2025 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party is a special event held each fall on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Separate theme park admission is not required to attend the party, nor is your party ticket connected to your Disney theme park admission ticket in any way. Purchasing your tickets in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for parties that occur on the weekends in October.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate Halloween Disney Style, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the event for you. Adults and children can Trick-or-Treat their way through the Magic Kingdom while experiencing Halloween magic at every turn. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Attendance for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is limited, though, so plan to purchase tickets early if you’re going to go.

The evening includes Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade led by the infamous Headless Horseman, live shows, dance parties, meet-and-greets with rarely seen Disney characters, unique merchandise and a special Halloween-themed fireworks display, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. “Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize” while this green and orange show lights up the sky above Cinderella Castle.

You won’t want to miss the special character greeting opportunities that feature some of your favorite characters dressed up for Halloween. Many favorite Disney Villains will appear throughout the park and during the parade and special shows. On Main Street, U.S.A., you may even see a barbershop quartet of dead cowboys who sing songs in the style of the Dapper Dans.

Halloween lighting, music and theming effects, not featured on non-party nights, will transform select areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows. This party is more fun than scary!

The following is a guide for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party from 2024. 2025 information will be added when released. 

Ticket Information What’s New Video Overview Entertainment Schedule  Entertainment Highlights  Treat & Character Locations  Essential Info for Attending  Tips

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets

Select Nights August 9 – October 31, 2024

Time: All parties are from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Guests may link their special-event tickets in their My Disney Experience accounts. Typically, party-goers can enter the park as early as 4:00 p.m. on the day of the party using just their party ticket or linked-MagicBands. While Disney does not generally publicize this information, for years, it has had an “early entry” policy as a means of staggering the crowd entering the Magic Kingdom on party nights and preventing a backup at the gates at the start of the party. While you are not “technically” guaranteed early entry with your party ticket, to date, we have not heard of a single person with only a party ticket for admittance being turned away after 4:00 p.m.

Wrist bands are distributed at the gate and can also be picked up at various other park locations after 4:00 p.m. The party goes on rain or shine, and there are no refunds for inclement weather.

To purchase your tickets, Fill out the form below and submit or click here to get in touch with the travel agents at The Magic For Less Travel. 

General Tickets Discounts: Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are not discounted. Generally, the Halloween night party is not only the most expensive Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket, but will also be the most crowded. Also one of the most crowded nights is the first party night. Tickets are offered both in advance and at the gate on the date of the party. The number of tickets for each party is limited, and events often sell out early.  Day of event tickets are offered at the gate only if the party has not sold out in advance and most of the time are not available.

Annual Passholder and DVC Member Discount Tickets are available for advance purchase for select dates, and this discount will not be available the day of the event. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party—valid only for event nights in August and September. Annual Passholders can call (407) 560-PASS for additional information. Annual Passholders who purchased online must show a valid Passholder ID at the park entrance for each ticket or pass purchased. Disney Vacation Club members must call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to purchase.
-Passholders can purchase for themselves and up to 3 Guests.
-DVC Members can purchase for themselves and up to 5 Guests.

What’s New

• Guests will be able to meet Bruno with Mirabel from Encanto at their Casita in Fairytale Garden.
• Guests will find Mickey and Minnie in brand new neon spiderweb attire.
• There will also be more opportunities to meet some of your favorite Disney Villains! You may even be able to grab a selfie with them!
• Get ready to let loose and show off your best villain DescenDANCE Party. This will be found at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. This new rave is inspired by the upcoming Disney Original Movie “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” premiering on Disney+ on July 12.
• Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade will take place at an earlier time!

Video Overview

2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Entertainment Schedule

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade (including the ride of the Headless Horseman) — 8:15 p.m. & 11:15 p.m.
• Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks—10:00 p.m.
• Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular (Castle Stage)—August 9 through September 28, 2024: 9:05 PM, 10:40 PM, midnight; September 29 through October 31, 2024: 7:40 PM, 9:05 PM, 10:40 PM, midnight

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Entertainment Highlights

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

“Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” is arguably one of the best parades at Walt Disney World. The parade is shown twice nightly during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, once at 8:15 p.m. once at 11:15 p.m. and begins with the can’t-miss Headless Horseman, who rides immediately before the parade.

The “Boo-To-You” parade features a collection of frightful floats featuring Disney Characters in Halloween costumes. Appearances will be made by Disney villains, trick-or-treating Disney characters in costume, pirates (including Captain Jack Sparrow), skeletons, Goofy’s giant candy machine, and much more! Spooks will include the marching Haunted Mansion butlers, dancing hitchhiking ghosts, undead ballroom dancers, the Caretaker and his dog, and the gravediggers who scrape their shovels along with the asphalt, creating a light spray of sparks. Of course, the cornerstone portion of the parade is the section themed around the popular attraction The Haunted Mansion.

The parade features one of the catchiest songs you’ll ever hear. Unlike the Christmas parade, the “Boo-To-You” parade is only available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, so you won’t want to miss it.

Viewing areas in Frontierland or Liberty Square are less crowded than Main Street U.S.A., but if you choose to sit away from Main Street, you may have to reposition yourself after the first parade to get a good view of the fireworks. The second parade tends to be less crowded than the first.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular debuted in 2019. This show is hosted by Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas who has come to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. From there, Jack’s ghost dog, Zero will then fly off carrying everyone along on a trick-or-treating adventure of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy who find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house. The foursome will go from one room of the house to another, where they will come across things like dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and a whole series of Disney villains. This show features projections on the castle.

The show takes place each evening at 10:00 p.m. Of course views are always best from Main Street USA, but at the very least, try to stand somewhere so that you have an unobstructed view of the sky around the Magic Kingdom. New Fantasyland is a less crowded location from which to view the new show and offers an excellent view, sans the castle projection show.

“Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” Show

The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular features The Sanderson Sisters from the cult Disney classic, Hocus Pocus who will be returning to the mortal world to celebrate their favorite time of year, Halloween.  The show will take place on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, where Winifred, Mary, and Sarah decide to use their magic to host a decidedly wicked fun fest and will attempt to cast a spell on everyone. The show will incorporate the Disney villains, dancers, projections, and special effects.

During the show, the sisters will enlist the help of the Disney villains and use the evil powers of their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion.  Look for appearances from Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, and Maleficent. The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat! Showtimes for August 9 through September 28, 2024: 9:05 PM, 10:40 PM, midnight; September 29 through October 31, 2024: 7:40 PM, 9:05 PM, 10:40 PM, midnight

The Cadaver Dans

Venture into Frontierland, and you might encounter the ghostly group known as the Cadaver Dans. The Cadaver Dans dressed as dead Frontiersmen in Frontierland. (They are more commonly known as The Dapper Dans who typically perform on Main Street U.S.A. during the daylight hours.) Showtimes are intermittent from 7:00 p.m. – 10:50 p.m.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Treat & Character Locations

About Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treat bags are provided at the gate as you enter Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or at any of the candy stations; guests may also bring their own. Trick-or-treating locations, both candy stations & treat trails with multiple candy stops, are marked on the party guide maps. You can pick up a map as you enter the park. Both children and adults are welcome to participate. Disney gives out a pretty nice selection of candy at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and there is no shortage – collect as much as you want!

Treat locations for 2024 are:

Main Street USA

• Market Street (Open until 8:00 p.m.)
• Main Street Chamber of Commerce – Allergy-Friendly Center

Adventureland

• Torguga Tavern
• Jungle Cruise
• Sunshine Tree Terrace

Frontierland

• Dock to Tom Sawyer’s Island
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Liberty Square

• Heritage House – Allergy-Friendly Center
• Columbia Harbor House
• The Diamond Horseshoe

Fantasyland

• Gaston’s Tavern
• Princess Fairytale Hall
• Mickey’s Philharmagic
• Fantasyland Train Station

Tomorrowland

• Near TRON Lightcycle / Run
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Monsters Inc Laugh Floor

Special Dietary Restrictions & Trick or Treating

For those with allergies, when you arrive for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, see a Cast Member to pick up a teal treat bag. (Teal is the official color of food allergy awareness.) Official Allergy-Friendly Centers are located at Town Square Theater (near Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.) and Liberty Square Ticket Office (near The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square). Then, when you trick-or-treat with your teal bag, Cast Members will give you a teal token at each treat station. Later on, you can redeem your teal tokens at our Allergy-Friendly Centers to receive your special treats!

If sugary candy is not your thing, there are healthy options available, too. You can exchange all your goodies, collected at the treat locations, for candy that fits your dietary needs, such as sugar-free candy, treats without nuts or healthy options. Simply bring your candy to City Hall, and they’ll exchange it. A few healthy treats can also be found at select candy stops; in the past raisins and Chiquita bananas were handed out.

About Characters

Guests will find many of their favorite characters dressed up in costume for the event. Also, there are also a few uncommon (and therefore extremely popular) meet and greets including Jack and Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Disney villains such as the Queen of Hearts, Gaston, and Lotso.

Want to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Book your trip with our friends at The Magic For Less Travel. Get a no obligation quote here. 

Essential Info for Attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Planning Your Evening

Here are the things you should prioritize, in this order, to get the most out of experiencing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

• Meeting popular characters like The Seven Dwarfs and Jack Skellington
• Mickey’s Boo to You Parade
• Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Firworks
• Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular
• Candy
• Rides

Here’s our suggestion of what your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party plan of attack should be:

• 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.– go on attractions that will not be open during the party, eat dinner (do not eat dinner during the party, as you are wasting valuable time), get in line at around 5:30 p.m. to meet the character you want to meet the most.
• 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – go on attractions, buy Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise, meet characters with shorter lines, grab special party themed snacks, Dance Parties
  9:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. – Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks, trick or treat (Catch the Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular, if you won’t be able to stay at the park all evening.), Dance Parties
  11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. – Boo to You Parade, trick-or-treat, meet characters with shorter lines, ride attractions, eat more special party themed snacks, Dance Parties
• Midnight – Catch the last show of the Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular

Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Worth It?

The party tends to be worth it for those families who have children (or adults) who can stay up late.

The party is also worth it if you think of your party ticket as your park ticket for that day. So, say, for instance, you are going to be at Walt Disney World for 5 days. If you would like to attend the party, you could buy 4 days worth of theme park tickets and then visit the party as the 5th day.

The best way to get the most out of the party is to sleep in that morning, rest and hang out by the pool in the afternoon, and then arrive in the early evening, ready for the festivities.

The least crowded days tend to be in August and September, and Tuesdays tend to be less crowded overall.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Attractions

Guests have unlimited use of popular attractions such as TRON Lightcycle / Run, The Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Under the Sea~Journey of The Little Mermaid and many more. Not all attractions will be open during the party, and Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island have been closed the past few years. Lines will be the shortest during the two parades and after the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks when many families with young children leave the park.

In addition, certain attraction have special Halloween overlays. These include Space Mountain, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dining Options

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party Dining

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, partygoers can relax over fabulous food and a heaping helping of fantasy at one a popular table-service restaurant.

• Be Our Guest
• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• The Plaza Restaurant

Dining reservations are available from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and are strongly recommended.

Dining is also available at select counter service and snack locations throughout the park but is very limited once the party begins. It’s probably wise to eat your main evening meal before attending the party.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party

Guests may also choose to take part in one of two special dessert party offerings.

Guests can choose from the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing or the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. With both packages, Guests can enjoy a private dessert party and enjoy views of the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. Guests will be able to dine on Halloween-themed cupcakes and desserts, chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. Beverages will include sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Halloween drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

With the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing as showtime nears, Cast Members will escort you to a prime location in the Plaza Garden—where you can enjoy priority views of the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks spectacular over Cinderella Castle.

The Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing costs $99 for adults or $59 for children (ages 3 to 9), plus tax.

With the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, Guests will then stay at the Tomorrowland Terrace to view the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks.

The Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace costs $119 for adults or $75 for children (ages 3 to 9), plus tax.

The Desert Party begins at 9:15 p.m. and the fireworks start at 10:15 p.m. Guests may check-in directly at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant beginning at 4:00 p.m. All Guests will receive identification credentials upon check-in and must present them for entry to the dessert party.  Also, the Disney Dining Plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.

Special Treats

There are a number of special treats that are available exclusively for the party. More details about what those items will be will be shared when released.

Merchandise

Walt Disney World releases a number of fun Halloween themed merchandise for the season. Items include trading pins, Spirit Jerseys, t-shirts, MagicBands, Minnie ears, light up necklaces, Halloween buckets, and other collectibles. And, of course, the golden rule of Disney shopping always applies; if you see something you “must” have, buy it then and there. You may not find it again, and this is especially true for seasonal merchandise. Otherwise, save the shopping for last or another day.

Note: Annual Passholders can purchase exclusive merchandise to commemorate the event. Don’t forget to use your merchandise discount!

Special Novelties

This year brings yet another set of spooky novelties options as well. This includes popcorn buckets, sippers, and more. These items will be available at various times throughout the season, so be on the lookout! All are available only while supplies last.

Costumes

Guests, both children, and adults are welcome to wear costumes. However, costumes are not required to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party. About half of those attending will dress up. Although Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween party is the one time of year Disney relaxes rules about costumes in the park for anyone over the age of 14, there are a few rules that must be followed.

General

• 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.
• They 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.

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 lightsabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
• May not wear masks of any kind.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the park. That is unless the costume can be modified to meet the above standards. For more information on these guidelines, please visit Disney’s website.

Lastly, if you’re going to dress up, remember that the weather can be quite hot and humid in Florida during August, September & October. Try to choose a light-weight costume that doesn’t require a stuffy overcoat, mask, wig, etc. You’ll be glad that you did. Also, be sure to check the Orlando weather a few days before your visit. The party goes on rain or shine; you’ll want to be prepared if rain is in the forecast. Visit our TheMouseForLess Tip section below for even more costume suggestions.

For addition, essential info, visit our MFL Tip Section

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tips

• Do a little planning before and after purchasing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets. The Halloween night party is not only the most expensive, but will also be the most crowded party. Other dates offer savings with advance purchase, so plan accordingly. Generally, parties in August and September are less crowded than parties in October. Parties on Tuesday tend to be less crowded than parties that occur on other days of the week. If you’re on the fence about attending, consider that the Magic Kingdom usually closes earlier during party dates; this may be one of your few opportunities to be in the Magic Kingdom after 9 p.m. during your trip.
• Since you can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. with your party ticket, you may want to make Advance Dining Reservations at a Magic Kingdom restaurant for dinner. Table Service restaurants book up early on party nights so book as far in advance as possible. You can book up to 190 days out if you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, and 180 days in advance otherwise. Allow yourself enough time to finish eating before the party begins. If you’re planning on eating at a Quick Service restaurant before the party, be aware that some restaurants may close earlier than expected. This is especially true for Quick Service restaurants that will not be opened during the party; some closing as early as 5-5:30 p.m. on party nights. If your children are having a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique before the party, be sure to make those reservations well in advance too.
• To help prepare for the late night, try to relax or even take a nap in the afternoon before the party. Then arrive a little early to dine or ride a few attractions that are closed during the evening. If plan on changing in the restroom prior to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allow ample time. Many people have the same idea, and restrooms will be busy.
• Dress up! It’s part of the fun, but not a requirement. Costumes can be as elaborate or as simple as you like and something the whole family can do. Last minute costumes could include a funny t-shirt or Disney hat and perhaps some face paint. The Emporium in the Magic Kingdom and Mouse Gear at Epcot usually have a selection of costume items for both children and adults. The same costumes are also carried on Shop Disney.com for about $20 less. During regular operating hours, Disney does not allow anyone over the age of 9 to wear costumes to the park. This policy seems to relax a bit on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party days. This is good news for those who are dressing up for the evening, but want to go to the park early. Generally, costumes may be worn in the park anytime after 4 p.m. on party nights.
• Those attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be given a wrist band as they enter the park through a designated turnstile. If you entered the park before wrist bands being distributed, you can obtain a wrist band after 4 p.m. at stations found in the park by showing your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket. There are different color bands for each party night. Make sure you do not remove your wrist band. Cast Members do check for wrist bands throughout the night. Without one, you will not be able to get on rides, meet characters, get candy, enter stores, purchase food or do anything else after 7 p.m. If you are spotted without a wrist band one the party starts, you will be asked to leave the park. There are no exceptions. If you don’t have a ticket but would like to stay to attend the party, you can check at City Hall to see if tickets are available for that particular evening. Some parties do sell out in advance, but if tickets are available, they may be purchased at City Hall without having to leave the park.
• Trick-or-treat bags are provided at any of the candy stops or the gate as you enter the party. The bags are on the small side and fill up very quickly. You may want to bring your own bag to avoid carrying several of Disney’s bags. Or you can purchase larger trick-or-treat bags or plastic pumpkin buckets with Mickey ears at the Emporium to gather treats. You could also buy a themed Hitchhiking Ghost or Hatbox Ghost Mickey popcorn bucket (available at popcorn carts) and use the empty bucket to trick-or-treat.
• Trick or treating locations are marked on the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guide and map. You can pick up a guide as you enter the park. A small flashlight will help to read the map at night. You can also look for lighted Mickey pumpkin balloon-like globes throughout the park to find the trick-or-treat locations. You may want to save trick-or-treating until the end of the night as Disney never runs out of candy. Try to do as many character meet-and-greets as you can and catch the special shows and parade first. Plus, as the night goes on, the lines for treats get much shorter, and handouts are often more generous. And be sure to have your candy bags ready as you exit the park, as this is often a place to get even more candy.
• Disney gives out a pretty nice selection of candy at the party, including “fun-sized” Snickers, Twix, Milkyway, Almond Joy, Hershey bars, Heath bars, Nestle Crunch bars, Reese’s cups, Kit-Kat, M&Ms, Skittles, SweetTarts, Smarties, gummy “Toy Story” characters, SweetTarts, Tootsie Rolls, Starburst, Now & Later, Twizzlers, Bottle Caps, Mike & Ikes, Bit ‘o Honey, Jolly Rancher, Goofy Candy Co. lollipops, Werthers caramels, Candy Corn and more. You can collect as much as you want! Those with special dietary needs can do a “candy swap” at City Hall; they’ll exchange your goodies for treats that meet your dietary restrictions. Just ask to see a list of your options which included Jelly Belly (sugar, dairy, egg and nut free), Chocolate Pumpkin and Bat Suckers (gluten, sesame, egg & nut free), Mixed Fruit buttons (sugar, dairy, egg & nut free) and Butterscotch Buttons (sugar free).
• When trick-or-treating, you don’t have to worry about Disney running out of candy! So, consider hitting up the candy stops towards the end of the night, rather than at the beginning. (Disney has been known to often hand out more candy to each guest the later the night goes.)

• If you’re not into meeting characters or Dance Parties, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a great time to ride as many rides as possible. Most will be operating, and since Disney limits attendance to the parties. Lines are usually short throughout most of the night—even when the party is a sellout. The one “must do” attraction is the Haunted Mansion. Cast members are made up to be even spookier on party nights, and the graveyard gets a special Halloween fog and lighting treatment too. On the front lawn of the Mansion, you’ll find ghostly spirits, eager to share a tale with guests. These ethereal spirits are extra-eerie, and quite interactive with the crowd and fun to watch.
• PhotoPass photographers are out in force at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. In the past, special Halloween “magic” photos with the Hitchhiking Ghosts digitally added are available. Plus, don’t miss a special shot with the hearse ghost driver at the carriage and invisible horse in front of the Haunted Mansion. Guests will also want to take advantage of the Animated Magic Shots too! There is usually a special Halloween photo spot in the Town Square area. Here you can have your photo taken with whimsical pumpkins. You can add the MNSSHP PhotoPass photos to your PhotoPass card or Memory Maker package via your MagicBand and when you get home, view and share your photos online — only materializing for the party? Memory Maker One Day is available to purchase for $59 in the My Disney Experience mobile app during or after your visit.
• The areas where PhotoPass photographers take photos can get quite crowded, especially the character meet & greets. Town Square is particularly busy between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with people in line to meet characters. And speaking of characters, this is your opportunity to get photos with rare Disney characters, such as the Seven Dwarfs; Captain Jack Sparrow; the Disney Princesses with their Princes; Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet (all together in one photo); Jane & Tarzan, Lotso and, of course, the Disney Villains. Plus, Jack Skellington and Sally (most popular) from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will make appearances. Some characters will be in their Halloween costumes. Lines for some of the most popular characters can begin forming by 6 p.m. Try to get a few photos done when the party first starts and others towards the end of the night. And don’t forget to bring your own camera, so you don’t miss that unique shot in case there is no PhotoPass photographer around.

• During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, take time to notice the little details. There are several forms of spooky pavement art, some projected by lighting effects, and even Cast Members will create fleeting water sketches with a broom and dustpan. Look for the skull and crossbones projection on Big Thunder Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean. There are spiders and webs projected on rocks and pavement throughout Tomorrowland. Main Street U.S.A. is awash in eerie changing color. In Adventureland, colorful Tikis laugh as they attempt to scare guests away. Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion are bathed in fog. And of course, there is spooky music throughout the park. Specific effects will vary from year to year.