Halloween at Walt Disney World might look a bit different than you’d expect. The parks are well known for holiday celebrations and the infamous rotation of Epcot festivals. But, most of the big “spooky” moments of fall live inside Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. A paid, limited capacity event at Magic Kingdom. Outside of that, offerings are pretty light.

Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a festive trip. It just means you need a bit of a plan. September is a sweet spot for visits with lower crowds, party dates, after hour events and EPCOT’s Food & Wine running. There’s no shortage of things to do and see, it just may not all come with jack-o-lanterns and candy.

Don’t worry, there are tons of treats still.

How Halloween Works at Walt Disney World

Across the resort, the season shows up in three main ways: décor pockets, rotating snacks and drinks, and a heavy merch push. Magic Kingdom carries the most visible daytime décor along Main Street, while EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the resorts add a much lighter touch

The real seasonal draw is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Exclusive parade, fireworks, trick-or-treating, and ride overlays live inside the event. It’s definately a lot of fun, and we go into all the details in our annual MNSSHP Guide. For day guests and non-party nights, think “fall flavor” more than “full Halloween takeover.”

Sort of a pumpkin spice flavored La Croix.

Magic Kingdom During the Day

Magic Kingdom feels the most seasonal of all the parks even during the day without party tickets. The heart of decor is Main Street; covered in carved pumpkins on balconies and ledges. Scan the windows for tiny gags and themed displays. And don’t miss my personal favorite – the pumpkin people of Main Street.

Treats change each year, but you can count on at least a few Halloween-leaning sweets and sips. Seasonal sundaes, specialty cold brews, and a spicy-sweet Dole Whip option to kicks up the heat! Most of the specialty food items have a spooky theme, feature a classic fall ingredient, or an unexcepted spice.

Sadly, there are no Halloween fireworks or Halloween parade outside of the party. But you can still sneak a peak of the fireworks from outside of Magic Kingdom – more on that below.

EPCOT in the Fall

EPCOT isn’t “Halloween” forward, but it pairs well with the season. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs through the fall, bringing evening energy and plenty of bites. Many of which feature festive fall flavors. If you want a little more themed fun with low effort, try Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.

A Halloween inspired scavenger hunt around World Showcase and nearby areas. Purchase your map at most gift shops around the park, find the character pumpkins, and collect a small prize.

Hollywood Studios Halloween Touches

The marquee seasonal piece at Hollywood Studios is Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine, where characters appear in fall-themed looks. This is an ideal for families looking to meet characters with a (not so spooky) twist. It’s not our favorite dining location on property, or even at Hollywood Studios, but it’s a fun experience and if you love a good character meal – this is for you.

Animal Kingdom in October

Animal Kingdom has the lightest Halloween footprint. That’s not a bad thing. It can be a restful park day in the middle of a busy trip. Enjoy cooler mornings, abundant shade, and animal trails. Some of the animals may receive pumpkin treats for enrichment around the season, which is a cute nod if you happen to catch it.

Because the park often closes earlier than the others, it’s a great opportunity to spend the evening on some non-park activities. Or catch the Halloween Party fireworks from a secret lookout!

Disney Springs After Dark

Disney Springs is your flexible, low-stress seasonal hub. Several spots rotate in Halloween desserts and sips. It’s easy to sample one or two, browse the stores, and find seasonal merch to your hearts desire. Or until your credit card declines, as the case may be. If you’re hunting for a specific pair of ears or a coveted Mickey Halloween Wreath, you’re in the right spot.

Use Disney Springs on your non-park night or after an early-close park like Animal Kingdom. Parking is free, live music is common, and the vibe is lively without the ride-chasing pressure.

Make-Your-Own Halloween Fun

Even though Disney World may not go full out for spooky season, you can still create a great Halloween evening without entering the party.

Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park

You can see the show from several spots around Seven Seas Lagoon. The Transportation & Ticket Center offers a wide view with easy exits after. The Polynesian Village Resort beach is a favorite for the atmosphere; music is often piped in, and you can grab a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai beforehand. And they even have a Pumpkin Spice Flavor!

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, book California Grill at any time of day and bring your receipt to use the observation deck. You won’t see the castle projections from these locations. But the fireworks and music still feel special and very “Halloween at Disney.” Plan to arrive early, expect some resort parking limits, and use monorails or boats as needed. This one is not for the timid or those afraid of heights!

Lean into Disney-Inspired Outfits

Since adults can’t wear costumes during the day, use color stories and character-adjacent looks. Sometimes known as Disneybounding.

Go Ursula-inspired with a black tennis dress and a violet cardigan.
Add a gold shell pendant, black sneakers, and a bold red lip. Or think Hades-inspired with charcoal bottoms, a smoky gray top, and a teal overshirt or scarf.
Add black sneakers, an electric-blue hat or scrunchie, a skull pin or chain, and cool-toned makeup.

Keep fabrics breathable and shoes practical; Florida did not get the sweater-weather memo. Need ideas? browse the PDP Disney-Inspired Outfits archive and build a few mix-and-match looks that photograph well and pack light.

Resorts Round-Up

Honestly, resorts are such an under represented destination on a Disney World trip. Most guests are focused on in-park activities like rides and shows. But there is so much to do around Disney, even without a park ticket.

Most resorts add small touches for Halloween, rather than full events. You’ll often find Movies Under the Stars with seasonal picks, a craft or two, and light décor. As well as a seasonal sweet treat.

Ask at your resort’s recreation desk what’s on during your stay. It changes, and times can shift with weather.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground deserves a full detour if you like home-grown festivities. Guests staying here decorate campsites and cabins, and you’ll often see creative golf cart designs cruising the loops near Halloween.

There’s actually a golf cart parade and a campsite decorating contest close to the holiday. There are some ingenious golf cart designs! In recent years, restrictions have tightened up due to the popularity and only campground guests are allowed in for most of October. Book early if you’d like to be part of the festivities!

In past seasons, Fort Wilderness also offered Return to Sleepy Hollow, a special experience with the Headless Horseman. It hasn’t run for several years, but we’re holding out hope it returns!

Practical Planning Tips

This is the Pixie Dusted Planner after all.

When to go

September is the best balance of crowds, weather trends, and event layering. Early October stays workable. Halloween week gets insane. If your dates are fixed, build in more buffer time and avoid “must do everything” thinking.

How to use party days without party tickets

Magic Kingdom closes early on party nights, so many guests avoid the park altogether for the day. Use those mornings for a low-crowd experience: rope drop, stack two to three headliners, enjoy a snack, and then hop to another park or move toward your fireworks viewing plan. It turns what could be a short day into a strategic win.

Reservations and logistics

If you want Minnie’s seasonal dine, book Hollywood & Vine early. For Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, pick up your map when you arrive at EPCOT so you can slot it where it fits. For lagoon fireworks, give yourself travel padding. Boats and monorails can stack up after the show. If you plan a dinner at California Grill, request a time near fireworks, but know seating is not guaranteed for the exact window.

Weather and comfort

Afternoons stay hot and sticky well into October. Pack for sun and sweat. Strategize outdoor time early and late, and use shows or lounges to cool off mid-day. See our Rainy-Day Packing guide if storms roll in; fall squalls happen.

Budget sanity

It’s easy to nickel-and-dime a holiday trip with “just one more treat.” Pick your must-try snacks before you go, set a per-day treat budget, and stick to it. Our Budget Hacks guide has simple guardrails that keep spending in check while still letting you enjoy the special stuff.

Outfits that work all day

Build a few Disney-inspired outfits that breathe. Think cotton tees, airy skirts or shorts, and sneakers you trust. Add a seasonal accessory at night to freshen photos. Browse the PDP Disney-Inspired Outfits archive if you want plug-and-play looks.

Halloween at Walt Disney World is lighter outside of the paid party, but you can still build a great seasonal trip. Start with realistic expectations. Layer in a few smart moves: a Main Street photo ops, a few special treats, EPCOT’s scavenger hunt, and a fireworks plan outside Magic Kingdom. Add one resort detour or a Springs evening, and finish the look with Disney-inspired outfits you can wear all day.

If you do want the full parade and fireworks inside the park, read our MNSSHP Guide for the strategy. Otherwise, use these ideas to make the most of the season you already have planned. It’s your vacation. It should feel fun, easy, and a little bit spooky—without chasing every single pumpkin in the state of Florida.

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We’ve got the dates for the 2024 MNSSHP!

This year the parties start earlier than ever, on August 9th and run through Halloween.

August

• August 9, 2024
• August 13, 2024
• August 16, 2024
• August 20, 2024
• August 23, 2024
• August 27, 2024
• August 30, 2024

September

• September 2, 2024
• September 6, 2024
• September 8, 2024
• September 10, 2024
• September 13, 2024
• September 15, 2024
• September 17, 2024
• September 20, 2024
• September 22, 2024
• September 24, 2024
• September 26, 2024
• September 27, 2024
• September 29, 2024

October

• October 1, 2024
• October 3, 2024
• October 4, 2024
• October 6, 2024
• October 8, 2024
• October 10, 2024
• October 11, 2024
• October 14, 2024
• October 15, 2024
• October 17, 2024
• October 18, 2024
• October 20, 2024
• October 21, 2024
• October 24, 2024
• October 25, 2024
• October 27, 2024
• October 29, 2024
• October 31, 2024

Event Details

Tickets are priced between $119 and $199, based on event date. There is also a $10 discount for Annual Passholders and DVC members, August and September only.

Each night the party will run from 7:00pm to midnight. Guests staying on property during party dates will be able to purchase beginning May 8, 2024. Non-resort guests are able to purchase on May 15, 2024.

Sign-up for our newsletter to keep up to date on all the latest Disney Parks news, and check out our full party guide!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Event Coverage

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It’s time for the ultimate Disney Halloween Party showdown. Each year Disney parks on both coasts host exclusive, hard-ticketed, limited-capacity festive parties. For most of us, venturing to both is simply out of the question. Let’s talk Oogie Boogie Bash vs Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Event Details

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party kicks off the season first, with parties at Magic Kingdom beginning in August. In the past tickets have ranged from $109 – $199 for adults, depending on the date.

The party officially starts at 7:00 p.m., but you can enter the park as early as 4:00 p.m. with your ticket. While the park will officially close at 6:00 p.m., partygoers can enjoy the event until midnight!

Oogie Boogie Bash holds its first party of the season at Disney California Adventure, in early September. Slightly pricier than MNSSHP, tickets start at $119 for adults and can be as high as $209 on Halloween night.

California Adventure will close to day guests at 6:00 p.m. when the party begins. Your Oogie Boogie Bash ticket will get you in the park as early as 3:00 p.m. The party goes until 11:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat Trails

Asking strangers for candy is the bread and butter of Halloween, and this holds true at the Disney parties. Both have a collection of walk-through queues where cast members will dole out handfuls of candy. There are a few components that define quality trails:

Quantity: Mickey’s Not So Scary wins here with 15 treat trails, including several inside of attractions. OBB has just 10.

Candy Distribution: Both parties have roughly the same type of candy, but one stands out here. Oogie Boogie Bash has more stations per trail and cast members will load you up. Some of the OBB trails also have sun chips, grapes, and apple slices. Does it make me feel old to say I want apple slices for Halloween? Absolutely, but variety is the spice of life.

Location and Spread: Those 15 trails at Mickey’s Halloween Party are all over the park, and it’s not a small one. At Oogie Boogie Bash there may be fewer trails but they’re closer together and you’ll want to hit each more than once – trust me.

Treat Trail Winner – Oogie Boogie Bash

Characters

There’s not contest when it comes to characters at these dual coast Halloween parties. Oogie Boogie Bash wins by a landslide, and let me tell you why. The party is absolutely littered with villains and rare meet and greets. I nearly ran into the evil witch from Snow White making my way to a treat trail.

Oh, and the treat trails have characters. Nine of the ten treat trails host a Disney villain from Cruella to Mother Gothel and the man of the hour himself, Oogie Boogie. You can find ultra rare characters like King Richard and Madam Mim throughout the park. Not to mention the holy grail of Halloween party cameos – Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle as the Sanderson Sisters.

Mickey’s Not So Scary has fun meet and greets, including Jack and Sally and the Seven Dwarves. But the lines to meet these characters are hours long. There are some roaming characters as well including Cinderella’s evil step sisters and characters from Alice in Wonderland. While it’s fun to see them walking around the parks, they’re not particularly related to the holiday. And this is pretty typical back in Disneyland every day (which is one reason it’s superior to Magic Kingdom).

Winner – Oogie Boogie Bash

Ride Overlays

It pains me to give either of these parties a point since the OBB overlays are not party exclusive and MNSSHP overlays are boring. Sorry, not sorry.

California Adventure has a seasonal version of Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout, Tow-Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. They’re all winners but you don’t need an Oogie Boogie Bash ticket to experience them.

You can also find Villains Grove, an immersive walkthrough experience at the Redwood Creek Challenge. Areas along the trail are decorated with special lighting effects to represent different Disney villains. This is actually a really cool concept but for me the execution falls a bit short. It feels like waiting in line for Haunted Mansion Holiday only to find out it’s just normal Haunted Mansion. Villains Grove is incomplete, it needs some kind of interaction or kinetic activity.

Over in Magic Kingdom we have Deep Space Mountain, where they turn all the lights off, Graveyard ghosts at Haunted Mansion, and a special lighting package at the Mad Tea Party. The Graveyard ghosts are a lot of fun and defiantly a highlight each year, but the line moves so quickly that you won’t get much time with them.

Winner – Mickey’s Not So Scary, I guess.

Parades

The differences between each party’s parade are night and day, and the winner will really depend on your preference. Oogie Boogie Bash is a very villain heavy parade with specialized floats for characters like Dr. Facilier and Cheshire Cat that you won’t get at Magic Kingdom. The Frightfully Fun Parade runs from Paradise Gardens to Avenger’s Campus.

It’s nearly impossible to navigate California Adventure during the parade. You are stuck in one half of the park completely unable to cross over for at least 10 minutes after the parade, which is already 20 minutes. Considering the party is just 5 hours it’s upsetting that your ability to access parts of the event is severely hindered for twenty percent of it.

Boo to You! is the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party parade, which runs from Frontierland to Main Street. Floats in this parade are much more family friendly featuring the Fab Five as well as a sprinkling of select villains and rare characters. The soundtrack is infamous among its fans and catchier than Small World.

Parade Winner – Mickey’s Not So Scary. While I love the special guests and more sinister vibes of Oogie Boogie Bash Frightfully Fun Parade, nothing beats a parade on Main Street. Added bonus, Boo to You! doesn’t block major traffic arteries in the park.

Nighttime Entertainment

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party hosts the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular as well as Mickey’s Not So Scary Spooktacular. There is no nighttime entertainment at Oogie Boogie Bash.

Hocus Pocus is a stage show featuring the three Sanderson sisters and an entourage of every Disney Villain you can name. It takes place 5-6 times per night, depending on the date, and is extremely popular. Viewing near Cinderella’s Castle gets extremely crowded for this must see show, even for the final performance at midnight.

Mickey’s Spooktacular is a firework spectacular hosted by a larger than life Jack Skellington. The skies are illuminated as Mickey, Minnie, and friends take you on a journey through a haunted house. The show takes place just one time per party making it a bit of a Hunger Games situation to get anywhere neat the castle hub. You can see the fireworks from almost anywhere in the park but the caste projection show and giant Jack puppet are only visible at the end of Main Street.

Nighttime Entertainment Winner – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Our Pick

Its so hard to play favorites, but for me the winner in this Halloween Showdown is Oogie Boogie Bash. When attending one of these events my priority is experiences that aren’t otherwise available. Sure, you can argue that Mickey’s Not So Scary has more of these experiences in the nighttime entertainment alone. But, you can watch those shows on YouTube – in better quality and without fighting the crowds.

Oogie Boogie Bash with it’s character laden trick or treat trails and villain heavy presence just does it for me. It’s the more grown-up of the two parties with an emphasis on big-kid rides, scary characters, and alcohol. It’s giving college Halloween party, and I cannot get enough.

However, if I was attending with children I’d go with Mickey’s Not So Scary. This event is more kid friendly with an emphasis on family fun and classic characters. The nighttime shows give adults a special something to make up for the sugar sweet version of the holiday Magic Kingdom represents.

So, which would you like to attend?

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As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been appreciating Halloween more and more. In fact, I’ve even established a tradition of watching a different scary movie every day in October. So when I scored a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP), I was genuinely excited.

About Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

MNSSHP runs on select nights from August to Halloween. The party officially kicks off at 7:00pm and wraps up at midnight. But here’s the sweet part: you can actually enter the park as early as 4:00pm to enjoy the daytime activities.

Tickets have different prices for adults and kids under 12. For adults, the prices range from $109 to $199. For kids under 12, the prices range from $99 to $189. Annual passholders and DVC members receive a $10 discount.

For price’s like that, many people are left wondering “is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth it?” That’s a hard yes for me.

Arriving at the Party

Now, let’s talk logistics. As much as I adore Magic Kingdom, getting in and out of that park can be a bit of a hassle. It’s located pretty far from most hotels, so once you park your car, you need to hop on a boat or monorail to reach the gates. And of course, there’s always a line to scan your ticket and get inside. Knowing that this process would take some time, I left All Star Sports around 3:00pm.

However, let me tell you, when I arrived, I was shocked. The line for party entry snaked around the boat docks and near the resort bus stops. It seemed like it would take an eternity to get through, and that definitely put a damper on my excitement. The amazing cast members, however, managed to move through the line quickly and I was inside by 4:15pm.

Pixie Pros: If you have a daytime reservation for the the park, or a park hopper ticket, you can skip this line altogether. Just enter through the standard, or AP, entrances and grab your wristband from one of the distribution stations around the park. Be sure to check out our full guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for these station locations and more top tips!

Off to A Rocky Start

My first mission of the night was meeting Jack and Sally. But the wait time was over two hours! Now, don’t get me wrong, I adore these characters. Growing up in California, I’m used to seeing them casually strolling around New Orleans Square in Disneyland. In fact, I once bumped into Jack while exiting Haunted Mansion Holiday (I was totally distracted trying to book a Lightning Lane). So, spending two hours just to meet them wasn’t really in the cards for me.

As a backup plan, I decided to ride Deep Space Mountain, where you experience a thrilling journey in complete darkness. Normally, this ride opens as early as 3:00pm, but guess what? It was closed when I got there. Talk about bad luck!

Pre-Party Activities

Despite the setbacks, I wasn’t about to let that ruin my night. I made my way to the far side of the park and hopped on some rides with short wait times. I’m talking Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin, and the People Mover. I managed to conquer them all in just over two hours!

There was hardly a wait for any of the rides (except Seven Dwarves Mine Train). I checked back on the queue times throughout the first half of the day, and the park must have been nearly empty. So, if you’re visiting during party season, reserving Magic Kingdom on a party day might be a solid strategy.

Trick or Treating around Magic Kingdom

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: trick or treating! We all know that’s the best part of Halloween, right? So, I kicked off my treat trail in Liberty Square at Columbia Harbor House, and let me tell you, the treats were absolutely on point. These Caramel Cold Brew M&M’s are my new favorite.

Then, I made my way to Fantasyland, catching a glimpse of Anastasia and Drizella near the carousel. Those two were seriously cool and had some hilarious interactions with the crowds. At one point a guest called Drizella “Anastasia” and she was having none of it. Calling over the real Anastasia and screaming “did you hear what they called me?!”

Exclusive Mickey’s Not So Scary Overlays

Space Mountain opened its doors at 6 o’clock, promising a mere 15-minute wait. Little did I know that the line would stretch for an hour and a half. But finally, my turn arrived to embark on an extraordinary journey through the Halloween party overlay known as Deep Space Mountain. This mind-blowing transformation completely transports you to another dimension, making it feel like an entirely different ride altogether.

Eager for more thrills, I set my sights on Haunted Mansion, which had its own spooky seasonal overlay. With a seemingly short wait of only 13 minutes, I eagerly joined the queue. However, the ghosts in the graveyard section were not yet unleashed. Determined not to miss out, I decided to explore other attractions, finding solace in the enchanting melodies of the Cadaver Dans at the Country Bear Jamboree. And of course, I couldn’t resist indulging in some popcorn from The Nightmare Before Christmas Mayor’s car popcorn bucket.

As the evening grew darker, I found myself drawn back to Haunted Mansion. To my delight, the ghosts had emerged, bringing the graveyard to life with their eerie presence. The interaction with these spectral actors was simply mesmerizing, leaving me yearning for more. It’s a shame that their captivating performance is limited to the Halloween party. The line for Haunted Mansion began to swell, cutting short my time with these unearthly spirits.

Haunted Mansion, a timeless dark ride and a moving attraction, offers an experience distinct from its Disneyland counterpart. Its sinister allure and intricate details make it a must-visit for any Halloween enthusiast. And as I ventured near the exit, I spotted a PhotoPass photographer capturing unforgettable moments of guests in front of the Mansion, although I opted to forgo the line and continue my nocturnal adventures.

It’s Showtime, Baby

As the night started to wind down, it was time for the main event: Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular, the highly anticipated firework show right in front of the majestic castle. Now, I have to admit, finding a good spot to enjoy the show was quite a challenge. I arrived approximately 30 minutes before the show, hoping to secure a great view. However, luck was not on my side as I ended up standing behind someone dressed as Maleficent, complete with those enormous and eye-catching horns. Despite the obstructed view, I was determined to make the most of the experience.

The fireworks display was nothing short of enchanting, capturing the hearts of the audience with its mesmerizing beauty and charm. One particular highlight was the appearance of the larger-than-life Jack Skellington puppet, which added an extra touch of whimsy to the spectacle. By the way, have you had the chance to see the astonishing 13-ft animatronic Jack at Home Depot? It’s been on my radar lately, and I can’t help but picture it in my front yard.

The castle itself was adorned with stunning projections, creating a magical atmosphere that transported everyone into a world of fantasy and wonder. The meticulous attention to detail and seamless synchronization between the visuals and the music made this show truly exceptional. In my humble opinion, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to consider Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular as one of the best nighttime shows at the iconic Magic Kingdom.

Boo To You Halloween Parade

After the fireworks, a large group of people left the park and headed back to their hotel rooms. I found a spot to watch the Boo to You parade among the crowd on Main Street. The second parade is the best option, as most people leave after the fireworks. I had plenty of room to enjoy the parade and even got some candy from trick or treating.

Everything at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween is amazing. The firework show and parade are fantastic. I especially enjoyed the villains parade with characters like Ursula, Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and the bad guy from Robin Hood. The gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion were a highlight of the parade.

Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular

After the parade, I made my way back down Main Street towards the castle. Finding a good spot for the Hocus Pocus villains spectacular show in front of Cinderella Castle was a bit of a struggle. There was a massive crowd between the fireworks show and the parade, making it challenging to navigate through. The number of people leaving after the second parade was what I expected for the entire party attendance, not just for the second exodus of the night. Despite the crowd, I managed to get a good view of the show next to the partner statue. Fortunately, there were no obstructions this time, allowing me to fully enjoy the experience.

By the way, do you also remove your headgear as a courtesy to others during shows? It’s a good practice to allow people behind you to see better. Let’s promote park courtesy: please remove your headgear if you’re blocking someone’s view during a show. This consideration for others ensures that everyone can have a more enjoyable and immersive experience at the event.

Final Impressions

Overall, my experience at MNSSHP was a mix of thrills and excitement! I absolutely loved the exclusive entertainment offerings, like the mesmerizing fireworks show and the incredible parade featuring our favorite villains. Seeing characters like Ursula, Maleficent, and Jafar brought so much joy to my night. And let’s not forget the highlight of the parade – the gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion! They added a touch of eerie fun that I couldn’t get enough of.

One of the perks of the party was the shorter wait times for rides. I was thrilled to hop on attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Pirates of the Caribbean without much of a wait. It gave me more time to soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the magic of the evening.

While there were some challenges, such as long lines for character meet-and-greets and the high attendance levels, I didn’t let that dampen my spirits. With a well-planned itinerary and a positive mindset, I made the most of every moment. Patience and flexibility were key in dealing with the crowds, and it paid off.

Despite the occasional obstacles, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party delivered an unforgettable experience. If you’re wondering ‘is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party good?’ It’s a must-attend event for all Halloween enthusiasts out there. From exclusive treats to rare character appearances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your costume and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this spooktacular celebration!

Did you enjoy this Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Review? Have you ever attended the event? Let us know in the comments below!

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That’s right, it’s May!

And while it might still be a bit early to carve pumpkins, it’s never too early for meeting your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween best. The party has started, so let’s dive in and see what it’s all about!

Dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The Halloween party at Magic Kingdom takes place on select nights between August 11 and Halloween. The party runs from 7:00 pm until midnight, but your ticket gets you into the park as early as 4:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased directly from Disney. These parties are extremely popular and sell out every year.

• August

• September

• October

August 2024

• August 15, 2025
• August 17, 2025
• August 19, 2025
• August 22, 2025
• August 24, 2025
• August 26, 2025
• August 29, 2025

September 2024

• September 2, 2025
• September 5, 2025
• September 7, 2025
• September 9, 2025
• September 12, 2025
• September 14, 2025
• September 16, 2025
• September 19, 2025
• September 21, 2025
• September 23, 2025
• September 25, 2025
• September 25, 2025
• September 26, 2025
• September 28, 2025
• September 30 2025

October 2024

• October 2, 2025
• October 3, 2025
• October 5, 2025
• October 7, 2025
• October 9, 2025
• October 10, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• October 14, 2025
• October 16, 2025
• October 17, 2025
• October 19 2025
• October 23, 2025
• October 24, 2025
• October 26, 2025
• October 28, 2025
• October 30, 2025
• October 31, 2025

Ticket Pricing and When to Purchase

In 2024 tickets will start at $119 to $229 per person, depending on the event date. This is a fairly big price hike on the higher end from last years pricing, which ranged from $119 to $199.

Ticket Discounts

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, with benefit privileges, can receive a $10 discount per ticket purchased on select nights in August and September.

When Do Tickets Go On Sale?

SOON! Guests who are staying a Disney resort or select nearby good neighbor property will be able to purchase tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on May 15th, 2024.

Guests staying at any of these good-neighbor resorts will be able to purchase on May 8th.

• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort

Tickets will be available to purchase for non-resort guests beginning May 22, 2024.

Wristbands for Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party

In addition to your park ticket, you’ll need to get a party wristband. This is how cast members will differentiate you from the daytime park guests, allowing you to stay in the park and enjoy all there is to offer. If entering through the dedicated party entrance after 7:00 pm, you can get your wristband at the gate. For guests who enter before 7, which we recommend, you can pick up your wristband from any of the locations below

• the front of the park (as you enter after 7:00 pm)
• Market Street welcome (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• near Tortuga Tavern
• by Fantasy Faire
• at Tomorrowland entrance across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
• Liberty Square Ticket Office

Entertainment at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The shows and spectaculars are some of the most alluring offerings at Magic Kingdom’s Halloween party. During the event, you’ll be able to see the seasonal fireworks and projection mapping shows, one of Disney World’s most iconic parades, and a live-action performance with the Sanderson sisters taking over Cinderella’s castle. These should not be missed!

Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular

Jack Skellington is your (not quite) ghost host for this 15-minute firework-fueled experience. Taking you on a not-so frightening adventure with some of your favorite Disney characters. The Not-So-Spooky Spectacular occurs each night of the Halloween Party at 10:00 PM.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Calling all villains! Winifred and her witchy sisters are up to something at Cinderella castle. Join the show and sing along to Halloween favorites! Showtimes for the 2024 Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular are:

August 9 – September 28

• 9:05 PM
• 10:40 PM
• 12:00 AM

September 29 – October 31

• 7:40 PM
• 9:05 PM
• 10:40 PM
• 12:00 AM

Mickey’s Boo! to You Parade

The Boo! to You Parade is bound to get you in the spooky spirit! Gravediggers and ghosts materialize dancing their way down Main Street in celebration of the occasion. Along with classic characters in their Halloween costumes and villains from nearly every Disney franchise – there’s something for everyone!

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade will take place each party night at 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM.

Many fans agree that the late parade is worth the wait, as a lot of the crowds will have called it a night. However, we’re talking about Florida. It rains constantly and inconsistently, and parades don’t run in the rain. Pixie Pointers: Keep an eye on the forecast throughout the night, and be open to seeing the early parade if it looks like you might get rained out later on.

The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet

Everybody’s favorite Barbershop Quartet, the Dapper Dans, will be here for the party as well! Dressed to the nines as restless corpses, the Cadaver Dans will be harmonizing all night long in Frontierland.

Rusty Cut Glass

New for 2024 catch this traveling pirate band, and their crew, roaming through Adventureland! Arrgh Matey!

Photopass Experiences

Pics or it didn’t happen! If you’re not taking countless selfies and photos for the ‘gram, did you really go to a Halloween party? Well, it might be up for debate but these extra special Photopass frames are too fun to skip. Keep your eye out for 3D frames and Photopass photographers throughout the park, and consider purchasing Memory Maker for the day.

Disney Dance Parties

Ready to put a little Oogie Boogie in your step? Check out one of the dance parties scattered around the park!

• Disney Junior Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – dance the night away with Vamparina, Fancy Nance, Doc McStuffins, and Timo!
• DescenDANCE Party at Rockettower Plaza Stage – a brand new offering for 2024, inspired by Descendants: Rise of Red

Character Meets at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

It wouldn’t be a day at Disney without the chance to tell Mickey hello! Or perhaps in this case, to thank him for hosting such a fabulous affair. Worry not – as Mickey, Minnie and many more will be in attendance.

Regular Characters

Everybody wants to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, even those who are too cool for a costume. These characters will be available for meet and greet but are neither rare nor wearing any special outfits. Since there’s not anything truly Haloween-y about these, we recommend skipping them.

• Anastasia and Drizella (Roaming, Fantasyland)
• Belle and Gaston (Gaston’s Tavern, Be Our Guest if it’s Raining)
• Ariel and Eric (Journey of the Little Mermaid, Fantasyland)
• Minie, Donald, and Daisy (Near Dumbo, Storybook Circus)
• Cinderella, Elena, Tiana, and Rapunzel (Princess Fairytale Hall)
• Country Bears (Country Bear Jamoboree, Frontierland Roaming)
• Jasmine and Genie, Abu and Aladdin (Near Magic Carpets, Adventureland)
• Captain Jack (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Rare Characters

There are always a few less familiar faces that make their way to the Halloween party. Characters that are rarely seen in Magic Kingdom, and ready to get their groove on. We recommend prioritizing the meet and greets for rare characters, that you care about. There’s no reason to stand in line (and there will be a line) if you don’t know who these are. These characters will not be in costumes, but some are Halloween-related characters

• Queen of Hearts, Tweedles, Alice, and the Mad Hatter (Tea Cups, Fantasyland – Friar’s Nook Raining)
• Carlotta, Renatta, and Broome the Butler (Haunted Mansion)
• Jafar (Near Magic Carpets, Adventureland)
• Jack and Sally (Main Street) 4, 4:30

Characters in Costumes

Last, and certainly not least are the characters we all love to visit sporting their Halloween best!

• Goofy (Barnstormer, Sorybook Circus)
• Elvis Stitch (Stitch’s Great Escape, Tomorrowland) 6:30
• Pooh, Tier, Piglet, and Eyeore (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Fantasyland) 6:30
• Mickey Mouse (Main Street)

Villains

*NEW* this year Disney has shared that villains will be making appearances throughout Magic Kingdom park! We can’t WIAT to see who is there!

Trick or Treat Trails at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

It’s not a Halloween party without candy – and oh boy! Have they got candy! Unlike Oogie Boogie Bash, trick-or-treat trails and character meets are two separate experiences.

Pixie Pointer: Plan to hit the candy lines during the last hour of the party. Most guests will leave after the fireworks, and cast members will be anxious to unload the remaining candy for the night. 

Main Street

• Market Street Welcome
• Trick or Treating

Adventureland

• Walt Disney‘s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Tortuga Tavern

Frontierland

• Tiana’s Bayou
• Tom Sawyer Island Dock
• Country Bear Jamboree

Liberty Square

• Columbia Harbour House

Fantasyland

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Storybook Circus Railroad Station
• Ariel’s Grotto
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Ariels Grotto
• Walt Disney World Railroad Station

Tomorrowland

• Walt Disney‘s Carousel of Progress
• Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Food, Drinks and Dining at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

After all the dancing, character meets, and candy trails – you’re sure to work up an appetite! There are plenty of options open and lots of special treats! So many unique eats in fact, that we’ll have to save those details for a future post.

While Disney hasn’t yet released the full list of locations that will remain open this year, here’s everything we expect to see. Locations confirmed to be open this year are listed in bold.

• Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies 
• Cheshire Café
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café (confirmed for 2024)
• Casey’s Corner (confirmed for 2024)
• The Friar’s Nook (confirmed for 2024)
• Liberty Square Market
• Golden Oak Outpost
• Main Street Bakery
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café (confirmed for 204)
• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
• Sleepy Hollow (confirmed for 2024)
• Storybook Treats
• Pinocchio Village Haus (confirmed for 2024)
• Sunshine Tree Terrace
• Churro Cart near Cinderella Castle
• Outdoor Vending Cart near The Haunted Mansion

Attractions and Rides Open for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Like most After Hours events at Disney, nearly every single attraction will be open for the duration of the party. Lines are shorter for popular attractions due to limited entry and the vast array of entertainment and activities happening around the park. Here’s everything open for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Swiss Family Treehouse

Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square

• Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• “It’s a small world”
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mad Tea Party**
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Storybook Circus

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Barnstormer

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor**
• Space Mountain**
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
• TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise

Attractions with Specialty Overlays

Even though most rides in Magic Kingdom will be open, there’s just a few that will provide a unique experience. We recommend prioritizing these as they are only available during the party.

Pixie Pointer: Don't worry about hitting every attraction during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Focus on those with themed overlays

Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion Halloween Party overlay is by far the most infamous. The manor exterior receives a special lighting package. Even better, ghosts manifest in the graveyard section of the queue. The only downside is that the line is so short you don’t get nearly enough time to interact with them. Guess we’ll go on it a few times, darn.

Space Mountain

Thrills and chills start at Space Mountain, where all the lights are off. It’s a spooky step up from the normal celestial destination, that might be intense for younger guests.

Monster’s Inc Laughing Floor

First of all, this is one of the easiest trick-or-treat trails with the shortest line. The station is inside, with seating and air conditioning. AND the show has been revamped with a Halloween twist!

Mad Tea Party

Looks like Chesire has taken over the party as psychedelic lights and projections make for a brand new take on this classic attraction.

Tron – How to Get On

*In 2023 TRON was offered with Virtual Queue. Virtual Queue is NOT mentioned in Disney‘s 2024 party details* But we’ll leave this information here, just in case.

Tron will still be using Virtual Queue – and guests are eligible for just one reservation each. Our tip is to skip it altogether since even Virtual Queue has been known to stack up wait times. But, if it’s a must-do for you, here’s what you need to know:

• Virtual Queue opens at 6:00 pm for that day’s party
• Guests must have their event ticket linked to their My Disney Experience account
• Guests do not need to be inside Magic Kingdom

Pixie Pointer: Skip Tron and enjoy the party

Merchandise at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

This year’s merch does not disappoint! Shirts, Loungeflys, and more with the stars of the event’s guests of honor! You’ll find a wide selection of designs featuring Jack Skellington, Mickey Mouse, and the Sanderson sisters.

Costume and Dress Code for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The absolute best part of Disney‘s Halloween parties is that you can wear costumes, even Disney character costumes. And guests will go all out! There are a few important rules, though:

• Guests 13 and younger may wear masks, provided their eyes are visible at all times.
• Guests of all ages may dress as Disney characters but may not pose for photos, sign autographs, or otherwise impersonate characters of the park.
• Costumes must be family-friendly
• Costumes may not be so long as they drag on the ground
• No weapons or props that could reasonably be mistaken as real weapons
• Be sure to check with Disney as rules are subject to change

There is so much to do at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, and we can’t wait to attend! We’d love to see you experience it all, using #thepixiedustedplanner on your favorite social media platforms!

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