Halloween at the Magic Kingdom

How to Have a Great Experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a hugely popular after-hours event at the Magic Kingdom; it runs from 7 p.m. till midnight on select nights from mid-September through October 31st.

Good to know Even though Disney does not officially announce it, guests with valid Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be let into the park as early as 4 p.m. So, by all means, get to the park early, show your ticket, and square away a few rides before the Halloween festivities begin. This is also a good time to have an early dinner.

Your first action upon entering the park, however, should be to get your party wristband and your trick-or-treating bag. Cast members will be handing these out once you show your ticket. Next, make sure you pick up a special events map so you know what’s happening, when and where. The party won’t start till 7 p.m., but often the most popular meet-and-greet characters, Jack Skellington and Sally, will meet party guests as early as 5 p.m.

If you are a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fan, you will want to go early to the firehouse and pick up the annual special edition trading card. This year’s event-exclusive card features Clawhauser from Zootopia.

The Must-Ride Attraction and Special Meet-and-Greets You will want to ride the Haunted Mansion, of course, but hopefully you won’t bring any hitchhiking ghosts home. Look out for Ms. Renata Dubois, her sister, and one of the twirling ghosts inside the mansion’s dinner scene, as they make their appearance on the lawn in front of the Haunted Mansion.

Along with the Halloween King Jack Skellington and his friend Sally, guests can meet with other rarely seen characters, such as the Seven Dwarfs, Dagobert Duck, and Tarzan with Jane and Turk.

Three Not-to-be-Missed Activities at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is absolutely just that—spectacular! The mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus flick are the best show the mortal world can see. There are four nightly performances (8 p.m., 9:20 p.m., 10:40 p.m., and midnight).

The Happy Hallowishes Fireworks show is absolutely fabulous and includes a Disney soundtrack of creepy classics, such as “Grim Grinning Ghosts” from the Haunted Mansion attraction, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid, and “Oogie Boogie’s Song” from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The fireworks are preceded by the Celebrate the Magic Castle Show at 9:45 p.m. Happy Hallowishes starts at 10 p.m.

When the Headless Horseman gallops down the parade route, you know that the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is about to start. The parade begins in Frontierland and is shown twice on each night, once at 8:35 p.m. and again at 11:15 p.m. If you opt for the later parade, keep in mind the ever-changing Florida weather. If the second parade is canceled due to inclement weather, you will have missed the party’s best event. Either way, make sure to get to a good viewing spot at least 30 minutes before the start of the parade. The Headless Horseman comes about 5 minutes prior to the start of the parade.

How Scary Does it Get? Unlike at Universal Studios’ Horror Nights, there are no vampire or chainsaw-swinging monsters scaring guests. All events are geared towards little tykes and scary only in the sweetest way.

Trick-or-Treat You will be getting you fill of candy so think about bringing an extra bag or backpack in which to transfer the candy once the trick-or-treat bag cast members handed out is filled. At the beginning of the party the lines at the different trick-or-treat stations are long but by the time the second parade is over it is an easy walk through. There are over a dozen stations throughout the park and treats are given out generously.

Party Time Throughout the evening there are parties at the stage in Tomorrowland, and the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland. If all the candy in the Kingdom of the Mouse is not enough sugar for you try the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party. For an extra $79 plus tax ($47 for kids ages 3 to 9) you get to see Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade from a special reserved location on Main Street, U.S.A.; next you get to enjoy Halloween treats at a private dessert party at the Tomorrowland Terrace from where guest have a great view of HalloWishes. Remember the dessert party package does NOT include admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

You Can’t Have Your Candy and Eat it Too There is simply so much to see and do that it is impossible to do it all. You and your little princes and princesses will easily walk 5 miles that night; if you do not want them to turn into pumpkins before midnight, you’d better take it easy. For the 3- to 6-year-old set, bring or rent a stroller. At park closing, you will be especially happy if you’ve brought one, when it’s time to join everybody else for the exodus to the buses.

2016 Dates and Prices Tickets purchased in advance range $72-$105 for adults and $67-$100 for children ages 3-9, depending on the date. Day-of tickets are about $7 more. Tickets for the Halloween night event usually sell out by early October.
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31