Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (2019 tickets now on sale!)

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...

Dates, cost, and times for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This is a special event with its own ticket.

Party dates for 2019 will be:

• August 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30
• September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 29
• October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31
• November 1

People often ask about the least crowded parties and which days they should attend.

Aside from the first couple parties of the year, August and September party dates will almost always be less busy than October dates, and Tuesdays are usually less crowded than parties offered on other days of the week.

Tickets for 2019 went on sale on January 15 (which is the earliest ever). In comparison, tickets for 2018 went on sale on March 19th.

Tickets are currently available by calling 407-WDISNEY or online at DisneyWorld.com.

 

Tickets are non-refundable, even if there's bad weather.

For this reason, we used to advise people to wait to get their party tickets until they got to Disney World so they see how the weather was going to be.

However, many party dates sold out in the last couple of years, so now we suggest buying them ahead of time if you're pretty certain you want to attend.

The party events begin at 7 p.m. and end at midnight.

People with event tickets can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m.* to enjoy the park in its "regular" state before the party officially kicks off at 7.

 

You do not need a regular park ticket to visit Magic Kingdom on this day if you have a party ticket and arrive at 4 or later.

*If you do not go to another park this day and enter Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. with your party ticket, you may be able to make FastPass+ reservations ahead of time for 4-7 p.m. However, some guests have reported receiving emails from Disney notifying them that they were over their FastPass+ allowance and that their selections for their last park day would be deleted.

FastPass+ isn't available once the party officially begins at 7.

Here's the map for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2018.

Click to view the full-sized PDF.

 

 

 

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.

What takes place during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Wristbands

Since the park is open only for party guests, those attending will need to get special wristbands.

 

Wristbands can be picked up at:

• the front of the park (as you enter)
• inside the Chamber of Commerce building on Main Street
• near Buzz Lightyear
• outside of Mickey's Philharmagic
• Guest Relations window in Liberty Square
• near Tortuga Tavern

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 was 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.

Here are the events that you can expect to take place during the party:

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.

NEW Fireworks Spectacular (replacing HalloWishes starting in 2019)

In past years, a special version of Wishes called HalloWishes has been shown at 10:15 p.m. during the parties. However, starting for the 2019 parties there will be a new fireworks spectacular debuting.

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 in 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.

Meet and greet opportunities with Disney characters

There are always chances to meet lots of characters during the party. Here are the characters that were 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

Many Magic Kingdom attractions will be open

Not all of the rides and shows will be open during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but many will and with very little wait times.

Please note that FastPass+ is not available during the party (and for most attractions, it's not needed anyway).

Here's what was open for the 2018 party (noticeably missing - Jungle Cruise):

• Adventureland - The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Swiss Family Treehouse
• Frontierland - Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Liberty Square - The 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, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer, and Princess Fairytale Hall
• Tomorrowland - Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Note: though FastPass+ reservations aren't available during the party, you can get them for 4:00-7:00 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.

Special ride experiences (new in 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 were available at these locations.

Magic Kingdom Main Entrance

 

Town Square

Main Street, U.S.A.

Haunted Mansion

Shopping for event merchandise

Disney always has exclusive merchandise available to purchase during their parties. Here were 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.

 

Food options

Restaurants

Though you should probably be careful about spending too much of your party time eating, there are some Quick Service and Table Service restaurants available during the party.

Table Service restaurants that were available in 2018 include Be Our Guest, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Crystal Palace.

You can book those at on the MNSSHP dining page.

Seasonal treats available for purchase

Specialty seasonal treats are available to purchase:

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

Special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card available

Guests attending MNSSHP can pick up an exclusive Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom card. For 2018, the card featured the Orange Bird and his "Juice-o-Lanterns".

You can pick up yours at the fire station on Main Street. If you have your party wristband, you can get this card before 7:00.

For more info, see this guide to how Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom works.

Tips and a sample touring plan

You will not be able to do everything, so you'll have to prioritize what's most important to you.

You'll have 5 hours, so be sure to use your time wisely.

Things you should do:

• Watch the parade, but wait until the second one since it's less busy and you can do other things during the first one.
• See the fireworks.
• Attend the shows - they are exclusive to this party and can't be seen any other time of year.
• Meet characters that are important to you
• Trick or treat

Things you should not spend time doing:

• Eating - you can get treats at many locations and there are some restaurants open, but don't spend too much time on that. Be sure to eat before the events begin so you can spend your time doing other things.
• Doing things that are not exclusive to this party which includes meeting some characters and riding rides. If you're attending on a busy night, focus on the exclusive things as opposed to things you could ride during the day. If you're attending on a less busy night, the short lines for rides are a lot of fun to take advantage of.

Here's a sample touring plan for the party:

• 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

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dessert Party Options

Party within a party? Yep!

Disney gives you options to book even more things once you're inside the Halloween party.

These options provide treats and viewing areas for nighttime entertainment.

Fireworks Halloween Dessert Party

The dessert party provides a Halloween-themed version of the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party.

This 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.

Cost: $84/adult, $50/child age 3-9 (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket)
Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
How to book: Book online or by calling 407-939-3463

New for 2019: Cruella’s Halloween Hide-a-Way

 

A new come-and-go experience makes its way to Tony's Town Square for 2019.

 

This is an event that guests can pop in and out of as they wish.

Guests dine on sweet and savory treats, along with both unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (as well as a festive atmosphere that runs until 12:30 a.m., which is after MNSSHP has ended).

There's a PhotoPass photographer at the party...

And, the best part is that included with the price to this "party within a party" is access to a special reserved area to watch the Boo to You Parade.

Cost: $99/person (that is in addition to the price of your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween ticket)
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
How to book: Book online or by calling 407-939-3463

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.

 

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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 the Dessert Party during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party worth it?
• How far in advance should I buy my Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket?
• What are the best tips for planning your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween costume?