(Article last updated: September 5, 2018)
There are several special events offered throughout the year at Disney World and 1 of those is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) where people get dressed up in costume and attend special activities that are only offered at this party.
Here's some info for you on the details of what takes place at the party, how much it costs, when it's held, and thoughts on how to create a touring plan to use during the party.
Let's get started...
What is it?
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a party that takes place at Magic Kingdom.
Everybody visiting Magic Kingdom in late August through early November will get to enjoy the decorations in the park, but only people attending the party will get to enjoy the special events (details on the events are below).
How much does it cost?
This event is only available to people who have purchased special event tickets. Tickets range in price from $75-125 for adults, depending on the date you attend.
Tickets for 2018 went on sale on March 19th and are currently available by calling 407-WDISNEY or online at DisneyWorld.com.
Are there discounts available?
On select nights, guests that are Annual Passholders or DVC (Disney Vacation Club) owners are able to save a few dollars on their tickets.
The discount starts at around $5 per ticket. To check on availability, log into your My Disney Experience account and navigate to Event Tickets.
When is the Halloween party?
On some nights in August, September, and October, Magic Kingdom park closes early so that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) can be held from 7 p.m. to midnight (though people with party tickets can enter as early as 4 p.m.).
People often ask how Disney filters out the non-party goers. The answer is that party attendees are given special bracelets to show that they are attending the party, and starting at park closing (which is 6 p.m.) Cast Members will usher out anybody who doesn't have that bracelet.
Party dates for 2018
- August 17 (sold out), 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
Important note! The party will go on regardless of weather so even if it's pouring down rain, it'll be taking place.
If you don't want to risk it by purchasing ahead of time (it is during hurricane season, after all), wait until you're at Disney World to purchase tickets. Some dates like the very first night and Halloween do sell out ahead of time but many don't.
What exactly takes place during the party?
Trick-or-treating
Everybody is given a bag when entering the party, but you can bring your own if you'd like to get more as well.
Go later in the night to avoid lugging around heavy candy, to enjoy shorter lines, to benefit from Cast Members often generous portions later in the night, and to allow you to do more important things earlier.
Trick-or-treating is available in these locations in 2018:
Main Street U.S.A.
- Market Street (until 8 p.m.)
Fantasyland
- Pinocchio Village Haus
- Mickey's PhilharMagic
- Pete's Silly Sideshow
- Ariel's Grotto
Tomorrowland
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Carousel of Progress
- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Frontierland
- Splash Mountain
- Dock to Tom Sawyer Island
- Country Bear Jamboree
Liberty Square
- Columbia Harbor House
People with food allergies: you can grab a teal bag from a Cast Member at any treat location and/or head to Town Square Theater and Liberty Square Ticket Center for allergy-friendly locations. You can collect teal tokens at the trick-or-treat stations which can later be redeemed for allergy-friendly treats.
Dressing in costumes
Disney used to allow everybody to wear costumes during the Halloween party, but the policy has changed in recent years.
Here's the current policy.
General
- 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.
Want more costume tips? Check out our Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party costume FAQ.
Dressing for the weather
Due to Florida weather, you might also want to make sure costumes are cool enough to wear in the heat and humidity, and choose something that can easily be covered in a poncho.
Special entertainment
Boo-To-You Parade
The parade is held twice during the party (at 9:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.). For easiest viewing, go to Frontierland for the second parade. The parade will come through that section about 15 minutes after the official parade start time so keep that in mind when planning.
In true Disney fashion, the parade comes with a couple fun "extras":
Guests along Main Street waiting for the parade to start are treated to a Zootopia Party Patrol which features 2 of your favorite Zootopia friends: Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. You can expect fun music from the movie as well as dancing during this brief pre-parade party.
And, as the parade start time creeps even closer, guests along the entire parade route are treated to one of the signature moments of the entire evening: the appearance of the Headless Horseman.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
In Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney "Hocus Pocus" return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run a muck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, most evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!
Hocus Pocus takes place in August and September at 8:30 p.m., 10:45 p.m., and midnight. In October show times are 8 p.m., 8:35 p.m., 10:45 p.m., and midnight.
HalloWishes
A special version of Wishes called HalloWishes is shown at 10:15 p.m. during the party.
The best places to see fireworks are noted on the map below.
Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball Dance Party
This dance party features Mike Wazowski and Sulley, and it takes place on the Tomorrowland Stage from 7 p.m. - midnight.
Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam (new for 2018!)
Located in Storybook Circus (hence the name), this new dance party will feature Disney Junior characters, including Doc McStuffins. The dance party will take place from 7 p.m. - midnight.
The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet
The Cadaver Dans perform their ghoulish medley of popular "tombs" for guests in Frontierland during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.
Character meet-and-greets
There are always chances to meet lots of characters during the party. Here are the characters that are available during the party in 2018.
In addition to the list below, you'll also be able to interact with Mike, Sulley, George, Boo, Doc McStuffins and Timon at the dance parties.
The asterisk means it's a popular/rare character. Meeting them requires lining up early.
Main Street, U.S.A.
- Mickey Mouse - Town Square Theater
Adventureland
- Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, Genie
- Tarzan, Jane and Terk
- Jafar
- Moana* - Enchanted Tiki Room queue
- Captain Jack Sparrow - near Pirates of the Caribbean
Liberty Square
- Jack Skellington and Sally*
- The Gravediggers* - near Liberty Square Riverboat
Frontierland
- Brer Fox and Rabbit
Fantasyland
- Anastasia and Drizella
- Cinderella - Princess Fairytale Hall
- Cruella DeVil
- Daisy - Storybook Circus near Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station
- Donald - Storybook Circus near Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station
- Alice and Mad Hatter - Mad Tea Party
- Belle and Gaston - Belle’s Village
- Ariel and Eric - Prince Eric’s Market (across from Ariel’s Grotto)
- Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet - Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Minnie Mouse - Storybook Circus near Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station
- Princess Elena - Princess Fairytale Hall
- Princess Tiana - Princess Fairytale Hall
- Queen of Hearts and Tweedles - Mad Tea Party
- Rapunzel - Princess Fairytale Hall
- Seven Dwarfs* - inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus
Tomorrowland
- Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear*
- Elvis Stitch - Stitch’s Great Escape
Exclusive merchandise
Disney always has exclusive merchandise available to purchase during their parties. Here are the options for 2018.
Items can be purchased at The Emporium on Main Street and Big Top Souvenirs in Fantasyland. Pins are available at Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland, and costume pieces are available to purchase at Curtain Call Collectibles.
Rides
During the party, you can enjoy shorter lines on rides but there are no FastPass+ reservations available and not all rides are open.
Here's what is open for the 2018 party (noticeably missing - Jungle Cruise):
Adventureland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- It’s a small world
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party (fun enhancement for the party)
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
- Princess Fairytale Hall
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Note: though FastPass+ reservations aren't available during the party, you can get them for 4-7:00 if you plan to arrive in that time frame. The key is to 1.) make FastPass+ reservations for your non-party days first and 2.) you can't have FastPasses booked earlier in the day.
Although you should definitely take advantage of the special party events, the ability to walk onto rides is a huge luxury that's a lot of fun.
One ride you should definitely take advantage of during the party is Haunted Mansion where the maids and butlers are specially dressed for the party, there are storytellers and you can have your pic taken with the hearse driver.
Side note: Magic Kingdom is a great park to visit during the day of a party since less people want to be there due to the early closure. If you show up at 4 p.m., you'll be able to ride plenty of things between 4 and 7, before the party even begins.
Special ride experiences (new for 2018!)
In addition to generally shorter lines, a few of the attractions will have special experiences on select rides.
Here are the ones that are available:
- Mad Tea Party - Disney says it "will take you for a colorful ride as new lighting and effects give a new spin on the night. Depending on the color of your costume, you too could transform under the new dancing lights."
- Pirates of the Caribbean - descried as "pirates invade experience, interacting with sailing guests who will join the search for Gunpowder Pete.”
- Space Mountain - where "explorers will hurtle through deep space as a new soundtrack and special effects transform the adventure"
Photo opportunities
PhotoPass photographers will take special photos during the party and when you see the pics afterward, you'll see something magically inserted into the photo.
Magic Shots for the 2018 party are available at these locations.
Magic Kingdom Main Entrance
Town Square
Main Street, U.S.A.
Haunted Mansion
Dining options
Though you should be careful about spending too much of your party time eating, there are some Quick Service and Table Service restaurants available during the party. Many of the Quick Service options even have Halloween-themed treats.
Table Service restaurants that are available in 2018 include Be Our Guest, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Crystal Palace. You can book those at on the MNSSHP dining page.
Quick Service restaurants are also available. Here's that list for 2018, including the ones that have special treats available for the party:
Main Street U.S.A.
Main Street Bakery
Not-So-Poison Apple Cupcake - spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch and buttercream
Halloween Cinnamon Roll - cinnamon roll topped with icing and a chocolate spider web
Pumpkin Cheesecake - topped with a chocolate Mickey Pumpkin, the gluten-friendly Pumpkin Cheesecake is sure to be a ghoulish delight with gluten-friendly vanilla pecan cake and caramel glaze
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Nothing unique being served for the party, but you can order hand-scooped ice cream and sundaes like always.
Casey's Corner
Minnie Witch Brownie - topped with a white chocolate piece featuring the Minnie Mouse dressed in her Halloween best
Adventureland
Aloha Isle
Hitchhiking Ghost Dessert - cream puff filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with a chocolate piece featuring the Hitchhiking Ghosts
Frontierland
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn (open until 11 p.m.)
Hades Nachos - black bean nacho chips topped with fiery buffalo chicken and your choice of toppings from the topping bar
Worms and Dirt - chocolate pudding comes topped with gluten-friendly cake crumbs, gummy worms, and a chocolate grave stone
Golden Oak Outpost
Treats at the Cider House - Apple Cider, Warm Caramel-Stuffed Pretzel, and Cinnamon Donuts
Liberty Square
Sleepy Hollow
Zero Waffle Sundae
Jack Skellington Cake Push Pop
Liberty Square Market (open until 11 p.m.)
Madame Leota Dessert - vanilla tart shell filled with toasted marshmallow pastry crème and topped with crispy pearls, chocolate, and a hard candy garnish
Columbia Harbour House (open until 8 p.m.)
No special treats here, but a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Fantasyland
The Friar's Nook (open until 8 p.m.)
No treats special to the party, but gourmet tots and frozen beverages available for a quick bite to eat.
Storybook Treats
Maleficent Dessert - lime soft-serve in a black waffle cone and topped with purple sugar and chocolate horns
Gaston's Tavern (open until 10 p.m.)
Oogie Boogie Meringue (gluten free!) - pomegranate-cherry gelée with gummy worms and topped with glow-in-the-dark meringue
Tomorrowland
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Muenster Smash Burger - served on a black bun with Muenster cheese, tots, and Sriracha aïoli
The Lunching Pad
No special treats available, but easy place to grab a hot dog, pretzel, or frozen drink.
Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
Candy Corn Ice Cream - available in a cone or sundae
Candy Corn Milkshake - topped with cotton candy and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow
Treats available throughout the park
Popcorn
Exclusive Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom card
Guests attending MNSSHP can pick up an exclusive Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom card. For 2018, the card features the Orange Bird and his "Juice-o-Lanterns".
Get the party map
Here's the 2018 party map to help you plan your night.
How to plan your time
In my opinion, these should be your priorities:
- Meeting popular characters like Jack Skellington and Sally, the 7 Dwarfs, villains, and Moana
- Boo-to-You Parade
- Hocus Pocus show and HalloWishes fireworks
- Rides
- Candy
To fit it all together, this is how I would plan my time:
- 4:00 - 7:00 - ride rides, eat dinner, and then get in line between 5:30 and 6 to meet your highest priority character (like the Seven Dwarfs or Jack Skellington & Sally)
- 7:00 - 9:00 - rides, shopping
- 9:00 - 11:00 - fireworks, Hocus Pocus show
- 11:00 - midnight - Boo to You Parade at 11:15 p.m., trick-or-treat to get as much candy as you can, meet more characters with shorter lines
Is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party worth it?
The party is worth it for families that have kids that can stay up late, especially if you consider that you can think of your party ticket as your park ticket for the day but with special entertainment and shorter waits for rides.
For instance, if you'll be in Disney theme parks for 7 days, you could get 6 day park tickets and also purchase tickets to the party. On the party day, you could use the first part of the day to rest or visit Disney Springs, and then go to Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. to use your party ticket.
In general, Tuesdays are the least crowded day to attend overall, and August and September dates are less busy than October dates.
Extra touches
Disney is offering a Happy HalloWishes Dessert Package which provides a Halloween-themed version of the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. The price is $84/adult and $50/child.
This dessert party is not something that we generally recommend because it takes so much time out of the party and you should be able to easily find a spot to view the fireworks, but it might be a nice add-on for people looking to do something a little different during their trip.
Another bit of extra magic that can be added if you're visiting Disney World in September or October is the special in-room celebration called Mickey's Spooktacular Celebration where your room can be decorated for the occasion.
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So what do you think? Will you be attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Or do you have questions that weren't covered?
Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments.
Want to read more about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Check out the following FAQs:
Is there a place to see the Hocus Pocus, the Parade and the fireworks all from the same spot? I would like to hit the 830 Hocus pocus and maybe just stay all in the same area with the kids.
Thanks!
I’m taking a short solo trip to WDW in October. MNSSHP is happening on 3 of the 4 days. I’m weighing my options for attending a party by myself (first time) or just using a park ticket to go to MK from 9-6. Advice is appreciated!
Went to the party last week (August 24th) and thought the theming, parade and fireworks were great. Disappointed in the crowds which seemed worse than in the park during regular hours that week and led to long (30 mins plus) waits for rides and in some cases trick-or-treating. While Space Mountain in complete darkness was fun the “special” theming for Space Mountain, Pirates and the Tea Party was overall underwhelming.
Such cute merchandise! I was wondering about a ballpark cost of the items you can only purchase in the park?
Are the shops on Main Street open 1 hour after park closing on a party night? Thank you!
How do the party crowds compare to just a normal daily crowd? We went last August and I think the crowd levels were 6-7 range. What would the party crowd be in relation?
Yes, at 4:00 you can enter.
If you have children that little, you probably won’t see much of anything after your reservation. I would suggest saving the reservation for another day so you can really enjoy the event. Try booking CRT early in advanced to guarantee your booking if it’s something you really want.
So if I purchase party tickets for my boyfriend and i we can go into the park and start doing things at 4? Or will we be held in a holding area till 7?
We are planning to attend the party for the first time in September, and we’re super excited. I got reservations to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table for the first time, at 7:25 during the party. I figure the fact the party was going on was how I managed the reservation. I am worried about missing too much party, however. We have a 2 and a 4 year old, so I don’t know that they’ll be up until midnight. Should we skip CRT and just do the party? Or use the opportunity to enjoy our first experience at CRT? We’re planning to break up our day with an afternoon rest to gear up for the evening. Thanks for your help!
I have been through the list of character M&G several times and didn’t see Snow White listed. Am i just missing her on the list?
The treats in the pics aren’t free, but the candy you get at the trick-or-treating stations is free.
We have purchased tickets for MNSSHP in Sept. we are food lovers and are extremely excited for all the Halloween desserts at the party. This is our first time though and I do not exactly know what to expect. Are the treats free or is this something I need to budget snack credits for if that’s an option?
Honestly while you dont get FP for the party the lines are always shorter. Around the 30min range as a whole, and even shorter during the shows and parade if those aren’t your cup of tea (though I personally think the Boo to You parade is the one of the best disney has to offer.) You could do a lot of the heavy rides throughout the night knock out all the mountains, and more popular rides. Also its kinda fun to wear a costume that that would show up in your ride pictures. But if you get there at 4pm, and leave at 12, knowing that between 4-6 there are day time guest so do the rides that generally have a low wait that you might care about ie the little mermaid, buzz light year, small world/jungle cruise ect, and once the party starts you can do the bigger ones at a shorter wait. So 1-2 rights the first two hours and most likely 2-3 the remainder. So if you’re lucky between 15-20 rides if you dont stop for food shows and bathrooms. While the day time is longer things like the mine train/space mountain get like 90-120 min wait, and even with FP can still be around 30 mins. So long story short, I say do the party for less money an dlower waits, but shorter hours.
We are 2 adults doing 1 day at MK the last week of September. Since we mostly want to do some rides and enjoy the atmosphere (we wouldn’t be trick or treating or meeting many characters) would we get the most for our money with a regular 1 day MK ticket or going to the Halloween party which is cheaper but less time? We’re staying off property so we can’t take advantage of EM hours.
Will the rides that have special halloween theming have that theming before 7? Could I get to the park and use a fast pass to see Haunted Mansion at 4 or 5 and still see the special party theming, or do I have to wait until 7 for that?
Hi does anyone know if you can buy normal merchandise at mickeys not so scary Halloween party? Such as they’re usual Mickey ears ect. Thank you 😁
My first MNSSHP was as a 6 eyed pirate back on Oct 2, 2011, I have not missed a MNSSHP since, even doubling up with a DCL HOTHS cruise., I have been Cap’n Jack Sparrow’s father, Indiana Jones, King Fergus, Professor Porter, and this year as Geppetto.
That original pirate costume was the incentive to sew an entirely new pirate outfit for Marco Mimosa which has been making several voyages each year on DCL.
MNSSHP ism IMO, the best extra cost event at The World. I gives me the chance to Cosplay instead of just DisBounding. Although I’m 76 MNSSHP lets me act my internal child.
Fergus will also be worn at formal dining occasions on DCL.
I have the same exact question! Did you find out? Thanks, Christa
I have five regular day park tickets and a ticket for mnsshp on a day when we aren’t going to the parks. I scheduled my regular five days worth of FP+s first, then did the Tuesday MNSSHP FP+ and it went very smoothly.
I have 4 day park hopper tickets and tickets to MNSSHP all linked to My Disney Experience. We’re staying on property. When I’m ready to make FP+ reservations 60 days out, will the system recognize that I can select FPs for 4 days besides the Party day and from 4-7pm on the Party day? Or will I need to call Support for them to “fix it?”
Any clue as to when to expect dining reservations during MNSSHP October 2018 to open? I don’t remember when the seperate booking page was posted last year and wanted to be ready to book my CRT reservations.
When do they start putting up the halloween decorations? Is it any overnight occurrence?
Quick question,
I have a 5 year old and am weighing the options of doing this as extra (because so many of the things take place so late at night). The main reason we are considering it is because of Jack and Sally (he LOVES Nightmare Before Christmas) if we just wanted to meet them, are they out at 4? So we could technically meet them before the party started?
Hi Maggie — the way I understand it is that the characters do not come out until right at or very close to the event start time. This is in part because those special characters are an exclusive MNSSHP experience. People can begin lining up for characters much earlier, once they’ve received the MNSSHP wristband (you must have a wristband to get in line), but chances are, the earliest you might meet anyone would be closer to 6:00-6:30pm.