- Started with Typhoon Lagoon water park adventures 🌊
- ‘Ohana breakfast and a magical friend surprise 🍍
- Whispering Canyon feast before Mickey’s party 🎉
- Ended with a new DVC home at Fort Wilderness 🏕️
Not So Scary 2025 Review
For this Not So Scary 2025 Review, our Nola Nerd crew spent fall break at Walt Disney World during one of its busiest Halloween weekends. We knew before arriving that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was completely sold out, but we already had tickets and a full schedule planned to make the most of every day.
The trip started with a late Friday arrival and a stay near Disney to take advantage of the free Typhoon Lagoon access on check-in day. Over the next few days, we visited Disney Springs, enjoyed breakfast at ‘Ohana, explored several Magic Kingdom-area resorts, and ended the weekend with the Not So Scary party at Magic Kingdom.
We also managed to fit in Whispering Canyon Café, some resort activities at All-Star Music, and a stop at Beaches & Cream before visiting our newly chosen Disney Vacation Club home at Fort Wilderness Campground. The trip was a mix of cool fall weather, classic Disney experiences, and plenty of food highlights.
This Not So Scary 2025 Review covers what we did, where we ate, and what stood out during a sold-out Halloween weekend at Walt Disney World.
🌊 Day 1 – Typhoon Lagoon & Disney Springs Adventures
After a quick check-in, we headed straight to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The temperatures hovered in the low 70s with an overcast sky, which was pretty chilly for this Louisiana family.
Still, we braved the cool air for some fun. The wave pool, easily the most unhinged ride at Disney, was unreal. Seeing it on video does not prepare you for the sheer force in person. As a shorter guy, that wave launched me a good ten feet through the water, equal parts exhilarating and humbling.
Our little Nola Nerd was not thrilled about the cold (for her), so we wrapped it up early and headed to Disney Springs.
Dinner was at The Polite Pig, which absolutely lived up to the hype. Tender smoked meats, great sides, and quick service hit the spot. Pro tip: order the mac and cheese or the beet salad. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and the perfect comfort food after a brisk water park day. The beet salad was refreshing and an ideal counter to the smoked meats.
🌴 Day 2 – Resort Hopping and Ohana Magic
Day two of our Not So Scary 2025 Review focused on exploring Disney’s most iconic resorts without the stress of park entry.
Breakfast at Ohana
We kicked off the morning with a family-style breakfast at ‘Ohana inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Everything was delicious, but the pineapple bread and the pineapple compote on the ham were both standout dishes. The tropical flavor felt like pure Disney happiness.
What made it truly special, and a bit of (maybe) unintended Disney magic, was our seating. We had a corner table with a clear shot of the castle. But more impressive, one of our daughters’ best friends was at the table next to us. We knew they would be at the parks, but we refrained from telling our little one because it was a surprise visit for her friend. Their faces when they saw each other were magical.
After breakfast, we resort-hopped through the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary resorts. Each has its own magic, and seeing them back-to-back really made us think about spending more time at Disney in the future. (Spoiler: that is exactly what happened later.)
The day warmed up beautifully, still mild but sunny and comfortable. Our little Nola Nerd got a caricature done, which became one of her favorite souvenirs. Dinner that night was lowkey at our hotel, All-Star Music, followed by swimming, s’mores, and an Encanto movie night by the pool. Disney knows how to keep the magic going even outside the parks.
🤠 Day 3 – Whispering Canyon and Mickey’s Not So Scary 2025 Party
We kept breakfast simple at the hotel before heading to Whispering Canyon Café for lunch. The family-style barbecue spread was hearty and delicious, but all-you-can-eat and then going to a park isn’t for me anymore. We were stuffed, which meant we were tired and the party was going to go on til midnight!
Wandering through Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, we could not help admiring the rustic, cozy atmosphere. It felt woodsy and magical in a way that only Disney can pull off. We have been long-time Disney-goers (we have even done races there!) and had annual passes before.
That wanderlust led us straight to a DVC booth, where curiosity turned into action. Within a few hours, we attended the presentation and walked out as new Disney Vacation Club members. (We will talk more about our reasoning in a future DVC-focused post.)
While we were at the presentation, our daughter enjoyed rides like It’s a Small World and PhilharMagic with her grandparents, two of her favorites. Watching her joy, telling us about these classic rides, always reminds us why we do these trips.
Also, we had so much fun, and were so focused on living in the moment, we didn’t take many pictures. Sometimes, that is ok.
Disney Bounding Night – Themed for Fun
For the Halloween-themed Not So Scary 2025 night, our family fully leaned into the Disneybounding spirit:
- Mrs. Nola Nerd: Haunted Mansion-inspired dress
- Nola Nerd Kid: Figment-themed outfit
- Me: A mix of Sorcerer Mickey and Philharmagic vibes
We hit some of the classic attractions, including Carousel, Dumbo, Jungle Cruise (twice), Flying Carpets, and Haunted Mansion. Each felt extra special under the spooky lighting and themed shows.
Between trick-or-treating, watching the Headless Horseman sweep down Liberty Square, and seeing fireworks burst over Cinderella’s Castle, this event is still Disney’s best Halloween experience. Even though we were exhausted, we closed the park with smiles on our faces.
🏕️ Day 4 – Beaches & Cream and Our DVC Home Base
Our final day of this Not So Scary 2025 Review brought a slower, more relaxing Disney experience. Lunch at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the Beach Club Resort was nostalgic and delicious. The ice cream sundaes and classic burgers hit every note of comfort food perfection.
After lunch, we toured our new DVC home base at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. We chose it for its serene, nature-forward setting and its focus on activities beyond the parks. With the following activities at the campgrounds, we won’t feel the need to go to the parks every day. Even our little one, who is more of a theater kid than a thrill seeker, agreed that she could easily just spend the day at the resort. Here are some of the offerings that this park has to keep you entertained:
- Pools: Guests can swim in themed pool areas, including the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool with a waterslide, whirlpool spas, and a children’s splash area.
- Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long: This activity allows families to roast marshmallows and participate in songs and interactions with Chip and Dale.
- Fort Wilderness Archery Experience: A guided archery class where participants learn to hold a bow, aim, and shoot at a target under supervision.
- Tri-Circle-D Ranch: Features horse stables and offers pony, wagon, and carriage rides through scenic areas.
- Holiday Sleigh Rides: Seasonal horse-drawn sleigh rides take guests through decorated woodland areas.
- Fishing Excursions: Guided outings available for catch-and-release fishing on Bay Lake and surrounding waterways.
- Electrical Water Pageant: A nightly floating light parade that takes place on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Bike Rentals: Bicycles are available at the Bike Barn for self-guided rides through pine forest trails.
- Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Guests can rent canoes and kayaks for use on the quiet waterways surrounding the campground.
- Basketball Courts, Volleyball, and Jogging Trails: Multiple outdoor recreation facilities and jogging routes are located near the Meadow Recreation Area.
- Playgrounds: Several playgrounds are available throughout the resort.
- Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade: An arcade located at Pioneer Hall with both classic and modern games.
- Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade: Located near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and offering video and pinball games.
- Wilderness Back Trail Adventure: A Segway tour through forest and lakeside paths, available through advance registration.
- Horse-Drawn Excursions and Carriage Rides: Private 25-minute carriage rides route along the Sassagoula River and Fort Wilderness trails.
- Holiday Sleigh Rides: During the winter season, sleigh rides replace regular carriages, featuring themed decorations and festive sounds.
For our family, Fort Wilderness represents that cozy middle ground between camping and resort luxury. It feels like Disney magic meets frontier childhood nostalgia, complete with bright campfires and endless outdoor fun.
By that evening, we packed up, said our goodbyes to Mickey, and headed to the airport, tired and grateful, already dreaming of our next trip.
🏰 Thoughts & Tips from Our Not So Scary 2025 Review
Here are a few quick takeaways if you are planning your own Not So Scary 2025 experience:
- The water park check-in perk is worth it if you arrive early and the weather cooperates. (This will also be available to Disney Resorts Collection hotel Guests during the summer of 2026.)
- The ‘Ohana breakfast is a must-do for families with great food and stunning lagoon views.
- Resort hopping is underrated. You can enjoy so much Disney atmosphere without having to buy park tickets.
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party remains the most family-friendly Halloween event anywhere. The Headless Horseman alone is worth it.
- Consider a DVC tour if you have ever thought about making Disney trips a regular part of your life. For us, Fort Wilderness was the perfect fit.
📚 External Resources
Here are some official Disney resources and articles to help you plan:
- Disney’s Official Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide
- Disney Vacation Club Overview
- Typhoon Lagoon Details
💭 Final Thoughts
Our Not So Scary 2025 Review captures what we love most about Disney. Even a short weekend trip can recharge your spirit, create lifelong family memories, and remind you of the joy of imagination.
If you are a Disney lover or a family that thrives on shared adventures, then October at Walt Disney World is your time to shine. Pack your costumes, grab your curiosity, and find your own magic.
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