I Attended Disney's Top Family-Friendly Spooky Event and Was Most Surprised by This - OK! Magazine

What does top hat wearing ghosts, a spooky trio of witches, a headless horseman and mickey-shaped pumpkins have in common? Just the best seasonal event at Disney, that's all! And that's exactly what I headed over the pond to Orlando, Florida to experience at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom for their special Halloween event - Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

For larger families and groups travelling on their bucket list holiday though, those pennies can add up. This event is not included in your daytime park ticket and requires an additional ticket, so in the name of theme park science, I went along to find out if it's worth the price tag.

Firstly, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that although this is an evening event, you can enter the Magic Kingdom park - for those not familiar, this is the main Disney park that has Cinderella's castle inside - from as early as 4pm. This is a big deal - it's such a perk. The Halloween party celebrations don't start until 7pm, meaning you can spend three hours exploring the park like any other guest. You can ride your favourite rides, meet some characters and even book a meal for this time slot before the partying begins.

Sometimes you'll land lucky and many of the special meet and greet characters who only come out for this event, like Jack Skellington and Sally are available early so try to tick these off your list ahead of the 7pm slot to avoid mammoth queues later.

It's also a fantastic time to dine at a sought-after restaurant although do bare in mind that reservations usually need made much earlier in advance, and the party does offer the best spooky snacks (at a separate cost), so you might want to reserve your hunger reserves.

The event runs this year from now through to October 31, from 7pm to midnight, and remember, children - and adults - are encouraged to dress in fun, fancy costumes, too. So, what else can you expect from the evening?

Trick-or-treating

On arrival, we were handed a trick or treating tote bag - beautifully designed and a fab 'extra' exclusive piece of merchandise if you ask me - and set free to mingle with the spookiness and collect American candy galore. Note, every person in your party will receive a bag, including adults, so expect LOTS of sweets. The event works in partnership with Mars Wrigley so expect funsize Mars bars, Snickers and Starburst.

We have a child with a peanut-allergy in our party and Disney's attention and awareness of this is second-to-none. Far from feeling excluded, they made him feel extra special and provided allergy safe treats for him, too.

Trick or treating locations are dotted around the park and clearly marked with a large, well-lit M&M sign and friendly staff will happily fill your bag (to quote another theme park movie line, 'we're going to need a bigger... bag' was said many times by mum and dad.)

Special Halloween themed fun

As if the rides aren't fantastic anyway, this night brings some of them to life in a whole new way. Ride overlays are special additions to the ride, bringing a new element whether that be different music, lighting or other fun quirks you wouldn't find at any other time. It's truly a unique experience. We loved Space Mountain in the complete dark and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party was loved by little ones, with a spookier coloured lighting.

Don't miss a ride on The Haunted Mansion - apt for this creepy event in its own right - but also because there are a couple of special 'RIPs' dying to meet you as you queue...

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is a fantastic stage show in front of the castle, featuring the Sanderson sisters and other Disney villains. This is so much fun and truly brought out all mum and dad's nostalgic feels. Catch this earlier at 8.15pm and later, as your final show of the night, at midnight.

This year brings a special party within the party vibe, too. My 11 year old daughter love the new dance party, ZOM-BEATZ BASH, inspired by the movie ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

Unique character meets and greets

You'll find villains out and about in full effect. My family loved Cruella De Vil, The Evil Queen and Maleficent, Jafar and my personal fave was Jack Skellington. Such a special opportunity, and you'll find him, alongside Sally, at Main Street's Town Square Theatre.

You'll also find your classic faves, too, but in their sweetest Halloween costumes. The photo opportunities are aplenty.

Special fireworks and parades

Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is an absolute treat. Starting from Frontierland and travelling down Main Street USA, this spooky parade is jam-packed with the best music and characters dancing, twirling and interacting with the crowds. It's here you'll see the infamous Headless Horseman as he clip clops from start to finish holding his pumpkin 'head' on top of a real horse.

I loved all the familiar favourites in the parade including Mickey and the gang in their spooky costumes but I also loved some lesser-seen characters having some holiday fun too - including Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz from Wreck It Ralph, the Sanderson Sisters, Peter Pan, Wendy and The Lost Boys, Oogie Boogie, Clarabelle Cow (bringing back all my nostalgic memories of the Disney Channels Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and a very creepy, larger-than-life spinning Ursula to name but a few.

Special shout out to those Grave Diggers too - the scraping of their spades that amass sparks galore is something truly eerie and mesmerising.

Sidenote - Max Goof appears in his Powerline costume as part of a pre-parade 90s style party called the Powerline Party Pack (before the Headless Horseman appears) but if you're keen not to miss him, make sure you grab a spot on Main Street - he doesn't come through Frontierland. It's a fantastically fun character interaction and guests are heavily encouraged to join in with the dancing - so naturally, I did!

Catch the parade at 8.15pm - ideal for families with little ones - and again at 11.15pm (better for older families as you're far likelier to grab a better spot, too.)

Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular is the fireworks display, hosted by Jack Skellington, and you won't want to miss this one. Expect big crowds for the 10pm spectacular. The castle overlay is magical and the music gets me every time - I didn't expect to feel emotional at the Halloween-themed ones... but I did! Bring tissues!

If fireworks aren't your thing though, this is the ideal time to get into line for a special meet and greet or ride, the timings significantly reduce.

Spooky snacks and drinks

Every year, the excitement builds for the release of what food and drink specialities we can expect and this year, trying them all was a joy. In no particular order, do not miss the Pumpkin Sundae at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlour - the pumpkin flavoured caramel sauce was to die for, the specialties at Casey's Corner are unreal including the Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn Hot Dog which comes smothered in the best jalapeño ranch, and the Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros are rolled in orange sugar - need I say more? This doesn't touch the sides of how many things you can try - but remember, food and drink comes at a separate cost and not included in your ticket.

For littles ones cool down with a Magic Potion Slushy which changes colour at Liberty Square Market, whereas adults might be tempted by the Goblins and Ghoulies at the Plaza Restaurant - a rum cocktail with apple cider or a Hot Honey Lemonade if you fancy something a little more grown up, without alcohol.

As a theme park enthusiast and regular visitor to Disney, I have to say the ticket price is more than worth it. You'll experience the equivalent to a full day ticket's amount of hours if you head in at 4pm until midnight, and you can try exclusive food, drink and entertainment that you won't get anywhere else, at any other time. It's a special treat and a welcomed fun night for family members with little ones, or those simply not looking to leave terrified.

It's cute, it's magical and quite simply, it's Disney at its best as always - bringing joy always, one pumpkin at a time.

For a truly spook-tacular time, book tickets for this year's event now at www.attractiontickets.com Prices start from £108 per adult and £99 per child aged 3-9.