by Kristy Buda
Fall is one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival is going on and so is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights at the Magic Kingdom!
Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party
This year’s dates for the party include:
August 25, 29
September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
November 1
On these select nights the Magic Kingdom will close down to regular guests at 7pm. You will need a separate party ticket to be able to stay or to enter the Magic Kingdom beginning at 4pm for the party. This gives you an additional 3 hours in the park before the party actually begins. This is a great use of a party ticket! Take advantage!
Don’t forget your costumes!
Dress up! Yes, costumes are allowed for this party (within the rules of course). Many children & adults will be dressed up with family friendly costumes. Last year’s guidelines were as follows:
- For all Guests:
- Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
- 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 weapons 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.
- Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
- For Guests ages 13 and under:
- Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
- For Guests ages 14 and older:
- 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. (e.g. 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. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- May not wear masks of any kind.
** Please note that rules are subject to change, so always check the official guidelines on the website. **
How it works…
When you enter the park you will receive a wristband, party map & trick or treat bag. The bags are small so be sure to bring your own larger bag if you plan to trick or treat a lot!
If you are already in the park prior to 4pm with a regular ticket for that day, you can have your band scanned at certain stations throughout the park beginning at 4pm to get your wristband, map & bag.
As soon as the party begins, the lights will change and eerie music will be played throughout the park. The number of tickets sold for each party is limited so the park will seem emptier than usual. This will cut down on wait times which is a great perk to being at this party!
Trick or Treating!
There are several trick or treat stations throughout the park (they can all be found on your map). They are marked in the parks by giant lamp posts (can’t miss them). You can go through the lines as much as you want. The buckets of candy are never ending and Disney is VERY generous with each handful. As the night goes on, they get more generous to get rid of it all before the end of the party. There are two trails that offer multiple candy stops… these are fantastic! We have ended up with as much as 20 pounds of candy by the end of the night (like I said, GENEROUS amounts are given out).
Food allergy? No worries. Simply pick up a teal bag to trick or treat with and you will be given tokens at each of the station that you can trade in at several locations to receive an allergy safe treat. The bags can be picked up at Market Street, City Hall, Heritage House, Town Square Theater or any of the trick or treat locations. The tockens can be traded in for allergy friendly treats and non food items at Heritage House and Town Square Theater.
What else is special about the Halloween Party?
The Boo to You Parade! This parade will run twice nightly and it is a “spooktacular” good time! Preceding the parade is the Headless Horseman who rides through the whole parade route just before it begins. The parade features some ghoulish characters and of course the classics. It is a MUST do!
Hallowishes Fireworks! These fireworks are our absolute favorite to see! They are very impressive when the finale lights up the sky in 360 degrees around the entire park. Be sure to find a good spot on Main Street to enjoy these!
The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! This show is fairly new to the parties and it has been a great addition. The Sanderson Sisters have returned to Walt Disney World for one night. The show takes place multiple times throughout the party on the stage in front of the castle. Don’t miss it!
Dance Parties! In Tomorrowland at the Rockettower Plaza Stage you can dance with your favorite characters from Monsters Inc.! The Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball is blast!
The Cadaver Dans! Previously known as the Dapper Dans, this quartet takes on a creepier look as they perform spooky songs in Frontierland several times a night.
Character Meet n’ Greets! Special characters make their way out to the park just for this party! Meet ALL Seven Dwarfs together or friends from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Lots of villains are out as well. Check the guide to see who, when and where they will be meeting!
Specialty Treats & Merchandise are only available during the parties.
Photopass Magic Shots during the party are spookier than normal. Be sure to always ask your photographer if they have any special magic shots you can take!
These parties are sooo much fun!
Tickets are on sale NOW!
Be sure to contact your “A Time to Treasure Travel” agent and purchase tickets early. The parties can sell out (and many of them will). And start planning your costumes! 🙂