Hi Caoimhne,
Thanks for visiting the Moms Panel with another question and Happy (early) Holidays! Your plans sound perfect for someone who absolutely loves the holidays like me!
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are two of my favorite special events at the Walt Disney World Resort. If my family could time a visit at the end of October and stay through the first week of November then I would certainly try to attend both parties.
Last year the
Disney Parks Blog announced the dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties on May 8, 2013. The last day for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was November 1 and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party kicked off on November 8. I would suggest bookmarking the Disney Parks Blog and keeping an eye on it as May approaches. I'm sure the 2014 dates will be announced around the same time, and should be close to last year's range.
You should definitely be able to experience the holiday magic during the first Very Merry Christmas Party if you choose to go. One of my favorite videos on the Official YouTube Channel for Disney Parks is
Time-Lapse Video: Magic Kingdom Park Decorated for the Holidays, with a behind-the-magic look at how Magic Kingdom Park transitions from Halloween to the holidays. The amazing transformation is done overnight by a very talented group of Cast Members!
Please be sure to send me any further questions about your next visit to Walt Disney World.
Have a magical day!
Bob