Grab your ghoulish costumes and get ready to get your spook on at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! In the SPIRIT of Haunted Mansion, I’ll be your human (not ghost) host and take you on a virtual tour of information about this special ticketed event. Consider this an Insider Guide if you will to this fun Halloween party hosted at the Magic Kingdom.
“Welcome, Foolish Mortals!” It’s that time of year again…Fall. And immediately my mind goes to Walt Disney World and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Are you going this year? Wondering if you should get tickets? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Tis the season to head to Walt Disney World for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. On select nights in 2018 starting mid-August-October 31st, this ghoul-tastic event takes center stage at Magic Kingdom.
Fall is my favorite time at Walt Disney World, in part because of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I love it-the decor, the vibe, the Headless Horseman and Gravediggers.
Now, as they say at The Haunted Mansion, “look alive…and we’ll continue our little tour, and let’s all stay together, please.”
This post contains affiliate links.
All the Details about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Dates
- Pricing and How to Save $$$
- What’s Included
- What’s New
- Rules for Dressing Up
- Spooktacular Tips
- What to See and Do During MNSSHP
- To Boo or Not to Boo: That Is the Question
When Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
How Much Does It Cost?
Depending on the date, tickets range from $ 75-125 for adults 10 and older; $70-120 for children ages 3-9. FYI: On Halloween night, prices are $ 125 for adults and $ 120 for kids 3-9.
Discounts are available for military, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. The party goes on rain or shine, and there are no refunds for inclement weather.
Save $ 8 Per Ticket!
Here’s another money saver: buy tickets through Undercover Tourist using this link and save $8 per ticket. Note: this is an affiliate link for me. But if you were going to buy tickets anyway, I call that a win-win!
What’s Included?
Although subject to change, here’s what attractions are expected to be operational during the Halloween Party:
Main Street, U.S.A.
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Adventureland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Splash Mountain
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “It’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Storybook Circus
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Study up on this 2018 map before you go for all the character greeting spots, trick or treating locations, and entertainment.
New for 2018
Discover a fresh spin on the Mad Tea Party, featuring new lighting and effects. Real pirates will be making their debut on Pirates of the Caribbean in their search for “Gunpowder Pete.” And on Space Mountain, there will be a new soundtrack playing as guests make the jump to hyperspeed in outer space.
It’s Costume Time!
- Dress Up! My favorite opportunity is dressing up since it is the only time adults can wear costumes in the Magic Kingdom, so beware and be prepared! I’m channeling my inner 9 year old who still wants to trick or treat for Halloween. Our family likes to coordinate costumes around the same theme. In 2014, we chose Peter Pan…
And my friends and I had a blast becoming Wilderness Explorers for the Halloween Party last year:
Disney’s Costume Policy
Be sure to review Disney’s costume policy before planning your costume.
General Costume Rules:
- Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
- All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
- Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
- Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
For Guests ages 13 and under:
- Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
For Guests ages 14 and older:
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g.,full-length Princess dresses)
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Masks of any kind may not be worn.
The Most Spooktacular Tips
Be Ready to Roll at 4:00 PM. The rule of thumb is that you can use your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary ticket to enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM even though the party doesn’t officially start until 7:00 PM. So take advantage of this and be there at 4:00. Wrist bands are distributed at the gate and can also be picked up at the Rose Garden near the castle hub (and other park locations). This special wrist band indicates to CastMembers that you have paid for admittance to the party; they will be checking!
Avoid Trick-or-Treating or save it for later. Lines can be long, and this will eat into your time.
Link Your Ticket on My Disney Experience. Guests may link their special event tickets in their My Disney Experience accounts. Then you can simply MagicBand your way into Magic Kingdom instead of keep up with the paper ticket.
Don’t Worry About FastPass+. FastPass+ is not available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Hint: You can get Fastpass+ during the 4:00-7:00PM time frame.
Schedule a Character Couture Makeover. And now that I’ve experienced the new Character Couture Makeovers from select Disney resort salons, one of my biggest tips is to plan ahead and put your costume over the top with a matching hairstyle.
What to See and Do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
1. Don’t miss the Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes!
Boo to you! This parade is one of THE highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. There are 2 times for the parade: 9:15 PM and 11:15 PM. Sandwiched in between is Happy HalloWishes fireworks at 10:15 PM.
Typically, the later parade is less crowded. But both of these are Not to Be Missed! My daughter gasps when the Headless Horseman makes his way down Main Street since she adores horses. One year the Headless Horseman walked instead of galloped because the ground was slick from some light showers. So you may want to try the first one just in case the weather changes and interferes with the later parade. HappyHalloWishes is another can’t miss production with heavy emphasis on villains, orange and green, and 360 degree fireworks.
You won’t be able to get the “Boo to You” song out of your head (but that’s a good thing). Our Boo rating: 5 ghosts+++!
2. Check out the Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.
Who doesn’t love Hocus Pocus? The mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus are back for one night during the Halloween season. Here’s how Disney describes this one: “With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard! With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park.”
If you are a Disney villains fan, then you’re in luck: Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains pop in, along with dancers, projections and special effects. This is a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party exclusive! This year’s show will feature new projected lighting effects and pyrotechnics.
Boo rating: 5 ghosts! Everyone RAVES about this show, so you must make time for this special event offering! 8:15 PM, 10:45 PM, and 12:00AM
3. Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet.
Promising to sing some Halloween themed “harm-onies,” the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet looks like so much fun. I’d DIE to hear them sing “Cruella DeVil. (See what I did there?) You’ll find their talented voices in Frontierland.
4. Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package.
Dessert and primo viewing of Happy HalloWishes? Sounds delicious! This special opportunity will first offer guests a premium viewing location for Mickey’s Boo To You Parade at the flag pole in Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. After the parade, guests will then make their way over to the Tomorrowland Terrace where they will be able to experience a special dessert party, featuring lots of great Halloween-themed treats: chocolate-dipped strawberries, adorable ghost meringues, candy corn panna cotta, peanut butter-chocolate pretzel “witch fingers,” spiced pumpkin cheesecake brownies, peanut butter “spider” whoopie pies, seasonal fruits, cheeses and cupcakes.
Beverages will include sparkling cider, lemonade, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. From this location, guests will experience the Happy HalloWishes fireworks show. The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package costs $ 84 for adults or $50 for children (ages 3 to 9) and the price includes tax. For reservations, you can book online or call 407-WDW-DINE.
Boo rating: I give this event 3 ghosts. Prices increased $ 5 adults/$3 kids since last year for this party AND there is no reserved viewing area for the Boo-to-You parade. This is best for dessert fans and those looking for a special experience; otherwise, I find it too pricey and worthy of skipping.
5. Character Meet and Greets.
One of my favorite things to do at special events like the Halloween Party is grab photo opportunities with Mickey and friends. Two of the most popular are the Seven Dwarfs and Jack Skellington and Sally. So head to see them first if you can, perhaps just before 7:00 PM since many of the queues for Halloween Party attractions and events start early. Of course, Mickey Mouse can be found at Town Square Theater.
Boo rating: 4 ghosts. Always fun to grab photos with characters at special events.
Tip: Focus less on the rides and more on the special entertainment, shows, and characters. This may be hard to do with kids who are dead set on hitting their favorite attractions. So compromise and decide which rides are a must and which ones can wait.
I would encourage you to go to the Haunted Mansion because it seems extra ominous on this night. Plus, there are some exclusive photo opps at the Halloween Party, one of which is at the exit of the Haunted Mansion. There’s no better attraction regularly at the Magic Kingdom to get you in the Halloween spirit than The Haunted Mansion.
The most popular question about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Is It Worth It?
Well, it depends. I love the special entertainment, Disney characters in Halloween garb, watching the Headless Horseman gallop down Main Street, and the yummy treats and merchandise available. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you wanting to return year after year. But for larger families, it can be a major expense. Keep in mind too that parades and shows can be cancelled due to weather, which is a major bummer. I’ve been before when the Headless Horseman could not safely gallop down Main Street. While disappointing, safety is more important.
Tip: One idea is to shorten your park passes by a day and use the money you would have used towards that extra day and get the Halloween Party tickets. Then you can do Disney Springs or your resort pool for the morning/early afternoon and then be ready to enter the Magic Kingdom at 4:00 PM using your Halloween Party ticket.
So are you sold? Planning on going this year…or have you been already? Share your experience in the comments. I’m DYING to hear them!
This post contains affiliate links.
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Awesome tips, Sherry! And I recognize one of those “characters!” 😉
You guys had the best costumes hands down! So glad we could meet up that night. Don’t you just love the Halloween Party?