A Night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
If you’re a fan of both Disney and Halloween, then Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an absolute must-attend event. This highly sought-after Disney World celebration offers a spectacular and family-friendly Halloween experience. From a dazzling parade to unique character costumes and themed ride enhancements to delightful trick-or-treating, this Halloween party promises something extraordinary for guests of all ages.
1. Get Tickets Early
This event takes place come rain or shine, and it’s important to note that tickets can sell out well in advance. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s advisable to secure your tickets when planning your trip. Halloween night tickets tend to be the first to go, with other dates typically selling out within the 45-60 day window.
While Disney rarely cancels Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party outright, they may make weather-related adjustments. For instance, the Headless Horseman may not ride before the parade, or the parade itself could be delayed or impacted by rain. If there are multiple show times, consider checking the weather forecast to determine the best option for a more weather-friendly experience.
2. Wear a Costume
Get into the Halloween spirit by donning a costume, or even coordinating outfits with your family. However, it’s wise to consider the weather, especially in the still-warm months of August, September, and October in Orlando. Opt for lightweight and short-sleeved options to stay comfortable. We’ve tried both coordinating t-shirts and ears, as well as store-bought costumes, and although we enjoyed them and got some great photos, we found ourselves changing into something more comfortable later in the night. I recommend bringing an extra pair of shorts and a t-shirt to switch into after you’ve captured those fantastic Halloween character pictures, allowing you to fully enjoy the rest of the night in comfort.
For Guests 13 and Under: Costumes and some masks may be worn as long as they do not obstruct the vision and allow the eyes to be fully seen.
For Guests 14 and Older: Costumes may be worn according to the following guidelines.
1. Do not pose or sign for autographs
2. Must be family friendly and not obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent.
3. Costumes may not contain props or accessories that resemble a weapon or could be mistaken as one.
4. Costumes may not contain sharp objects or pointed materials that may accidentally strike another guest.
5. Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
6. Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground.
7. Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
8. Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, toy swords and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
9. Costume masks of any kind are not allowed.
3. Arrive Between 5-6pm
Although the official start time for the party is 7:00pm, you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00pm with your party ticket. To make the most of your evening, I recommend aiming to arrive at the park between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, and here’s why:
Entering at 4:00pm tends to have the longest entry lines of the night, and the sun is still quite hot at that time. Additionally, regular park hours for Magic Kingdom continue until 6:00pm, so many guests are still finishing up their daytime visits.
During our second year attending, I put this strategy to the test, and we arrived at 5:00pm. We experienced minimal wait times, smoothly moving from the monorail into the park to receive our wristbands. Upon entering, we explored the Main Street Confectionary Shop and then exited onto Main Street, where we shopped at the Emporium for exclusive Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise. The line was quick, taking about 5 minutes or less, and various sizes were available.
If you follow this approach, after making your purchases, be sure to exit through the Confectionary Shop to obtain your candy tote bag and full-size Mars brand candy. After this, most daytime park guests had filtered out, resulting in shorter wait times for rides. We waited approximately 5 minutes for the Tomorrowland Speedway, enjoyed a round on Dumbo The Flying Elephant, and walked right onto The Barnstormer. By this time, we were ready for a meal, and it coincided perfectly with dining locations reopening at 7:00pm. (Please note that most dining options are closed from 5:45pm to 7:00pm to accommodate the transition from daytime guests to partygoers.)
4. Do the Halloween Party Exclusives
Meeting rare characters, witnessing characters in their Halloween attire, enjoying the Boo To You parade, experiencing Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular, catching the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, trick-or-treating, and riding attractions with special effects – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a multitude of extras. There’s so much to do that it’s impossible to enjoy everything in a single night, but with proper planning, you can get a delightful taste of it all.
If your family is dressed up or you’re with loved ones, make sure to take advantage of Disney Photographers. They offer various options at character meet and greets, magic shots, and special Halloween displays. You can choose your preferred character, a classic one, or even decide based on the shortest wait time and your location in the park. For instance, on our visit, we found ourselves near the Town Square Theater around 8:15pm after a stop at Lost & Found. Although the line for meeting Mickey Mouse was initially listed at 25 minutes, we noticed the area wasn’t crowded, so we decided to give it a try. Fortunately, there was only one family ahead of us to meet Mickey Mouse in his Halloween attire.
5. Eat the Speciality Snacks
Each year, the party features a range of exclusive treats available for an additional purchase. These delectable options are scattered throughout the park, offering a variety of sweet treats, savory snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as specialty popcorn buckets and drink sippers. While some of these items can be purchased during regular park hours, others are exclusive to the party itself. It’s advisable to make the most of the exclusive treats and avoid using your party time for dining within the park.
While the specific options can vary from year to year, some fan favorites from 2023 included the Terrifyin’ Twice-Spiced Chicken Sandwich, Loaded Sweet Potato Fries, River Stix Elixir, and the Queen of Hearts Slushy. Over the course of our two years attending, we even collected a Mickey Mouse Mummy popcorn bucket and a Donald Duck Candy Corn sipper, making these unique keepsakes of our visits.
6. Watch the 2nd Parade
The Boo To You parade holds a special place in my heart when it comes to Disney World experiences. Whether it’s the enchanting soundtrack, the abundance of beloved characters, or simply my adoration for Halloween, this spectacle is an absolute must-see.
During our first year, we stumbled upon a stroke of luck while in Frontierland as Cast Members set up the parade rope for the first parade. This allowed us to secure front-row seats and catch a glimpse of the Headless Horseman. However, during that time, my companions decided to take advantage of the shorter lines for a few rides, and we attempted a different approach the following year.
While I would recommend opting for the second parade due to lower crowds and shorter lines during the parade, we made two key mistakes. First, we found ourselves able to walk onto Pirates of the Caribbean, only to discover that the parade route blocked our path further. Second, when we positioned ourselves on Main Street to watch the parade, there was ample space to find a spot, but we arrived too late to witness the Headless Horseman. He actually rides along the parade route 15-20 minutes before the official start time.
7. Catch the Last Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
The final showing of the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular takes place at midnight, coinciding with the park’s closing time. Attending this late show allows you to make the most of your party time without using any of your regular party minutes to watch the performance.
The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is held at Cinderella’s Castle and is hosted by the three Sanderson Sisters. As they wield their magical abilities to conjure the Hocus Pocus Party Potion, keep an eye out for appearances by iconic Disney villains such as Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, and Dr. Facilier. It’s a bewitching spectacle not to be missed!
8. If Doing Rides, Go During 1st Parade
While the wait times for rides tend to be shorter during the Halloween party, there’s so much to experience that you don’t want to spend all your time in line or on rides. One strategic approach is to take advantage of the period when a majority of party guests are enjoying the first parade, as this is an excellent opportunity to hop on a few rides.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of the parade route, which can block certain walkways. To avoid this issue, consider positioning yourself in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and the back side of Liberty Square. This will help you steer clear of the parade route in Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A. In these areas, you’ll have the chance to enjoy attractions like Haunted Mansion, It’s A Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, Mad Tea Party, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Barnstormer, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter, PeopleMover, or Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
If you happen to find yourself stuck in Adventureland after riding Pirates of the Caribbean, consider grabbing a specialty snack. The Frontierland parade area is typically the first to reopen, allowing you to continue enjoying the festivities.
9. Make a Game Plan with Your Top Must-Do’s
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers an abundance of activities, making it impossible to experience everything in a single night. It’s essential to explore the offerings and select a few that align with your family’s preferences. If you have the opportunity to visit Magic Kingdom again during your trip, consider saving some of the rides for that time. However, if that’s not an option, prioritize a couple of your favorites or opt for attractions with shorter wait times.
In addition to most rides being open, the party also features exclusive attractions such as rare character meet and greets, characters in Halloween attire, ride overlays, specialty snacks, a Disney Junior Dance Party, trick-or-treating, the Boo-To-You Parade, Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular, and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.
This year, we managed to enjoy seven rides before 10:45pm, all while indulging in other attractions and experiences. We made it a point to savor specialty food, capture a picture with Halloween Mickey Mouse and Jafar, collect treats from various spots, witness the fireworks, attend the second parade, catch the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and, as a hiccup, I lost my phone on a ride, so we had to make a detour to Lost & Found.
10. Don’t Miss the Fireworks
Disney World fireworks are nothing short of magical, and Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular adds an incredible Halloween twist to the typical Magic Kingdom fireworks display. The combination of the dazzling light show on Cinderella’s Castle along with the fireworks creates a spellbinding experience for all spectators.
The show unfolds on and above Cinderella’s Castle, occurring only once a night, which can draw sizable crowds. However, you don’t need to squeeze into the throng to enjoy a fantastic view. You can position yourself anywhere along Main Street or near the castle and still witness a captivating and enchanting show.
