Why We Fell in Love with Mickey’s Halloween Party—And Whether It’s Worth It for Your Family

Last September, my family had the chance to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and it was a spooktacular evening full of magic, costumes, candy, and unforgettable entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fan or considering your first visit, this special-ticketed event is packed with Halloween fun for all ages.

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Getting Into the Park

Even though the party officially begins at 7:00 PM, guests with event tickets can enter the park starting at 4:00 PM. We arrived at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) around 3:30 PM, and it took us about an hour to get through the lines and into Magic Kingdom. Once inside, we were directed to a special entrance just for party guests. There, we received:

• Wristbands to show we were attending the event
• A party map outlining the night’s activities
• A trick-or-treat bag
• And even some starter candy—a full-size pack of M&Ms courtesy of Mars, the event’s candy sponsor

Getting Started: Rides and Dinner

Since many day guests were heading out as we arrived, we took advantage of the shorter wait times and hopped on a few rides before the party officially kicked off. Around 6:00 PM, we grabbed a quick dinner at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. While there are plenty of party-exclusive snacks and treats available, we weren’t drawn to any particular item and appreciated getting a regular meal in before diving into the festivities.

The Party Begins

At 7:00 PM, the party really came to life. One of the best parts of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is that guests of all ages can dress up in costume—something not typically allowed during regular park hours. We opted for Halloween-themed shirts instead of full costumes, mostly because Florida’s September heat makes elaborate outfits less appealing!

Throughout the night, we enjoyed:

• Trick-or-treating at clearly marked stations around the park (and collecting lots of candy!)
• Special character sightings, including rare characters you don’t usually see in the parks
• More rides—many of which had minimal wait times
• The Halloween-themed fireworks show, a definite highlight of the night featuring Jack Skellington and impressive pyrotechnics

Entertainment Highlights

We skipped the earlier parade and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show to make more time for rides and candy trails. However, we made sure to catch the later Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, which was absolutely worth the wait. The Headless Horseman leading the parade set the perfect eerie tone, and the kids especially loved seeing so many Disney villains in one place.

Final Thoughts

We left the park close to midnight, tired but thrilled. The night flew by, and while we packed in a ton of fun, there were still a few things we didn’t get to see or do. That just gives us the perfect excuse to come back next year—hopefully to catch Mickey in his adorable vampire costume again!

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween celebration with just the right mix of thrills, treats, and Disney magic, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a must-do. Just be sure to pace yourself, wear comfortable clothes, and bring your best trick-or-treating energy!