Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events at the Magic Kingdom will have some new features this year with Walt Disney World getting a taste of the seasonal, limited-time changes to rides long enjoyed in other Disney parks around the globe.
According to Disney’s announcement, guests paying the $85 and up prices for the event will get to experience some special enhancements to three rides:
— Space Mountain will get a new soundtrack and special effects. Other versions of Space Mountain have been given special overlays, including the “Ghost Galaxy” theme, rolled out for the roller coaster every Halloween season in Disneyland in Anaheim, California as well as Hong Kong Disneyland, but Disney didn’t offer any more specifics.
— Pirates of the Caribbean will have new pirates “invade” the attraction, according to Disney World public relations manager Gabriel Gibaldi, interacting with riders “who will join the search for ‘Gunpowder Pete.’”
— Mad Tea Party will have new lighting and special effects.
Additionally, the Storybook Circus section of the park will have a “Disney Junior Jam” dance party featuring characters from Disney’s preschooler-aimed TV channel, including Doc McStuffins.
Along with the new offerings, Disney confirmed many staples of the Halloween party would be returning, including the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes fireworks and the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show.
The seasonal changes to attractions announced don’t go as far as in other Disney parks. For example, Disneyland has long featured a “Nightmare Before Christmas”-themed overlay for its version of the Haunted Mansion which is typically used from late September through early January. Walt Disney World has also foregone the holiday-themed overlay for It’s a Small World which has run in Disneyland since 1997.
The changes coincide with an ever-expanding schedule for the Halloween event, which will run for 34 nights this year, up from 32 in 2017 and 29 in 2016. The first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place Aug. 17 and take over the Magic Kingdom on select nights from 7 p.m. until midnight through Oct. 31. The events do require a separate ticket with Disney World annual passholders receiving a discount on certain nights.