Review: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Villains Sinister Soiree: Part 1

It's Halloween time at the Happiest Place on Earth again! And we all know what that means...Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

This year, in addition to the traditional offerings Walt Disney World is hosting an event within an event. Villain Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle is a premium package of sorts, offering a private preferred viewing area of the Boo to You parade, the HalloWishes fireworks spectacular, and a Villain filled dessert party that takes place inside Cinderella's castle. The cost is $99 on top of the cost of the party, but we found it well worth it. 

We got to the party around 3:30 and hung around Main Street so we wouldn't have to go too far to get back out of the park to pick up our Soiree passes. While we were waiting, we took in some of the always impressive Not So Scary atmosphere.

All dressed up as Anna

In front of the castle with Rochelle Briar Rose

Just as it began to rain, it was time to go get our credentials! Lanyards and escort cards were picked up at a Will Call kiosk at the front of the park. The lanyards gained us access to the VIP area for the parade and fireworks, the escort card was our ticket to the dessert party.

We took in some attractions until the party started, and then we began the party off right with a visit to the Haunted Mansion.

Madame Leota waiting for the rain to pass so she can tell her ghost stories.

At 7:45 we checked in right behind the Partner's statue, where half of the Hub was roped off for the event. The viewing area was perfect for the parade and fireworks. As an added bonus, cast members gave us complimentary bottles of water, lollipops, and ponchos to help ward off the rain. It was a wonderfully unexpected surprise! We were already feeling the benefits of the package.

Todd enjoying his poncho and lollipop.

There are a few different seating times for the Soiree each night, and we lucked into the 11:25 time. So, after the parade, we used the hour we had before check in to dance and dry off in Club Villain.

Club Villain is inside the Diamond Horseshoe, and features Top 40 and dance songs, complete with some pretty cool characters.

Anastasia and Drizella fighting over a glow bracelet

Lady Tremaine

Snow White Witch Selfie!

Cruella de Vil showing off her dance moves.

Dr. Facilier

 It was so cool to see so many characters, and we had an interaction with most of them! It was not really crowded at all, which is surprising considering the waits some of characters would get separately. 

After the dance party, it was time for the event! 

And that's where I'll leave you for now...stay tuned for part 2. 

Until then, 
Hurry back...hurry back...

Festival of Fantasy Review

      For those of you who follow the happenings of the Walt Disney World Resort, you know that Sunday was the premiere of a brand new parade called Festival of Fantasy at Magic Kingdom. Todd and I visited WDW on Monday, and made a trip to Magic Kingdom so we could see the parade. We absolutely loved it! The music was great, the costumes and floats were beautifully colored and detailed, overall it was great to watch!
      My favorite float by far was Tangled. From the sun lanterns, to the various Snuggly Duckling singers, and the over sized swinging axes, you could see the parade a dozen times and notice something different with each viewing. Not to be outdone, however, was the huge Maleficent dragon, who breathed fire and was flanked by some terrifying crows. I definitely recommend making time in your next Magic Kingdom visit to see it. Without further ado, here are the photos:

The parade is led off by Belle and the Beast

On the same float is Cinderella's dress being made, and Cinderella herself on the opposite side.

Reigning darlings Anna, Elsa, and Olaf round out the title float.

Like Cinderella, they only stay on one side (the right), so keep that in mind when picking your spot. The other side is Tiana.

See what I mean about details?

Rapunzel grinning up at Flynn's smolder.

Coral covered dancers precede the Little Mermaid float.

Ariel being driven by Sebastian and combing her hair with a Dinglehopper.

Bonus: Can you spot the Hidden Mickey?

The Lost Boys usher in Peter Pan's float.

On second thought, maybe this float is my favorite. Look at all those colors!

Captain Hook swinging menacingly on an Anchor, next to the Neverland map on Pride Rock.

Peter Pan and Wendy, always exploring.

Of course, you can't have Peter Pan without Tinkerbell.

Merida clapping joyfully atop her giant bagpipe.

Above her head you can see the plate of pastries and her little brother as a bear cub.

These frightening creatures are nothing compared to what they bring with them...

Maleficent in all her winged glory. 

The sheer size of this amazing.

The Alice in Wonderland and Snow White character strangely don't have a float.

More beautifully costumed dancers in front of Pinocchio and Monstro.

Riding Monstro's tale is Dumbo, followed by Daisy, Donald, and the Fantasia crew.

Fantasia animals.

And Pluto brings up the back!

Goofy, Chip, Dale, and these adorably costumed performers dance behind Pluto...

And then lead up to...

The grand finale! Mickey and Minnie themselves.

I thought they made a greater last float than an introductory one.

And with that ends the Festival of Fantasy!