We’re grim-grinning from ear to ear because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning to the Walt Disney World Resort this fall on 37 select nights Aug. 12 to Oct. 31! The planDisney panelists are sharing their top tips for making the most of this frightfully fun special event with itinerary insights for little ones, adults, and the whole family!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Must-Do’s for Little Ones
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Magic Kingdom Park as the moon climbs high from 7 p.m. to midnight. To ensure young partygoers are ready for this not-so-scary evening, panelist Mandy D. recommends you “sleep in, plan a late breakfast, swim at your resort’s pool, and make sure everyone gets an afternoon nap before the party so that your little ones will be rested!”
Once you make it to the haunted celebration, take a moment to get prepped for your night of spirited fun: “Get your treat bags and maps first thing to plot out all the trick-or-treat stations and fun experiences,” suggests panelist Nick S. To save time and energy, hit the trick-or-treat stops next to your must-do attractions. New this year, treat bags will be reusable and feature a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration design. 50th Anniversary commemorative prints with Halloween flair will also be available as take-home keepsakes. Talk about ghoulishly-great souvenirs!
The event-exclusive entertainment will certainly be a hit with your little ones. Make sure to “prioritize the party events: ‘Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular’ stage show with the Sanderson Sisters, ‘Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular’ fireworks hosted by the one and only Jack Skellington, dance parties with Disney characters, and ‘Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade.’ They are a bewitching bash!” says panelist Greg G.
With features from Disney characters in Halloween costumes, Disney villains, and even the Headless Horseman, “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” is not to be missed. Panelist Tara H. recommends families with young children catch the first of the two parades: “grab a spot for the first ‘Boo-To-You Parade’ at 9:15 p.m. (times are subject to change, check the My Disney Experience App for updates) in Frontierland! There’s usually a bit more wiggle room for little Mouseketeers…or for you to break out some dance moves as the floats pass by.” Be sure to enjoy the dance parties at the beginning of the night, as they all start at 7 p.m. Also watch the first showings of the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” so that little ones don’t have to stay as late in case they get sleepy.
Night Owl Know-Hows for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is open to happy haunts of all ages! Adults, get in on the frightful fun with these tips, just for you! If you plan to stay late, “watch the second ‘Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade’ at 11:15 p.m. (times are subject to change) and the later showtimes of the ‘Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular’ once all the littlest guests have left to go to sleep. You can enjoy the attractions, photo opportunities, and trick-or-treating in preparation!” suggests panelist Julie P.
Speaking of trick-or-treating, panelist Ana Paula R. has a pro tip for the night owls out there: “Hit the trick-or-treat candy stops later at night! You miiiiight just get a bit more candy this way (wink)!” Look forward to tasty treats like M&M’S, SNICKERS, and more from the party’s signature sponsor – Mars Wrigley.
Did you know that select attractions will have spellbinding surprises for the party? Panelist Jennifer B. recommends you “experience attractions with a Halloween twist including Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and Pirates of the Caribbean” while also taking advantage of typically lower wait times for popular attractions throughout the park during this limited-capacity event, especially during the first parade timeframe at 9:15 p.m. (times are subject to change.)
Most of all, embrace the extraordinarily enchanting atmosphere of Magic Kingdom Park: “Take in the entertainment outside – you may walk past the ghostly group known as the Cadaver Dans singing haunting melodies on the way to your next attraction or even strike up a conversation with the lady of the manor outside Haunted Mansion. These live performances add so much to the experience!” shares panelist Ariane F.
NEW for 2022, partygoers awaiting “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” can ‘Stand Out’ and dance their way onto Main Street U.S.A., with a majorly awesome 90’s crew lead by Max Goof cosplaying as Powerline – his favorite pop superstar! Also new this year, we’re doing it like the Zombies do at the ZOM-BEATZ BASH! Join Zombies and Cheerleaders at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café as they BAMM out to music inspired by the ZOMBIES original movies on Disney Channel.
planDisney Top Tips for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
We’ve covered little kids and big kids at heart, now let’s get to our panelists’ top tips for the whole family; the Halloween fun really is for everyone! The best way to maximize your time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is to arrive early: “Even though the party doesn’t begin until 7 p.m., you can use your ticket to arrive as early as 4 p.m. Enjoy the attractions and grab dinner prior to the party!” suggests panelist Stacy C.
What’s a Halloween party without Halloween costumes? Panelist Stacy C. also recommends you “take advantage of being able to wear a costume to the parks for this fun event by dressing up and dressing cool!” As panelist Jennifer B. would say, “No costume is worth melting for!” Make sure to read the official costume guidelines while putting your ghoulish getup together.
Don’t forget to capture your not-so-scary costumes by utilizing Disney PhotoPass Service: “Strike a pose for the PhotoPass photographers with Halloween-themed Magic Shots and grab pictures with some of your favorite Disney characters,” reminds panelist Jennifer B. Also available and new this year are 3D photo backdrops that you can step inside!
As you’re gathering up goodies along trick-or-treat trails throughout the evening, note that those with food allergies can “ask for a special teal treat bag for allergy-friendly trick-or-treating,” shares panelist Jackie P. You’ll receive teal tokens while trick-or-treating which can be redeemed for special treats at Allergy-Friendly Centers.
Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are available now, but panelists suggest to not wait too long as popular dates sell out.
For more tips and planning advice on your next Disney vacation, stop by @planDisneyPanel on Instagram, @planDisney on Twitter, or planDisney.com. The panelists look forward to answering your vacation planning questions!
Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney.