Disney ResortsMagic KingdomPlanningTips
Halloween Has Arrived In Walt Disney World! Here’s What You Need To Know

Halloween in August? Yes, we know what you’re thinking! However, whether you’re a Halloween fan or not, if you’re visiting the Walt Disney World Resort over the next three months, you can expect spooky fun everywhere. Ok, maybe only some places in Lake Buena Vista. But the Disney Halloween season has already begun, and the celebrations start in just a few days.
Do you have an upcoming Disney vacation? Then, here’s all you need to know about the Walt Disney World Halloween celebrations and how they will coincide with your Disney trip.
Magic Kingdom Decorations
While you may think it’s early to put up Halloween decorations, The Walt Disney Company thinks otherwise! The first Halloween decorations arrived in Magic Kingdom Park on July 31. The pumpkins at the Disney Park entrance were the first Halloween decorations to be placed, along with the pumpkins around the flag pole on Main Street, U.S.A. Since then, the pumpkins along Main Street, U.S.A. have also been placed, and before long, the beautiful Mickey pumpkin wreaths will also be in position on the lampposts along the Magic Kingdom Park land.

Magic Kingdom Park is the main Disney theme park to display Halloween decor in the Walt Disney World Resort. You won’t see Halloween decorations in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Typically, Disney Springs, previously known as Downtown Disney, has a Fall display rather than a specific Halloween display.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
You may wonder why Halloween has arrived in Magic Kingdom Park so early. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the reason. The special ticketed event begins on August 11, and runs through to November 1 this year. Magic Kingdom Park closes to all other Guests on select nights between these dates. Meanwhile, Guests with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets enjoy plenty of spooky fun in the Disney Park between 7 p.m. and 12 a.m.
While some nights are already sold out, there are still tickets available. You don’t want to miss out on all of these things by not going:
- Mickey’s Boo To You Parade – it’s the best Disney Parade, in our opinion. Watch your favorite Disney characters dress in their own Halloween costumes and make their way along the parade route. The Disney villains join in the fun, and you’ll also get to see the incredible Haunted Mansion section featuring the ballroom dancers and gravediggers.

- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular – gather around Cinderella Castle and hear a tale told by Jack Skellington. The sky comes alive with fireworks and lasers, while Castle projections of Mickey Mouse and friends help to tell the story.
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – join the Sanderson Sisters as they conjure up the best party potion the Magic Kingdom has ever seen. To do so, they require the help of all of your favorite Disney villains.
- Select Disney attractions receive Halloween overlays. Experience the Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain like never before. The TRON Lightcycle/RUN virtual queue also opens at 6 p.m. for Party Guests. Make sure you visit the Haunted Mansion too. You’ll see each Haunted Mansion Cast Member dress like never before!
- The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet entertains Guests in Frontierland throughout the evening.
- Trick or treat around Magic Kingdom Park. Bring your own candy bag, or use the complimentary one you’ll receive as a Halloween Party Guest.
- Dress in a Halloween costume. After all, part of the fun of Halloween is getting to dress up. Dress as your favorite character, or decide on a group theme.
- Unique character meet and greets – Disney characters don their own costumes for the evening. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet rare characters, including the Seven Dwarfs, Jack Skellington and Sally, Powerline Max, Cruella De Vil, and many more. If you want to see Vampire Mickey, you must stop by the Town Square Theatre.

Halloween Merchandise
Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, Halloween merchandise is available to buy. All stores will have some merchandise available to buy, including stores in Disney Resort hotels. Generally, you’ll find the full collection in the larger stores. These include:
- World of Disney in Disney Springs
- Emporium in Magic Kingdom Park
- Creations in EPCOT
- Mickey’s of Hollywood in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Discovery Island Traders in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
If you plan on attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy limited edition Party merchandise. Check the Halloween Party guide map upon entering Magic Kingdom Park for the exact location where you can buy it.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
While EPCOT will host the International Food and Wine Festival through November 18, they also join in the Halloween festivities. From September 29 to October 31, Guests can participate in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. The special scavenger hunt will take place around EPCOT, including World Showcase. You can pick up your scavenger hunt pack from select locations in the Disney Park. Once you have found all the pumpkins and placed the respective stickers on your special map, you can redeem a special prize. Guests of all ages can take part in the fun.

Halloween Celebrations in the Disney Resorts
The Walt Disney World Resort hotels will begin their Halloween celebrations as Halloween approaches. Expect pumpkin carving and decorating competitions and Halloween films showing as part of Movies under the Stars. If you plan on spending Halloween in Walt Disney World, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Disney Resort hotels on All Hallow’s Eve. In particular, you may wish to stay in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The Disney Resort holds special activities, including a Halloween parade featuring Guest-decorated golf carts and trick-or-treating for Resort Guests.

Will you visit the Walt Disney World Resort over the next three months? Prepare for a Halloween-inspired Disney vacation! It’s a lot of fun!