Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

It's still hot outside and school is just getting started, but it's almost Halloween season at Walt Disney World and that means it's time for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is Disney's annual Halloween celebration that takes place at the Magic Kingdom on select nights between August 17th and October 31st. If you've never been to the Halloween Party before, here are the top 10 things you need to know:


1. It's fun for all ages. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a family-friendly event that Disney fans of any age can enjoy. Whether you're there with a group of adults or in a party with very young kids, there's so much to do that everyone can have a great time at this event. The spooky atmosphere isn't too much for younger kids, and the variety of events and attractions will keep older kids and adults interested as well. So whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, there's something for you to love at this party!


2. It's a hard-ticketed event, meaning regular park tickets won't get you access to the party. Admission to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is not included in regular park admission, so guests who don't purchase party tickets will not be allowed to stay in Magic Kingdom during the party hours. The party takes place from 7:00 pm to midnight on selected nights between August 17th and October 31st. So, if you're planning a Disney World vacation during that time period and you're not planning on purchasing party tickets, be sure to purchase park-hopper tickets and hop to another park, or use your one-park-per-day ticket to visit Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios on party dates.

There is a specific entrance through which those with party tickets will enter. Guests will be given wristbands to indicate that they are allowed to be in the park during party hours. Those without a wristband will not be allowed to stay in the park.

3. You get to trick or treat. Party guests of all ages get to trick-or-treat at various locations throughout the Magic Kingdom. Just refer to your event guide or look for the special markers indicating where you can get candy. And we're talking GOOD candy, guys! This is Disney: they don't skimp on anything. Also, if you or someone in your party have food allergies, there are allergy-friendly treat bags at any trick-or-treat location as well as allergy-friendly stations in the park to accommodate most common food allergies or sensitivities.



4. Even adults can wear costumes. On a typical day at Disney, adults are not allowed to come in costume. However, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is an exception to that rule. As long as you follow Disney's costume rules, adults and kids alike can come to trick-or-treat at the party dressed as their favorite character!

The Cadaver Dans (Dapper Dans by day) perform in Frontierland.

5. There are special Halloween-themed treats you can only purchase during the party. If you've been to Disney World during Halloween season, you know that there are a variety of seasonally themed treats to choose from. But, there are certain treats that you can only find during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. The talk of last year's party were the Haunted Mansion tarts that were available at select locations throughout the park.

This Haunted Mansion tart from Aloha Isle Refreshments in Adventureland was filled with chocolate ganache and cookies and cream panna cotta. It featured an iconic portrait from the Haunted Mansion's famous "stretching room."
This pumpkin cheesecake dome could be found at the Main Street Bakery and Gaston's Tavern in Fantasyland.

6. There are special character meet and greets. One of the best parts of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the opportunity to meet characters who aren't often out in the parks. Some of these characters are Halloween superstars such as Jack Skellington and Sally, but others are timeless characters such as the Seven Dwarfs. Character meet and greets are stationed throughout the park and many of the characters sign autographs during the Halloween party.

Jack and Sally's meet and greet is always one of the most popular during the Halloween party.
Many Disney villains, like Snow White's Evil Queen, are also available to meet Halloween party guests.

7. There are special parades, fireworks, and stage shows. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party features three performances of the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular on the stage of Cinderella Castle as well as two showings of the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. Guests can also participate in Halloween dance parties with some of their favorite characters. The crowning jewel of the evening is the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks show over Cinderella Castle. With so much to enjoy, you'll definitely want to take the advice I give below in #9!




8. Many rides and attractions are still open. Not only are many of the most iconic Magic Kingdom rides (including Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and of course the Haunted Mansion) still open during the Halloween party, but guests can enjoy reduced wait times. The attendance on party nights is much lower than attendance during regular park hours, allowing party-goers to enjoy more rides in less time even without utilizing Fastpass+.


9. The party starts at 7:00 pm, but you can actually get in starting at 4:00 pm. Disney welcomes Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party guests into Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 pm even if they don't have regular park tickets. These extra hours allow you to enjoy rides or grab a bite to eat before the party even starts! This is a great opportunity to get more park time for your money. And, as you'll find out below in #10, there are additional perks that come along with coming early to the party!


10. You can book fastpasses with your party tickets. Although Fastpass+ isn't available once the party starts at 7:00 pm, guests who arrive early can utilize Fastpass+ between 4:00-7:00 pm with their Halloween party tickets. Like all fastpasses, these can be booked up to 60 days in advance for Disney resort hotel guests and up to 30 days in advance for guests who aren't staying at a Disney hotel. I was recently able to secure a coveted Seven Dwarfs Mine Train fastpass and a Big Thunder Mountain Railroad fastpass for a client who booked her Halloween party tickets with me. She and her family will get to enjoy two of Magic Kingdom's most popular rides (and two of the hardest fastpasses to get) before the party even starts!

As you can see, there's a lot to love about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! From early admission, to reduced wait times for attractions, to rare character meet and greets, this is a great way to experience Autumn at Magic Kingdom. And there's even more to enjoy if you book your family's Halloween Party tickets through Marvelous Mouse Travels! Dedicated travel agents (like me!) will not only take care of ordering your tickets and linking them to your My Disney Experience account, but we will also book your party fastpasses and dining reservations for you! We do all of this for FREE and you will pay the same price for your tickets that you would pay if you booked them yourself on Disney's website! Plus, guests who purchase party tickets with us (either Halloween OR Christmas) by September 30th get entered into a drawing for a $50 Disney gift card! If you're planning on attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year, there's no reason not to book your party tickets through Marvelous Mouse Travels! To get a free quote on party tickets or any other vacation you might be dreaming of, email me at ginger@marvelousmousetravels.com.

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