Important note: this is the information from the 2018 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Check out our 2020 Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for current information.
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…less
In this article
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.
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 fewer 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
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
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.
Get the party map
Here’s the 2018 party map to help you plan your night.
Click to view the full-sized PDF.
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.
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.
************************************
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:
- 2019 Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- 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?