Hi Cherie!
It is great that you are starting your planning for your 2018 Walt Disney World vacation. This is definitely a destination that warrants early planning with so many things to see and experience.
In the fall you will find a special event party, the
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I have loved this party for many years and have some great photo memories of each one. The younger kids will love the trick or treating but adults will also be in those lines to fill their bags too. Most of the attractions are open that night so you can either get your thrills on the roller coasters or enjoy the spooky Haunted Mansion. There is plenty of entertainment going on throughout the park and also extra and special character meet and greets. Some of these are Disney characters that you might not see at any other time.
You will not want to miss the special parade and fireworks during the party. The parade is my all time favorite Disney parade. I can't get enough of the grave diggers and Haunted Mansion ghosts who march along with many of the known Disney characters. The Headless Horseman will make his appearance twice nightly before the parade begins as he trots down the streets with pumpkin in hand.
If you choose to purchase tickets for this event I strongly recommend that the entire group dress in costume. Get into the "spirit" of the night and have a theme and pick out costumes that relate.
The party tickets do add to the budget for a Disney vacation but it is also nice to experience the Magic Kingdom in holiday mood with far fewer guests then a normal day in the park. No, or very small, lines for the attractions is enough for many to come for an evening of "spooktacular" fun!