Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park has long been one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most popular special events. After all, what’s not to like about fall-tastic decorations, eerie music, scream-worthy entertainment, Disney characters in Halloween costumes, villainous appearances, shorter lines for popular rides and buckets full of candy? However, although Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is short on chills and big on family-friendly fun, is this bewitching bash as great for little ones as it is for older kids and adults?
Whether you already have your tickets in the bag (or plastic pumpkin, if that’s more your speed) or you’re thinking of taking your kiddos sometime this fall, we’re here to help you make sure you and your family have a frightfully fun time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, no matter how old your boys and ghouls are. So, put on your Halloween costumes, pack your strollers with all of the essentials and read on as we unwrap all the tricks and treats you need to know about going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with young children. Boo-yeah! (Looking for a regular guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? We’ve got you covered there, too.)
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party FAQs: What You Need to Know About Going with Little Ones
Not sure if Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is right for you and your skeleton crew? Before we dive into our top tips, let’s break down the basics of this spine-tingling special event, including dates, ticket prices,
When is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2023?
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off spooky season early, with the spirited soiree offered after regular park hours on select evenings from early to mid-August through Halloween. In 2023, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs every Tuesday and Friday night, as well as certain Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays and one bonus Wednesday, from Friday, August 11 to Wednesday, November 1. The spellbinding shindig officially takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight. However, event ticket holders are able to enter Magic Kingdom up to three hours early, starting at 4:00 PM.
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 writing, August 8, 2023):
- Friday, August 11
- Tuesday, August 15
- Friday, August 18
- Tuesday, August 22
- Friday, August 25
- Tuesday, August 29
- Friday, September 1
- Monday, September 4
- Friday, 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
How much are 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets?
Unfortunately, as this is a separately ticketed event, entry to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is not included with your regular park admission for Magic Kingdom. On top of that, tickets for this ghoulish gala can also be scary expensive, making it out-of-budget for some families. That said, keep in mind that attending the after-hours event means access to exclusive entertainment, activities and character encounters, as well as shorter wait times for rides and all the candy you can manage, are all included in the price of your tickets.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween ticket prices vary considerably, depending on which night you choose to attend. Prices range from $99 for children ages 3 to 9 and $109 for guests ages 10 and up all the way up to $189 for kids and $199 for pre-teens through adults. The “cheapest” tickets are for evenings earlier on in the season, aside from the spendier kickoff night, with prices steadily increasing all the way through to Halloween. On the bright side, no ticket is needed for especially young guests under the age of 3. Additionally, Disney Vacation Club members and annual passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket for select event nights.
Will younger children enjoy Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Absolutely! This is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, after all! Sure, there might be appearances by the Disney Villains, as well as some loud noises and flashing lights. And yes, this is an after-hours event, meaning that babies and some toddlers will likely end up sleeping through a good chunk of it. However, for young kids ages 5 and up, and even some 2- to 4-year-olds, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be a fang-tastically fun time filled with Disney characters, colorful costumes, Halloween candy and so much more.
How to Have a Spook-tacular Time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with Young Kids
Heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with a toddler in tow? Here are some helpful tips and event hacks to make sure your evening is a screaming success for everyone involved.
Get a Feel for Your Tot’s Tolerance Level for Things That Go Bump in the Night
Remember, it’s called Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, not Mickey’s Not-Scary Halloween Party. In other words, while most of the thrills and chills at this spooky(ish) celebration will be mild, there will still be some moments that could be too intense for some little ones. Some kiddos might be intimidated by the Disney Villains (we get it—they’re the bad guys!). Others might be sensitive to the loud bangs and flashing lights of the fireworks or unsettled by the ghostly gravediggers as they scrape their shovels on the ground during the parade, sending sparks flying.
To assess the situation, we recommend that you test the waters a bit before you commit to buying tickets. Put on a Disney movie with a big baddie like Ursula or Maleficent, or maybe even try Hocus Pocus. Pull up a YouTube video of Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Fireworks Spectacular, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular or Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. All of this will be a good gauge of how your child will react, allowing you to choose a viewing location that’s right for your family.
Consider Taking a Nap Before the Fun Starts
As we pointed out earlier, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place after Magic Kingdom has closed. So, although you could (and should!) start your evening while the park is still open—remember that partygoers are allowed to enter as early as 4:00 PM—the main event happens outside normal park hours. In short, it’s going to be a long and late night. So, unless you want to get stuck with a tired and cranky kiddo (or an equally crabby parent) or risk having to head back to your hotel room early, plan to take a nap before you make your way to Magic Kingdom so that you can fully take advantage of the evening.
Have Dinner Before You Go
Similarly, you may also want to think about grabbing dinner ahead of time. Although there will be some spookalicious special snacks and sips on offer (check out our full foodie guide here), as well as plentiful trick-or-treating opportunities, bagfuls of Halloween candy do not a healthy meal make. You want your little ones to have something nutritious that will carry them through the night (and keep them as sweet as all of those Snickers and M&Ms they’re carrying around), not crashing after a sugar rush.
And while table-service dining will be available during the party at Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table, you’re much better off using your time to enjoy all of the activities and entertainment Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has to offer instead of sitting down for a lengthy meal. So, do yourself and your kiddo a favor and have dinner back at your hotel restaurant or stop for a bite at one of the Magic Kingdom dining outlets before the party starts.
Be Prepared for Anything You Might Need
Whatever you do, don’t go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party unprepared. Put together a bag of tricks (and treats) to accommodate anything that might come up. We’re talking rain ponchos in case the sky opens up, clothes to change into should your kids want to ditch their costumes, a battery pack and charging cable for your cell phone or batteries for your camera, stuff to keep your children entertained while waiting for something to start, healthy snacks and, well, you get the idea. As they say, it’s better to have something and not need it than need it and not have it.
Bring a Stroller
Tempting though it might be to skip a stroller (it’s too crowded, it’s too bulky, etc.), resist the urge to go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party without one. Not only is it super useful for schlepping all your stuff around, but it’s also the perfect makeshift bed in the likely event that your toddler passes out partway through the night. Best of all, since stroller rentals are available directly through Disney, as well as with third-party companies (who will even deliver it directly to your hotel), you don’t need to worry about cramming it into your car or lugging it through the airport with you. Since there will be tons of strollers around, consider jazzing yours up with glow sticks, battery-operated pumpkin lights or other boo-tiful decorations so that it’s easy to pick out of a crowd.
Get a Head Start with Early Event Entry
With a separately ticketed event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, it’s absolutely crucial that you maximize the time you have so that you can make the most of your investment. That’s especially true when you’re traveling with little ones who may fall asleep before the night is through. Rather than showing up at 7:00 PM when the party officially starts, take advantage of the three-hour head start included with your ticket and arrive at 4:00 PM instead. This will allow you to knock out some of the rides on your to-do list (more on those later), freeing up the rest of your night for event-exclusive entertainment and other offerings. That way, if you and your family do need to call it a night early, you will still likely have accomplished almost everything you had planned.
Remember Your Halloween Costumes
You can’t go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and not dress for the occasion. That means Halloween costumes! You will see basically everyone show up in at least some sort of Halloween-y ensemble, whether that is something simple like a pumpkin t-shirt, a casual yet creative DisneyBounding outfit or an elaborate costume. So, get in on the fun and follow suit!
Not only is dressing up in costume just a great time all around, but it also makes for some especially awesome family photos. If you can, consider going for an overall theme so all of your costumes coordinate. If you aren’t sure what to do, turn to your kiddo’s favorite Disney movies for inspiration, like Monsters, Inc. (Boo, Sully and Mike), Up (Russell, Carl, Ellie and Kevin), and Toy Story (Woody, Buzz and Jessie).
Whatever you choose to go with, just be sure to follow Disney World’s costume guidelines. While guests ages 13 and below basically have free rein (the only real rule is that any costume masks must show the eyes and allow peripheral vision to be unobstructed), things are a bit stricter for older guests. Here are the costume guidelines laid out on the Walt Disney World website:
- 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 props or accessories 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.
- 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. (for example, 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. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.
Take Advantage of Magic Kingdom’s Baby Care Center
Need to change a diaper, warm up a bottle or even nurse? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the Baby Care Center at Magic Kingdom. Located right next to First Aid off of Main Street, USA, in the nook between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace, the Baby Care Center is a relatively serene retreat for a diaper change or mealtime. Here, you can purchase essentials like snacks and diapers, heat a bottle or use one of the highchairs or rocking chairs to get in a peaceful meal. There is also a nursing room.
Trick-or-Treat While You Explore
Try to avoid backtracking and crisscrossing as much as you can. When it comes to trick-or-treating, we suggest you squeeze them in geographically, knocking them out based on which attractions or character meet-and-greets you’re headed to nearby. With 14 different trick-or-treat locations sprinkled throughout Magic Kingdom like sugary pixie dust, you won’t need to worry about a lack of candy even if you don’t have time to visit them all. One that we definitely recommend checking out is the spot inside Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. The monsters put on a spooktacular show especially for the occasion, and it’s a lot of fun.
The candy sponsor for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Mars Wrigley. So, you’ll be receiving handfuls of sweets like Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, M&Ms, Skittles, Starburst and 3 Musketeers. Allergy-friendly treats are also available. Just talk to a Cast Member about the food allergy in your family, and you’ll be provided with a teal-colored treat bag. Then, when you visit a treat station, the Cast Member will give you a teal token that you can redeem for allergy-friendly candy later.
Trick-or-treat locations at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:
- Main Street, USA
- Market Street
- Tomorrowland
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Tron Lightcycle / Run
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Fantasyland
- Ariel’s Grotto
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Pinocchio Village Haus
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Liberty Square
- Columbia Harbour House
- Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Tom Sawyer Island Dock
- Adventureland
- Tortuga Tavern
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Pal Around with Disney Characters
Character meet-and-greets are a must for any Walt Disney World vacation, particularly when you are visiting with children. But they’re even more of a must-do during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. For starters, many of your kiddo’s favorite Disney characters will be dressed to the nines in whimsical Halloween costumes. On top of that, there will also be appearances by characters that you don’t normally get to see during a typical Disney World trip, like the ever-popular Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas and some of the happy haunts from the Haunted Mansion. Believe us when we say that your kids will go batty over the. Add in your own Halloween getups, and we guarantee that you’ll be taking more photos than you can count.
Keep in mind that the most popular and rarely seen characters, like Jack and Sally, will have the longest lines. However, since characters appear several times throughout the night, don’t stress if you don’t see them the first time you get in line. There’s a good chance that you’ll have another opportunity later. Additionally, while you certainly can bring an autograph book along for signatures, don’t be surprised if the characters aren’t signing that evening. They will often skip autographs to help the line move along faster.
Character meet-and-greet locations at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:
- Main Street, USA
- Town Square Theater
- Tomorrowland
- Galactic Corridor
- Fantasyland
- Mad Tea Party Gardens
- The Thotful Spot
- Prince Eric’s Castle Courtyard
- Belle’s Village Courtyard
- Princess Fairytale Hall
- Storybook Circus
- Goofy’s Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant Queue
- Pete’s Silly Side Show
- Adventureland
- Near Pirates of the Caribbean
- In and near Agrabah
Boogie Down at Dance Parties
We don’t know about you, but there’s nothing quite as cute as seeing your kiddo bust a move, even more so when they’re grooving with their favorite Disney characters. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party touts two dance parties geared towards young guests: the Disney Junior Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and ZOM-BEATZ Bash on the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. While Disney Junior Jam is headlined by Disney Junior characters like Vampirina, the ZOM-BEATZ Bash features appearances by the cheerleaders and other characters from Disney Channel’s Z-O-M-B-I-E-S films. Both dance parties run all night long throughout the event.
Don’t Miss the Fa-boo-lous Halloween Attraction Takeovers
Another highlight of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is being able to experience some of Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides without the ridiculously long lines that come with visiting during the day. What’s more, several attractions also receive ominous overlays in honor of the event. Along with Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, which we mentioned earlier, Space Mountain gets spine-chilling music and turns off the lights, Mad Tea Party gets a spooky soundtrack and Halloween-y lighting, and, last year, Pirates of the Caribbean even saw the addition of live pirates throughout the queue and ride itself. And, of course, you can’t go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and not go on the Haunted Mansion.
Attractions open during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:
- Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run– Virtual Queue Access Only
- Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “It’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Storybook Circus
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant Queue
- Goofy’s Barnstormer
- Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
- Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Take a Ton of Pictures
We’ve been hinting at this ever since we started this article, so let’s just make it official: Take all the photos! Between your Halloween costumes, the Disney characters and the spook-ified setting, you’re bound to come away with an album full of images and memories. We especially recommend that you take advantage of the many Disney PhotoPass photographers milling around. Not only will they ensure that you get a photo of your whole gang together, but they also offer Magic Shots, including some that are exclusive to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
While you’re at it, consider upgrading your evening with Memory Maker. Priced at $69 for a day or $199 for your whole vacation, this photo package includes unlimited downloads of any images captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers, as well as ride photos and videos. When you take into account the sheer number of photos that you will likely take, we think this is a great deal and more than worthwhile.
Catch the First Stage Show & Parade Performances
Similar to how we suggested that you get a jumpstart on your evening by arriving early, we also recommend that you get the ball rolling right away in terms of event entertainment. Although the earlier showings for the stage shows and parade are traditionally busier, you’re better off getting them out of the way at the beginning of the night so that you’re free to leave early if need be without any FOMO.
Plus, as a silver lining, the crowds can also offer some cover for kiddos who might find certain characters or parts of the parade too intense. Of course, you can also be strategic about your viewing location by placing yourselves a few rows back, allowing your little one to take in the thrills of seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse roll past while enjoying some space from the potential chills.
Showtimes for various Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party entertainment offerings include:
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – 7:40 PM (October evenings only), 8:35 PM, 10:45 PM, midnight
- Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade – 9:15 PM, 11:15 PM
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Show – 10:15 PM
- The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet – 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:45 PM, 10:30 PM
Call It a Night After the Fireworks Show
To take in the best and brightest that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has to offer without having to stick it out until midnight, consider ending your evening right after Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, the party’s fireworks show. Offered at 10:15 PM, it takes place shortly after Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. And, best of all, provided that you find a spot to watch on Main Street, U.S.A. or from around the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, you can enjoy them both without even having to move. It’s the perfect way to end your night with a bang—literally.
Well, parents, that concludes our guide to going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with young kids. Have you ever taken your family to the Walt Disney World Halloween Party? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how you can make the bewitching bash a little more affordable with our discount Disney tickets.