Top Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2025

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is a highlight of the fall season at Walt Disney World. From special treats, your favorite characters in their costumes, and exclusive entertainment, you’ll want to see it all. Just like visiting the theme parks, there are so many exciting things to do and see that it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to get it all done. Keep reading for my best tips to make the most of your night!

These important Disney party tips will help you prioritize your must-dos and focus on the special events that are only available during the Disney Halloween party.

What is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?

Before we dive into the tips, let’s quickly explain what Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is all about. MNSSHP is a special event held on select nights from August through October at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The party features exclusive Halloween-themed entertainment, special character meet-and-greets, trick-or-treating throughout the park, and much more. It’s a separately ticketed event, which means you’ll need to purchase a special ticket in addition to your regular park admission.

MNSSHP 2025 at a Glance

The event takes place on select nights between August 15 and October 31, 2025, with ticket prices ranging from $119 to $229, depending on the date you choose. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can save $10 on select nights in August and September, so definitely take advantage if that applies to you.

Party hours are officially 7:00 PM to midnight, but your ticket gets you into Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM. That gives you a few extra hours in the park to settle in, ride a couple attractions, and grab dinner before the party-exclusive fun begins.

This year brings a few exciting additions including Jack Skellington’s upgraded meet and greet, a high-energy Zom-Beatz Bash dance party, and new villain appearances along the treat trails. Add in all the returning entertainment, new snack options, and exclusive merchandise and you’ve got a fall night that’s absolutely worth the ticket!

💀 New This Year

Zom-Beatz Bash, Jack Skellington’s updated look, expanded villain treat trails

🍬 Special Snacks

Ursula Cone, Pumpkin-Spiced Funnel Cake Sundae, Candy Corn Verrine + more

🎁 Must-Have Merch

Glow-in-the-dark tees, exclusive pins, Hocus Pocus Spirit Jerseys

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2025 Tips

Let’s get into all the things you’ll want to know to plan the best night possible at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These are some of the tips I give my travel clients and they’ve helped so many people have a stress-free, extra magical evening.

Arrive Early to Make the Most of It

Even though the party officially starts at 7 PM, you can enter the park as early as 4 PM with your ticket—and I highly recommend that you do. These three extra hours give you time to grab dinner, knock out a few attractions before party crowds arrive, and explore the park in the daylight before the spooky lighting kicks in.

Yes, You Should Wear a Costume

This is your chance to go all in with the Halloween vibes, no matter your age. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of the rare events where adults are actually encouraged to wear costumes inside the parks. And people go all out.

Costumes are encouraged for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but comfort is key. Florida weather can be hot and humid, even in the fall, so choose lightweight, breathable costumes. Comfortable shoes are a must for all the walking you’ll do. Get details on what’s acceptable and what’s not according to Walt Disney World on the Disney Parks website. No one wants to be turned away at the gates or sent back to their resort to change.

Consider coordinating costumes with your group or family. Themed costumes can add an extra layer of fun to your Disney Halloween experience. Popular choices include Disney characters, classic Halloween figures, or even a mix of both. Another option is wearing a fun Disney-inspired Halloween tee with spooky accessories.

Need some ideas for what to wear to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Take a peek at this blog post to help!

Plan Out Your Treats

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party features exclusive food and beverage offerings. With so many tempting goodies available, it can be tough to resist indulging in everything. Decide what special party treats you really want to try and focus on those items. Savory or sweet, you’ll want to get a few yummy items and share bites. That way you won’t overdo it and you’ll enjoy the treats that much more while tasting several items. Check the event guide or the My Disney Experience app for locations.

Don’t Skip the Fireworks

The Halloween party features a special fireworks show called “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” It is definitely worth staying for and is included with your party ticket. Narrated by Jack Skellington, from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the show combines fireworks, projections, and music for a spellbinding experience. This special villain-themed show is so much fun and isn’t available to watch any other time. Find a spot with a clear view of Cinderella Castle for the best viewing.

Prioritize the Halloween Parade

Mickey’s Boo to You Parade is a highlight of MNSSHP, featuring beloved Disney characters in their Halloween best, as well as appearances by rarely seen characters like the Haunted Mansion’s Hitchhiking Ghosts.

The parade runs twice each night, and the Headless Horseman rides ahead of both showings. If you have little ones, the first parade might be your best bet. But if you’re able to stay out late, I always recommend the second one. It’s less crowded, so you’ll have more flexibility on where to sit and a bit more breathing room.

For the best views, find a spot on Main Street or near Liberty Square about 30–40 minutes before showtime. Grab a snack, rest your feet, and enjoy the people-watching while you wait.

Get a Family Photo with Mickey (or Another Special Character)

During the Halloween party, you’ll find Mickey dressed in his Halloween best in the Town Square Theater. The line for photos can get long, so this is another one to either hit early or later in the night.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a rare opportunity to meet Disney characters who don’t often appear in the parks. Look for characters like Jack Skellington and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, and various Disney villains. Check the event guide for meet-and-greet locations and times.

If character photos are a priority, have a plan. Pick 1 or 2 must-do characters and get in line early, sometimes even before the party officially starts. You won’t be able to meet everyone in one night, so choose your favorites and enjoy the magic when it happens.

Read my guide to the exclusive entertainment available at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Plan to Trick or Treat

What’s Halloween without some candy? Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party offers trick-or-treating for guests of all ages throughout the Magic Kingdom. With different stations set up around the park, you can stock up on goodies. You’ll see illuminated inflatables to mark the treat stops throughout the theme park.

You’ll receive a bag at the beginning of the party to collect your candy. When the party is beginning, the lines for the candy can be long. Give it a little bit of time and wait until they start moving more quickly to make the most of your time.

Disney offers allergy-friendly treats for guests with dietary restrictions. Simply request a teal treat bag, and you can collect tokens at each treat station to redeem for allergy-friendly goodies at designated locations.

Have Fun!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great opportunity to experience the Magic Kingdom in a different way. Enjoy all the special elements of the party and create some great memories for you and your family. If you’re looking to make the most of your experience at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, these are just a few of the great ways to enjoy the party.

Related Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Blog Posts to Help You Plan

Want even more tips and ideas for planning your fall visit? I’ve got you covered with more Disney Halloween content over on the blog:

🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Entertainment Guide
👻 Costume Ideas for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
✨ Strategy for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Pin this post to your Disney planning board, and don’t forget to bookmark it for easy access later!

Final Thoughts

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of those Disney experiences that feels like pure magic, especially when you have a plan. From exclusive treats and one-of-a-kind entertainment to rare characters and ride overlays, there’s so much to see and do. With just five hours of party time (plus that golden 4 PM early entry!), a little prep goes a long way.

Want to make the most of your time at the party? Get my MNSSHP Strategy Guide!

If you’re overwhelmed by all the options, start by picking your top priorities. Is it fireworks? Characters? Snacks? Trick-or-treating with your littles? Once you know what you’re most excited for, you can build a plan that doesn’t feel rushed or stressful. And remember, it’s okay to skip things. You don’t have to do everything to have an amazing time.

Need help planning your trip or figuring out which night to go? I’d love to help you make it magical. You can always reach out here or follow along over on Instagram @shannondevinetravel for behind-the-scenes looks at what I do as a travel agent.