Beth, I know exactly what you mean. I learn new things from my fellow moms and dad here too.
Usually the parties such as
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begin at 7 p.m. and they do require separate admission. The Halloween party ends at midnight.
If you purchase a ticket to this separate, “hard ticket” event, you will not need a Magic Your Way base ticket or park hopper to attend the event inside the Magic Kingdom. Therefore you can use your pass to visit another park on the day of the party.
When you arrive the turnstile and give the Cast Member your MNSSHP ticket, you will be given a wristband. The wristband helps Cast Members to identify you as a party-goer and to clear the park of the day guests.
Note that some people report being able to enter the park as early as 4 p.m. with just their party ticket in hand. I
can attest to doing so for the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Boo to you!