Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back for 2023 and better than ever. The spirited soiree kicks off on August 11, and we’re here to help you make the most of the experience – and decide whether those scary-expensive event tickets are worth it – with this comprehensive guide. So, if you’re hoping to enjoy Halloween at Disney World this fall, keep reading for all the dastardly details. (Updated August 16, 2023)
Going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
There’s no better place to celebrate spooky season than Walt Disney World, especially Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park. The shadowy shindig officially takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight. However, party-going guests are welcome to enter the park up to three hours early (and we highly suggest you do), starting at 4:00 PM, with no park pass reservation or regular park ticket required.
Upon your arrival, simply keep an eye out for Halloween party signage and cast members directing traffic. Once checked in, you’ll receive an event wristband, as well as a reusable trick-or-treat bag to stash all your goodies.
Planning to take advantage of those three extra hours in the park? Don’t worry – you won’t need to head back to the main entrance to check in, as wristband distribution areas are typically also located in Adventureland near Tortuga Tavern and in Tomorrowland by Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Before you head out on your quest for candy, be sure to grab an event map. This has all the information you need to make the most of your night, including trick-or-treat trails, character locations, entertainment schedules, Halloween-themed food offerings, the parade route and times, where to score a spook-tacular souvenir and much more.
2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets & Dates
Don’t have your Walt Disney World Halloween Party tickets already? No worries! While All Hallows’ Eve and August 16 are already sold out, there are still plenty of dates available to book. Unlike last year’s Disney After Hours Boo Bash, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs each night from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, with an optional three-hour head start beginning at 4:00 PM.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates 2023
2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates are as follows (note that the strikethrough indicates that the date is sold out as of the time of our most recent update, August 16, 2023):
- Friday, August 11
- Tuesday, August 15
- Friday, August 18
- Tuesday, August 22
- Friday, August 25
Tuesday, August 29Friday, September 1Monday, September 4Friday, September 8- Sunday, September 10
Tuesday, September 12- Friday, September 15
Sunday, September 17- Tuesday, September 19
- Friday, September 22
- Sunday, September 24
- Tuesday, September 26
- Thursday, September 28
- Friday, September 29
- Sunday, October 1
- Tuesday, October 3
- Thursday, October 5
- Friday, October 6
- Monday, October 9
- Tuesday, October 10
- Thursday, October 12
- Friday, October 13
- Sunday, October 15
- Tuesday, October 17
- Thursday, October 19
- Friday, October 20
- Sunday, October 22
- Tuesday, October 24
- Thursday, October 26
- Friday, October 27
- Sunday, October 29
- Tuesday, October 31
- Wednesday, November 1
2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Ticket Prices
So, how much does it cost to attend this autumn-inspired affair? It depends on which evening you go. Tickets start out at $109 for guests ages 10 and up and $99 for children ages 3 to 9 for the earliest event dates, with the exception of the pricier kickoff night, and top out at $199 for adults and $189 for kids the closer it gets to Halloween.
Best of all, annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive a $10 discount per ticket on select nights. Keep in mind that while the event is expensive, especially if you’re already paying for a regular park ticket, admission includes several scream-worthy perks, like all the Halloween candy you can carry and tons of enchanting entertainment offerings.
Costume Guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
While a costume isn’t required to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, dressing up is definitely encouraged. However, if you’re hoping to get in the spooky spirit, keep in mind that there are some rules, particularly for guests ages 14 and above. 14-and-up costume guidelines include:
- While you can dress like your favorite character, you can’t pose for pictures with or sign autographs for your fellow guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly – no offensive, violent, or obstructive apparel allowed.
- Props or accessories that look like actual weapons are strictly forbidden.
- Costumes may not contain sharp or pointed objects, materials or design details that could hurt someone when walking through crowds.
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the body may require additional security screening and are highly discouraged.
- Long costumes that reach the ground are prohibited, as are capes that extend past the waist.
- While masks are not allowed, costume headwear that doesn’t cover the face is permitted.
Remember, Disney has the right to refuse admittance to anyone who doesn’t abide by these guidelines. So, consider DisneyBounding instead or stick to themed apparel with acceptable accessories such as plastic light sabers, tutus and toy swords.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Entertainment & Activities
Just like in previous years, you’ll find no shortage of autumnal activities to enjoy during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. In fact, from the moment you set foot in the Magic Kingdom, you’ll be immersed in all things spooky season, from balconies bedecked with pumpkins to lots of fall-colored bunting. Add in a spine-tingling soundtrack that gets piped in throughout the park, and you’ve got a thoroughly thrilling event.
But, that’s not all. You’ll also find a host of Halloween-themed activities and entertainment offerings to enjoy, including the return of the wickedly popular Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show.
Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade
From the late-night ride of the Headless Horseman to a troupe of dancing gravediggers – and, not to mention, a collection of Disney and Pixar characters all decked out in their bewitching best – Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade has long been a highlight of this spooky soiree. (Be sure to catch Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters!)
As with other Magic Kingdom parades, the processional starts in Frontierland and winds through Liberty Square before finally marching down Main Street, U.S.A. Partygoers have two opportunities to catch the creepy cavalcade, which lasts roughly 20 minutes, with showings at 9:15 PM and 11:15 PM.
Similar to most of Disney’s nighttime offerings, the second parade tends to draw a smaller crowd. So, we recommend you wait it out if you’re looking for the best views. Just beware – there’s a good chance you’ll leave with the parade’s ridiculously catchy theme song in your head the rest of the night.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Show
Another fan favorite also returning for this year’s freaky festivities is Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. Hosted by Jack Skellington, this fang-tastic fireworks show transforms Cinderella Castle into a hair-raising haunted house, complete with waltzing ghosts and a gaggle of Disney villains, with the help of state-of-the-art projections, lasers and plenty of pyrotechnics.
Partygoers can watch the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show light up the night starting at 10:15 PM. For reserved views with an extra dose of sugar, consider booking Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party. Along with a spellbinding smorgasbord of Halloween-themed treats and sparkling sips, guests also get to watch the show from a reserved viewing area either in the Plaza Garden in front of the castle or from a table at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Folks love the Disney Villains, especially around Halloween, and there’s no better way to spot this gang of evildoers than during the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular. Headlined by the Sanderson Sisters from the cult-classic film Hocus Pocus, along with the likes of Oogie Boogie, Dr. Facilier and Maleficent, this sinister shindig takes to the Cinderella Castle Stage multiple times each night.
Watching this cast of characters run amuck is one of our favorite things about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and, in our opinion, an absolute must-see. Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to fit a viewing into your packed schedule, as there are typically a handful of showings each night. Although there isn’t an official schedule yet, past showtimes have included 8:35 PM, 10:45 PM and midnight during August and September and 7:40 PM, 8:35 PM, 10:45 PM and midnight on October party nights.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Trick-or-Treat Locations
No Halloween is complete without some trick-or-treating. Fortunately, you’ll find no shortage of the sweet stuff at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with trick-or-treat locations sprinkled across Magic Kingdom. Just keep a lookout for large glowing inflatables marking the entrances.
Best of all, Halloween candy is included in the price of admission. So, feel free to visit the trick-or-treat trails as much, or as little, as you’d like. Stash your sweets in your complimentary, reusable candy bag.
For all those with dietary restrictions, never fear – allergy-friendly treats are also available. Just let a cast member know when collecting your bag. In place of a regular trick-or-treating bag, you’ll receive a color-coded bag that alerts trick-or-treat trail cast members of your dietary needs. Rather than regular candy, you’ll be given special tokens, which can then be traded in at the end of your night for allergy-friendly sweets at one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers.
In past years, trick-or-treat trails were located near:
Main Street, U.S.A.
- Market Street
- Town Square Theater
Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise
- Tortuga Tavern
Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Miner’s Cove (near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad)
- Splash Mountain (soon-to-be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure)
Liberty Square
- The Diamond Horseshoe
- Liberty Square Ticket Office
Fantasyland
- Ariel’s Grotto
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Pinocchio Village Haus
- Walt Disney World Railroad Station
Tomorrowland
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Looking for an even bigger sugar rush? Along with trick-or-treating, guests with a sweet tooth can also indulge in an assortment of Halloween-themed goodies created especially for the event. Check out our foodie guide for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for everything on offer.
Halloween-Themed Disney Character Meet-and-Greets
It wouldn’t be a trip to Walt Disney World without some encounters with your favorite Disney characters, and there’s no better time to see them all than during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. With classic characters like Mickey and Minnie all dressed up in their boo-tiful best along with appearances by more rarely seen characters, such as some of the ghosts from the Haunted Mansion, you’ll want to have your camera ready.
Keep in mind that characters do come and go throughout the night. After all, Mickey Mouse and the gang want to do some trick-or-treating, too. So, if there’s someone you really want to see, you may need to circle back around to catch a glimpse later in the evening.
Throughout the evening, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for Max Goof dressed as Powerline and his pals. New this year, they’ll be popping up randomly all night long to party with fans. Although Max is a pretty rare character at the best of times, the only place you’ll see him as Powerline is MNSSHP, so be sure to take advantage when you come across him.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party character meet-and-greet locations include but aren’t limited to:
Main Street, U.S.A.
- Mickey Mouse – Town Square Theater
- Jack Skellington & Sally – Town Square Theater
Adventureland
- Princess Jasmine, Genie & Jafar – near The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Captain Jack Sparrow – near Pirates of the Caribbean
Frontierland
- Country Bears
Fantasyland
- Alice & the Mad Hatter (possibly also the Queen of Hearts and Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum) – near Mad Tea Party
- The Seven Dwarfs – Pete’s Silly Sideshow
- Minnie, Daisy, Donald & Goofy – near Storybook Circus
- Cinderella, Princess Elena, Princess Tiana and Rapunzel – Princess Fairytale Hall
- Anastasia & Drizella – near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Ariel & Prince Eric – Ariel’s Grotto
- Winnie the Pooh & Pals – at the Thotful Spot near The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland
- Elvis Stitch
Other Walt Disney World Halloween Party 2023 Entertainment
In search of even more Halloween fun? Here are a few other activities to check out when you aren’t tracking down candy at the trick-or-treat trails or watching the Sanderson Sisters run amuck:
The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet
By day, they’re the Dapper Dans. By night during Halloween time, they’re the Cadaver Dans. A Magic Kingdom institution, this zombie-fied barbershop quartet specializes in spooky tunes, tight harmonies and dead-pan humor. The creepy concert takes place several times each night in Frontierland, with showtimes held at 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:45 PM and 10:30 PM in past years.
Rusty Cutlass
Get in a round of “Yo, Ho! (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” over in Adventureland, where Rusty Cutlass will be serenading partygoers with swashbuckling songs from the stage as they pass by. If you ask us, they’re the perfect accompaniment to the real-life pirates hanging out inside Pirates of the Caribbean.
Disney Junior Jam
Hoping to help your kiddos burn off some energy after their sugar-fueled scavenger hunt for Halloween candy? After trick-or-treating, take your little ones over to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland for the Disney Junior Jam. With special appearances by characters from their favorite Disney Junior shows, it’s a spirited interlude created with young partygoers in mind.
Zom-Beatz Bash
If your kids are fans of Z-O-M-B-I-E-S on the Disney Channel, then be sure to make your way over to the Rocketeer Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Here, characters from the made-for-TV movies like cheerleaders and other Zombietown students take to the stage to party it up all night long.
Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Rides & Wait Times
One of the perks of Walt Disney World’s after-hours events is getting to enjoy some of the park’s most popular rides without the heavy midday crowds and unbearably long lines. To top it all off, some attractions – including Space Mountain, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party – even undergo a haunted transformation especially for the Halloween party. In short, if you only have time for a few rides during the night, let it be these.
Magic Kingdom attractions that are open during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:
Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean (keep an eye out for actual pirates throughout the ride and outside the attraction)
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion (Madame Renatta makes a ghostly appearance in the queue area)
Fantasyland
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Mad Tea Party (Halloween overlay)
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Storybook Circus
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor (also a treat trail with a Halloween overlay)
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Space Mountain (Halloween overlay)
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run (Virtual Queue access only–opens at 6:00 PM)
Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
We love taking pictures at Walt Disney World anytime, but with everyone donning their creative costume, you can’t beat an impromptu photo op during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. With Disney PhotoPass Photographers posted up around the park, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take a memorable shot. While hamming it up for the camera, be sure to ask for a Magic Shot. Some of these enchanted snaps are only offered during the Halloween party, such as the hitchhiking ghosts near the Haunted Mansion. However, be aware that some Magic Shots, like the one we just mentioned, can only be done in specific areas of the park.
In addition to Magic Shots, you’ll also find a selection of other photo ops with props and step-in backgrounds. These are free to take advantage of, and you can even ask a PhotoPass Photographer to take a photo for you with your own cell phone or camera. However, if they take one with their own camera and you would like to download or otherwise buy it later, keep in mind that you will need to pay for it. To take home all your photos from the evening, consider upgrading to the Memory Maker for $69 for one day or $199 for your full trip. (Or buy it in advance for $169 instead!)
Tips & Tricks for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Heading to The Most Magical Place on Earth in the coming weeks for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Follow these tips and tricks to make the most of the event:
1. Show up early.
While 7:00 PM to midnight might seem like plenty of time to tackle everything on your Halloween party to-do list, those hours fly by fast, particularly if you want to check out the many entertainment offerings throughout the night. Rather than arriving right at 7:00 PM, take advantage of the complimentary early entry beginning at 4:00 PM. That way, you can enjoy some of the attractions or shop for Halloween souvenirs early, saving the party for event-exclusive activities.
2. Be sure to grab an event map.
There’s a lot to get done during the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and not a lot of time to do it all in. So, don’t waste time just wandering around aimlessly. The special event map is a necessity for keeping the many showtimes, trick-or-treat trails, special food items and character appearances straight and a valuable tool in helping you get the most out of the evening.
3. Don a costume to take advantage of the many photo ops.
While it might feel silly to get dressed up to go to Walt Disney World, with almost everyone decked out head to toe (including most adults), there’s a good chance you’ll end up feeling out of place if you don’t put on a Halloween costume. What’s more, looking spiffy is sure to make for some memorable photos and create the picture-perfect souvenir for your trip.
4. Make the pricey ticket worth your while.
Ringing in at between $109 to $199 per person, depending on when you attend, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets don’t come cheap. Along with capitalizing on that three-hour head start, maximize your time at the event – and your money spent – by enjoying the many included freebies. So, go on. Eat your weight in Halloween candy, pose for a photo or three with your favorite Disney character and watch every parade and show. It will help make the steep price of admission worthwhile.
Well, guys and ghouls, that’s a wrap on our guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Have you enjoyed these frightfully fun festivities before? What are you most looking forward to this year? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to help offset the cost of admission with our Walt Disney World discount tickets.