10 Things You Need to Know About Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Even though temperatures are still in the mid to upper 90s, once the middle of August comes, fall and Halloween are in full swing at Disney World. One of the most popular parties or ticketed events at Disney World plays a big part in creating the Halloween atmosphere: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. And this party is just what it says, not scary at all, so it’s fun for the whole family and is one of the best times to visit Disney World. Here are ten things to know about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in 2024.

10 – The History of the Party

This Halloween party has been at Disney World for over 25 years now. Back in 1975, the Halloween celebration was held at what is now Disney Springs. Following that was the Resort Halloween Party at the Contemporary. The very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted in October 1995 and was only held for one night, and the cost of the ticket was only $16.95! Since 1995, the party has grown; Disney has the party on multiple nights. The party has really grown in the last ten years. In 2015, there were 25 parties; in 2022, 37 parties were offered; and in 2023, there were 39 parties!

9 – Go as Early as Possible

If you can, go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in August or September because it tends to be cheaper and less busy. The closer you get to Halloween, the busier (and more expensive) the party gets.

The dates in 2024 for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are:

• August – 9 (sold out), 13 (sold out), 16 (sold out), 20 (sold out), 23 (sold out), 27 and 30
• September – 2 (sold out), 6 (sold out), 8 (sold out), 10 (sold out), 13 (sold out), 15 (sold out), 17 (sold out), 20 (sold out), 22 (sold out), 24(sold out), 26 (sold out), 27 (sold out) and 29 (sold out)
• October – 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 (sold out), 10 (sold out), 11 (sold out), 14 (sold out), 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31 (sold out)

* Dates listed as sold out up to date at the time of publication. Other dates may have since sold out as well.

8 – Pumpkins

Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns decorate Magic Kingdom, especially along Main Street U.S.A. Look up at the windows and the balconies lining Main Street; there are 90 hard-carved pumpkins, each with a different theme, so make sure you stop to admire them and maybe snap a picture or two. Disney does an amazing job creating a wonderful party atmosphere; these pumpkins do the “trick!”

7 – Boo to You Parade 

One of the highlights of the party is Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade. The parade kicks off with a ride by the Headless Horseman himself. He is followed by a collection of frightening floats featuring Disney characters in Halloween costumes. There have been some new additions to the parade in the past few years. The best addition is the Spectral Bride from The Haunted Mansion. She appears in the parade alongside waltzing spirits and those famous Hitchhiking Ghosts. The Villains section of the parade was expanded in 2023, so be sure to stay for the entire parade! The second parade tends to be less busy, but you’ll still want to line up at least 30 minutes before to get a good spot.

6 – Photo Ops Throughout the Park

Party guests can commemorate their visit with event-themed step-in photo experiences throughout the park! These are a lot of fun. Disney PhotoPass Cast Members are there to take your photos as well!

5 – Unique Character Greetings

One of the many things that make this party so special is the many different characters you can meet. You can meet the classics but with a Halloween Twist as they are wearing Halloween costumes. Past parties have seen Tarzan and friends, Moana, Captain Jack Sparrow, Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Liver Lips McGrowl, and other classic characters. Make a point of seeing the characters right when the party starts at 7 pm. These lines do get long. Some characters, like Jack and Sally, come out as early as 5:30 pm, so line up as soon as you get there.

Photographers are also haunting special spots to capture your “boo-tiful memories.” During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests can receive special Halloween-themed Magic Shots and Animated Magic Shots. Visit any of the PhotoPass locations in Magic Kingdom Park to find out which “bewitching Polter-Guests” will magically materialize in your photos! Check the Party map for the exact locations of the magic shots.

4 – Amazing Fireworks & Projection Display

The “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular” lights the night sky during the witching season in a spellbinding display playing across the heavens. As host of the spectacle, Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” spins a not-so-scary tale about how anything can happen on Halloween night.

Jack’s ghost dog, Zero, brings everyone along on a trick-or-treating adventure where four friends – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck – find themselves drawn into a haunted house. Encounters with dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts, and wickedly troublemaking Disney villains make for a hair-raising adventure. It all comes to life with state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting, and dazzling fireworks. You don’t want to miss this one!

3 – Fabulous Stage Show: Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular

Returning again this year is the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” show! Disney villains will create a Hocus Pocus Party Potion that will cast a spell on everyone in Magic Kingdom! Expect to see the Sanderson Sisters (from “Hocus Pocus”), Dr. Faciller, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, and other Disney villains! Combine them and other great Disney villains with amazing dancers, wild visual projections, and otherworldly special effects to make Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat! This show is performed multiple times at the Castle Forecourt Stage multiple times throughout the evening.

2 – Special Treats and Merchandise

Disney never disappoints when it comes to special desserts and snacks during the holidays or special events, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is no exception. This year, Disney has scared up some fantastic treats. Here is a rundown of the treats you can find! Another highlight of the party is stocking up on the limited merchandise. There are plenty of pins and t-shirts to satisfy any guest.

1 – Lightning Lanes and Virtual Queues

A big thing to be aware of is that Individual Lightning Lanes attractions are not available for purchase during the party, but it’s okay because there tends to be less of a need for them. Lightning Lane Single or Multi Pass can be used from 4 pm-6 pm, but not after. Most guests tend to participate in special events and experiences around the park, so the wait times for the rides are usually not as long as they are during the day!

Also, note that Magic Kingdom’s newest attractions, TRON Lightcycle / Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, are open during the party. Unlike during the day when a virtual queue is required, a traditional standby queue is available during the party.

Click here to view our Instagram Story from our visit to the party in 2024!