Disney World Costume Guidelines: What You Need to Know

One of our absolutely favorite things to do as a family is dressing up and going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park. Besides the wonderful entertainment and treats at the party, we love to see all of the amazing costumes that other guests wear! We also are amazed at some of the incredible running costumes we see at runDisney races. In the last year, Disney has updated their costume guidelines that used to be quite flexible, but now has turned into some very strict rules. So before you head out to the Parks and have to be turned back, read on to find out what you need to know about Disney World’s costume guidelines. Note that these guidelines specifically pertain to the Halloween Party and runDisney races. During “normal” park operations guests ages 14 and older are not allowed to wear costumed attire in the theme parks.

1 – General Guidelines

• 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.

2 – 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.

3 – 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 and Jedi robes)
• 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.

Here is a great video from Disney summarizing all of the rules.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJDVFaQfKv8

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Tips & Tricks for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year to visit Disney World. One of the reasons is that is when Disney World throws Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the absolute best Halloween party you’ve ever seen. This is a must do for any fall Disney trip. But because there is so much to see and experience, it’s best to have a plan. Here are our top 7 tips and tricks for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

7 – Arrive Early

Admission to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event that requires its own ticket. Ticket prices vary throughout the season, with them being more expensive as you get closer to Halloween. While the party is advertised from 7:00 pm – 12:00 am, you can actually enter the park as early as 4:00 pm. You’ll want to do this if you are looking to get the most out of your special ticket. Ride attractions early and get your dinner out of the way so when the party activities begin at 7:00 you can make the most of the night!

6 – Choose the Right Halloween Costume

When choosing your family’s costumes be mindful of when you are attending the party. In September, Orlando is still quite warm with highs still in the mid to upper 80’s. That means it can still be in the 80’s when the party begins. October is when we begin to see the weather change, but we’ve seen many Halloween’s in the upper 70s. While that sounds quite lovely, you might want to rethink a costume with many layers, pants or long sleeves. Conversely, one year we were so unprepared because it was randomly cold and the party was in the 50s. We wore our jackets under our costumes! So check the weather ahead of time and if possible, have a couple of options!

Here is a quick summary of Disney’s Costume Policy:

General Guidelines

• 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.

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.

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 and Jedi robes)
• 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.

5 – Special Event Merchandise

Disney World never misses an opportunity to sell amazing merchandise and this party is no exception! Disney has special event merchandise that is only available during the party itself. So if you want party merchandise you need to get it at the party! This year’s exclusive MagicBand is glow-in-the-dark and is the first time they have offered a MagicBand with that feature. The best locations to find these items during the event is Emporium on Main Street USA and Big Top Souvenirs in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland. Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland will also off the event pins. Read all about the merchandise and special foods here.

4 – Meet Unique Disney Character’s

If you love pictures with unique Disney’s characters, then you won’t want to miss this party. Characters will be in their Halloween costumes during the parade and at character greeting locations. Also, this is the only time of year you can meet Jack Skellington and his lovely, Sally. All Seven Dwarfs will be out, as well as Lotso from Toy Story 3 in Tommorowland. You’ll also get to meet all Seven Dwarfs and Cruella DeVil. Check the party map for all the Character Greeting Locations and make a plan of how you want to handle getting them done throughout the night. Be mindful of the parade, stage show and fireworks times.

3 – Trick-or-Treating

With many different treat locations, you’ll have plenty of treats for a fun-filled evening. While trick-or-treating is obviously a fun part of Halloween, decide ahead of time how much time you want to spend in line to get candy. When we went to the party, we decided early that our goal was not to get a ton of candy (which can be bought easily anywhere), but to experience the characters and party itself (which can’t be had anywhere else). We went through a few short lines, but mostly skipped the candy spots. However, there is nothing wrong with getting tons of candy! Be aware that Disney gives you treat bags for collection so you don’t need to bring your own.

See the party map for all of the candy locations marked by an orange Mickey. Please note that trick or treat locations may change without notice.

Here is a list of the 2017 locations:

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Town Square Theater (Allergy-Friendly Center)

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontierland

• Splash Mountain
• Dock to Tom Sawyer Island

Liberty Square

• Heritage House (Allergy-Friendly Center)
• Liberty Square Riverboat

Fantasyland

• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Pete’s Silly Sideshow Fantasyland Treat Trail (begins at Fantasyland Railway Station)

Tomorrowland

• Space Mountain
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Bay 1
• Carousel of Progress

2 – Best Disney Parade and Fireworks

The party features “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which I personally believe is Disney’s best! Your favorite Disney characters are all dressed up for Halloween with fun music, dancing and treats! This parade begins in Frontierland with a not to be missed viewing of the Headless Horseman! The parade is at 9:15 pm and 11:15 pm. The first parade tends to be busier than the second. No matter if you watch the first or second, line up early for a good viewing spot. Note that many people will leave after the second parade, so the last hour of the party can see shorter lines. Also, don’t miss the Halloween themed “Happy HalloWishes” Fireworks at 10:15 pm. You’ll want to find a good viewing area early for this as well.

1 – Have a Plan for Catching All of the Amazing Entertainment

Returning for a third year is the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” Show! This show is performed multiple times at the Castle Forecourt Stage at 8:15 pm, 10:45 pm and 12:00 am. With the parades being at 9:15 and 11:15 and the fireworks at 10:15 expect the castle area to be jammed packed with people all night. When choosing a show time, be aware of what else is going on around the castle. If grabbing a spot for the 9:15 parade, you can stay and watch the fireworks at 10:15 and then watch the show at 10:45 stage show. However, just be mindful that you’ll have spent almost 3 hours of the party in one spot! But at least you’ve gotten excellent entertainment. Decide ahead of time your priorities. You can ride the rides anytime, but these special party entertainment options are what makes the party so special!

Have you been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? What is your favorite part? What are your best tips for enjoying the party?