Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back in 2023! The party as we know and love it finally returned in 2022 and of course it’s back for 2023 (updated May 16, 2023).

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is a hard ticket event held at Magic Kingdom every fall. And I use the term “Fall” loosely because the party seems to start earlier and earlier every year.

This is a comprehensive guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to help plan your MNSSHP experience. The end of the post will include some tips on how to approach the party for the greatest success.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2023 Dates

This year the party starts on August 11. Because nothing says Halloween like the sweltering Florida humidity in the middle of summer!

Disney has gradually been inching this party earlier and earlier every year. However, this seems to be the basic part of August that they’ll stick with for the start date.

Here are all the MNSSHP dates for 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

Historically Sold Out Dates

Each year, there are certain dates which always sell out. The basic rule of thumb is that the closer the party is to October 31, the faster it sells out.

If you want to go on Halloween itself, make sure to buy your tickets as soon as you can.

Another date that always sells out is opening day of the party. Because it is the first day, the party attracts bloggers and vloggers who want to give their followers party details as soon as possible.

Again, if this is the day you plan to attend, make sure you buy your tickets in advance.

MNSSHP Tickets

As with all things Disney, the party isn’t exactly cheap. Each year the prices seem to go up, like everything else associated with Disney World.

Disney hasn’t released the pricing to expect in 2023, but I would expect it to be at least the same price as last year, if not more.

In 2022, the MNSSHP ticket prices ranged from $109-$199, and surprisingly, the price range hasn’t increased for 2023! However, most of the dates, with the exception of the first several dates, have increased by $10 per ticket within that range.

Here’s the list of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween price for 2023. The first amount is the price for adult tickets (ages 10 and up) and the second number is the child ticket (ages 3-9):

• Friday, August 11, 2023 – $149/$139
• Tuesday, August 15, 2023 – $109/$99
• Friday, August 18, 2023 – $109/$99
• Tuesday August 22, 2023 – $109/$99
• Friday August 25, 2023 – $109/$99
• Tuesday August 29, 2023 – $109/$99
• Friday September 1, 2023 – $119/$109
• Monday September 4, 2023 – $119/$109
• Friday September 8, 2023 – $119/$109
• Sunday September 10, 2023 – $119/$109
• Tuesday September 12, 2023 – $119/$109
• Friday September 15, 2023 – $119/$109
• Sunday September 17, 2023 – $119/$109
• Tuesday September 19, 2023 – $149/$139
• Friday September 22, 2023 – $149/$139
• Sunday, September 24, 2023 – $149/$139
• Tuesday September 26, 2023 – $149/$139
• Thursday, September 28, 2023 – $149/$139
• Friday September 29, 2023 – $149/$139
• Sunday October 1, 2023 – $149/$139
• Tuesday October 3, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 5, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 6, 2023 – $189/$179
• Monday October 9, 2023 – $169/$159
• Tuesday October 10, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 12, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 13, 2023 – $189/$179
• Sunday October 15, 2023 – $169/$159
• Tuesday October 17, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 19, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 20, 2023 – $189/$179
• Sunday October 22, 2023 – $169/$179
• Tuesday October 24, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 26, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 27, 2023 – $189/$179
• Sunday October 29, 2023 – $199/$189
• Tuesday October 31, 2023 – $199/$189
• Wednesday November 1, 2023 – $199/$189

As a frame of reference, back in 2020, the prices ranged from $85 to $149 for adults. This shows you just how much of a price increase there’s been.

As the dates get to October the price continues to increase across the board. You will also notice that the frequency of party dates increases in October.

If you are a Disney Vacation Club member or an Annual Passholder, you qualify for discounted tickets on specified dates. The discount is typically $10 off per ticket.

Expect that the dates that qualify are all of the less popular days. Most dates in August and September, Sundays, Tuesday, and Thursdays are the likely choices.

Those discount dates dry up as you get closer to Halloween.

When do Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Go On Sale?

You can buy your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets NOW!

General public ticket sales for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party started on May 2, 2023. You can purchase the tickets online or by calling 407-939-4240.

Guests at Disney World Resorts and other select hotels could buy their Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets starting April 27, 2023.

The qualifying resorts are any Disney World Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green.

If at all possible, I recommend buying them online. Disney has done an atrocious job at handling call volume for years. Wait times are often multiple hours.

It’s best to try to avoid that game.

Discounted MNSSHP Tickets

Without being a DVC member or Annual Passholder, the only way to get a discount on MNSSHP tickets is through an authorized ticket seller.

Historically, Undercover Tourist offers Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets at a discount. The discount ranges from $1 to $11, depending on the date. Not a huge savings, but if you have a date with better savings, that will add up across your whole party.

MNSSHP Hours

The official hours of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are from 7:00pm-12:00am. Only party guests are allowed to remain during official party hours. However, your party ticket gets you more than just those 5 hours.

Anyone with a party ticket is allowed to enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00pm. There is a separate tapstile section for party ticket holders to go through at that time. Cast members are there at the ready to put on your party wristband.

Just like that, your party ticket gets you 8 hours of Magic Kingdom fun instead of just five.

It is important to note that guests entering on a MNSSHP ticket are not required to have a separate park ticket, nor are they required to have a Park Pass reservation.

A couple of years ago Disney made some slight changes in how they structure the party hours and park closure. Magic Kingdom closes for day guests at 6:00pm. At that time, Cast Members funnel the day guests in the direction of Main Street.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Events

MNSSHP is chock full of party exclusive experiences. There are so many possible experiences that you will not be able to do them all.

All of the times listed in each section are based on when those events happened in previous years. They’ll be updated with official times closer to the event.

P.S. – There will definitely be more exclusive experiences announced over the past few months. I’ll keep adding more as Disney releases the information.

Treat Stations

Treat stations are scattered around Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Upon entrance into the party, Cast Members hand you a treat bag already filled with some treats.

The exact treats on offer may vary from year to year, but the bottom line is this: if you like candy, there is plenty of opportunity to stock up.

Lines for the treat stations tend to look long, but they move quite fast. Do not be intimidated if you see a line wrapping outside of the treat station. You will be in and out in no time.

Allergy Friendly Treats

In true Disney fashion, there are treat options for party guests with food allergies. You can get a teal treat bag that indicates to Cast Members that you need allergy friendly offerings.

In addition to that, there are official allergy-friendly treat centers on Main Street and in Liberty Square.

At the allergy-friendly centers, guests can get all treats that are certified allergy friendly.

Access to Attractions

One of the major benefits of going to any of the special ticketed events is access to your favorite rides with significantly shorter lines.

Most of the Magic Kingdom attractions are up and running at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Because there are so many things going on throughout the party, it’s possible to get on a ton of rides with a much shorter than normal wait.

In big news, the new Tron Lightcycle Run roller coaster is included in the list of rides which will be available during MNSSHP. They will use a virtual queue and plan to announce more details closer to the parties.

With this in mind, make sure you understand how to use Disney’s virtual queue system so you can grab your boarding pass.

Or if you’re wondering what on earth Tron Lightcycle Run is, check out my guide.

Ride Overlays

Starting in 2018, Disney introduced the idea of ride overlays to three rides. These overlays are only available during the party time, making them an exclusive experience.

Previously, the ride overlays were on Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor.

Below, you’ll find a summary of what the ride overlays looked like in past years. I expect them to be fairly similar this year.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Lighting and music changes alter the Tea Cups, providing guests with an extra, nighttime experience

Pirates of the Caribbean

Live pirates invade the attraction, enlisting your help in finding “Gunpowder Pete”, who is hiding somewhere within the ride.

Space Mountain

The typical lighting and music are removed to create a whole new experience. A different soundtrack plays during the ride and the lights are out, giving the ride a very different feel.

Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

The monsters in the Monster World will interact with guests in an all new way during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. They are trying to understand that strange human holiday known as Halloween.

The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet

The always popular Dapper Dans are transformed in the Cadaver Dans during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

You can find them in Frontierland at various points of the night. They’ll sing and “slay” you with their comedic stylings.

Shows, Parties, and a Parade

Much of the draw of the parties, other than the considerably lower crowds, are the party exclusive shows and events.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltactular (Castle Stage at 8:30p, 10:45p, 12:00a)

This is a very popular show, hosted by none other than the Sanderson Sisters of Hocus Pocus fame. Villains galore will show up for the party in a fun and entertaining stage show.

Tip: If avoiding the crowd is important to you, consider watching the stage show from the perimeter of the hub. The walled planters on the right and left side of the Hub give a decent view, a place to sit, and an easy escape back to the rides when the show is over.

Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks (10:15p)

As with everything else at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the fireworks show is an exclusive offering.

In a move that thrills many “Nightmare Before Christmas” fans, the host of the fireworks show is none other than Jack Skellington and his dog, Zero.

The show follows the original Fab Four (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy), guided by Zero, as they go on a trick or treating adventure that proves anything can happen on Halloween night.

There are fun adventures inside a haunted house that takes them from room to room. Inside each room they will encounter ghosts, skeletons, and of course, the famous Disney villains!

This nighttime spectacular includes projections, special effects, and lighting mixed with fireworks, music, and Disney characters.

Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds in front of Cinderella’s Castle, consider watching the fireworks from Fantasyland. The view in front of The Beast’s Castle puts you in the middle of all the action, with fireworks all around you.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade (9:15p & 11:15p)

Everyone loves a parade! Mickey and his friends join the costumed fun in a “spooky” parade. Even the villains join in on the fun. The soundtrack will be stuck in your head for the rest of the night and The Gravediggers will strike your fancy.

Of all the Disney World parades, I have to say, I think Boo To You is my favorite!

Tip: Watch the parade in Frontierland for smaller crowds. You won’t need to stake out a spot quite so early. However, make sure you are there at least 15-20 minutes before start time. You don’t want to miss the Headless Horseman!

MNSSHP Characters

Character interactions are perhaps one of the most popular aspects of party events. This is often an opportunity to see characters who are not accessible elsewhere, such as Moana.

The exact list of characters is not officially released by Disney. That information is reported by party-goers after the first few parties of the year.

The more sought after characters will have tremendously long lines throughout most of the party. Some of them will even start meeting party guests before 7:00p.

Tip: If you want to meet the really popular characters, start lining up well before the party is scheduled to start. Think no later than 5:00p.

The list of characters remains similar each year. The list below is based on the characters available during previous parties. It will be updated with new information once it is available.

There is a possibility that there will be fewer characters available in 2022. After all, character meet and greets have just returned to Disney World.

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater 
• Jack Skellington and Sally at Town Square Theater (meeting approximately @ 4:30p)

Adventureland

• Aladdin with Abu, Princess Jasmine, Jafar, Genie
• Tarzan, Jane and Terk
• Captain Jack Sparrow
• Moana (Enchanted Tiki Room, beginning around 5:45p)

Liberty Square

• The Gravediggers

Fontierland

• Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit (roaming)

Fantasyland

• Belle and Gaston
• Alice & The Mad Hatter
• Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum and the Queen of Hearts
• Ariel & Prince Eric
• Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet
• Cinderella & Princess Elena, Rapunzel & Tiana
• Anastasia and Drizella

Storybook Circus

• The Seven Dwarfs (Pete’s Silly Side Show @ 6:15p)
• Donald and Daisy
• Minnie Mouse in Witch Costume
• Goofy
• Cruella De Vil (roaming)
• Fancy Nancy and Vampirina

Tomorrowland

• Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear 
• Elvis Stitch
• Friends from Monster’s Inc

Disney Junior Jam

Located in Storybook Circus, this is a dance party featuring characters from beloved Disney Junior shows. This is designed for younger children.

Costumes

A large percentage of party goers opt to dress in costume for the party. I highly recommend that you do too! How often are you able to dress up in costume as an adult? It’s just a fun thing to do.

People watching at MNSSHP is pretty epic for just this reason. While I am completely lacking in creativity when it comes to designing costumes, the same can’t be said for many others. A lot of people have truly awesome costumes.

MNSSHP Costume Rules

While Disney does encourage party guests to come in costume, they do have some limitations placed on those costumes.

Before you start planning your costume, I highly recommend that you check out Disney’s official costume guidelines. It would be a shame to come up with an awesome costume, only to have a Cast Member ask you to remove it.

Costume Tips

There are a few things you should keep in mind when deciding on your costume for MNSSHP. These tips are mainly geared towards comfort.

First, remember that you are in Florida, the land of sun and humidity. I saw quite a few people walking around in very thick, bulky costumes.

Many of the party dates are still in the summer, a time when Florida weather is at it’s hottest. A full on Sculley costume might not be the best idea.

Also, keep in mind that you will be in costume for several hours. Make sure that it is an outfit comfortable enough for you to not only walk around in, but also get on and off the rides.

Disneybounding might be a good compromise in between an elaborate costume and nothing at all. That allows for the feel of a costume, but the comfort the heat and walking requires.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tips

Now that you know the important details of the party, how can you make your party experience a success? A lot of that does depend on what your goals are for the party, so the first step is to figure that out.

Do you want to experience mainly rides? Are character experiences your priority? Do you want to rock an awesome costume for those PhotoPass pictures? There are a number of things to consider.

Once you have made up your mind, check out some of the tips below:

If Characters are the Priority

• Make a list of your top priority characters and rank them
• Many of the really popular characters begin meeting well before 7:00p. Once that information is released after the first few parties, make sure you pick one to line up for very early
• Consider getting in line for a popular character during the parade or fireworks
• Jump into a character line at the very end of the night

If Minimizing Crowds/Wait times is the Priority

• Avoid Main Street and The Hub like the plague, especially between 4-7p
• Find alternate viewing spots for the shows, parade, and fireworks
  • In particular, look for spots that allow you to slide in shortly before the show starts, and slide out just as quickly when the show is over
• Prioritize the time between after the fireworks and the end of the part for some of the most popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Hop in line for Mine Train during the parade
• Use your My Disney Experience App to monitor ride wait times
• If done well, you should not have to wait more than 20-30 minutes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and everything else will be even less

Final Thoughts on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back. It is such a fun time, and signals that things are slowly but surely returning a bit closer to “normal” at Disney World.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great time and I highly recommend it for everyone! It might be a little difficult for younger kids, but the excitement of the whole experience will help a lot of them power through a very late night.

For all of the latest details, go directly to Disney World’s official Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party page.

Your Thoughts

Do you have any questions about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? How about any additional tips to add? Please add your tips and questions to the comments below.

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