2010 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Just when I think I've struck out horribly, life threw me a curve ball of pure awesome today. For the fourth time this year, a kind soul treated me to an exceptional day at Walt Disney World. This time around, I got to hang out with fellow park enthusiast James Kegler, collect candy, and even do a few more firsts for Disney. And now, on with the highlights:

• There was a full moon out tonight for my first ever Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party AND my first ever haunt event at a theme park. Loved the erie sounds, creepy lights, and huge ghost and spider projections on the various Main Street buildings and Space Mountain.
• Got my first set of mouse ears, the just released R2-D2 set, which NOBODY else was wearing. Got quite a few compliments on them too.
• Everything but Haunted Mansion was a walk on. This included Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Stitch's Great Escape, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor (MILF), Hall of Presidents, Winnie The Pooh, and Splash Mountain that James hit twice in a row.
• I heard Rock You Like a Hurricane coming from the Enchanted Tiki Room and Thuderstruck in the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop. Also cracked up a cashier at Pirates when she asked what I was supposed to be and I said in Ben Stein deadpan "I'm a robot. Bloop bleep." Made matters worse by buying a toy hook so I could be....wait for it....ARRRR 2-D2. (Yes I'm really a 35 year old man. Seriously. I mean it.)
• Saw some great costumes, but the sexy black cat lady in the corset and platform heels as well as an EXCELLENT Mad Hatter were the best of the night. There were some female Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meets Robin's outfit variants that were very conworthy as well.
• Haunted Mansion was extra fun during a Halloween time and I said "it's good to see you" to the Ghost Lady sitting out front, who said "It's good to see you too." She then went from dead silent (yes I went there) to complimenting a guy on his legs and telling bad pirate jokes. All the gravestones near the entrance had been removed and put on a float for the Boo To You parade. Meanwhile inside I saw the hidden Donald Duck in the chair back (early part of the ride on the right near the hallway) along with the hidden Mickey in one of the tombs on the right near the end of the ride. James and I both agree that Haunted Mansion is just an all time fave and it would be incredible to see the thing with lights on. What a great dark ride that never disappoints, especially when the normally creepy maids and butlers are zombie painted to look even more creepy! And Ghost Lady, you rock! :)
• I'd missed The Hall of Presidents earlier this year, and being a robotics fan, had to see it this trip. We walked right in and sat through the lead up movie, which was extra poignant because Hallowishes was thundering outside, almost in time to the music and movie. Most impressive. Then it came time for the main event...all the presidents. I was so impressed with the fluid movements and subtleties during this part. Whether they faced a speaking fellow president or shifted their weight back and forth as they talked, or just moved a hand now and then, it really seemed like actors, not animatronics, were on stage. RObama was equally impressive and reminded me of Jack Sparrow in the newly remodeled Pirates of the Caribbean during our 2006 Disneyland jaunt. To Disney and all the robotics folks, I applaud you!
• While James road Splash Mountain, I loaded up on Sweet Tarts, Twix, and Nerds (is that last own considered cannibalism?)...and all that sugar hit an already giddy 35 year old guy turned 8 again, like a freight train. At the end of the night, there was a bag full of candy, half of which I'd never eat. Gave the lot to a young family and bid them enjoy. Besides, I'd had plenty!
• Cast member to visitor wearing an M&M costume. "I just gave you M&Ms. Wait, isn't that cannibalism?"
• First time doing Monster's Inc Laugh Floor and what used to be Alien Encounter, now Stitch's Great Escape. Hey, I enjoyed both and got a few laughs, plus seeing Astro Orbiter at night all lit up is pretty impressive.
• Caught the Boo To You parade and got to see the precision Grave Diggers. Good thing they were close buy, because James almost dug his own by thinking out loud. Luckily, those who could've taken issue were just out of ear shot and busy watching the parade.
• Lastly, the weather was a perfect 70's and not too hot or cool. No jacket required.
• **The Fantasyland construction is moving fast. Building for The Little Mermaid dark ride is up and another steel building frame has gone vertical. Couldn't see very much more in the dark, but the area behind the wall seems massive. Still miss 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. That and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride will always be a couple of my all time faves.

All in all, good adventure and good company, and though the event is geared for little kids (though Disney's nice enough to include us big kids too) I'd go back again. There's just something weirdly cool (as my buddy Paul would say) about Trick or Treating at Magic Kingdom. Crowded, but so worth it. Yeah, I love Disney. :)