BREAKING NEWS: Dates & New Details Released for 2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

It’s #HalfwaytoHalloween, and we’ve finally got the dates for the 2024 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Learn more, including when tickets go on sale below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Alex Gonzales:

No tricks here, because we’re doling out five new treats — plus returning favorites — for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2024! It’s time to kick off the festivities with a Halfway to Halloween celebration, and we’re conjuring up more spooky spectacles at this separately-ticketed event, which takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, starting Aug. 9!

It’s never too early to start planning for Halloween, so if you’re already in the mood for the spine-chilling season, find out what’s in store for 2024. Get your costumes and candy bags ready, it’s go time for #HalfwayToHalloween!

This year’s separately ticketed event will kick off August 9 and will take place on select nights through October 31 at Disney World. Tickets go on sale for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green on May 8. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale May 15.

To purchase tickets, visit Disneyworld.com/Halloween or call the Disney Reservation Center at 407-934-7639. The dates for 2024 are:

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

It’s never too early to start planning your Walt Disney World visit for late summer and fall, so get ready, set… BOO!

1 – New costumes for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Get ready to strike a scary pose! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will greet guests during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in their brand-new neon spiderweb attire.

2 – More Villains sightings

From the moment Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins and throughout Magic Kingdom you’ll be able to spot your favorite sinister villains and ghoulish foes! Who knows, you might even get to take a selfie with them.

3 – Bust a move during the DescenDANCE Party

Get ready to let loose and show off your best villain DescenDANCE Party, taking place at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. This new rave is inspired by the upcoming Disney Original Movie “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” premiering on Disney+ on July 12, so trust me when I tell you this is a date you don’t want to be late for.

4 – Bruno Madrigal joins the fun

You’re going to want to talk about this. Because yes, we’re talking about Bruno. For the first time during the party, you can meet the clairvoyant character from “Encanto” alongside Mirabel at their Casita in Fairytale Garden.

5 – New earlier start time for “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”!

This year, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade will take place at an earlier time – perfect for those guests attending with little ones who want to enjoy the spooky fun before it’s bedtime.

6 – Returning Favorites

That’s everything that’s brand new, but what about what’s back for more tricks (and treats) this year? Returning favorites include “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show, hosted by Jack Skellington, the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. In addition, dance the night away at the and enjoy popular attractions with special Halloween twists, including Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain, and Mad Tea Party. Get ready to fill your Halloween basket with M&M’S, Skittles, Snickers and more available at various trick-or-treating locations. And don’t forget to stock up on marvelous event-exclusive merchandise!

If you’ve got a frightening sweet tooth, take a bite out of Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes fireworks viewing from Plaza Garden or Tomorrowland Terrace. Reservations for this experience open on June 7.

New Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party merchandise will be available on party nights, including a brand new Ear Headband!

RELATED ARTICLE: 13 Tips & Tricks for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

by Chad and Cindy Nykamp

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is Disney World’s most popular special ticket event, and it’s not hard to see why. This party is awesome! If you’re heading to a Halloween party, here are 13 tips and tricks for the best Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party possible!

1 – It’s Very Popular (It’s Going to Be Busy)

The Halloween party is very popular. It’s on most people’s must-do lists when they are visiting Disney World in the fall. The first party was in October 1995 and only occurred on one night. Since 1995, the party has grown. In 2023, there are thirty-nine party dates, which is two more than in 2022! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party had every party night sell out for the 2022 season. In 2023, we expect the same. While ticket sales were slow this summer, after the parties began in August, party dates have begun to sell out quickly. If you’re thinking of attending a party, we recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible.

We think having the right expectations on crowd levels is helpful so you can have the best night possible. It will be busy. Main Street USA will be packed most of the night. The unique party activities draw the crowds, so you’ll see reasonable waits for attractions. However, expect very long waits for characters, especially the most popular characters such as Jack Skellington and Sally. That doesn’t mean you won’t have fun, but do not expect an empty park where you will walk onto attractions. When we visited the party this year, we found the crowds to be much more manageable than in years past on a sold-out night. However, be prepared for crowds–this is not an After Hours event where crowds are low.

2 – The Weather is Not So Perfect for Halloween

Think of Halloween weather; you may picture a crisp, chilly fall night, but not at Disney World. Expect a very warm party evening, especially in August and September. In both of these months, highs are still in the lower 90s, so the party will begin in the upper 80s and stay there. When we visited the first party on August 11, 2023, the heat index when we entered the party at 6:30 p.m. was 105 degrees. When we left at 12:30 a.m., the heat index was 95 degrees. It was crazy hot all evening with no relief. Simply put, keep the hot temperatures in mind when thinking about your costumes! It will also be crazy humid through early October. In October, you may find some relief (one year we went to the party, which was in the 60s!), but you should usually expect a very warm evening. You’ll want to dress accordingly!

3 – Be Prepared to Come Early

While the Halloween Party hours are from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., guests can arrive and enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00 p.m. with their party tickets. We highly recommend that you do this! Enter as soon as possible and ride attractions on your must-do list. Also, eat your dinner before 7:00 p.m. so you can focus on the party-only options for the evening when the party begins. The park closes at 6:00 p.m. to regular-day guests, which helps clear the park just in time for the party to begin at 7:00 p.m.

Again, this year, you’ll find the Market Street entry. To help the flow of day guests exiting the park, party guests are being led to the right of Main Street USA to a backstage area usually used to relieve Main Street crowding on busy days. Here, guests receive treat bags and go through a few Treat stops, so you’ll begin the evening with candy right off the bat! It works nicely. However, if you want to experience walking down Main Street USA, you’ll need to hang a left and go back down Main Street.

This setup helped alleviate the traffic jam that usually takes place while many people are trying to enter and exit the park simultaneously. Note that this Market Street entry is open through 8:00 p.m. If you come to the party after 8:00, you’ll just be able to walk down Main Street as usual.

4 – Be Prepared to Stay Late

On the flip side, plan on staying very late to get everything you can out of the evening. The party officially ends at midnight, but there are a few reasons to stick around after that. First, you can plan on catching the fantastic stage show, “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” at midnight – the last show. The show is about 25 minutes long, and by catching the midnight performance, you’ll free up time during the party to do other things. Also, as long as you are in line for an attraction by 11:59 p.m., you’ll be able to ride that attraction.

From 12:00 to 1:00 a.m., there are usually many people around. Disney PhotoPass photographers were also still on Main Street, taking photos and out near the Magic Kingdom Entrance. Feel free to take time to get these last photos and enjoy the party ambiance!

5 – Don’t Miss the Amazing Entertainment

The entertainment options for the Halloween party are amazing. There is so much to do you’ll have to be picky and decide beforehand what your must-dos are. At the party, you’ll enjoy Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade (9:15 and 11:15), Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular (10:15), and the stage show Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular (8:35, 10:45, 12:00). In October an additional show will run at 7:40 pm. There are additional dance parties around the park as well, along with the Cadaver Dans in Frontierland.

We feel the Halloween party offers the best entertainment of all special events, period. The parade is a must-do, especially since there is no nighttime parade in the Magic Kingdom anymore. The fireworks are fantastic, and Hocus Pocus is frightfully good!

We think the Boo to You Halloween Parade is the best parade Disney has ever put together (yes, better than the Christmas parade). However, the best part comes shortly before the official start of the parade when the Headless Horseman rides the parade route. DO NOT MISS THIS! This is the highlight of the party and is worth the price of admission. Seeing the Headless Horseman atop his huge, beautiful black stallion is breathtakingly eerie.

Click here for the Can’t-Miss Experiences at the 2023 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for more information on the excellent entertainment options.

6 – Check out Attractions with a Halloween Twist

Once again, three attractions have been given “Halloween Twists” that you don’t want to miss. Over at the Mad Tea Party takes guests on a colorful teacup ride, as special lighting and other effects put a glowing new spin on the attraction at night. Explorers visiting Space Mountain will hurtle through the blackness of deep space to the riffs of a hard-rockin’ soundtrack. Finally, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor is Halloween-themed and a lot of fun!

7 – Meet Unique and Hard to Find Characters

The Halloween Party offers a chance to get some photos with some very rare characters and some of our favorite characters in Halloween costumes. These wait times can get very long, especially for Jack and Sally, so be prepared for some pretty long waits! A highlight this year is the return of the Seven Dwarfs, who were missing in 2022. Some other characters include: Abu, Aladdin, Anastasia, Belle, Big Al, Cinderella, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Drizella, Eeyore, Elana, Genie, Goofy, Jack Skellington, Jafar, Liver Lips McGrowl, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Piglet, Princess Jasmine, Princess Tiana, Rapunzel, Sally, Shaker, Tigger, Timon, Wendell and Winnie the Pooh. Check the MyDisney Experience App for character locations during the party.

Character appearances are subject to change.

8 – Come Hungry

We’ve already suggested you come to the party early to eat dinner, but you’ll want to save some room for the many treats available only at the party. For complete details on where to find the items, be sure to read the Foodie Guide for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for all the details!

9 – Wait a bit to Trick or Treat

Many different treat locations around the party will distribute candy throughout the evening. How much candy you receive is up to you. Obviously, the more stations you visit, the more candy you’ll get. Right at the party’s beginning, the candy lines are longer. You are free to go through the lines as many times as you like, and the handful gives the candy. We recommend waiting until you can walk through the treat lines with no waits. Finally, don’t worry about getting the garbage candy the mean old lady down the street always gives out. The party features top-shelf candy choices such as M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, and more. There are many premium choices, so everyone will find something they like.

10 – Check out the Exclusive Party Merchandise

In addition to the fabulous food choices, many great merchandise options are available. Get your wallets ready! You can find exclusive items at the Emporium and fun Halloween items throughout the park and on shopDisney.com.

11 – You Can’t Do It All in One Night

We’ve described some really amazing offerings. The truth is that five hours is not enough time to get it all done. We’d love it if we could meet all the characters and see all the entertainment, but it’s just not possible—at least not without going to the party on multiple nights. Before you go, it’s best to know that you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to enjoy during the party.

12 – You Really Need a Plan & What About TRON Lightcycle / Run?

You can certainly just show up at the party without a plan and have a good time. However, we feel if you want to maximize your time at the party and get the most accomplished, it’s best to have a plan. Think about what you absolutely want to do and see. What characters are you dying (see what we did there?) to meet? What entertainment do you have to see? What items can be saved for another time? The planning process doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Even just taking a few minutes and asking yourself questions like these can help you make a tentative plan for the evening. Even with a plan, you’ll want to be flexible and go with the flow.

Our best suggestion to get the most out of your party experience is to skip the attractions that you can ride on any normal day. Focus on the party-specific experiences first that you can only get during the party hours. In addition, you’ll need to decide on whether or not you’ll use the party to ride Tomorrowland’s newest attraction, TRON Lightcycle / Run. The attraction is open during the party; however, you’ll need to join the virtual queue, as no standby line will be open during the party. The virtual queue will become available at 6:00 p.m. You do not need to be in Magic Kingdom to enter the queue. The option to join the queue will only be available for guests on the day of the event, and your specific event tickets must be linked to your My Disney Experience account to join. Once joined, you will be given a boarding group that will be called sometime throughout the party. You’ll have an hour to enter the attraction once you are called.  While having another opportunity to ride this attraction may be awesome, you’ll have no control over when your boarding group will be called. If you have your heart set on the parade, fireworks, or other party-exclusive offerings, will you want to walk away to go ride TRON? Only you can answer that question. It’s probably worth securing a boarding group and making the decision about whether or not to ride it once your group is called. You can decide then if you want to head over there. Remember that the app’s estimated return time is notoriously inaccurate, and many people report waiting 30-60 minutes in the queue once called. If you are able to ride TRON during regular park hours, we highly recommend doing that and not using party time to ride.

13 – The Party is a Whole Lot of Fun!

The main takeaway we want you to have is that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a whole lot of fun and a fantastic way to spend an evening at Magic Kingdom. Between the special event entertainment, food, merchandise, rare characters, and atmosphere, it’s really worth the extra money for the party ticket. It’s our favorite hard ticket event, and it continues to improve every year! We highly recommend it and hope that knowing these 13 tips will help you have a spooktacular evening!

Editor’s Note: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products provided us with a complimentary Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket that included media-specific experiences. However, as always, the thoughts and recommendations contained in this article are entirely our own.