Why I Think Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is "Worth" it

A question I'm often asked, especially around this time of year, is if shelling out the extra money for a ticket to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is worth it or not. To put it simply in my not so humble opinion...absolutely. As a cast member I don't pay to get into the Disney theme parks but that does not include the special events...so yes, I do have to pay to go to these parties and even though I'm at Disney all the time I still think it's worth it. 

For those who are unfamiliar with the holiday parties, in a nutshell, they are special ticketed events that are themed to Halloween (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party) or Christmas (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) and they feature things exclusive to that event. An example are the parades and fireworks which are themed to the holiday and aren't shown on normal non-party days. Mickey's "Boo to You" Halloween Parade is my all time favorite parade at Walt Disney World and I think a lot of the reason is because I can't see it all the time so it's extra special. During the party everyone can hit up the trick-or-treat spots and this year I was so happy to see that several treat spots have been added within attraction queues. 

Another benefit is during the parties many of the attractions have incredibly reduced wait times. This is huge for some people but to be honest when we go we try to take advantage of all the special entertainment, character meet and greets, and special treat offerings since we can ride the attractions anytime. 

Now that I've pleaded my case here are the facts in black and white:

• The party is from 7:00 PM-Midnight but your ticket gets you into the Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM with the park closing for day guests at 6:00 PM.

• There are two parade viewings and one {incredible} fireworks show each party.

• Guests can trick-or-treat throughout the park and receive complimentary trick-or-treat bags.

• You can meet some of your favorite characters decked out in their Halloween best. 

• Guests are invited to dress up in costumes. 

• There is specialty merchandise available for purchase during the party.  

Now for the massive photo drop off photos from fun times at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

2018 

2017

2017

Not amused with the characters at all last year

Anna (Stella) and Elsa (Brynn)

The Maleficent Ice Cream (lime soft serve with chocolate horns) was a big hit 

At the end of the day you have to decide what's best for you but I hope this helps guide you to your decision. Comment below with any questions and thanks for stopping by!

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Walt Disney World Ice Cream Treats You Won't Want to Miss

Anyone who knows me will quickly confirm that I have quite the sweet tooth. I don't discriminant against treats but I have to admit ice cream is my favorite! When I'm at home I stick with Halo Top to keep my calories in check but everyone knows that when you're at Disney calories don't count! So here are some of my favorite ice cream treats available at the Walt Disney World Resort...

Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom in Adventureland 

A Disney Parks staple and beloved classic Dole pineapple soft serve. You can get a cup of this tangy and sweet treat or make it a float with Dole pineapple juice. Either way it's sure to please. This treat can also be found at Disney's Polynesian Village and Disney's Animal Kingdom (where you can get dark or coconut rum in it!) but is original to MK.

Croque Glace at L'Artisan des Glaces in the French pavillon at Epcot

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Now hear me out...this sounds like a weird combination but it's honestly beyond amazing! First they cut a fresh brioche in half, place a scoop of ice cream (your selection) inside, drizzle your choice of caramel or chocolate sauce on top of the ice cream, put the top have of the brioche back on, and then press it in a warm panini style press. The result being the most heavenly hot/cold and sweet/savory treat you never knew you needed.

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at Hollywood Scoops in Disney's Hollywood Studios

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No need for much explanation here...except that you should get it after you go on Rockin' Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror for the sake of your tummy!

Chocolate Waffle Sundae at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Disney's Animal Kingdom

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If you need a break from the animals stop for this chocolate waffle that can be topped with vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse. This little spot is where you can get those rum Dole Whips I told you about earlier.

We can't forget about the classics that you can find all over the Walt Disney World property because did you really go to Disney if you don't have at least one of these?

Mickey's Premium Bar

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Mickey's Ice Cream Sandwich

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Have you tried some of these? What's your favorite ice cream treat at Disney? Have a question about one I missed? Comment below!

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5 Tips to Make Your Pregnant Trip to Disney Great

Going on any trip while pregnant requires some special planning but, a trip to fast paced theme parks requires a lot of planning. I lived and worked at The Most Magical Place on Earth for nearly five years and thought I had done everything in the world there...until now. Going to Disney while pregnant is a completely different machine that what I'm used to. Here are a few things I found to be extra helpful when visiting Disney while pregnant.  

{one} Dress for Comfort

We went to Disney in April when I was rounding on 19 weeks pregnant and when we planned the trip I didn't think the weather would be too hot. I lived there for nearly five years and April was always warm but never miserable. Unfortunately it was 90 degrees without a cloud in the sky. I should've listened to my gut and brought my dri-fit capri pants to wear in the parts but I opted for my cute maternity khaki shorts...big mistake. Some women are fine in shorts but mine ended up being uncomfortable and ultimately ruined my day. Your shoes can make or break your day so this is the one time you can throw fashion to the wind and wear something that feels better than they look.  Listen to your gut and dress in what you know will be comfortable for you for those long hours in the parks.

{two} Don't Rush Meal Time

Let's be real, the food at Disney is one of the greatest reasons to visit when you're pregnant. A bonus is if you plan accordingly your meal time will be an opportunity to cool off and relax indoors. Taking your time during meals in the park will be your saving grace. Enjoy a meal somewhere that you've never visited of fear of too much time being taken up by the dining experience, if there ever was a time to do so it's now!

{three} Utilize Disney's Package Pick-up

If you're anything like me you want to pick up some adorable merchandise for your baby! The only downside is carrying and keeping track of it (oh hey pregnancy brain!) throughout the day. Disney offers a wonderful service called package pickup where you can opt to have your purchases sent to the front of the park to grab on your way out (allow at least 3 hours for it to get up there) or you can pick it up the next day at the main gift shop in your hotel. This came in very handy when my mom bought the baby her personalized "My First Christmas" ornament.

{four} Plan Your Activities Inside and Outside of the Parks

Using Fastpass+ is a wonderful way to plan out your day in the parks but don't let that be the only thing you take time to plan. It's difficult to have an open to close day in the parks while pregnant so plan things that help you still experience the parks. For example I made a late dinner reservation at 'Ohana at the Polynesian and because of our dining time we were able to watch Wishes, the Magic Kingdom fireworks, from the comfort of our table.The restaurant dims the lights and plays the music so you get to enjoy the show without the crowds. This goes for several restaurants at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Don't think that every waking minute needs to be spent in the parks...enjoy the pool, see what recreation offers your hotel has, and if you're lucky have some "me time" being pampered at one of the spas on property.

{five} Celebrate this New Chapter

Disney is all about celebrating everyday things and making them magical. The celebration buttons (birthday, anniversary, first visit, etc.) are easy conversation starters for cast members as well as fellow guests. I was lucky enough to find and amazing Etsy shop, CrowleyCastle, that makes adorable custom Disney buttons (seen in the photo above) that you won't find in the parks. We got them to use in our gender reveal and were stopped countless times by people telling us how much they loved them, wishing congratulations to us, and asking where to get them.

One of the greatest things about Disney theme parks is that they hold true to Walt's original vision of everyone, no matter your age or physical restrictions, can have fun together. I suggest planning things out and utilizing the My Disney Experience to scope out what rides are safe for expectant mothers. I didn't feel like this was a half done trip just because I was pregnant and if you plan your trip right you won't either. So girl go to Disney and treat yo' self to all the Dole Whips and Mickey pretzels your little heart desires and have fun on the world famous Peoplemover. 

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5 Reasons I'm Excited About this Weekend...

This Thursday, March 31st, is my birthday so we decided to celebrate my last birthday before I become a mom at where other than...Walt Disney World! If you've read my "about me" or know me personally, you know that I worked for Disney for five years. I left the company in June 2014 to move to Atlanta with my then fiance, now husband Brian. I miss Disney a lot, especially when I'm having rough days at work because even if it was a not so good day at work at Disney I was surrounded by people who made me feel valued and made me laugh from the moment my shift started until it ended. There are so many reasons to be pumped about a trip to Disney but here are my top five...

Seeing and catching up my Disney family

My birthday celebration a few years ago

I'm so excited to see as many friends as possible. We are only going to be there three days but you better believe I'm making the most of my time with some of the most wonderful people on the planet. I'll be with people who get me and truly love me for exactly who am I and that's a beautiful thing. We talk and text often but seeing them in person is sooo much better!

That my mom will be joining us

We had talked about her coming with us for a while but last week we made it official. She will be driving from WV to GA on Thursday and flying to Orlando with us at the crack of dawn on Friday morning. She's a big Disney fan so she's excited to be at one of her favorite places with two (well three kinda) of her favorite people!

It's Flower and Garden time

I'm excited to be going during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Epcot was my home park and I love every bit of it especially during festivals! A few years ago they brought in the outdoor kitchens used during the ultra popular Food and Wine festival and now it's like having two Food and Wine's but one with gorgeous flowers and topiaries around the park. I'm headed straight for the frushi (fruit sushi) in Japan and a wild violet lemonade.

The food...duh

Be Our Guest via

Calories don't count at Disney...especially when you're pregnant! I'm ready for some amazing food! We have lunch reservations for Be Our Guest, which my mom and Brian have never been to, and will be having dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ohana at Disney's Polynesian. Food comas for all! And lastly I'm so excited...

To do our gender reveal!

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That's right people, the world will be finding out if Baby Schiffbauer is a boy or girl this weekend! I would love to announce it the day we get there but that would be on April Fool's and we don't want people to think we're trying to pull one over on them so Saturday shall be the day! So if you're interested in knowing if we're having a prince or princess stayed tuned on my Facebook or Instagram.

If you want to follow along on our adventures follow me on snapchat, username: j0rdashian. I'd love to hear what you think we're having! Comment below with your guess of a boy or a girl! Thanks for stopping by!

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