13 Tips for Making the Most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is one of the top reasons many guests head to Walt Disney World during the fall. This party is a special ticketed event at Magic Kingdom. During this event, guests will only experience exceptional experiences during the party.

These incredible experiences include trick or treating throughout the park, party-exclusive fireworks and parade, great-themed treats, and ride overlays. You can also visit and meet some unique characters like Jack and Sally or all of the seven dwarfs.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a magical experience but expensive. Because of the price and the limited party time, you will want to maximize your experience. We have thirteen tips to help you do just that.

13. Dress Up

One of the significant parts of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is that everyone can dress up. Most days, older guests are not allowed in costumes in the parks. You can get creative and have fun during the party by dressing up in fantastic costumes.

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are; the Halloween party is the perfect time for getting creative and having some fun with costumes. If you plan to attend the party, think of a fun outfit. It can be elaborate or small, but dress up as doing so is a big part of the fun.

12. Consider the Weather

As you plan for costume, keep in mind the weather. The parties have already started and will continue through Halloween. The majority of September remains extremely hot and humid in Florida.

The highs can continue to be in the 90s. Because of these temperatures, you will want a costume that keeps you cool.

You will want to bring water and fans to keep cool during the party. Even though the sun will begin to go down, those first few hours can be hot.

11. Eat Before You Arrive

You will have a limited party time, typically between 7:00 p.m. and midnight. With this limited time, you don’t want to spend it at a sit-down meal. Take time before you arrive at the park to eat something. Have a meal at your resort before heading to Magic Kingdom, or visit one of the outstanding Magic Kingdom resorts before you enter the park.

By having a good meal before you arrive at the party, you can focus on the events rather than taking time to eat a whole meal.

10. Try Some Speciality Treats

Another fun part of the Halloween party is the excellent snacks and treats. Throughout Magic Kingdom, sweet and savory treats are only available during the party. Head into Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe to sample the Terrifyin Twice-Spiced Chicken Sandwich. Check out the cinnamon funnel cake at Sleepy Hollow or the many spooky snacks at the Churro Cart right near Cinderella Castle.

These treats are not only delicious, but they are also perfect for those Instagram posts.

9. Arrive Early

With the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween ticket, you can get into Magic Kingdom at 4:00 p.m. Even though the party officially doesn’t begin until 7:00 p.m., guests can enjoy the park before 7:00 p.m.

By arriving early to Magic Kingdom, you can get your wristband, get your trick-or-treat bag ready to go and grab a party map all before the festivities begin. During these extra hours, take time to enjoy walking around the Magic Kingdom and taking in all the fall decorations. You could also try to sneak onto some rides while you wait for the party to begin.

Don’t wait until the start of the party to arrive at Magic Kingdom. You will miss out on a lot of magic by doing so. Get there early so you are ready with a plan when the party kicks off.

8. Head to Characters Early

One of the things you can do before the party’s official start is get in line for characters. Characters won’t start meeting until closer to the start of the party; however, guests can begin lining up well before then.

If characters like Jack and Sally are a must-do experience for you, you will want to ensure you are ready to line up as soon as you enter the park.

Although Jack and Sally are the most talked about meet and greet at the party, there are many other fantastic opportunities to meet Disney characters. We love seeing unique characters such as Tarzan and Jane, Abu, Genie, Jafar, and even Winnie the Pooh crew in adorable costumes.

Characters are a big part of the party. Set aside time to get in line if they are essential to you.

7. Trick or Treat

During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, guests can enjoy a trick or treat throughout the park. There are specific areas where guests will be given loads of candy! Don’t head to these areas right away. Early in the party, the lines are longer. Wait until later on to head to get your bags packed. You also won’t have to carry all that around for as long.

6. Take Pictures

Like during regular park hours, you will find the fantastic Disney Photopass Photographers around Magic Kingdom during the party. Make sure you take time to enjoy getting a few photos taken. There are also party-exclusive magic shots that are a lot of fun to discover throughout the night.

5. Skip the First Parade

Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade is a top reason to attend the Halloween party. This is a must-see, must-do event during the party. This happens two times throughout the evening. If you can do so, we highly recommend the second parade. Although it isn’t as empty as it used to be, you will still find a smaller crowd during that second parade of the night.

4. Find a Spot Early

Not only is the parade a must-do, but seeing both the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show and Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks are also on that must-do list. These are extremely popular, and as you need to be in the front of the castle to enjoy them, you will want to invest some time getting a good spot. The stage show happens three to four times an evening, so you have the most chance to catch it throughout the party.

Make sure you plan sometime during the night to see the show and find an excellent spot to do so. It is well worth the investment.

3. Rides

It can be easy to want to use the party time to experience the rides in Magic Kingdom with low wait times. This can be a good option, but determine if that is your goal before arriving at the party.

Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party will have fun overlays, but the other rides remain the same overall. Consider prioritizing experiences like the stage show and parade, which you can only do at the party. Once you have done those, then fit in rides.

2. Have a Plan

There is much to see and do during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The night will go by quickly, from trick or treating to characters to meet and shows to watch. Don’t miss a thing by heading into the party with a plan. Know your must-do experiences (parade) and focus on those during the party.

Having a solid plan heading into the party allows you to see and do more during your limited time.

1. Enjoy the Magic

Finally, as we also say, slow down and enjoy the magic. The Halloween party is a remarkable experience. Don’t rush through it without taking in all the magic. Disney does a fantastic job at celebrating Halloween. Soak it all up.

Those are our thirteen best tips for having a magical time at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. 

Related: Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Day at Disney