No matter the time of year, Orlando always has fun things to do. However, when the sun sets a little earlier and the summer harvests near their end, the happy haunts at Walt Disney World® emerge from their restful tombs to play.
Since introduced in 1995 as a single-night Halloween event, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has expanded to 38 nights in 2023. This annual celebration takes place at Walt Disney World® in Orlando to celebrate the end of summer and the start of autumn with mischievous Disney villains, special entertainment events, and delightful treats.
If you're gearing up for a spooktacular night with the family this year, here's your guide to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2023.
What Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Halloween with a Disney twist! Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy a night at the park. On select dates throughout August, September, October, and November, the Magic Kingdom® is transformed into a Halloween wonderland with decorations, breathtaking shows, and meet-and-greets with your favorite characters.
What To Expect at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Expect the unexpected when visiting Walt Disney World® during Halloween. Every year, Disney plans new surprises for its Halloween party guests, but here are some favorite yearly attractions to look out for.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular
One of the highlights of the whole party is Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. Hosted by Jack Skellington, it's a superb display of fireworks, projections, and lasers that light up the night sky. This magical show takes place above Cinderella's Castle and is accompanied by an original soundtrack featuring beloved Disney characters.
Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade
The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade features Disney characters dressed in their finest Halloween costumes. Get swept up in the spectral spirit of the season as floats, dancers, and other spooky Disney characters from The Haunted Mansion ride waltz down Main Street. Pro tip: keep your eyes peeled for the Headless Horseman to know when it's coming.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
The Sanderson sisters — Winifred, Mary, and Sarah — are out to host a spellbinding performance filled with mischief and magic. With the help of some of Disney's most nefarious villains, the sisters use their otherworldly powers to conjure up the Hocus Pocus Party Potion. They cast a spell over the park, lighting it up with stunning visual projections and hair-raising special effects. You'll find the Spelltacular on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party map at the Cinderella Castle stage.
Character Meet-And-Greets
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party gives you and your family the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney characters in their very own Halloween costumes. Head to the Town Square Theater to meet all-time Disney celebs like Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Halloween favorites such as Jack Skellington and Sally. Interact with your favorite characters, take photos, and create unforgettable memories.
Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party
If you want to add extra magic to your evening, consider booking the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party. Held at both the Plaza Garden and Tomorrowland Terrace, this delightful treat is a separately ticketed event offering families a buffet of Halloween sweets and VIP views of Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show.
Trick-Or-Treating Adventure
No Halloween party would be complete without trick-or-treating. At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, children ages 0 to 100+ can embark on a fun-filled trick-or-treat adventure throughout the Magic Kingdom®. Disney's attention to detail shines through its elaborately themed Halloween displays as stations offer a wide array of candies and goodies.
What Rides Are Open During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Though Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event, the park keeps many of its regular rides open to make your Disney experience complete. These include:
- The Haunted Mansion
- The Pirates of the Caribbean
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- The Mad Tea Party
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain
Some rides, like The Mad Tea Party, will even feature a few Halloween twists. Ride availability is subject to change, so be sure to check in with Disney cast members when you arrive about what rides are available on your selected night.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Costume Guidelines to Consider
To ensure that everyone has a fun, family-friendly time, here are some guidelines for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party costumes:
- Avoid offensive or violent costumes
- Avoid props or objects that may be mistaken for an actual weapon
- Layered costumes 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
- Capes are allowed if they do not go below the waist
- Costume masks may not be worn
If you're unsure whether or not your costume is appropriate for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, check the Walt Disney World® website for their complete list of official costume guidelines.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates and Hours of Operation
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is held on select nights from August 11 to November 1. The festivities begin at 7 p.m., but if you've purchased a ticket for the Halloween party, you can enter the Magic Kingdom® at 4 p.m. and stay until midnight, when the party ends.
Here are all the dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party schedule 2023:
- August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
- September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
- October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
- November: 1
If you're wondering how many tickets are already sold for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, that answer changes daily. Admission on Halloween night sells out in advance, and several other nights are already sold out, so make sure to buy your tickets soon.
Enjoy the Magic of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party reviews are all raves for good reason. While it's a wonderful way to transition from summer to autumn, Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando is still an unforgettable experience all year long.
To make your visit even better, CityPASS® tickets in Orlando can save you tons of money on several Orlando theme parks. With all the money you save by booking an Orlando CityPASS® ticket, you'll have more left over to purchase tickets to experience the magic of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
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