"Let out a scream, hooray it's Halloween!"
Even before pumpkin spice lattes come out to socialize, the spirit of Halloween comes out in every Magic Kingdom cast member each September for the greatest time of year, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP). On select nights each week, the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a spoopy Halloween wonderland with the best parade, amazing fireworks, special characters, and cool music.
Last year, I was able to be a part of the magic working these parties. And to be honest, it was almost more fn to work these events instead of just attending them. I guess it's because for multiple nights a week, I got to have more fun at work and just be a part of the excitement. Here are six reasons why working the MNSSHP parties is the best time ever!
1. Hearing Halloween Music Blasting Through the Park
At the stroke of 7 pm, each land's music changes into it's own playlist of Halloween tunes! Main Street and Adventureland, in my opinion, have the best playlists, while Frontierland's, which is where I was working, had a few good hits, but it was not the best. But still, it got us all in the spoopy mood!
2. Seeing Everyone's Creative Costumes
Normally it's only the kids who are dressed up everyday at Disney, with the occasional Disneybounders adding to the mix. But at MNSSHP, all (within guidelines) bets are off, and almost everyone is in costume! I loved getting to see and compliment the costumes of the guests. On one particular night, I met these two kids who were dressed as Jack Kelly and Katherine from NEWSIES. I told them I loved their costumes, and they were more excited than I was, because I was the first person that night to actually recognize who they were supposed to be.
3. Knowing All the Merchandise
Working these parties means you have the most knowledge on where everything is sold, what is being sold, and when it sells out. I had a friend last year who was going to the party before I was, so she surprised me by getting one of the events pins for me before they sold out!
4. Being Paid to Watch "Boo to You"
Working on the parade route is by far one of the greatest gifts ever. Last year was my first time ever being at Disney for the parties, so I had never even seen "Boo to You" before. Well, on my first night, I got lucky enough to be in a position where I could see the parade, and I was never the same. There are not enough words in the thesaurus to explain how amazing the "Boo to You" parade is. And being paid to see it? Even better!
5. Getting to Cry Over "Hallowishes"
The amazingness doesn't stop at the parade. "Hallowishes" is one of the most creative fireworks I've ever seen. The soundtrack is to die for, and the fact that the fireworks are extended to go off all around the park adds to the craziness. Tears of joy every time.
6. Being Encouraged to Have Fun
As fun as these parties are, sometimes they can be exhausting. But, before and after every shift, I will always remember being encouraged to have even more fun than normal. And with all the other reasons above, it's not hard to have fun.
