Top Tips For A Terrific Experience At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

This weekend saw the kick off of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. While some may be moaning that it's way too early for Halloween (I may or may not be in that crowd) there's no questioning that this is one of Walt Disney World most popular events of the year. If you haven't attended yet, you should consider adding it on to your fall trip. If you already plan on going, read on for our top tips for a terrific experience at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.


A Beautifully Spooky Castle


Arrive Early: If you aren't spending the entire day at the Magic Kingdom, you can use your party tickets as a way to Park Hop on your party day. Spend the morning at another great Disney Park, and then head over to the MK early. While Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party officially kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Guests with Halloween Party Tickets can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m. to get in some extra ride time.

Plan For Quick Service Dinning: While several of the Magic Kingdom's table service restaurants will be open for advanced dining reservations, skip the table service and plan for a quicker meal. Your time at the party will go by quickly, and you don't want to feel like you missed out on the festivities because you were sitting down for an extended meal. It's worth noting here that if you find the party about to close and you just realized that you never squeezed in dinner, you can ask for your meal to be packed to go. My family has carried home "take out" from Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe on the bus back to the resort more than once. Just be sure you do eat something besides that Halloween Candy.


Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular


Don't Consider Party Time As Regular Park Time: At $79 a pop for an adult ticket, you'll want to make the most of your time enjoying the special activities of the party that you don't get on a regular Magic Kingdom Day. Sure, you can ride a few rides while you are there, but be sure to go trick-or-treating, get some Hex-clusive PhotoPass shots, watch the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular, and be sure to see the wonderful "Boo To You" Nighttime Parade.

Ride The Haunted Mansion: yes, I know I just told you not to spend too much time on rides during the party. The must ride exception to this rule is The Haunted Mansion. During Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party the spooky fan favorite steps up to deliver and even more magnificent haunted experience from the moment you get into queue.


The Moon Over Main Street USA


Wear A Costume: Most of the year costumes are restricted to children under 12 at the Walt Disney World Parks, but if you are attending the Halloween Party you can dress to your hearts desire. There are still a couple of rules that need to be followed, be sure to read them here before you plan your outfit.

Go or Meet-up With Friends: The Halloween Party is a fantastic event to attend with a group of people. My friends and I have done the dance parties, watched the parade, gotten group photos, and scheduled ride-a-longs at this event. For groups feeling creative, be sure to pick a theme for matching costumes.



Mary Poppins, Sweeps and Marty McFly (c)Armadillo444


Pre-Plan Your Photo Ops: Because this event offers Guests an opportunity to interact with some of the more rare Characters and Villains lines can get fairly long for photos and autographs. If you want to get a rare photograph knocked out before the party really starts, be sure to line up to wait for your favorites (like Jack Skellington and Sally) significantly before 7:00 p.m.

Don't Miss The "Boo To You" Parade: I'm not a big parade fan, usually I can take them or leave them, and I'm telling you not to miss this one. This special parade that can only be seen at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is one of the very best that Disney has produced. The cavalcade of unique floats and performances includes a congregation of Disney's most villainous lot.


Boo To You Parade
Ghosts Waltz Down The Parade Route


Speak Up If You Have Problems: On rare occasion things can go awry, especially if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate. WDWFG Forum Members have reported in the past having a horrible time at the party, this has almost always been due to rain. Be aware of what the weather is supposed to do on your party night and plan accordingly. The nature of this outdoor event means that some of the party fun (like the shows and parades) may be canceled because of lightening and heavy rain. If you tried to have fun, but you party is a complete wash out, make a stop at City Hall on your way out and say something. While I can't say you will get your money back; in past years Disney has offered return tickets for another party night. This is also a good reason to schedule your party plans early in your vacation.