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TL;DR
- Disney World and Universal Orlando kick off Halloween festivities early, with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starting on August 9 and running through October 31, offering two full months of events and fun.
- The event features the must-see “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” and “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show, alongside special character appearances and trick-or-treating opportunities.
- Guests can enjoy shorter wait times for popular rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Tron Lightcycle/Run, plus enhanced experiences for select attractions, such as Space Mountain in complete darkness.
- Exclusive Halloween-themed food and drinks are available throughout the park, encouraging guests to plan their snack strategy in advance, with both quick-service and table-service options.
- Party attendees are advised to arrive early for access, wear Disney-themed costumes following set guidelines, and consider staying at a nearby monorail resort for convenience when leaving after the event.
Get Ready for a Spooktacular Time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Halloween fun starts early at Disney World in Orlando! If you love spooky vibes, you’ll be excited to know that Disney and Universal Orlando kick off their Halloween celebrations before Labor Day. That means you get over two months of awesome events, tasty treats, and fall-inspired fun!
A Night of Halloween Magic
One of the coolest Halloween events at Disney is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This event began on August 9, and I got to be there right on opening night! Just so you know, this party requires a special ticket, and it’s not included with regular park admission. But trust me, it’s totally worth it! During the five-hour event, we rode eight attractions with short wait times, snagged awesome treats, and enjoyed the parade, fireworks, and a thrilling stage show.
Must-See Entertainment
With only five hours, it can feel impossible to do everything, but having a plan helps! First up, don’t miss Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. The parade starts with the spooky Headless Horseman riding through the streets and features your favorite Disney characters dressed up for Halloween. I think it’s the best parade at Disney World, so make sure to catch it!
The parade runs at 8:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., so grab a good spot early. We found ours in Frontierland about 30 minutes in advance, but it can get crowded, especially for the first show.
Stick around for the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular at Cinderella’s Castle! Jack Skellington hosts this awesome show at 10 p.m., where you can see fireworks and hear music from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Plus, there are shows featuring villains from Disney movies and dance parties across the park.
Fun Rides and Attractions
Good news: many rides at Magic Kingdom are open during the party, usually with shorter wait times! You can hop on super popular rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Tron Lightcycle/Run. It’s a great chance to experience them without long lines.
Some attractions even get special Halloween decorations. For instance, you can ride Space Mountain in complete darkness, which adds a thrilling twist. Don’t miss the Haunted Mansion either; it’s always a favorite and the ghostly characters in line make the wait much more enjoyable.
Tasty Treats and Drinks
One of the highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the special food and snacks only available during this event. As you stroll through the park, check out the different quick-service places to grab delicious bites.
For a unique treat, try the Dole Whip Mango and Chamoy Float, which blends refreshing mango-flavored Dole Whip with pineapple juice and a spicy twist! There are even party-exclusive offerings, like the Bowl of Bones and the Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie, so be sure to make a list of your must-try snacks. And guess what? You can even order food through the Disney app to make it easier!
Meet Your Favorite Characters
As you wander around the park, keep an eye out for characters in their Halloween outfits! You can snap photos with Mickey and friends all dressed up, or even see Stitch in a rockin’ Elvis costume. Popular characters like Jack Skellington and Sally can attract long lines, but they bring extra magic to the night!
Trick-or-Treating Extravaganza
Get ready for the ultimate trick-or-treating experience! When you arrive, you’ll get a bag and your first treat—a full-size bag of M&Ms! The park has over a dozen treat locations where cast members will fill your bag with candies like Twix, Snickers, and more. You can expect to come home with a ton of treats— I think we counted around 70 pieces each!
If you or someone in your group has food allergies, there are special teal bags and token options for allergy-friendly treats, so no one needs to miss out on the fun!
Tickets and Dates
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs from August 9 through October 31, making it one of the longest Halloween events around! It happens nearly 40 nights this year, and tickets are sold separately. Prices range from $119 to $199, with the most expensive tickets on Halloween itself. Good news for annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members—they get discounts on tickets too!
Tips for a Great Night
- Arrive Early: Get there before 4 p.m. to enter the park early. It’s a great time to hop in line for rides or meet your favorite characters!
- Dress Up: Guests aged 14 and older can wear costumes, just remember to keep them family-friendly and follow the rules.
- Stay Close: If you’re planning to stay overnight, consider booking a hotel near the park that’s on the monorail route. It makes for easy access during the party!
- Accessibility: If you need American Sign Language interpretation, some shows provide this on select dates, so check the official Disney website for more details.
Summary
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with fun attractions, delicious treats, and festive character appearances. With a ticket, you can enjoy an enchanting evening at the Magic Kingdom from early September through Halloween. Just remember to plan ahead, arrive early, and get ready for a night full of spooky surprises and magical experiences!
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