Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sees a First of Its Kind Change

We are still celebrating Halfway to Halloween and now we are setting our sights on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Recently dates and pricing were announced. Now more details have come to light and we noticed a change that not everyone is going to love.

Related: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced 

Credit: Disney

One of the perks of Disney’s special events is exclusive access to Magic Kingdom’s popular rides and attractions. The crowds are low and waits for your favorite ride are usually short which makes the experience worth the extra price tag. Almost every ride is a walk-on and those that arent have very short waits. Except this year it seems they are doing things a little differently.  This year’s Halloween Party will usher in a first of its kind change. 

In the past, all attractions were walk-up only. Standby was the only option (because it was all that was needed due to low crowds). NomFastPass and later Genie+ were offered. You simply chose the ride you wanted to ride and stood in a very short line for it. However, this year,  Walt Disney World’s newest attraction, Tron: Lightcycle/Run will not have a standby line. The Virtual Queue will be in place for the roller-coaster.  

Credit: Disney

Disney World’s Virtual Queue system was first introduced in December 2019 when Rise of the Resistance opened. The system allows guests to secure their spot to ride via the MyDisneyExperience app and acts as a placeholder. This leaves them free to experience other attractions while awaiting their turn to ride rather than wasting time in impossibly long lines. After snagging a spot in the Virtual Queue Guests are given a group number. When that group number is called they can proceed to the ride.

Credit: ziggyknowsdisney.com

Related: Disney World’s Newest Ride Will Feature No Standby Queue

 Disney says this helps guests make the most of their time and we have to agree. Despite much hate for it, the Virtual Queue does maximize park time. This is especially good during special events that you’re paying top dollar to attend. If you break it down, a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costs roughly $40/hr during peak season. No one wants to pay $40 to stand in a long line. 

Related: Jack SSkellington Meet and Greet

While this is a first for the Halloween Party,  it makes sense. Tron: Lightcycle/Run is one of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World Resort. If you thought the line for Jack Skellington was long, the line for Tron would be so much worse. 

While you wait for your Tron group to be ready to ride, you can take in the many activities the party offers. Activities you’d have missed out on otherwise like trick-or-treat,  Mickey’s Boo to You parade, special character meet and greets, an elusive fireworks show and a one of a kind Hocus Pocus stage show featuring the Sanderson Sisters and a host of other Disney villains.