Ever Enchanted Escapes

  Most coverage of Disney's separate-ticket evening events focuses almost entirely on the seasonal parties, which makes sense; they are the loud ones. But there is a second category of after-hours ticket that gets a fraction of the attention and is, for a specific kind of guest, considerably better value. This is a straight comparison, written by someone with no incentive to steer you toward the more expensive option. What Disney After Hours actually is Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed event held after a park closes to regular day guests. Your ticket admits you to the park well before the event officially starts, and then the event itself runs for roughly three hours after closing. The event operates on a strictly capped guest list, which is the entire point. A selected list of headline attractions stays open and running, and complimentary snacks, ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled drinks are available throughout the night at no additional cost. There is no parade...

  Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of the very few occasions when adults are permitted to wear a full costume in a Disney park, and people go all out. It is one of my favorite things about the event. It is also the source of two entirely avoidable problems: getting stopped at the gate and being physically miserable by nine o'clock. This post handles both. The official rules, plainly stated Costumes must be family-friendly. Nothing offensive, obstructive, or violent; this is a broad standard and cast members apply it with reasonable judgment, but it is worth thinking honestly about how your costume reads to a stranger. No weapons or weapon look-alikes, and no sharp or pointed props. This one catches an enormous number of people because it applies to accessories that feel obviously fictional. Check every piece of your outfit, not just the main garment. No masks covering the face for anyone aged fourteen or older, and headwear cannot obscure the face either. Face paint...

Character meets are the reason a substantial portion of guests buy a party ticket, and I think that is a completely legitimate reason. Some of these meets genuinely do not happen on any other night of the year, which puts them in a different category from "there is a shorter line." But character strategy at this event is where I see the most avoidable disappointment, so let us talk about how to actually do it. What makes these meets different Characters appear in Halloween costumes that do not come out for regular park days. Mickey and Minnie appear together in seasonal looks near the front of the park, which is conveniently placed for knocking out on your way in. Winnie the Pooh appears in a bumblebee costume, and I maintain that this is the most charming thing happening in Central Florida during party season. Various royal couples appear in seasonal attire. And the Disney Villains show up in full form, some at designated meet locations and some roaming the streets with no q...