Beep over in Hollywood Studios.

9. Disney Genie Replacing Fastpass+

While this isn’t officially part of the celebration, the Disney Genie Service is being introduced as part of the enhancements leading up to October 1st. This comes two-fold. On the list of its complimentary services, the My Disney Experience app upgrade seems to offer a good deal of help. It provides all-day itinerary updates, a tip board displaying current and predicted wait times for your favorite attractions, and assists with virtual queue capabilities and mobile-ordering services.

Switching gears to its purchasable add-ons, Disney Genie+ also utilizes the soon-to-debut Lightning Lane entrance through a couple options. For the nominal cost of $15 per ticket per day, this option allows guests to schedule return times for the attraction they wish to experience. Guests who purchase this particular upgrade will also receive unique Disney parks-themed audio experiences, special augmented reality lenses, and unlimited Disney Photo Pass downloads. It’s worth noting that it’s only one selection at a time throughout the day as opposed to the three attractions allowed by the former Fastpass+.

Separately from Genie+, guests can purchase individual return times for the more popular attractions. This option is only valid for up to two attractions per day, costs for this have yet to be determined. If you want my direction, I’d choose Genie+. Even though it’s limited to one attraction at a time, the freedom to use this service throughout the day is more appealing to me. However, if I was visiting from out of town, wanting to make the most of my trip, the latter could be of considerable value to my experience. This is especially considering that it provides the opportunity for a guaranteed ride on attractions like Rise of the Resistance, which is a Lightning Lane attraction.

10. The Return of Annual Passes

Walt Disney World returned their Annual Pass program on September 8. With this, there are some changes to be expected as Disney moves from the old to the new system. There are now four newly-minted tiers: Disney Pixie Dust ($399 + tax), Disney Pirate Pass ($699 + tax), Disney Sorcerer Pass ($899 + tax) and Disney Incredi-Pass ($1299 + tax). Although this system was designed based on guest feedback, it has been received with mixed emotions (to say the least). It should also be noted that the majority of these options are currently only available to Florida Residents (with the exception of the Sorcerer Pass which is also exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members, and the Incredi-Pass, which is available for everyone).

On top of the perks we know and love (like free general parking and select discounts), Passholders will also have access to an integrated calendar. This new feature will allow them to quickly identify what dates they qualify for and which are available to reserve. On that note, on top of the allotted reservations available to their pass, there will also be “bonus reservations” days added occasionally as time goes on. While this may seem like a lot to take in, don’t fear — we’ve already assembled a handy guide to help you choose which pass is right for you.

We hope all these announcements make you as excited for the 50th anniversary as they make us. Walt Disney World has brought joy to people all over the world for decades, and this year simply celebrates a milestone in that accomplishment. We will continue to provide updates as they develop over the next 18 months!

What are you most excited about on this list?  Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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