Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an annual celebration held at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World. It’s a specially ticketed event that transforms the already magical theme park into a Halloween-themed wonderland. Guests are invited to don costumes and enjoy the park’s attractions with a spooky yet family-friendly twist. The event typically runs on select nights starting in August through the end of October, celebrating the Halloween spirit well beyond just the one night.
During the event, the park bursts to life with unique entertainment offerings, special character meet-and-greets, themed parades, and spectacular fireworks designed exclusively for the occasion. Attendees can trick or treat around the park, collecting candy and treats from various stations. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced with exclusive merchandise, seasonal decorations, and themed food and beverages, ensuring that there is something special for every guest to enjoy.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is especially known for its low wait times for rides and attractions, as the number of attendees is limited each night. This, along with the cooler evening temperatures, makes it an appealing time for families to experience the park.
Overview of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special event hosted at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, offering unique Halloween-themed entertainment. This festive occasion is celebrated with exclusive parades, fireworks, and character greetings.
Historical Significance
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party began as a way to provide a family-friendly alternative for celebrating Halloween. The event quickly became an anticipated tradition at Disney, known for its less frightening take on the spooky season, allowing children and adults alike to enjoy the holiday without the typical scares.
Seasonal Timing
The event occurs annually, typically starting in mid-August and running through Halloween night. Dates for the 2024 party have been scheduled to begin on August 11, with the celebration concluding on November 1.
- Ticket Sales: Disney often offers advanced ticket sales for resort guests and discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
Special Features
This event is distinguished by its exclusive entertainment offerings and special activities that are not available during regular park hours, such as:
- Halloween Fireworks: A unique nighttime spectacle featuring Disney characters and Halloween themes.
- Character Meet and Greets: Rare opportunities to meet and take pictures with Disney characters in their Halloween costumes.
- Trick-or-Treating: Kids and adults can trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom, receiving candy from various stations.
- Themed Parades: The “Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” is a highlight, with floats, characters, and performers.
- Special Decorations: Magic Kingdom is transformed with Halloween decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.
- Costume Wearing: Unlike other times of the year, guests of all ages can wear costumes into the Magic Kingdom for this event.
2024 Event Information
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place on select evenings from August 9th to October 31, 2024. The event will start at 700:PM and end at midnight but ticket holders will be able to enter the Magic Kingdom after 4:00 PM.
Individual Event Dates:
- August: 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th and 30th
- September: 2nd, 6th, 8th, 10th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 27th and 29th
- October: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 25th, 27th, 29th and 31st
Admission tickets range in price from $119.00 to $199.00 and vary based on the individual date. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can get a $10 per person discount for August and September dates.
Tickets go on sale May 8, 2024 for resort guests and May 15, 2024 for all other guests.
Entertainment and Parades
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Walt Disney World Resort is celebrated with exclusive entertainment and parades that showcase beloved Disney Characters, spectacular performances, and fireworks. Each special event is a highlight of the Halloween season, offering unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.
Prior years entertainment and experiences include the following:
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
The Sanderson Sisters return from the dead for a night at the Magic Kingdom, hosting the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. This stage show at the Castle Forecourt features an array of Disney villains who join the trio in a bewitching performance. The sisters cast their infamous spell, creating a party filled with magical delight.
The schedule for the 2024 event is as follows:
- August 9th to September 28th: 9:05 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight
- September 29th to October 31st: 7:40 PM, 9:05 PM, 10:40 PM and midnight
Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade
As twilight descends, the Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade begins with the gallop of the Headless Horseman, followed by a procession of floats. Characters like Mickey, Minnie, and their friends dress in Halloween costumes and delight the crowds. Notable scenes include a tribute to the Haunted Mansion and a pirate-themed float led by Captain Hook himself.
For 2024, the parade runs at 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM down Main Street.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks
The night sky above Cinderella Castle illuminates with Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Display. This immersive show combines dazzling fireworks, state-of-the-art projections, and gripping storytelling. Guests witness a Halloween tale narrated by Jack Skellington, where Mickey and pals find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house filled with fun, adventures, and of course, a grand fireworks finale.
This amazing show starts at 10:00 PM every event night.
Character Experiences
At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests have the unique opportunity to meet their favorite Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween best. The beloved Disney Villains also make special appearances, giving partygoers a thrilling experience.
Meet and Greet Opportunities
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse greet guests in their festive Halloween costumes, offering a perfect photographic moment. They usually set the tone for the Halloween festivities with their cheerful and spooky outfits.
Disney Villains are known to roam around, providing rare meet and greet experiences that are exclusive to the event. Guests might encounter the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, who is known to make a hauntingly grand appearance.
Character Appearance Locations
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
- Location: Town Square Theater
- Meet and Greet Times: Posted at the entrance
- Disney Villains
- Location: Villain’s Grove
- Meet and Greet Times: Schedules vary; check event listings
- Jack Skellington
- Location: The Haunted Mansion Courtyard
- Meet and Greet Times: Nightly, with the last meeting before the park’s closing time
Attraction Offerings
During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, guests experience exclusive access to iconic attractions and discover special themed overlays that transform classic rides.
Exclusive Event Attractions
Guests at the event delight in having access to a curated selection of Magic Kingdom attractions. With the limited-capacity nature of the evening, attendees typically benefit from shorter wait times. While not all attractions are operational, many favorites across Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Fantasyland welcome party-goers into the night. Key attractions that remain open are likely to include:
- Haunted Mansion: Brimming with a ghostlier essence during the Halloween festivities.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Sail with the pirates amidst a special Halloween ambiance.
- Space Mountain: Rocket through the stars with an added layer of seasonal suspense.
Themed Ride Overlays
Symbolizing a unique party feature, select rides at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party undergo a transformation, enhancing the experience with Halloween themes.
- Mad Tea Party: Spin around under special lighting effects and Halloween-inspired music.
- Tron Lightcycle Run: Race through a digital landscape with a thrilling, mysterious twist.
These overlays add a refreshing take to the beloved rides, providing a unique experience even for regular visitors of the park.
Culinary Delights
Every Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a variety of culinary delights. These seasonal offerings go well beyond the classic trick-or-treat candies, providing guests with an array of themed treats and special dining options that are exclusive to the event.
Themed Treats
During the event, Magic Kingdom’s confectionery wizards craft a collection of sweet and savory menu items specifically for partygoers. The assortment typically includes:
- Halloween-themed cupcakes and desserts: A delightful assortment of baked goods that capture the essence of the season.
- Candy-inspired creations: Treats that incorporate classic trick-or-treat favorites such as M&M’s, Skittles, and Snickers into inventive new desserts.
These treats are often found at various locations throughout the park, allowing guests to enjoy the special Halloween magic infused into every bite.
Special Dining Options
For a more immersive dining experience, guests can visit Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, which is known to feature event-specific menu items. Highlights include:
- Exclusive entrees: A selection of hearty dishes with a Halloween twist.
- Dessert Party: An optional add-on where guests can enjoy a spread of desserts and beverages in a festively decorated space.
In addition to these, party attendees can also look forward to a variety of additional snacks and dishes available at numerous food stations throughout the park.
Merchandise and Memorabilia
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World offers a range of event-exclusive merchandise that celebrates the spirit of the season with a touch of Disney magic. Guests can expect unique collectibles and apparel designed specifically for this event.
Event-Exclusive Products
Party attendees have the opportunity to purchase limited edition items that are only available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Past exclusives have included:
- Specialty Apparel: Themed T-shirts and accessories that often feature Mickey Mouse and friends in Halloween costumes.
- Ornaments and Home Decor: Keepsake items such as Halloween-themed ornaments, often showcasing the iconic Mickey pumpkin design.
- Pins and Collectibles: Exclusive trading pins released for the event that are highly sought after by Disney pin collectors.
These collectibles are a key aspect of the event’s appeal, offering guests tangible memories of their Halloween experience at Magic Kingdom Park.
Shopping Locations
Specific shopping locations within the park are designated for the purchase of Halloween party merchandise. Notable spots include:
- Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A.: Known for its wide array of party-specific merchandise.
- Frontier Trading Post: A go-to place for limited edition pins and collectibles related to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
- Big Top Souvenirs: Offers a variety of themed apparel and memorabilia in a festive atmosphere.
Guests may also find discounts on select merchandise, especially if they are holders of Annual Passes or are members of other Disney loyalty programs. Availability can vary, and guests are encouraged to inquire about any ongoing promotions when visiting the shops.
Planning Your Visit
When organizing your trip to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, it’s essential to consider ticket purchase options, available dates and times for the event, and the attire guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Ticket Purchase and Prices
Guests should acquire their tickets well in advance as certain dates, especially those closer to Halloween, may sell out quickly. Prices vary depending on the date, with costs generally ranging from approximately $119 to $199 for adults and $109 to $189 for children ages 3-9. Discounts may be available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. Visitors must also have a valid theme park reservation for the same park on the same date as their party ticket to enter.
Event Dates and Times
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party typically occurs on select nights from mid-August through October 31. In 2024, the party season is set to offer dozens of select evenings of Halloween fun. Guests are advised to check the official Disney calendar for specific party dates as they are announced and plan accordingly.
Attire Guidelines
Costumes are encouraged for this family-friendly event, but they must adhere to Disney’s costume guidelines for safety and appropriateness. For example, full-length dresses or capes that touch the ground are discouraged, and masks may only be worn by children under 14 years old. Adults can wear costumes that are creative yet still allow for clear visibility and do not drag on the ground, ensuring a safe environment for all party-goers.