A Spooktacular Guide: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Strategy

Are you ready to embark on a magical, not so scary adventure at the happiest place on Earth this Halloween season? Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World is an event that offers a mix of trick-or-treating, exclusive entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. To ensure you make the most out of this Disney Halloween party, you’ll want to read this Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party strategy that will help you navigate the event like a pro.

About Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place on select days of the week starting mid-August and leading up to Halloween at Magic Kingdom. Park entry with a party ticket begins at 4:00 PM and the event itself takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight. Be sure to purchase your party tickets early as some dates sell out! Time is limited during these Disney special events, so having a plan will ensure you make the most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party night.

What’s New at MNSSHP in 2025

Disney has added a few new magical touches this year that are worth knowing before you go. For starters, Mickey and Minnie are meeting together in Town Square Theater in their Halloween costumes for the first time ever, and the new ZOMBIES 4-themed dance party in Storybook Circus.

Jack Skellington now features a more expressive and animated head during his character meet-and-greet with Sally, and fan-favorite attraction overlays are back for select attractions. TRON Lightcycle / Run is also available during the party but now uses a standby line.

Party nights officially begin on August 15, 2025, and run through October 31 on select nights. Ticket prices range from $119 to $229, depending on the date. If you’re planning to go, don’t wait to grab your ticket!

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Planning Ahead for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The first step in your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party strategy is to plan ahead. Here’s what you should do before the big night.

Purchase Tickets Early

Tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party can sell out fast, especially on popular dates. To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets as soon as you decide to attend. Remember, the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your preferred date.

Choose Your Costume Wisely

Dressing up is one of the highlights of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, but Florida’s weather can be unpredictable. Choose a costume that’s comfortable, breathable, and won’t weigh you down as you navigate the park. And don’t forget to check Disney’s costume guidelines to ensure your outfit is party-approved!

Map Out Your Must-Dos

Take some time to review the event map and entertainment schedule, which are typically released closer to the party date. Make a list of your must-dos, whether it’s meeting a rare character, watching the Boo to You Parade, or indulging in some special Halloween treats. Some things, like the stage show and parade, have multiple showtimes so the order could be adjusted based on your group’s preferences.

Getting to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

There are a few modes of transportation to use when getting to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Because there is no parking directly at the park, if you’re driving, you’ll need to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then take the Monorail or Ferry to get there. There is a fee to park unless you have an Annual Pass or are staying on property.

If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, then you will have the option to utilize Disney transportation like buses, boats, the Monorail, or Skyliner. Make sure to account for some extra time to get to the park. You don’t want to waste precious party time, so make sure to plan your transportation method in advance.

If needed, car services like Uber and Lyft are available but would be an additional charge. Keep in mind that they can only drop off at the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you will still need to take the Monorail or ferry boat to the park entrance.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Strategy

Grab your costume, your sense of adventure, and your sweet tooth so you can make the most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! With exclusive entertainment, spooky attraction overlays, and more candy than you can imagine, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a touch of Disney magic. Use this strategy to make the most of your time at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

3:30 PM – Arrive at Magic Kingdom

Make sure to allow yourself sufficient time to reach the front gate, considering that transportation to Magic Kingdom might take a bit longer. You’ll observe a line forming at the front gate for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party prior to the 4:00 PM entry time. Even though the party officially starts at 7:00 PM, your ticket allows you to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM. Arriving early gives you a head start on rides and exploring before the Halloween festivities kick off.

I would recommend eating a late lunch before heading over so that you can prioritize the items listed below. You don’t want to waste precious party time sitting down for a meal when there’s so much to see and do. If you don’t care about meeting Jack Skellington, use your early entry time to grab food and fit in some rides.

4:00 PM – Park Entry

To ensure you take full advantage of your time at MNSSHP make sure you are able to enter the park as soon as it opens up to party guests if you do not have daytime admission. Cast Members will direct you to a special party check-in area, usually near the entrances on the right-hand side. You’ll receive a wristband, trick-or-treat bag, and party guide. Sometimes, there are photo ops and exclusive party-only merchandise available early.

This will allow you to enjoy the park in its regular form before it transforms for the party. If you are in it for all the Halloween fun, I recommend getting in line for the Sally and Jack Skellington character meet and greet located at the Town Square Theater. Once the Halloween party starts, this line is known to have a 3+ hour wait time.

4:30 PM – Jack Skellington Meet and Greet

Although it isn’t officially confirmed, this character meet and greet starts early because of how popular it is during the party. Jack and Sally typically begin meeting at 4:30 PM. Your best chance to meet these popular characters in a timely manner is to get in line as soon as you enter Magic Kingdom. Make sure you have your MNSSHP wristband (received upon entry to the park) and get in line at the Town Square Theater.

If characters aren’t your thing, use this time to ride a couple of attractions with short standby waits or enjoy an early dinner so you don’t waste party time on a full meal later.

5:30 PM  – Grab a Spooky Snack or Ride Your Favorite Rides

If you want to try an exclusive Disney Halloween snack, start with one of the many options available during regular park hours! Use your My Disney Experience App to look for attractions with the least scary wait times. 

7:00 PM – The Party Officially Begins

Once the clock strikes 7:00 PM, the party is in full swing! Trick-or-treat trails open, character meets ramp up, special snacks are available, and the entertainment kicks off. Use this window to take advantage of lower wait times at rides like Space Mountain, which runs in complete darkness with a spooky soundtrack, or hop over to Fantasyland for a whirl on Mad Tea Party with its colorful Halloween lights and music.

7:30 PM – Snack and Grab a Boo to You Parade Spot

It is always best to multitask when there is so much to do! Plan to grab one of the exclusive snacks available only during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to enjoy while securing your spot for the Boo to You Parade. This is a great way to feel like you are not wasting time while waiting for the parade to start! Frontierland tends to have smaller crowds but Main Street with the Castle in the background makes for great photos. The Train Station is also a favorite spot!

View the MNSSHP Entertainment Guide so you know about all of the exclusive party festivities!

8:15 PM  – Boo to You Parade

The Boo to You parade is a major highlight of MNSSHP. Usually occurring twice on event nights (weather permitting), the parade showcases beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse wearing their very own Halloween costumes. Adding to the eerie excitement, the parade kicks off with the Headless Horseman galloping through the crowd followed by music, dancers, and floats covered in lights. Be on the lookout for rare appearances by Disney Villains, enhancing the spooky atmosphere!

10:15 PM – Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular

Find the perfect spot to witness this special Not So Spooky Fireworks Spectacular. Watch as the night sky lights up with a mesmerizing display of colors and magic, perfectly capturing the Halloween spirit. Choose your spot according to what part of the show you want to see the most. Is it the projections on the castle and the appearance by Jack Skellington? Choose a spot closer to the castle. Are you more excited to see the fireworks show? Move a little further away from the castle to get a good view! People will start staking out their spots early.

10:30 PM – Last Chance Rides, Characters, and Merch

This is the time to hop on any rides you have not done yet (or want to do again) or jump in line to meet a character you have not seen yet. Typically, lines for experiences tend to shorten after fireworks. If there is specific merchandise you want to shop for, this is also a good time to do some browsing.

12:00 AM – Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular Show

End the night on a high note! Don’t miss the wickedly entertaining show featuring the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus” on Mainstreet, USA in front of the castle. Dance and sing along to their mischievous melodies, as well as appearances by other Disney Villains. This fan favorite has other show times if midnight is too late. If your group is up for it, it makes for a great finale to the night.

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What to Pack for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Packing for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2025 is all about being cute, comfortable, and ready to soak up every bit of magic from early check-in to that last castle photo at midnight. Since this is a special ticketed event with a unique vibe, you’ll want to be prepared for a full evening of fun.

Here’s exactly what I recommend having in your park bag:

• A Small Backpack or Belt Bag: Bring something you can wear comfortably for hours without needing to take it off for rides or parades. I love a lightweight mini backpack or a belt bag worn crossbody to keep your hands free for photos, treats, and dancing at the ZOMBIES dance party.
• Portable Phone Charger: Your phone will be working overtime during the party for photos, videos, checking wait times, Mobile Ordering, and looking at the party map. A reliable, fully charged portable charger is a must.
• Cooling Fan: Even though it’s technically fall, Florida doesn’t always get the memo. Between costumes and crowds, it can still feel hot and humid at night. A handheld rechargeable fan is the easiest way to stay cool while waiting in character lines or grabbing a parade spot.
• Reusable Water Bottle: You might not think about hydration with all that candy around, but walking and standing all night in warm weather means you’ll need it. Bring a refillable water bottle to keep you hydrated!
• Costume-Comfort Essentials: Whether you’re going full costume or just adding Halloween accessories to your park outfit, make sure you’re set up to stay comfortable all night. I recommend packing a small baggie with blister bandages, fashion tape, safety pins, and bobby pins especially if your costume has layers, straps, or fun details that may shift around after a few hours.
• Glow Accessories or Light-Up Ears: Part of the fun of MNSSHP is how the park transforms after dark. Bring your own glow sticks or light-up necklaces. Not only are they festive (and great for photos), but they also help your group find each other in the crowd.
• Extra Candy Storage: The trick-or-treat trails are very generous with the candy and your party-provided bag will fill up faster than you think. Toss in some gallon-size Ziplock bags or a foldable reusable tote into your backpack so you can empty your candy stash as you go.
• Hand Sanitizer + Wipes: Between touching ride lap bars and sitting on curbs waiting for the parade, a small hand sanitizer and a travel pack of wipes are always a good idea.

Final Thoughts

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2025 is one of the most festive events at Walt Disney World, and with a little prep, it can be the highlight of your entire trip. Don’t feel like you need to do it all. Focus on your personal must-dos, keep your group flexible, and remember that sometimes the best memories come from the little moments, not the perfect plan. With this Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party strategy, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your time at this magical event.