LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — With 20 spooktacular party nights scheduled, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a one-of-a-kind Halloween bash that immerses guests in the fantasy of Magic Kingdom — and it’s bigger than ever in 2007.

The lightly frightful fun for the whole family begins at 7 p.m. (after regular park operating hours) and continues until midnight. Separate admission is required.

Each date features trick-or-treating throughout the park and the Halloween-themed fireworks spectacular “Happy HalloWishes.” The event also showcases the newly expanded “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.” Guests, who are welcome to attend wearing Halloween costumes, can also experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions.

Guests looking for ghostly tricks during the party are in for a very special treat — a newly refurbished Haunted Mansion attraction has re-opened its gates just in time for the fall season. The supernatural classic has received an “Extreme Mansion Makeover” including: new show scenes, enhanced sound and visual effects and even a few ghoulish surprises.

Guests can save $7 per ticket for all event nights except Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 18, 25, 26 and 31 by purchasing tickets in advance, by calling 407/W-DISNEY or visiting disneyworld.com/halloween. Advance tickets are $38.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above, $32.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Children under 3 are admitted at no charge. Day-of tickets and tickets for the Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 18, 25, 26 and 31 event nights are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10 and above, and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

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So what’s in a view? When it comes to the breath taking view from the Contemporary, EVERYTHING!

I recently had the opportunity to stay in the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom view. This chance was a dream come true for me. I had seen photos taken from these rooms, but honestly, they do not do it justice.

We checked at the front desk and received our room keys……7th floor! We hopped on the elevator and headed up. We wandered down the hall, looking over the railing at the happy families socializing with the Disney characters at Chef Mickey’s. The monorail swooshed by, stopping long enough to let out its passengers and to pick up more. Then, off it went, exiting out the side of the A-Frame building.

We slid the room key, watched the little light glow green, inviting us inside. The door opened and we looked somewhat quickly around the room, with its’ warm earth tones to soothe the most tired guest and excited child. The long drapes were closed, light from the afternoon sun shining behind them. Like kids at Christmas, we rushed over and drew the drapes back.

We could see for miles! Far out in the distance was Splash Mountain, closer was Space Mountain. If we looked out to the left, we could even see Expedition Everest from Animal Kingdom! In the center, drawing our attention, was Cinderella’s Castle…….in all its’ glory. It was glowing in the afternoon sun. We didn’t thing anything could top that. Boy were we wrong!

Sunset approached, casting a warm pinkish glow all around. The skies were painted in colors an artist could only hope to match! The clouds looked like giant, puffy cotton balls and the water from the Seven Seas Lagoon mirrored their likeness perfectly.

As the skies darkened, we could first see the buildings in Magic Kingdom light…little white lights outlined each. Then, the castle became a brilliant blue, then pink, purple and even orange followed. I began to worry if my camera would be able to hold the amount of photos it was apparent I would be taking before this magical night had ended!

The 5 of us sat out on the balcony, waiting for Wishes to start. This was a memory I pray I never forget. Any parent of a teenager knows that they are not always the easiest people to talk to. As we all talked, laughed and joked, I was reminded of my 3 little children, not so little anymore. This was a moment in time when we all were in the same place at the same time. I’m not only talking about physically. We were simply enjoying each other’s company and the laughter filled the night sky. The kids all actually even LIKED each other! Talk about Disney magic!!

Wishes began and the twinkling fireworks filled the sky…..the wind was blowing towards us and we could hear the faint strains of the music in the background. The night was perfect!

After the fireworks, another little bit of Disney magic filtered its way into our little balcony. All three kids went out together to hang out in the arcade….who says miracles still don’t happen!? What did my husband and I do? We wandered down to the shores of Bay Lake, relaxed on a hammock together and dreamed of what the rest of this magical vacation had in store for us.