Ok, we know what you might be thinking:
"You never recommend spending money for parties within parties!"
And, you're right. That is our usual line of thought. Party tickets are already expensive, why should you spend even MORE money for a special event happening at the same time?
Well, we can honestly say that we were shocked at how much we truly enjoyed this premium option available during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP).
We still don't recommend it for everybody, but for some people we think Cruella's Halloween Hide-A-Way is the perfect addition to their MNSSHP ticket.
Here's why...
What is Cruella's Halloween Hideaway?
This premium event is a come-and-go cocktail party of sorts that is held inside Tony's Town Square.
Much like the dessert parties offered during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, this event also offers guests both sweet and savory options. But what sets it apart is that it also has adult beverages.
Yes, you read that right - alcohol is served here!
In addition to the alcohol and food this event has a special guest: Cruella De Vil. She's there to make sure you have a wickedly good time.
She wanders around Tony's Town Square Restaurant while you dine, and there's even a PhotoPass photographer available if you'd like to snap a few pictures with her.
And, probably the best part of this event?
Reserved parade viewing. More on that below.
When is it held?
Cruella's Halloween Hide-A-Way is held during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
And, you DO need a ticket to the party in order to attend this event.
In 2019, MNSSHP is held on the following nights from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.:
- August: 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
- September: 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
- October: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
- November: 1
One of the best parts of this party is that it goes until 12:30 a.m., which is 30 minutes after the party ends. That gives you a nice, relaxing spot to chill out and wait for the crowds to clear before heading to the buses or monorail.
How does check-in work?
Disney says that guests can begin checking in for this party beginning at 9 p.m., however, you can check in before that (which we recommend you do to avoid standing in line).
There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, and it isn't assigned so if you want a particular spot, you should get there early.
When you check-in you'll get a cute dalmatian print bracelet to wear.
Food and drinks
As you can see from these images below, there's LOTS of tasty food options, including butternut squash ravioli, fried mozzarella, meatballs, and assorted flatbreads.
In addition, you'll also find a selection of meat and cheese.
All of the beverages here are included, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
For people interested in the alcohol options, you'll find a small selection of wines, beers, and hard cider.
There's also a selection of soda, water, and coffee.
And we can't forget the desserts!
There's dalmatian dotted strawberries, brownies, cannolis, fun pushpops along with other 101 Dalmatian-themed treats.
Boo To You Parade Viewing
One of the highlights of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the Boo To You Parade.
From the Headless Horseman to the Grave Diggers, this parade is a fan-favorite which means getting a good view can require staking out a spot for an hour (or more).
But, guests of this event get to skip all that with a special reserved parade viewing location.
Your reserved spot is right at the flag pole at the start of Main Street U.S.A. - the perfect spot for prime viewing!
Note: it has been reported that some parties have viewed the parade from an alternate location, however, the vast majority of parties will have their parade viewing here.
You can head out whenever you are ready, but we recommend you go no later than 10:50 p.m. if you want to snag a spot on the curb.
What about the fireworks?
If you want to try to catch the fireworks, you can do that too.
Since this is a come-and-go event, you can head out to watch Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks (which take place at 10:15 p.m.), if you'd like.
After they're done you'd have time to head back to Tony's Town Square for another drink or bite to eat before heading out for the parade.
Cost
The cost for Cruella's Halloween Hideaway is $99 per person.
You can't use any Disney Dining Plan entitlements on it, either.
So, it definitely isn't cheap but if you use it as a substitute for an evening meal it makes the price a lot more "reasonable" (at least it does when you use Mickey Math).
How to book Cruella's Halloween Hideaway
You can book this fun new event online.
Who should consider booking it?
This add-on definitely isn't for everybody, but we do think it might make sense for some people:
- Repeat Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees
- Guests looking for a more "relaxed" approach to the party
- Anybody looking for something special or extra to do
- People that really, really want a good view of the parade
Final thoughts
Yes, we have long-held beliefs that the parties are expensive enough and that it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay for the "parties within the parties" but this event has changed our mind.
With prime parade viewing, delicious food and treats, and of course the alcohol, the value of this event is, in some situations, worth it.
