11 Tips for Having the Best Time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Spooky season is officially in full swing at Walt Disney World, and Magic Kingdom Park is decked out in all its Halloween glory! From Mickey Pumpkin wreaths to hauntingly delightful decorations, this Disney park has been preparing for the season since late July, and now it’s fully dressed to impress.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is already underway, running on select nights from August 9 to October 31, and it’s bringing the ultimate Halloween fun for all ages. So, grab your costume, your trick-or-treat bag, and let’s dive into our top tips to make the most of your ghoulishly fun night at MNSSHP!

1. Plan Your Spooky Strategy

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is packed with unique experiences, from special character meet-and-greets to enchanting shows and delicious treats.

To maximize your night, it’s essential to have a game plan. While you don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule, make a list of must-dos, like character photo ops, showtimes, and the best trick-or-treat locations. Check out the parade and fireworks schedules ahead of time and keep an eye out for Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot spots for some eerie and fun photo opportunities!

2. Arrive Early for Extra Magic

As a special event guest, you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m., even though the party officially kicks off at 7 p.m. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your entry time to beat the rush and maximize your party time.

Once inside, you’ll receive your event wristband and guide map, and you’ll walk through a special backstage entrance adorned with festive decorations and character statues, setting the mood for the night ahead. If you’re already in the park earlier that day with a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you can pick up your wristband from designated spots within the park without having to exit.

3. Eat Before the Party Begins

Related: 7 Tips From a Walt Disney World Cast Member

Food is a big part of the MNSSHP experience, but you don’t want to waste too much time eating when there’s so much Halloween fun to be had! Grab an early dinner either at your resort or within the park before the party starts at 7 p.m.

This will save you precious time to explore and enjoy. And don’t worry—you can still indulge in plenty of themed snacks and treats during the event, or munch on the candy you’ll collect while trick-or-treating!

4. Meet Disney Characters in Their Halloween Best

One of the highlights of MNSSHP is meeting your favorite Disney characters in special Halloween costumes. This is a rare opportunity to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy dressed in festive attire, along with many other beloved characters like Jack Sparrow, Aladdin, and Jasmine.

You can even meet rare characters like Jack Skellington and Sally, who only come out during this special event! Be prepared for longer lines for popular characters, but the photo ops are worth the wait. If meeting characters is a priority, make sure to add this to your plan and strategize your time accordingly.

5. Don’t Miss Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade is a hauntingly delightful spectacle that you won’t want to miss! The parade features floats, characters, and a catchy soundtrack that will have you humming along long after the night is over. The parade takes place twice each night. Be sure to check your party map for times.

The second showing is usually less crowded, but die-hard fans often watch both parades to soak up all the spooky fun! For an extra thrill, make sure you secure your viewing spot early to catch the Headless Horseman, who gallops down the parade route about 10 minutes before the main parade begins.

6. Trick-or-Treat to Your Heart’s Content

What’s Halloween without trick-or-treating? At MNSSHP, you can visit multiple treat stations around the park to collect candy, and the best part is that you can go back as many times as you want! Bring your own treat bag or use the complimentary one provided. Treat stations like the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor are fan favorites, offering a playful and interactive trick-or-treat experience you won’t find anywhere else.

7. Experience Spooky Ride Overlays

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, some of Magic Kingdom’s iconic attractions receive special Halloween overlays, adding a little extra magic (and mischief) to the experience. Be sure to ride Haunted Mansion, where the spooky fun is dialed up to eleven, and check out the special twists on Space Mountain and the Mad Tea Party.

These rides take on a whole new life under the cover of night, and shorter lines during the party make it the perfect time to enjoy them. And if you’re feeling brave, join the Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle/Run at 6 p.m. and experience this high-speed attraction in the dark!

8. Sing Along with Live Entertainment

The live entertainment at MNSSHP is not to be missed. As you make your way through the park, you’ll encounter performances like the Rusty Cutlass Pirate Band, who serenade guests with pirate shanties near Pirates of the Caribbean. Over in Frontierland, the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet will entertain you with their harmonies and darkly comedic tunes from the rooftops.

These live shows add an extra layer of atmosphere to your night, making you feel like you’ve truly stepped into a Halloween wonderland.

9. Catch the Not-So-Spooky Fireworks Spectacular

What’s a Disney party without fireworks? Well before the fireworks begin, head to the hub area in front of Cinderella Castle for Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. This incredible fireworks show, narrated by Jack Skellington, tells a Halloween story through stunning castle projections, lasers, and dazzling pyrotechnics.

The show’s soundtrack is piped throughout the park, but for the best experience, make sure you’re front and center on Main Street, U.S.A., where the visuals are most impressive.

10. Watch the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

The Sanderson Sisters are back, and they’re throwing a party you won’t forget! The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular takes place on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle multiple times throughout the night. This lively show features a mix of music, dancing, and appearances from classic Disney villains as the Sanderson Sisters concoct their wicked potion.

For the ultimate Halloween entertainment experience, plan to catch the fireworks, followed by the Villain Spelltacular, and cap it all off with the second Boo-To-You Parade.

11. Stay Until the Very End

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets are an investment, but staying until the end ensures you get the most out of your experience. As the clock strikes midnight, you can catch the final Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and take in the eerie yet magical atmosphere of Magic Kingdom at night.

The park has a special kind of charm after hours, and it’s worth pushing through the late night to soak it all in.

Get Ready for a Fang-tastic Night!

Are you excited for your night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? From unique character encounters to exclusive shows and trick-or-treating fun, this event is packed with spooky delights that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

So dust off your costume, gather your ghoulish gang, and prepare for a night of not-so-scary surprises at Magic Kingdom! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Halloween Party pro, this guide will help you make the most of your evening. Happy haunting, Disney fans!

Ready to embrace the spookiest season at Walt Disney World? We’d love to hear about your costume ideas and which characters you’re most excited to meet! Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s get this party started!