Things are about to get real EERIE at Walt Disney World! That’s right— we’re talking about the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Can you believe this spooktacular celebration is less than 1 MONTH away? We just got chills thinking about it!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place at the Magic Kingdom on select evenings from August 16th to November 1st. And don’t worry — just as the name implies, the party is totally kiddo-friendly and lots of fun for ghouls and boys of ALL ages!
If you’ve attended one of these parties before you already know that there’s A LOT of stuff happening all at once throughout the park. But there’s also a good chance you might not know about everything that’s going on! That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 12 things you may not know you could do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party so you can decide which experiences you won’t want to miss!
1. See the brand-new Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular
Replacing HalloWishes this year is the brand spanking new Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular which incorporates cutting edge projection technology, lasers, special lighting effects, and of course, fireworks!
The show will be hosted by none other than the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, as we learn anything can happen on Halloween night! Make sure you snag your spot in front of the castle a good 15 minutes before showtime as the area tends to get crowded.
We’re hoping the 360 degree fireworks come back with the new show! Fingers crossed… .
2. Meet Seven RARE Disney Characters — ALL AT ONCE!
Yup, you read that right — in years past the Seven Dwarfs have greeted guests TOGETHER during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And if you happen to miss them during the Halloween season, they typically meet at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party too.
Their line is notoriously long though, so head there early if you want to grab a photo with this merry, motley crew!
3. See the Headless Horseman!
Did you know the Headless Horseman rides down Main Street, U.S.A. about 10 minutes before the Halloween parade officially kicks off? It’s one of the most spine-tingling, unbelievable (especially for your kiddos!) moments of the night and not to be missed!
Stake out your parade turf early to ensure you get to see him gallop by! If you miss out during the first parade, you can always try to catch him again before the second parade starts!
There will also be a few new additions to the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade this year. Not only will the bride from Haunted Mansion float down Main Street U.S.A., but The Incredible, Edna Mode, and Buzz Lightyear will be joining to parade too. You can read all about these new additions here.
4. Dine With a Disney Super Villain!
Making its debut at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year is Cruella’s Halloween-Hide-Away at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant! This brand new affair runs from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM and offers its attendees special reserved parade viewing and exclusive 101 Dalmation-themed eats! The event includes free snacks like Mini De Vil brownies and Kanine Krunchy cakes, and guests can actually hobnob with the always-fabulous (you know…as long as you’re not a puppy) Cruella De Vil! The cost of this dining experience is $99 (plus tax) and you must have a valid Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket to take part.
Sounds a bit steep to us when you already paid for a ticket to the party, but the soiree does boast unlimited beverages including beer and wine — something to consider! To get an idea of what the party might be like, check out our review of the Tony’s Town Square Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party last year; same concept.
5. Socialize With Grim Grinning Ghosts!
Mix and mingle with a few of the 999 happy haunts that have materialized on the front lawn of the Haunted Mansion. They’re just DYING to meet you!
Yep, you’ll see special guests exclusive to the Halloween Party (like Madame Carlotta, who sits outside the Haunted Mansion and regales guests with southern stories by way of a mic pack), and be able to meet rare Disney characters like Jack Skellington and Sally — together, or Tarzan and Jane!
6. Ride Deep Space Mountain in the PITCH BLACK
Lights out! While the classic Space Mountain attraction is rather dimly lit to begin with, imagine riding the whole thing in total darkness! Throw in a new amped-up soundtrack and you get Deep Space Mountain!
Fans of this iconic Disney ride won’t want to skip out on this Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party experience. You may think you know Space Mountain’s every turn and drop by heart, but the total black-out encounter may have you guessing again!
7. Come Early!
Party guests can typically enter the Magic Kingdom several hours early (sometimes as early as 4 PM) with the purchase of their Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket. If you arrive early enough you’ll have ample time to get in some rides and grab a quick bite before the party officially starts at 7 PM. Remember– select attractions close during the party so be sure to visit these first!
You’ll also want to make sure to hit up the Market Street bypass (located just off to the right of Main Street as you enter). This is where you’ll receive your very own trick-or-treat bag and you can grab a starter pack of Halloween candy for good measure! Speaking of witch…
8. Get Unlimited Candy!
There’s no shortage of sweet treats at Mickey’s Not-S0-Scary Halloween Party! Trick-or-treat trails can be found winding their way throughout the lands of the Magic Kingdom.
You should have no trouble spotting them because each trail is marked with giant glowing inflatable signs (and you can find ’em marked easily on your MNSSHP map). You can go through the trails as many times as you like and get as much candy as you can carry!
There are even special allergy-friendly treats so no one has to miss out on this frightfully fun activity!
9. Gobble Up Some Halloween Party-Exclusive Goodies!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party boasts a unique offering of Halloween-themed treats exclusive to partygoers. In years past, there’s been Pumpkin Cheesecake Domes, warm Caramel-Stuffed Pretzels, Zero Waffle Sundaes, Oogie Boogie Meringues, and Jack Skellington Cake Push Pops!
Be on the lookout for these and other special sweets at the Main Street Bakery and Sleepy Hollow especially — that’s where many exclusive party treats are known to be lurking!
And if we’re all super lucky, the Not-So-Poison Apple Cupcakes will come back!
10. Meet Real Live Pirates on Pirates!
Arrrrrr! Don’t be alarmed! Gunpowder Pete is hiding in Pirates of the Caribbean! Several live actors can be found performing nightly throughout the quintessential Disney attraction during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
You’ll find them in the queue line warning you…and then you’ll actually SEE Gunpowder Pete on the ride! Where is he? We’ll never tell!
11. Take A New Spin on The Mad Tea Party
Even The Mad Tea Party receives a special Halloween overlay with swirly lights and heart-pounding music! Jump in a cup and go for a hair-raising spin!
12. Take a Beat on Main Street
While hanging out on Main Street U.S.A. during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party might seem a bit dull by comparison (after all, there’s dance parties and character greetings and ride overlays to experience!) do yourself a favor and enjoy a little time in this magical part of the park. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hectic pace of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but slow down and take in all the sights and smells!
The buildings are all festively decorated and Mickey-shaped jack-o-lanterns meticulously adorn each street light. These charming Disney touches are what truly make this Halloween celebration so sensational.
Also, be sure to check out the special PhotoPass opportunities along Main Street and exclusive Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise available at the Emporium!
OH, and don’t forget to check out our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Review from last year! So much of the party is repeated year to year that this will be a huge help with your planning!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Details and Pricing
Prices start at $79 (plus tax) for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party depending on which night you’re planning on going. Insider tip: the early parties are less crowded (and CHEAPER!) while the later parties (closer to Halloween) are more crowded, more expensive, and sometimes sell-out. Time to grab your tickets and start getting your costume together!
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Will you be attending a party this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Janelliz says
Does the main Street bypass area open at 4pm or does that not open until the party starts?
DFB Sarah says
Janelliz, we’ve seen it open earlier than the 7PM start time, but the timing likely varies depending on crowds.
MrsKiwi says
Thank you for all the info! This fall will be our first time and we can’t wait!!
Rachael says
Is Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) open during the party? Thanks!
DFB Sarah says
Rachael, it is!
Mark says
Do they have any of the t-shirts out yet for the party? We are trying to plan ahead for the 16th.
DFB Sarah says
Mark, they’ll hold off on the Party-exclusive merchandise until the Party begins, but we may start seeing general Halloween merch soon!
Kay says
First time attending the halloween party this year! What do you suggest for dinner during the halloween party? Refer to the Magic Kingdom recs or are there other halloween themed and non special ticketed dining options?
DFB Sarah says
Kay, as a general rule, we don’t eat a meal at the Party because we’re snacking the whole time. 😉 But to preserve precious Party time, you would want to stick to quick service. Keep an eye on our posts about Party snacks because some of these spots may offer Party-exclusive dishes!
Jerica says
Any idea when the special Halloween treats will be posted? It’s always a highlight for us! Thanks! 🙂
DFB Sarah says
Jerica, we’re anxiously awaiting this info! We’ll update as soon as we get it!