A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2024
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party returns on select nights, kicking off on August 9 through October 31, 2024!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween whether you take the kids or not! (Yes, this TOTALLY qualifies as a parents’ night out, and YES, adults can trick-or-treat with zero judgment!)
It also coincides with EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival which is a great pre-party option!
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We admit this can be an expensive trip when all is said (spent) and done, but it’s worth doing at least once with the kids, especially if you are big Disney fans like we are because Disney knows how to throw a ghoulishly good party!
Bonus–ride wait times tend to be a lot less than during normal park hours and being able to enjoy the park at night is always a plus.
When is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
The Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights from August 9 through October 31, 2024.
- 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, 3
The party begins at 7 pm and will continue through midnight. Even though Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party doesn’t officially start until 7 pm, you can enter the park as early as 4 pm with your event ticket. You will not need a park reservation since it is a special event.
Just a heads up–this event sells out pretty quickly and last year, we saw a huge demand. We expect a similar demand this year.
How much are tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in 2024?
Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party range from $119 to $199, depending on the night you go. You’ll see ticket prices go up from there as we get closer to Halloween. Guests of select Disney resorts will be able to purchase tickets on May 8 and everyone else on May 15. 2024.
Disney Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount on tickets.
What’s NEW in 2024?
There are five exciting new things to experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2024. Here’s what Disney says we can expect:
- NEW neon spiderweb-themed costumes for Mickey and Minnie.
- MORE Disney villains to meet than ever before!
- DescenDANCE Party at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland (inspired by the new Disney+ Movie, “Descendants: The Rise of Red”)
- Bruno Madrigal joins Mirabel at their Casita in Fairytale Gardens
- Earlier start time for the popular Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade! (Times: 8:15 pm and 11:15 pm)
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and TRON will have standby lines only (we found that wait times dropped to as low as 30 minutes during fireworks show and parades on opening night)
What parents need to know about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is NOT included with regular admission to the park. It is a separately ticketed event hosted on select nights after park hours August 9-October 31 from 7 pm-midnight.
Ticket prices go up the closer it gets to Halloween and on Friday nights and tickets are required for all guests ages 3 and older. You can purchase your tickets here.
Can you day trip a visit to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party from Tampa Bay?
Absolutely! We’ve done it a few times. And we’ve also stayed overnight. It really depends on whether you think you’ll have the energy to make the drive back home to Tampa Bay.
There are some amazing hotel options on the property. Some of our favorites include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, and Contemporary Inn. We’re sharing even more of our favorite hotels to stay near Disney World here.
The Gaylord Palms has an amazing pool and so does the Marriott World Center in Orlando.
Will toddlers enjoy the Not So Scary Party?
We first attended the Not-So-Scary party when our oldest son was about 18 months old with friends who also had toddlers, so when people ask us whether toddlers will enjoy the event, we can say from personal experience of bringing two toddlers over the years, YES, they will! The party has since become a beloved family tradition.
Kids younger than 3 do not need a ticket, so that’s a bonus too.
While babies and toddlers may not be able to rally for the entire night, a reclining stroller will be a necessity to give them a place to snooze while the rest of the family continues to enjoy the party.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the Baby Care Center at Magic Kingdom–it’s a quieter spot to change diapers, buy any extra items you might need like diapers or snacks, heat bottles, access to high chairs for feeding, and there is even a nursing room. It’s right off of Main Street to the left near Crystal Palace.
Can you wear a costume to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?
YES! This is one of the best parts about the Not So Scary Party because even adults are allowed to wear a costume. There are some limitations though. Guests ages 14 and older cannot wear costume masks –and no matter how authentic-looking your costume may be, you may not pose for photos with other guests or sign autographs. Leave that to the pros.
Another big limitation is the weather. It has been very HOT and HUMID here in Florida with heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees this early August. It cools off a bit at night, but it’s still very hot and sticky, so keep this in mind as you pick out a costume. Cotton and sweat-wicking fabrics will be your best bet.
You can read the full costume guidelines for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party here.
People get super creative with their costumes, so be prepared for some pretty epic people-watching! We saw a family of Dalmatians, plenty of princesses, and even some dads who dressed up as Prince Charming for their little girls! Whatever you wear, make sure it’s comfortable and breathable.
If you’d rather skip the costumes, as we did, Disney has some great themed options you can pick up in-store! Here’s what we picked up in Disney Springs before the party a few years ago:
There are some pretty cool shirts and accessories for 2024. We are loving this year’s merchandise offerings for the Not So Scary Party! They even have the Mickey Wreath available for purchase which I snapped up right away to add to our Halloween Mickey decor at the house.
You can also opt to get your face painted at the park over in Tomorrowland–they have some cute themed options. Even the spa at the Grand Floridian offers Magical Makeovers for hair and makeup inspired by your favorite characters. (Note: makeup is eyes and lips only.)
Yes, you can enter Magic Kingdom a few hours BEFORE Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Here’s the not-so-secret hot tip–YES, you CAN enter Magic Kingdom with your event ticket as early as 4 pm. In fact, we urge you to do this to make the most out of your ticket.
Head toward the special event line where you will tap your Magic Band or ticket just like you would any other day at the park and then get your party wristband so cast members inside know you’re official.
They will be checking and do a very good job of clearing out the park for the party.
Grab your LET’S BOO THIS event guide map (or go digital and explore the guide on the My Disney Experience app) and get ready to party!
You can also pick up your reusable trick-or-treat bag beginning at 4 pm and even get your first treat, a full-sized bag of M&M’s! Just follow the signs when you get there–it’s off to your right before you start the walk down Main Street.
We love arriving early because it’s a great time to go on rides and/or take photos with some of your favorite characters.
We also use this earlier time to eat dinner at one of the table service restaurants. We were able to get a 5:55 pm reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern last year.
Disney Characters You’ll Find at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2024
Our favorite character meet and greet of the night for 2024 was with Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald in Fantasyland indoors over at Storybook Circus. We tried to get in line earlier in the evening, but it was an hour long, so we waited until later at about 11 pm and waited for about 40 minutes. It was a nice break from the heat and humidity, so I didn’t mind the wait.
Where to find the characters at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2024:
(Ask a cast member for exact locations and times; they will have a list on hand for you.)
Some of the character meet and greets had long wait times, so keep this in mind if there is a character you really want to take pictures with. I suggest getting in line during one of the two ‘Boo to You’ parades which is what we did.
Main Street USA inside Town Square Theater:
- Mickey Mouse in his new Halloween costume. This wait averaged about 30-45 minutes.
- Jack Skellington and Sally: We saw this wait time vary between 30-65+ minutes throughout the night.
Adventureland:
- Jasmine, Genie, and Jafar in Adventureland near the Flying Carpets ride. We spotted Jasmine and Genie posing for pictures together this year.
- Captain Jack Sparrow near The Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
- Moana
Fantasyland:
This is where you’ll find the most characters throughout the night!
- Mirabel and Bruno (NEW!): We saw them in Fairytale Garden. I tried to get in line at the end of the night, but got there too late. Super cute photo op though!
- Anastasia and Drizella can be found near the Carousel
- Friends from Alice in Wonderland by the Mad Tea Party tea cups ride: We saw Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, and even snapped pics with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
- Friends from Winnie the Poo in their costumes near The Many Adventures of Winnie the Poo. Since this is a group photo, this character meet and greet tends to have a long wait.
- Belle
- Ariel and Prince Eric: We spotted them outside of the Under the Sea Journey ride.
- Donald, Daisy, Minnie, and Goofy INDOORS at Storybook Circus.
- Pluto: We saw him outdoors before we got in line for the Minnie group photo!
Tomorrowland:
- Stitch in his Elvis costume was also popular. He was posing for photos outdoors this year, so keep this in mind since it can be a longer wait.
Pro Tip: Eat dinner before the Not So Scary Party
This is super important, especially when attending the party kids. While there are some amazing snacks and treats exclusive to the Not So Scary Party, ensuring your child has had a well-balanced dinner beforehand will help make everyone’s night a bit more pleasant.
You can book a dining reservation at one of the table service restaurants at Magic Kingdom prior to the party like Tony’s Town Square for Italian or go for a Thanksgiving-inspired dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern.
You can also wait until the party starts for two table service options —Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table both offer table service dining DURING Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
There are also quick-service restaurants around the park. Scroll through the dining options on the My Disney Experience app so you can plan ahead and even order via the app.
Other upgraded dining options at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
In addition to the table service experiences at Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table, you can also upgrade to the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing or seating at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Check-in begins one hour before the fireworks start.
What is there to do at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?
There are so many event-exclusive things to do! It’s the whole reason you’re attending, right??
Trick-or-Treating at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
You will receive a complimentary bag to begin your candy-collecting journey! And don’t worry…as we mentioned at the beginning, adults can absolutely go trick-or-treating at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
In 2024, there are 15 trick-or-treat treat stations located throughout the park offering several different kinds of candy including Skittles, M&Ms, Milky Way, and Snickers! Don’t be discouraged if you see a long line because the lines move quickly.
If you attend on a warmer night, consider bringing some freezer packs for lunchboxes to keep the chocolate from melting too much. We didn’t have any issues with this, but some people did.
Allergy-Free Trick-or-Treating
If your child has a food allergy, be sure to get a teal trick-or-treat bag from a cast member when you arrive at the park or at one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers at Town Square Theater or Heritage House. Your child will receive a special teal token at each of the treat stations which they can later redeem at the Allergy-Friendly centers for a fun treat!
Fun Fact: In 2019, 250 tons of candy were handed out during the 34 parties!!
Trick-or-Treat Trail Locations in 2024:
Main Street USA:
- Market Street Welcome Trick-or-Treating (closes at 8 pm)
Adventureland
- Tortuga Tavern
- Jungle Cruise
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
Frontierland:
- Tom Sawyer Island Dock
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Liberty Square:
- Columbia Harbour House
- The Diamond Horseshoe
Fantasyland:
- Princess Fairytale Hall
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Mickey’s Philharmonic
- Fantasyland Train Station
Tomorrowland:
- Walt Disney’s Carousel Twist
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor (with a Halloween Twist!)
- Near TRON/Lightcycle Run
You’ll love the Spooktacular entertainment at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Boo-to-You Halloween Parade
This spooktacular parade features your child’s favorite Disney characters dressed up in their finest Halloween attire as they dance and parade with ghostly floats and friends!
There are two parade times: 8:15 pm (NEW earlier start time) and 11:15 pm and both start as the Headless Horseman making his way down Main Street.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Your inner tween is going to leap for joy when you experience at the Cinderella Castle stage with the beloved Sanderson sisters and your favorite Disney villains. (This was one of my favorite movies as a kid, so I was personally super excited about this. It’s such a fun show! Disney does not disappoint here.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular:
This fireworks show features cool projections and laser lights. It stars Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas as he tells the tale about Mickey and his best pals as they find their way into a haunted house. Oh, boy! The show starts at 10:15 pm.
There are dance parties galore at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Make sure you’ve got your dancing shoes on because your favorite Disney characters are ready to boogie down at several locations throughout the park during party hours from 7 pm-12 am!
The Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam dance party is indoors at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. It’s an absolute must for little ones. They can boogie with their favorite Disney Junior characters like Timon from The Lion Guard, Vamparina, and Fancy Nancy. Characters are rotated throughout the night, so definitely stop
You’ll find the DescenDANCE dance party outside at Rockettower Plaza in Tomorrowland, kids can boogie with their favorite characters from the Descendants on Disney+!
Enjoy the Halloween Twists on some of your favorite rides at Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain is spookier than ever with the lights going completely dark as you plunge into deep space to a spookier soundtrack!
The Mad Tea Party is even madder with crazy lights and a soundtrack that will make you spin with delight!
Attractions and rides open at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2024:
One of our other favorite things about the Not-So-Scary Party is the rides–you don’t have to wait as long. And NEW this year–TRON Lightcyle/Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be stand-by, so the party is a great opportunity to experience these new rides at Magic Kingdom.
You can’t use Lightning Lanes during the party, so you’ll have to wait in line just like everyone else. It’s still not as long and not as hot since it’s at night.
Adventureland
Frontierland
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: open for stand-by during the party
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Liberty Square
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
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: open for stand-by during the party
What to bring to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:
- A full belly. Eat a healthy dinner before you go. This is the same trick we encourage on Halloween night to help cut down on the amount of candy the kids will want to eat because, trust us, you’ll get a TON of candy while trick-or-treating during this event. We made 3 stops which was plenty for our 4 and 2-year-old boys. You will get a bag for trick-or-treating at the entrance, but feel free to bring your own or even purchase one of the adorable Mickey pumpkins! We have them and have used them for a couple years now.
- Glow sticks and light up toys. We stopped by our local craft store to pick up a lighted bracelet and Halloween glow toys for our kids to play with at the park. Disney offers Halloween-themed toys at the theme park, which we have purchased in the past, but figured we’d save a bit here since our kids can be really hard on their toys.
- A rain poncho. It’s Florida. It rains sometimes. In fact, it rained the night we brought our kids, but they LOVED it! Our puddle jumping 4 year old thought it was the best thing ever. Silver lining, folks. Ponchos are also much more courteous than umbrellas when you are in a crowded environment. Save the eyeballs.
- A change of clothes for the kids. At some point, they MAY want to get out of their costumes, so have a shirt and shorts handy just in case.
- A fully charged camera. Whether you are using your cell phone or camera, make sure the batteries are fully charged because there are photo opps around every.single.corner.
- A backpack. This is a MUST if you don’t use a stroller to schlep your family’s stuff. It’s much easier to navigate the park when you’ve evenly divided the weight of your stuff across your shoulders.
The Treats and Food you’ll find at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The Disney chefs have been hard at work whipping up some ghoulishly good treats for you and even some tricks!
There are more than 50 sips and treats on the party menu this year. You can read all about it here.
We also love the popcorn buckets–we use these as Halloween decorations at home.
Get ready to capture lifelong memories with Disney Photo Pass opportunities
There are so many event-exclusive Disney Photo Pass opportunities located throughout the park. Take as many photos as you want and then go through them on your My Disney Experience app and pick and purchase your favorites for download.
You can follow Disney Photo Pass on Instagram at @DisneyPhotoPass to learn more about Disney Photo Pass options at all of the parks.
Map of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2024
Here’s a look at the map from 2024 to help you plan your night!
Final thoughts:
Would we go again? Absolutely! Would we recommend it? Absolutely! Will I make my husband dress up again in the future? You betcha I’ll try even if I’ve failed the last two visits. (Photo from 2018 visit to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2023: