10 Reasons To Try Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Orlando’s seasonal clock may still be firmly in ‘Summer,’ but that doesn’t mean our theme parks are stuck in that mode, too. Halloween is still weeks away, but Disney and Co are already in best trick-or-treat style.

And, at the Magic Kingdom, that means all the fun and excitement of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the big after-hours shindig that adds a super extra layer of seasonal flair to the House of Mouse.

If there’s one special event that really captures our imagination each year, it is this wonderful concoction of characters, shows and fireworks, and, unlike the Universal Orlando Halloween offering, this is perfectly family-friendly and good for all ages.

What IS Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (and is it at all Scary?)

For those new to Disney’s big autumn festival, MNSSHP is a separately ticketed evening occasion at the Magic Kingdom, lasting from 7pm to midnight, with a series of additional shows, special characters, pyrotechnics and other live entertainment, in addition to the child-friendly tradition of trick-or-treating. And absolutely none of it is especially scary (although the fireworks can scare the little ’uns).

Every party-goer is given their own bag in which to collect Halloween candy (that’s various kinds of sweets and other treats, for UK visitors!) from 14 different Trick-or-Treat stations throughout the park.

Many people also go along in costume, and this is typically encouraged, as it lends a real festive atmosphere to the occasion. People going as Disney characters are common-place, as are ghosts, witches and other suitable Halloween types.

Once inside the park, keep your map handy for the times of the big set-piece entertainment events that are the heart and soul of MNSSHP.

Our MNSSHP Top 10

With so much packed in to the official five hours of the Party, you’ll want to know how best to make use of your time at the event, so here’s our Top 10 of the must-see shows and attractions.

10. The Food

In keeping with other special events, Mickey’s Party is notable for an extensive array of highly tempting one-off offerings at 15 of the park’s food and beverage outlets. Look out for tasty treats like the fab Candy Corn Milkshake at Pecos Bill’s and tasty Zombie Fingers at Cosmic Rays. For something extra special, seek out the Headless Horseman Cupcake served at Sleepy Hollow. Pure cakey goodness!

9. Souvenir merchandise

You can’t have a great party without the souvenir items to go with it, so be sure to check out the shops for the special occasion apparel and other gifts, which include the highly collectible Light-Up Halloween Pumpkin ($30ot), which is a great example of the kind of sought-after keepsake that is likely to sell out.

8. Entertainment for the kids

Don’t miss the live shows and dance parties that are aimed primarily at children. The Disney Junior Jam Dance Party takes place in Cosmic Ray’s restaurant in Tomorrowland, while ZOM-BEATZ Bash takes place on the nearby Rockettower Plaza Stage, featuring zombies, cheerleaders and music inspired by Disney’s Zombies TV series. For the grown-ups, don’t miss the Cadaver Dans in Frontierland, the daytime Dapper Dans a capella group who become suitably - and amusingly - spooky.

7. Meet rare characters

MNSSHP is renowned for finding rare characters at the various meet-and-greets throughout the park. We especially like the one for Jack and Sally (from The Nightmare Before Christmas), at the Town Square Theater as you enter the park, and Jasmine, Abu, Aladdin and Genie at the Agrabah Bazaar in Adventureland.

6. Special photos ops

Each year, Disney also adds extra value to the many PhotoPass opportunities for memorable photos in the park. In this instance, look out for special Step-in Photo-Frames, where you can use your exclusive Memory Maker ticket bonus to snap up some cool themed pics.

5. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

When it comes to the large-scale attractions, a major highlight is this show on the Castle Forecourt Stage, featuring that wicked trio the Sanderson sisters from the hit films Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2, as well as other assorted Disney villains. This usually performs three times a night (weather permitting), and the second show is usually followed by another stand-out event (see number 3!).

4. Extra ride theming

Disney also marks the Party occasion with four rides that have an added Halloween component to provide extra fun, notably with live characters in the queue and during the ride of Pirates of the Caribbean and outside The Haunted Mansion, the latter of which also makes for a superb extra PhotoPass opportunity.

3. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular

Get ready for one of the Party’s absolute high points at 10.15pm, with the aerial razzle-dazzle that is the 12-minute showcase of the park’s pyrotechnic wizardry, featuring more of those Disney villains, and plenty of fireworks. It lights up the sky for miles around and is accompanied by a glittering, ghostly projection show on Cinderella Castle for an entertainment tour de force.

2. Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade

In many respects, this is the real show-stopper, a 15-minute extravaganza featuring all the usual Disney characters, but also a fair sprinkling of the villains, who get their own showcase throughout the cavalcade. It also performs twice a night, at 9.15 and 11.15pm, and the second showing is usually a lot less crowded.

1. Candy!

OK, this is the REAL reason why MNSSHP is so popular - you can stock up on sweets! They are different at each Trick-or-Treat station and vary from things like a small bag of M&Ms or Skittles, to bite-size Snickers and other chocolate bars. Each station dishes up generous handfuls, and it’s not frowned on if you visit stations more than once, especially late at night! Those with allergies are not forgotten, either. Just ask a Disney Cast Member for the special teal-coloured treat bags when you enter the park. These will signify each station to give you a special token instead of the regular candy offering, and you then visit one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers around the park to trade in the tokens for something more suitable.

Ultimately, it is a LOT to pack in to just one night, but it shows off the Magic Kingdom in a completely different light. And, if you have the stamina to last until midnight, you’ll find the crowds melt away in the last hour or so, meaning you can really stock up at the Trick-or-Treat stations!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights until November 1, and you can get your tickets here.

Arrive early

Our top tip for going to the party is to arrive shortly after 4pm, as Party guests are allowed in well before the official 7pm opening time, and you can enjoy some of the great rides and other attractions during that time.

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