Five Tips to Make the Best of Mickey's Hallowen Party ~ Disneyland

You've paid a lot for that extra party ticket to be able to experience Mickey's Halloween Party, so you want to make the best of it. These tips also apply to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, since they are similar.

1.Use the Halloween Party ticket as your ticket for the day.
Generally, you are allowed admittance at 4:00 pm with the party ticket, so today is a great day to enjoy your hotel and Downtown Disney (or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World), have some swim time and, most importantly, a NAP. To get the most bang for your buck, you'll want to stay late, so it's best to conserve your energy during the day. Arrive fully in costume as soon as your ticket allows, and start your Disney day at that time. Be prepared for crowds! Although the park is not as packed after it closes to day guests, it may be a surprise to you just how crowded it remains.
2. Wear a costume with park touring in mind.
Unless all you want to do all night is walk around and look pretty or dashing or villain-y, plan accordingly. Lightweight fabric that allows easy movement and a not overly fussy costume will greatly improve your party experience. Imagine yourself on your feet for upward of 8 hours, in crowded conditions, getting in and out of ride vehicles. This may not be the time for 'looks like glass' high heels and huge hoop underskirts, or anything on your head that could blow off easily. Although cool to look at, wearing a 'Push" garbage can costume might prove cumbersome while boarding Pirates.
3. Ride rides.
While the littles are all getting treats focus on some rides, alternating with the treat trails. Try not to run back and forth all over the park, but have a general plan in mind just as you would for a regular park day. Ride lines will be shorter after the day guests leave so take advantage of that (another reason to control that costume). Lines that will be HUGE are for the characters, so only go through that if you just must have a picture with a favorite character.
4. Come prepared for buckets of treats
You are given a little bag for Trick or Treating. It is not big enough. Treat trails are plentiful, and easy to see by finding the giant Mickey ghosts (during out party...this is subject to change). You are also given a map with the treat trails identified. Use it.
You not only get candy, but there are options for healthier snacks such as apples and raisins. An empty backpack  comes in handy to dump your bags into when filled. A group of five in our party came away with close to 30 pounds of treats.
5. Stay late.
Since you've done everything right as far as coming to the party well rested in an easy to get around in costume, you are free to stay as late as you wish. Don't miss the spectacular themed fireworks show.
After the fireworks, the crowd begins to thin as those who didn't plan as well as you did have grown tired and leave. Not you! Now is the time to ride more rides, top off the backpack, enjoy the wonderful park decorations and mingle with other guests. Part of our party went as the seven dwarfs and a party attendee Snow White just had to have a picture.
Like all things, a little planning goes a long way toward making your party experience a memorable one...for all the right reasons.