Walt Disney World is planning a Halloween-themed event for this fall at Magic Kingdom, but it will not be Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Instead, the Disney After Hours BOO BASH will take its place.
Before I tell you about BOO BASH, I should probably profess the special place Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has held in my heart since 2015. It was our first visit to Walt Disney World with the kids, they were able to wear their cute costumes and were amazed by every character they met, and we were even soaked by a monsoon. Everything was perfect.
The good news for Disney fans is that Disney After Hours BOO BASH sounds like it will be very similar to what’s occurred in years past, but there are a few changes.
There will be candy stops, performances by the Cadaver Dans, and themed food and beverage options as well as special lighting and music. You’ll also still be able to wear your spookiest, or sweetest, costume for the event. Tip: Be sure to check for updated guidelines before you go.
Since reopening in July 2020, parades have been replaced with character cavalcades and that will continue for this special event, so the villain-themed parade doesn’t appear to be part of the plan. The fireworks are still on hold and it appears that will be the case for BOO BASH as well.
One of the bigger changes is the entry time. In years past, anyone with a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket could enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. This year, Disney After Hours BOO BASH ticket holders can enter starting at 7 p.m. One can assume this is a measure to help control the number of people in the park and aid with social distancing.
One of the perks of these special events is the short wait time for rides. We were able to fit in as many rides during the six or seven hours we spent at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as we were during a full day — usually 12 hours — at Magic Kingdom. Especially later in the evening, you can often get off and then right back on rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and even Splash Mountain. Who doesn’t love walking up to a ride and seeing a 5-minute wait? And, that’s how long it takes just to walk through the queue.
Disney After Hours BOO BASH will take place on select nights from August 10 to October 31. Tickets go on sale next month.
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