Adventure is Out There!

Ca-caw Ca-caw Rarrr! (There's bound to be lots of Up references in this blog, so if you haven't watched the movie, stop EVERYTHING you are doing, go watch it.. and then return. Otherwise, you won't be able to appreciate the complete awesomeness of our Halloween costumes) 

If you hadn't heard (are you living under a rock? have you never visited my blog before?!) a couple of weeks ago, my mom bought us tickets to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! This has always been on my bucket list of things to do before the kids grow up (EVERYONE should have one of those- time goes by fast, you know) and this was ABSOLUTELY on it. I actually thought maybe the boat had sailed, but everyone had a blast- and as I heard/saw/witnessed children younger than mine having complete and utter breakdowns at the end of the night, I realized we probably took advantage of this party at the perfect time-- old enough to behave, young enough to appreciate the magic! 

So, we arrived around 3:30, our tickets got us in at 4 pm, so we had a late lunch/early dinner to fill us up. 

So, the boys were all wilderness explorers, like Russel. What exactly is a Wilderness Explorer you ask? Well, A wilderness explorer is a friend to all, be it a plant or a fish or a tiny mole! 

While mom and I dressed as Snipes/Kevins (Kevin's a girl?!)

Last night I mentioned to Asa how great it was our teenager was totally into dressing up AND being a Wilderness Explorer. He was so into in fact, he insisted on carrying a backpack AND having the flag. 

The party didn't officially start until 7, so we used our time before then to see shows and go on some rides. We went to the Laugh Floor and the Barnstormer. 

And we hit Under the Sea, 

though Asa's dancing got in the way of my pictures. 

A little before the party was to start, we got in line for our must-do character meet and greet: the Seven Dwarfs! You get all SEVEN of them in one stop, it's awesome. (And the ONLY time you can do that) 

While we waited in line for that, Asa and Peyton went to see Jack and Sally (again the ONLY time you can see them). Asa made sure to give Jack the Wilderness Explorer spiel: Good afternoon. My name is Russell. And I am a Wilderness Explorer in tribe 54, lodge 12. Are you in need of any assistance today, sir?  

Apparently, Jack and Sally came out to meet with everyone around 6:15ish, so Asa and Peyton had time to meet back up with us before the Seven Dwarfs came out at 7. 

Calib didn't think we should let them join us in line. I think he was just bitter he didn't get to see Jack and Sally too. 

After our picture with the Seven Dwarfs, we set out to trick or treat and ride some more rides (because trading candy on It's a Small World is more fun than you'd think) 

We did hit the haunted mansion, which was super awesome during the party- lots of extras outside, and the cast members were all totally in character and extra dressed up. 

The boys were super into the trick or treat, and to be honest- so were the grown ups! I mean for the first time in my adult life, I dressed up for Halloween. It was totally fitting to trick-or-treat too. And Disney encourages EVERYONE trick or treat. Multiple times if you want. 

There were some added treats you can only get during the party too, like candy corn cotton candy. 

And the Pumpkin Spice -ice cream topped- waffle (so good!). We also finally got to try the chicken waffle sandwich (that was pretty amazing too!) 

It's also super fun to see all the characters walking around in costumes! 

We had to check out Celebrate the Magic (the castle projections) which was slightly different. it was super crowded up by the castle (our party was sold out) but not unbearable. 

We stayed to watch HallowWishes, the special fireworks show for the Halloween Party. IT. WAS.AMAZING. I only snapped two or three pictures, because I was taking it all in. Plus there was no way to get the expansiveness of it all (for real, at one point they were all around us). 

Afterward, we staked out our spots for the Boo to You Parade that also ONLY takes place during the party. About 10 minutes before the parade starts, the headless horseman came riding down the street. Not the best of pictures, but pretty awesome in person. 

The parade is pretty awesome too, and the song might even be more catchy than the electrical light parade! 

After the parade we went back to check the Snow White Mine Train Wait time, and took some pictures. 

I missed Hayden in this one, and Calib in the next one.

Deciding spending our last hour in line was too much, we walked over to Adventureland, where we even got to trick-or-treat in the Tiki Room! 

After a trip on Pirates, and a stop at the gift shop, we were all done. 

At midnight the party was over (literally), so we headed for the monorail. 

The best part (tough competition with the decorations, parade, fireworks, and character meet and greets) of the night HAD to be all the cast members recognizing us and throwing out "The wilderness MUST be explored!" and "Ca-Caw, Ca-Caw, Rawwwr!" and "Adventure is out there!" all night. We got so many compliments. Lots of regular people said how awesome they were too. We ran into about 5 other Wilderness Explorers, and only ONE other Kevin. Asa made a point to tell everyone that I made the costumes, badges and all. 

On the way home we had some tired kids, though! We got back just before 2, and poor Asa had to work (albeit from home) at 6 am this morning. It's going to be early to bed for everyone tonight. 

Oh, and that candy haul? Not too shabby. Lots of good stuff too. 

I think we'll have candy until next Halloween! 

So much fun, if you ever get the chance, totally go- it's worth the price of admission for sure!