Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: An Expensive but Spellbinding Experience
Have you always dreamed of trick-or-treating at Disney World? Well, put on your spookiest costume and get ready for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This after-hours event at the Magic Kingdom will bring out your inner child with character meet and greets, spooky lighting, music, and of course, lots of candy.
You’re probably wondering if the hefty ticket price is worth it. As an avid Disney fan who has attended the party multiple times, I can tell you it’s a real treat. Once the park closes for the day, you get to experience a side of Magic Kingdom that’s not offered any other time of year. The exclusive event features a Halloween parade, fireworks show, trick-or-treating for all ages, and villains that come out to socialize.
While the cost may scare you more than any spooks and frights, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a must do event for any Disney fan. The magic of being in the parks at night, seeing characters in their Halloween costumes, watching fireworks light up the sky, and of course loading up on candy will bring out the kid in you and create cherished memories for years to come.
8 Tips for Making the Most of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
To make the most of your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party experience, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Take advantage of the early 4pm entry to ride your must-do attractions before the party officially starts at 7pm. The only exceptions are rides with special Halloween overlays, which won’t begin until 7
Entering the park at 4pm also gives you a chance to have an early dinner so that once the party stops you won't have to for food
Should you want to meet the rare characters like Jack and Sally and the Seven Dwarfs then you should take advantage of the 4pm entry and join the line early in the evening
If possible, catch the later show times. This would mean watching the last showing of the Boo-To-You Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Chances are you'll get better views and experience both with lighter crowds. Both of these are must-do experiences
If you have access to Photo Pass, make sure that you stop and get some magic shots. They are magical event-specific moments that can only be captured at this party
Costumes are allowed! Be sure to check Disney's website for the costume guidelines before choosing an outfit
Plan your evening in advance. Decide beforehand what your priorities are, as you won’t have time for everything in one night. Make sure that you have a lay of the land and know what you'd like to experience to make the most of your evening
Have a look at the event-specific merchandise. These are items that are only available at this event. We'd suggest avoiding the Main Street U.S.A shops and instead drop into Star Traders in Tomorrowland where you'll find the same items and fewer crowds
With some advanced planning, you'll have a spooktacular night enjoying all the frightful festivities Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has to offer.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
If you're looking for a spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween at Walt Disney World, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should be at the top of your list. This after-hours event runs on select nights from August through November, filling the Magic Kingdom park with fall decor, characters in costume, special shows and events, trick-or-treating, and more.
An Overview
In case you haven't attended before, this is Walt Disney World's version of a family-friendly Halloween party. The party officially begins at 7pm and runs until midnight, so you'll want to arrive early to take full advantage of everything on offer. Most rides and attractions are open for the party, including fan favorites like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Haunted Mansion.
There are special stage shows, fireworks, treats, merchandise, ride overlays, and meet and greets with rare characters. You might spot Mickey as a vampire or Donald as a pumpkin. The parade and fireworks show are always a highlight, with spooky lighting, fog, and music to set the mood.
Treats are available throughout the park, with multiple treat trails set up so you can fill your bag with chocolates and other goodies. You'll also find specialty food, drinks, and merchandise only available during the party.
Though an added expense, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a magical way to get into the spirit of the season. The extra hours in the park, lower crowds, and festive entertainment make this an event worth splurging on.
Pricing for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
If the idea of watching the Sanderson Sisters take over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom gets you excited, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should be on your must-do list. However, the event does come with a hefty price tag, especially if you go later in the season.
Tickets for this spooktacular after-hours party start around $109 in August and can climb up to $199 for October dates, especially those closest to Halloween. While the sticker shock may be frightening, the good news is Disney does offer discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
The earlier you book, the more you’ll save. If budget is a concern, aim for August or the first half of September. The party does sell out, particularly for the first night and on Halloween. If you’re interested in attending, we'd suggest you book early in the season.
For many, the extra cost is worth the memories. Between the elaborate costumes, spooky parade, the treats, character greetings, and fireworks show, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a screaming good time for both kids and kids at heart. If you do splurge on a night out with the ghouls, make the most of your investment - arrive at the Magic Kingdom as early as possible and stay until the final "boo"!
What's Included in Your Ticket to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
This party is jam-packed with spooky fun for both kids and kids at heart. For the price of admission, you get access to so much!
Stage Shows and Parades
Throughout the evening, you can catch spellbinding stage shows like Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. The parade features Mickey and the gang in their Halloween costumes, riding down Main Street U.S.A. The Hocus Pocus show brings the Sanderson Sisters from the classic Halloween film to life on stage. These extravagant, family-friendly shows are all included with your ticket.
Character Meet and Greets
Part of the fun of any Disney party is getting to meet the characters, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party does not disappoint. You’ll have the chance to meet characters like Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and the Seven Dwarfs. A word of caution here, the wait for these characters can be long.
Trick-or-Treating
No Halloween party is complete without trick-or-treating, and you can fill up your bag with treats at various locations in the Magic Kingdom. Walk through the queues at popular attractions like Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor to grab candy from cast members.
Exclusive Parade and Shows at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The exclusive entertainment offerings are a huge part of the appeal of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Nowhere else can you experience spooktacular shows and parades like these.
The Boo-To-You Parade
The highlight of the event is the Boo-To-You Parade, featuring Mickey and friends in their Halloween costumes. You'll see all of your favorite characters parading down Main Street. Our personal favorites are the Pirates and Haunted Mansion sections of the parade. We highly recommend catching the second parade at 11:15pm when the crowds are lighter.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Over in front of Cinderella's Castle, the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus perform in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. The witches try to brew the ultimate potion to make their evil dream of taking over the Magic Kingdom come true. This funny and family-friendly show is not to be missed.
Dance Parties
If you're looking to show off your freaky dance moves, head to Tomorrowland for the Zom Beatz Bash or Adventureland for the Rusty Cutlass pirate band. There's even a party for the littles at Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland, the Disney Junior Jam.
The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet
For some old-school Halloween fun, catch a performance by the Cadaver Dans barbershop quartet in Frontierland. Dressed in ghoulish attire and make-up, the Cadaver Dans will have you laughing and tapping your toes along to their musical numbers.
Trick-or-Treating at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
There are over 10 trick or treat stations set up around Magic Kingdom where you can get handfuls of sweets.
You'll typically get your first treats when you collect your treats-bag upon entering the park. The reusable bags are great for collecting Mars Wrigley candies. There are also allergy-friendly treats in Liberty Square and on Main Street for those with dietary restrictions.
As you explore the party, keep an eye out for the treat stations marked by inflatable M&M signs. Don’t worry if you miss a few stations or the lines seem too long. Cast members regularly restock the treat bags and stations so you'll have plenty of chances to fill up your bag with sweets before the night is over.
Just be sure to pace yourself - with all the walking between lands and riding attractions, you’ll want to save room for the special event-exclusive food found in various food locations throughout the park.
Whether you go for the rides, parades, fireworks, or character greetings, trick-or-treating at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an experience you won't forget.
Character Meet-and-Greets You Can Only Do at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The character meet-and-greets are a huge part of the appeal of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Where else can you rub elbows with some of the rarest characters Disney has to offer? These special character experiences are only available during the party nights.
Sally and Jack Skellington
The Pumpkin King and his ragdoll sweetheart emerge from Halloween Town to greet guests at the Town Square Theatre on Main Street, U.S.A. Be prepared for long waits to meet these Halloween cult classics.
The 7 Dwarfs
In Pete's Silly Sideshow, all seven of the diamonds in the rough -- Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey -- will be lined up to meet you. This is a rare opportunity, so don't be surprised if the queue time is long.
Alice in Wonderland Characters
At the Mad Tea Party, you can go mad meeting the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Quirky, whimsical and fun, these characters perfectly represent the spirit of the classic Disney film.
Meeting these beloved but rare characters in an intimate party setting makes for magical memories that last long after the Halloween season ends. Even with some lengthy waits, the exclusive character experiences are a big part of what makes Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party worth the cost of admission for many guests.
Special Fireworks at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The special Halloween fireworks show is one of the highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular takes place once per night at 10:15pm, and since this is the only time the fireworks are displayed during the party, this makes it an event you won’t want to miss.
Get there early enough to find a good spot for the best view for your group. The fireworks can be seen from in front of or behind the castle, but Jack Skellington and Zero, the ghost dog, are prominently featured in the show and are only visible in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
The most exciting part of the show is when Jack appears on stage to narrate the show. For fans of the Nightmare Before Christmas, this one is a must do. Zero appears in the projections on the castle and is a part of the Fab Five's Halloween adventure.
Even though the party tickets can be pricey, especially if you’re attending with a family, the special fireworks show alone makes Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party worth the cost of admission for most guests. The spooktacular fireworks extravaganza creates lifelong memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for Halloweens to come.
What you shouldn't miss at this Halloween Party
There are a few must-sees at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to make the most of your experience.
Don’t miss the fireworks and parade
The fireworks show is spellbinding, especially the view right in front of the stage. Find a spot at least 30 minutes early to get the best view. The Boo-To-You Halloween parade is also a must-see, full of spooktacular floats, characters in Halloween costumes and creepy music. Catch the second parade for lighter crowds.
Experience the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
This show on the Castle stage features the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus casting spells to take over the Magic Kingdom with help some from some of their villainous friends. It’s delightfully spooky and campy. Come early to get a good viewing spot for the show and the parade that follows.
Ride the spookified attractions
Several rides get Halloween overlays, like Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party. The lines will also be shorter for rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Take advantage of the lower wait times to experience some of the most popular rides.
Trick-or-Treat for candy
Disney will provide you with a reusable trick-or-treat bag for candy collecting at locations throughout the park. There are over 10 treat locations scattered throughout the park, you're never more than a few steps from candies and treats.
What we had to miss at Mickey's Not So Scary
There was so much to experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that even with the extra event hours, we still didn’t get to do everything. Here are some of the spooktacular things we unfortunately had to miss.
We were so focused on the must-see and do experiences, that we missed the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet. Their performances run intermittently from 7-10:50 in Frontierland. We missed seeing them in their make-up, costumes, and their corny on-theme banter and jokes. Next time, we’ll be sure to catch their act and sing along to Grim Grinning Ghosts.
With all the trick-or-treating, parades, and fireworks, we didn’t try any of the Specialty Food and Beverages. This year there was the Sally Pop, a yellow cake pop with Raspberry filling themed to Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. There were also the Zombie Fingers, Char Siu Chicken Wings, and the Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie. These treats change every year, so if trying out the specialty food items is important to you make sure you have them in your plan.
We missed some of our favorite rides—I'm looking at you Pirates of the Caribbean. Even with the lower wait times we left some of favorites undone.
Even with our planning, we missed out on some experiences that we wanted to have. But that just gives us an excuse to attend again!
FAQs: Answering Common Questions About Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
You’ve purchased your tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the big day is fast approaching. You probably have some questions about what to expect from this special event. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you prepare for a spooktacular night of fun.
What time does the party start and end?
The party officially kicks off at 7 pm and lasts until midnight. You can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm with your party ticket, so you’ll have time to enjoy some rides and trick-or-treating before the event begins. The later you stay, the fewer crowds there are, especially after the first parade ends.
Is there a separate ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Yes, this is a hard-ticketed event. The regular Magic Kingdom admission ticket is different from the event ticket. If you only want to attend the event for the day, then you’ll only need to purchase the event ticket. This will allow you to get into the Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm and stay until midnight for the Halloween Party. Tickets typically start around $109 but prices vary depending on the party date. You can purchase tickets on the Disney website.
What characters can I meet?
Some rare characters emerge from the shadows only during this event, like Jack Skellington and Sally. You’ll also find characters in their Halloween costumes like Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Goofy. Meet popular villains like the Evil Queen from Alice and Wonderland. You'll also find the Seven Dwarfs at this event.
What parades and shows are offered?
The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade occurs twice each evening, featuring characters, dancers, and of course the Boo-To-You theme song. The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at Cinderella Castle stars the Sanderson Sisters from the film Hocus Pocus.
There are other shows scattered throughout the park including the Disney Junior Jam at Cosmic Rays and the Zom-Beatz Bash on the Tomorrowland stage.
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party: Is it Worth it?
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an event like no other. Even though tickets can be pricey, especially if you go on a peak night in October, it is absolutely worth experiencing at least once.
The fact that we struggled to do and see everything, even arriving early, shows how jam-packed this event is with entertainment.
So much to experience
There are unique character meet and greets, a special Halloween parade, spooky fireworks and stage shows, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. You'll have to make tough choices about what you prioritize. We loved seeing the characters in their Halloween outfits, watching the parade of characters and dancers in costumes, and the fireworks show with spooky Halloween music and projections.
The trick-or-treating was also a highlight. Cast Members give out generous handfuls of name-brand candy like Snickers, M&Ms, and Reese's. Our bags were overflowing by the end of the night!
Worth the splurge
While expensive, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a can't-miss event, especially for families with kids. Our little guy thoroughly enjoyed this event and is looking forward to doing it again. While we would do this party again in a heartbeat, next time we'd like to time our trip to experience Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
If you are looking for a family-friendly Halloween experience, then Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the perfect choice.
Final Thoughts on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Overall, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party can be an expensive but enchanting experience, especially if you go into it with realistic expectations about the costs.
After all, where else can you trick-or-treat in the Magic Kingdom, watch a spooktacular fireworks and parade, and meet rare characters? For die-hard Disney fans and those who love the spooky season, Mickey’s Halloween bash should definitely make your must-do list.
As you begin adding up tickets for your group, the total cost may seem daunting. However, there are ways to save on this spooktacular event. We suggest looking for discounts on party tickets or choosing an earlier party date, often in August, which tends to be a bit more affordable.
If you're staying for multiple days, consider buying one less day of regular park admission and doing the party instead, since you get admission to the park as early as 4 pm. If you enter at 4 pm and are able to stay until the end you'll get about 8 hours of park time.
The special Halloween fireworks, parades, character greetings, and trick-or-treating are all included in your admission. For many, these extras make the cost worthwhile, especially if you go in with a plan to experience as much as possible.
In the end, you have to weigh the total cost of the event for you and your family. But if you want an enchanting Halloween experience at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should not disappoint.
We hope our overview of the party has helped as you consider attending this year or start planning for next Halloween season.
If you decide to move forward with the party, remember to start planning and book your tickets early.
Happy Halloween and Enjoy the Journey!
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