Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
- Ruth
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Tips for Adult Partygoers
There’s something in the air at Magic Kingdom as the sun sets and pumpkins glow—the anticipation, excitement, and a little sprinkle of pixie dust that signals Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is about to begin. This popular celebration welcomes in the spooky fall season, and whether you’re planning your first visit, or your twenty-first visit, you’re in for a real treat (and maybe some tricks too). To help you maximize your party night, I collaborated with fellow WDWAO bloggers and news team members to compile our favorite, time-tested, tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Arrive Early—Even Before the Party Officially Starts
Though Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party technically starts at 7 pm, your event ticket grants you entry into Magic Kingdom at 4 pm. Take advantage of these extra hours! You can experience rides, grab a bite to eat, and start soaking up the festive atmosphere before the exclusive party festivities begin. Better still, if you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder or have a park-hopper ticket for the day of the party, arrive well before 4pm. You’ll avoid waiting in the blistering sun at the turnstiles. Also with this strategy, you don’t have to return to the front of the park to get your party wristband. You’ll find band stations at locations inside the park – typically in Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
Dress Up (But Know the Rules) and Plan for Weather and Comfort
Costumes are a major part of the fun! You are encouraged to dress up, but Disney has a few guidelines to keep everyone safe:
Costumes must be family-friendly and not obstructive, offensive, or violent.
Adults cannot wear masks, though face paint and hats are generally permitted.
Long capes and trailing fabrics are discouraged.
Choose something comfortable, breathable for Florida’s heat and humidity, and easy to move in. Many guests forgo costumes in favor of seasonal t-shirts and shorts.
Florida evenings in the fall will be warm and humid, and occasionally rainy. Bring a poncho or umbrella, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes. A lightweight backpack can hold your candy, water, and any extra costume accessories you might shed mid-evening.
Prioritize Your Must-Do Attractions and Entertainment
You’re not likely to do and see everything during the party. In addition to rides, the agenda is bursting with special entertainment: the spellbinding Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, the dazzling Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks, Zom-beats Bash dance party, and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show. Decide ahead of time which attractions and shows you want to see and plan your night around their scheduled times. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the fun so I like to put the shows and parades in my iPhone calendar, with 30-minute reminders. When it comes to the parade, consider seeing the second parade; the crowds are usually lighter!
Trick-or-Treat Like a Pro
At MNSSHP, everyone gets a treat bag upon entry, and there are dozens of treat stations throughout the park. The lines move quickly, and you’ll end the night with pounds of candy. Before you load up though, consider how you’ll carry that all night. It’s hot out. Candy melts. If candy is a priority, rent a locker when you arrive. Better yet, bring a small soft-sided cooler with a freezer pack (loose ice is not allowed) to put in that locker. You can empty your small candy bag into the cooler in your locker periodically, keeping your load light and your candy cool. If anyone in your group uses a scooter, it’s also handy for candy storage and will save the expense of a locker.
Meet Rare Disney Characters & Entertainers
One of the event’s highlights is meeting characters you rarely see in the parks—like Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Pooh & Friends or Minnie & Mickey in their Halloween attire! These lines can get long, so if character photos are a priority, line up before the party “officially” begins or prioritize one or two must-meets.
For frightful entertainment, in Frontierland, you’ll find The Cadaver Dans, the zombie-like alter-egos of the park’s regular barbershop quartet, The Dapper Dans. Enjoy their deadpan humor, pun-filled jokes and acapella Halloween songs. The parade is packed with characters in Halloween costumes, your favorite princesses, villains, pirates, hitchhiking ghosts, and if you’re lucky, a headless horseman. Have your camera ready to capture the magic.
Make the Most of PhotoPass Magic Shots
Speaking of magic, throughout the night, Disney photographers offer special Halloween-themed Magic Shots. From ghostly effects to floating pumpkins, these photos are a unique souvenir. If you have Memory Maker, don’t hesitate—stop at as many photo ops as possible. I follow Disney PhotoPass Facebook page, where they always share their seasonal Magic Shots and their locations. You can screenshot your favorites or check their FB page during the party to be sure you get your favorite shots.
Be Strategic with Merch & Food
Exclusive party-only merchandise is a big draw, but lines for party-specific souvenirs can be long, especially at The Emporium. To save time, review WDWAO’s merchandise overview article (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Merchandise Revealed), make your shopping list, then shop The Emporium early or late. You can also pop into smaller gift shops. They won’t have all the party exclusive items but will have plenty of seasonal clothing and accessories.
Dining during the party can also be time consuming. Considering you’re paying dearly for the exclusive activities from 7pm – midnight, you may want to avoid sit-down reservations during that time. Party pros typically get a late lunch outside of the park, either at their resort or at one of the monorail resorts. If you have a Magic Kingdom restaurant on your party to-do list, aim for a reservation between 5:30pm and 6:00pm. That’s an awkward time when party events haven’t started yet, and cast members are beginning to move day guests toward the exits. Quick serve restaurants typically close at 6pm and re-open at 7pm for party guests. Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself hungry during that hour! When the quick serve spots do re-open, check WDWAO’s party-exclusive snack article for an overview (2025 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Foodie Guide) and save time by mobile-ordering.
Bring Patience and Embrace the Atmosphere
The party draws big crowds, but the atmosphere is pure Disney magic. Enjoy the unique decorations, hauntingly beautiful music, and the camaraderie of fellow costumed guests. If a line is too long or a show is packed, wander the park and soak in the sights and sounds—there’s magic around every corner.
Final Thoughts
With these tried-and-true tips in mind, you still may not do it all, but you’ll be ready to make the most of every magical moment. Happy haunting—and don’t forget to say “Boo!” to Mickey for us!
Photo Source: WDWAO Bloggers