A Spooktacular Guide: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Strategy
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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 delightful mix of trick-or-treating, exclusive entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. To ensure you make the most out of this spooktacular party, this Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Strategy will help you navigate the event like a pro.
If you’re going with a group, I recommend that you prioritize what activities everyone wants to do before the party. Some things, like the stage show and parade, have multiple showtimes so the order could be adjusted based on your preferences. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 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.
Do you need ideas for what to wear to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Get some inspiration!
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 at the park, if you’re driving you’ll need to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then take the Monorail or Ferryt 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 property, then you will have the option to utilize Disney transportation like buses, boats, 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 will 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 into the park.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Strategy
Grab your costume, your sense of adventure, and your sweet tooth – let’s make the most of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! With exclusive entertainment, eerie attractions, 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 the 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. Many guests aim to maximize their time in the park and enjoy as much of the festivities as they can.
I would recommend eating a late lunch before heading over so that you can prioritize the items listed below. 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 MNSSHP guests if you do not have daytime admission. Be sure to get your wristband from the cast members in their Halloween party costumes, usually near the entrances on the right-hand side. 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, we recommend getting in line for the Sally and Jack Skellington character meet and greet located at the Town Square Theater. Once MNSSHP starts, this line is known to me more than 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. They typically begin meeting at 4:30 PM. Your best chance to meet Sally and Jack Skellington 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 character meet-and-greet experiences are not a priority, go ahead and move along to another activity!
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.
6:00 PM – Join the TRON Virtual Queue
If you want to ride TRON Lightcycle/Run at some point in the night, you’ll need to join the virtual queue at 6:00 PM. Spots will be gone within seconds, so make sure you’re ready! Pre-select your party in the My Disney Experience app and have an alarm set a few minutes prior to 6:00 PM so you don’t miss out. This is also a great time to get on any other rides with special overlays such as the Mad Tea Party, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain.
6:30 PM – Hit the Trick or Treat Trails
As the event begins, head to the treat locations scattered around the park. With your complimentary bag, let the candy hunt begin! Be sure to stop by all the treat stations to collect a variety of sweets. You’ll be able to find them on the party map.
8:30 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 haunted snacks available exclusively for the 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 back makes for great photos. The Train Station is also one of our favorite spots!
View the MNSSHP Entertainment Guide so you know about all of the exclusive party festivities!
9:15 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! You can always grab a pre-show snack to enjoy while waiting for it to start. 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.
Get my top tips for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an enchanting event that allows you to embrace the spooky season in true Disney style. With this sample itinerary, you can make the most of your time in the park, ensuring that you experience all the festivities, entertainment, and candy that this incredible event has to offer. Just remember to have your camera ready, wear your best costume, and let the Disney magic surround you during this not-so-scary Halloween celebration!
