Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
- Brian
- Sep 2
- 5 min read
When autumn rolls around, there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween with a touch of Disney magic than by attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This separately ticketed, after-hours event is packed with family-friendly frights, festive treats, and exclusive entertainment that makes it one of the most beloved seasonal experiences in the parks — and yes, it's just as fun for adults as it is for kids!
Whether you're a Disney die-hard or just looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween, here's why Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should be on your fall bucket list.
Quick Facts
For 2025, the party runs August 15 through October 31.
You do not need a regular park ticket in conjunction with a Halloween Party ticket to get in.
Kids should most definitely dress up!
Adults can dress up too, but no masks!
If you're a foodie, there's countless options for unique desserts that you can't get any other time!
A Night of Halloween Magic — Without the Scares
As the name suggests, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is designed to be fun, not frightening. The atmosphere is lighthearted and whimsical, making it perfect for guests of all ages. From toddlers in costume to grandparents reliving their favorite Disney memories, everyone can enjoy the festivities without fear of jump scares or anything too spooky.
The party runs on select nights from mid-August through Halloween and starts in the evening, but party guests can enter the park as early as 4 PM, even though the party officially kicks off at 7 PM. This gives you several hours of extra fun — and one of the best tips is to skip the regular day ticket and just enjoy the party in the evening. It’s a great way to save money: spend the day relaxing at your hotel pool and hit the park refreshed and ready for Halloween fun.
Perks That Make It Worth Every Penny
While MNSSHP does require a separate ticket, many guests find that the benefits easily justify the cost. Here’s why:
1. Shorter Lines and Smaller Crowds
One of the biggest perks of the party is reduced wait times for many popular attractions. Since the event is limited in capacity, the park feels noticeably less crowded, and you’ll often find rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion with significantly shorter waits than during regular hours. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding your favorites back-to-back with minimal waiting, this is your moment!
2. Rides with a Twist — and a Unique Nighttime Vibe
There’s something magical about riding your favorite attractions after dark, and several rides even feature special Halloween enhancements exclusive to the party. For example, Space Mountain runs in complete darkness with an eerie soundtrack, and Pirates of the Caribbean includes live actors and surprises along the way. Even rides without overlays feel different at night — the ambiance, the lighting, and the cooler temperatures make for a whole new experience.
3. Endless Candy (Yes, Really)
What’s Halloween without trick-or-treating? You’ll find dozens of trick-or-treat stations scattered throughout the park, and Disney does not skimp on the treats. You’ll be handed bags of candy at set stations throughout the park, and there’s no age limit. Kids, teens, and adults can all join in the fun. If you’re looking for allergy-friendly options, Disney also provides tokens that can be exchanged at dedicated stations. The only thing I'm (slightly) disappointed on is the first year my family and I did the Halloween Party, the candy bag was 4x-5x larger and we went home with probably 10 lbs of candy each. Now, the bags are smaller, but there's really no limit on how much candy you can snag. So if you're really into the candy, bring your own bag!
4. Rare Character Meet-and-Greets
One of the party’s most exciting features is the chance to meet rare Disney characters, including villains that are seldom seen during regular park hours. Where else can you chat with Jafar, pose with Jack Skellington and Sally, or see the Seven Dwarfs all together? Side note: if you want to see the Seven Dwarfs, go there first. They are back by in the Storybook Circus land in Pete's Silly Sideshow. The character lines can get long, so it’s a good idea to prioritize your must-sees early in the evening.
Costumes, Parades, and Spooky Shows
Another highlight of MNSSHP is the opportunity for guests of all ages to dress up in costume — a rare treat at Disney parks. Whether you're going full princess, pirate, or Pixar character, it’s a blast to join in the costumed crowd. Just be sure to follow Disney’s guidelines for appropriate attire.
And don’t miss the entertainment lineup, which is full of exclusive shows and parades:
Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade is a fan favorite, featuring floats themed to villains, haunted mansions, and more — not to mention an unforgettable entrance by the Headless Horseman.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular lights up the castle stage with the Sanderson Sisters and a gathering of Disney’s most wicked villains.
The Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show combines jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, castle projections, and appearances from Mickey and friends in a Halloween adventure.
All of these performances are only available during the party, adding to the exclusive feel of the night.
For Foodie's
The party also has many unique foods and desserts that you won't be able to get outside of the party. The food changes every year with new takes on everything from ice cream to alcoholic drinks.
Here's the 2025 list of food: Official Foodie Guide
My favorites for 2025:
Not-So-Poison Apple Doughnuts at Friar's Nook
Haunting Jalapeno Ranch Tots at Friar's Nook
Hot Honey Lemonade at the Golden Oak Outpost
Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Is It Worth It?
In short: absolutely.
While the ticket price might initially seem steep, the experience is packed with value — shorter lines, rare characters, exclusive entertainment, and bags of candy. Plus, the ability to skip a full-day park ticket and just enjoy the evening festivities helps balance out the cost.
And if you're someone who loves Halloween but could do without the gore and jump scares of traditional haunted houses, this event offers the perfect balance of festive fun and family-friendly entertainment. It’s one of the few places where Halloween feels both magical and accessible to everyone.
Final Tips for Your Visit
Arrive early (you can enter at 4 PM!) to maximize your time in the park. People start to line up around 3:15, and if crowds get big enough, often times they will let people in around 3:45 to alleviate congestion at the gate.
Bring a costume — it’s half the fun, and it’s encouraged for all ages. Just remember: no masks for adults.
Plan your priorities — whether it's characters, candy, or attractions, decide what matters most to you.
Don’t miss the parade — the Boo-to-You Parade is truly a Disney classic.
Bring a treat bag — the ones they hand out are fine, but a larger, sturdier bag makes carrying your candy haul easier!
Don't forget the water – Even though it's evening and night time and the sun is down and it's not as hot, don't forget to stay hydrated.
So grab your costume, bring your sweet tooth, and get ready for a night of spellbinding fun. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a not-to-be-missed Disney experience — and one that’s sure to become a fall tradition for anyone who attends.
Happy haunting!
