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Disney Parks Halloween Parties Compared

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The Disney Parks Halloween Parties are very popular on both coasts. So, I thought I would do a post comparing the two options for anyone considering attending one of them.

Disney Parks Halloween Party

Disney Parks Halloween Parties

Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World hold separately ticketed Halloween events every year. I’ve attended the one at Magic Kingdom several times and the one at Disney’s California Adventure once. So, I think I am qualified to discuss the two parties and their differences so you can decide which one is right for you.

Mickey’s Not So Scary

MNSSHP is held every fall at Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Tickets usually go on sale around halfway to Halloween with resort guests getting first dibs on tickets. It starts in early August with parties being held on Tuesdays and Fridays in August. As you get closer to Halloween, they add more nights. So, September has parties on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. By October, there’s parties on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays! The party officially kicks-off at 7 PM and ends at midnight, but you can enter the park at 4 PM. The parties have a history of selling out in advance in recent years, but not immediately. If you are looking for some general Mickey’s Not So Scary Tips, check out my guide to it.

Oogie Boogie Bash

Oogie Boogie is held at DCA in the fall. It starts in mid/late August and runs until Halloween. The party begins at 6 PM and runs until 11 PM, but you can enter the park at 3 PM. The party is pretty consistently held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays for the whole season. Tickets went on sale on June 27, 2024 this year and most dates sold out quickly. However, a few dates remained over the weekend for purchase before selling out. There’s a passholder pre-sale that typically sells out very quickly. Basically, to attend this one, you need to know months in advance and keep an eye on Disneyland’s social media in June/July for ticket sales. You can read my review of the 2023 Oogie Boogie Bash for a deeper dive into what the party entails.

Ticket Differences

Thanks to pent up demand and social media, Oogie Boogie sells out quickly. So, you need to know when you plan to attend by June. Not So Scary doesn’t sell out as quickly, so you have some time to cement your plans before purchasing tickets.

Parties Entertainment Differences

Mickey’s Not So Scary has a good bit more entertainment than Oogie Boogie. Not So Scary has a parade, a stage show, and fireworks! Oogie Boogie just has the parade this year, with the removal of the party exclusive stage show and fireworks being held over in Disneyland park. Although, it also has the party exclusive Villains Grove that is super cool! Admittedly, unless additional entertainment is announced for Oogie Boogie, it appears to be lacking in the entertainment department.

Disney Character Differences

Both parties allow you to meet special characters. So, on the surface that sounds even. However, Oogie Boogie tends to rotate in a few new characters every year. Not So Scary rarely adds many new characters to the party. Additionally, a key difference here is the Treat Trails at Oogie Boogie. Both parties allow you to trick-or-treat regardless of age. However, Oogie Boogie gives you treats and allows you to interact with a villain as you walk by. It’s actually a really neat, unique experience.

Candy Differences

Mickey’s Not So Scary tends to have a good variety of candy available. However, I was surprised by the plethora of other items handed out at Oogie Boogie last year. Candy was handed out, but so were Goldfish treats, baby carrots, and Sunchips! I thought it was a nice change of pace to add some real food to the mix!

Disney Parks Halloween Parties Overall

While they both have characters, entertainment, and trick-or-treating, there are slight differences. It’s hard to say one is better than the other as it depends on what you want to experience at the party. If you want to see a variety of villains, then Oogie Boogie is better. If you like stage shows and fireworks, then Mickey’s Not So Scary is better. Also, I would wager that your distance from the parks is an important factor too.

So, which party do you prefer?

Universal Endless Summer Suite Review

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If you are wondering what the Universal Endless Summer Suite rooms are like, then here’s my review to help you.

Universal Endless Summer Suite

Universal Endless Summer Suite

For those who don’t know, Universal Orlando Resorts has three value resorts Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside. Dockside and Surfside are sister resorts under the Endless Summer name and are across the street from one another. I posted a Dockside Inn review and a separate Surfside Inn review previously. However, I thought today I would focus on the popular two bedroom suite option found at both places.

Two Bedroom Suite

When you first enter the room, you see two queen beds, a tv, and a kitchenette area. There’s a picnic table along with a microwave and mini-fridge in this area. Then, you encounter the one bathroom of the suite. There is a double vanity outside the bathroom to allow more people to get ready. Lastly, there’s the separate bedroom with a tiny closet, a queen bed, and tv.

Universal markets these as “two bedroom” suites. However, there’s only one separate bedroom apart from the main two bed area of the suite. So, I think that’s something that you should know immediately. It’s really a separate bedroom for one queen sized bed. It’s great for parents with older children or a group wanting a little more space. I just don’t agree with the two bedroom advertising.

Pros

  • Most affordable suite – This is probably the most affordable suite you will find in Orlando, especially at an official theme park resort.
  • Extra space – The suite provides an additional bed(room) over the regular room.
  • Kitchenette – The addition of the microwave and picnic table was very useful.
  • Universal Orlando perks – Both of these resorts come with the perks of free park transportation and early theme park entry!
  • Nice theme – Each resort is themed slightly differently and looks relaxing.

Cons

  • Temperature control – We found that it was difficult to pick a good temperature for the suites as the separate bedroom has an air vent right over the bed, which leads to it being cooler than the front room.
  • Noise – Noise is always an issue whenever I stay at a value resort. The walls are paper thin and the air vent in the separate bedroom allows voices to travel from other rooms.
  • Groups – Due to the pricing, both places are a hit with tour/sports groups. So, you will encounter them in the lobby and possibly hear them running around.
  • Better quality bedding elsewhere – The bedding is fine. However, I noticed a marked upgrade in bedding at the more expensive resorts.
  • Lack of storage – There’s only one small open closet in the separate bedroom.

Overall Thoughts on Universal Endless Summer Suite

I think the suites are a good value for larger families on a budget and groups traveling together on a budget. It’s good for anyone who wants extra space or needs a kitchenette. Personally, I prefer to spend the extra money and stay at either Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura. Have you stayed in one of these rooms? What did you think?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide with Tips

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It’s hard to believe but Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back in the Magic Kingdom beginning Friday, August 9th! So, I thought I would do a little guide to the event as well as a few tips from my own experiences.

Mickey's Not So Scary

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event held on select nights at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Unlike at other parks, this party is pretty much the only way to experience Halloween at Walt Disney World. There’s fall decor up all day in the park, but the special entertainment and characters are party exclusives. It’s similar to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party but for Halloween and with candy instead of cookies!

Trick or Treat

This party is the only way you can trick or treat in the Magic Kingdom! In fact, the young and young at heart are given a bag upon entry to get your fill of candy! It’s so fun to walk down Main Street with a bag of candy while being dressed up. Additionally, this is the only time adults can wear costumes at Disney. Many adults go all out with their costumes. Some people don’t. It’s up to you!

Not So Spooky Spectacular

This is the party exclusive fireworks show! Personally, I consider this is a must-see experience of the party. Usually, you can even book a fireworks dessert party to beat the crowds. I booked a dessert party at the Tomorrowland Terrace back in 2019 on a solo trip. I really enjoyed having a place to sit and desserts to nibble on. However, I will caution people that the view from the Terrace isn’t good for viewing the projections or any extra stage characters. 😉

Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade

This party exclusive parade is my other can’t miss event at the party. My husband and I really like seeing the gravediggers since they drag their shovels across the ground and emit sparks. It’s a really cute parade that everyone should see at least once. They haven’t made many changes to it over the years, but they do sometimes rotate in different characters. Plus, the music is so darn catchy! The good news is that this parade happens twice a night. So, you have two chances to catch it.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular!

This is a party exclusive castle stage show. I’ve seen it a few times and it’s cute. However, the show hasn’t changed since it was first introduced. So, I tend to prioritize getting candy, seeing special characters, or riding rides. If it’s your first time attending or you are a huge Hocus Pocus fan, then you should make time to see it. It’s usually shown several times during the party and I recommend looking over the times guide if this is important to you.

See Special Characters

Around the park, you will be able to see special party exclusive characters as well as more regular characters in their Halloween costumes! I loved meeting Winnie the Pooh and Friends in their costumes back in 2019. I also met Donald and Daisy in their costumes in 2016. I enjoyed meeting Elvis Stitch in 2019 since I was wearing a Lilo dress. There’s even a very popular Jack and Sally meet and greet during this party! However, the wait for them is typically pretty long.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance – The parties tend to sell out weeks in advance. If you wait until the day of the party, you will probably be out of luck. So, buy tickets as soon as you know when you are going.
  • Eat early – You can enter the park as early as 4 PM even though the party doesn’t begin until 7. Typically, I use this time to eat dinner. Although, in the future I may delay heading over to the crowded park and grab dinner at a monorail resort prior to the party.
  • Stake out a spot for the parade early – Unfortunately, there’s not a seated option for the parade unlike at the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party. So, you will have to stake out a spot for the parade in advance. I recommend at least half an hour in advance, if not an hour. Lots of people have advised that the second parade is less crowded, but I’m not sure that’s true anymore. Either way, you will need to stake out a spot in advance.
  • Enjoy some treats – There’s plenty of free candy to be had. However, they also sell party exclusive foods too. So, be sure to save some room for those!
  • Have a rough plan – Consult the park’s schedule and party map ahead of time. Have a list of must-do’s and tackle those first. Then, do the nice to-do’s.
  • Trick or treat later in the night – Maybe get some early in the party to snack on while waiting for the parade, but save the rest for later in the night. This way, you won’t get tired carrying around a bag full of candy.
  • Be prepared for the heat – It’s probably going to be hot. So, drink lots of water and wear a light costume. I say skip the heavy face makeup and wigs/hats.

It’s really not so scary…

Have you ever attended this party? What are your must-do’s or tips?

Break Day at Disney World Guide

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When you are planning a trip to Disney parks, you may be wondering should I build in a break day at Disney World? Also, what activities are available for a non-park day? If that’s you, this post is for you.

Break Day at Disney World

Should you have a non-park day?

A theme park trip can be pricey. So, the idea of taking a break day may sound weird. So, I thought I would start this post with a list of pros and cons of taking a break day.

Pros

  • Time to relax – Most theme park days at Disney are go, go, go! So, it can be nice to sleep in and not worry about rope dropping the park or an early restaurant reservation.
  • Can enjoy non-park activities – There’s so much to do at Disney World and in Orlando that a non-park day doesn’t have to be boring.
  • Feel better – Taking a rest day can help you feel better when you return to the parks the next day or when you return home.
  • Can save money – This sounds counter-intuitive, but you are paying for one less day in the parks. Note, this wouldn’t mean anything for passholders.

Cons

  • Added expense – You will have to pay for another night at a hotel and a whole day’s worth of food and possibly entertainment.
  • Longer trip – I know how difficult it can be to schedule time off of work or to leave things at home. So, another day may be too much.
  • Some people may get bored – If you prefer to constantly be moving, then maybe you don’t need a break day.

What to do on a break day at Disney World

Here are some ideas for things to do outside the parks!

  • Go swimming – Most resorts have nice pools and a break day is a wonderful day to take full advantage of them! I’ve heard good things about the pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the main one at Coronado Springs is pretty.
  • Go shopping – My mom loves to hit up the local outlet malls. We prefer the one near Universal but they are both good.
  • Watch tv – I know it doesn’t sound exciting, but it can feel refreshing to just catch up on a favorite show or watch an old Disney cartoon on tv.
  • Enjoy the resort – Lots of resorts have fantastic restaurants to enjoy. Plus, some deluxe resorts have great entertainment options. For instance, Fort Wilderness has the Tri-Circle-D Ranch that anyone can visit. I keep thinking I will visit someday, but never have time. You can even book a carriage ride at certain resorts!
  • Go fishing – Yes, there are several resorts on property where you can go fishing!
  • Play golf – There are two mini golf courses as well as three full golf courses on property!
  • Visit Disney Springs – There’s lots to see and eat at Disney Springs!
  • Visit a water park – There are two water parks on property, with one being open at a time.
  • Visit Orlando – You could visit Kennedy Space Center or another theme park! There’s lots to do in Orlando besides Disney or other theme parks. There’s even a Medieval Times in Orlando!

What do you do on a break day at Disney?

Do you take break days at Disney? If so, what do you do on those non-park days?

Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts Guide

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Continuing with my posts about accommodations at WDW, I’m posting the Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts guide!

Disney World Moderate Resorts

Disney World Moderate Resorts

The mid-tier hotels at Disney are more expensive than the value resorts, but cheaper than the deluxe ones. However, they also tend to have more elaborate and classier themes than the values. For whatever reason, many of these places are sprawling and spread out with multiple internal bus stops. There are four hotels in the category, although Disney likes to classify the cabins at Fort Wilderness as moderate accommodations even though the resort itself is a deluxe. With that in mind, I will attempt to tell you which resort is best for which groups of people.

Best Resort for Quick Transportation

There’s only one moderate on the Skyliner and it’s actually the main connecting hub for both lines: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! It’s a large resort with several sandy beach areas. Depending on your room’s location, you may be close to the Skyliner, the lobby, or even closer to the deluxe next door at Riviera Resort. You can ride the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and Epcot here. However, you will have multi-stop bus rides to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. The convenience of the Skyliner is wonderful though.

Smallest Moderate Resort

If you want a smaller resort without a lot of walking, then you need to stay at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort. It has just one bus stop and is very walkable. Plus, there’s beignets! When the water level is high enough, you can even take a boat ride over to Disney Springs. It’s a romantic and relaxing resort. In fact, it’s one of my favorites!

Best Tower for Foodies

As I stated in my Gran Destino Tower – Disney Coronado Springs Resort Review, I really enjoyed staying in the tower here. It has a bus stop right outside the building and is near the restaurants. Personally, I don’t care for the large footprint of the rest of the resort. However, the theme is nice and relaxing. Just watch out for conventions and sports teams staying here. Also, take note of all of the food options here!

Best for Princess Fans

If you have a princess fan, then you will love the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside resort. I stayed in those rooms once and they are lovely. It was so neat to look for the little bits of magic throughout the room. We disliked the long walks to everything, but the resort is peaceful. The parks transportation is limited to multi-stop bus rides here, but there’s a boat to Disney Springs when the water levels are high enough.

Best Disney World Moderate Resort Overall

Prior to the addition of the Skyliner, I would say French Quarter without hesitation. Now, I would weigh the price of it to Caribbean Beach since it has the Skyliner. Disney has made improvements in this category in recent years and once again, it comes down to preferences. What is your favorite resort in this category?