My Top 10 Tips for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- gina65931
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
Planning a fall trip to Walt Disney World? Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is the ultimate family-friendly Halloween event at Magic Kingdom. In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, from must-see parades and fireworks to character meet-and-greets, rare photo ops, and delicious Halloween snacks.
Here are my Top 10 Tips to make the most of your night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:
1. Arrive Early at Magic Kingdom for MNSSHP
Even though the party officially starts at 7:00 PM, guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, but we were admitted at 3:45 pm the day we went. Arrive around 3 pm and wait in line - it's worth it to spend your time waiting on the front end! This gives you time to grab a bite, ride a few attractions, and be ready when the Halloween fun begins!
2. Disney Halloween Costumes & Outfit Tips
Costumes aren’t just for kids! Families, couples, and friend groups love to dress up for the party. Just remember Disney’s costume guidelines — no full-face masks for adults and keep it park-friendly. Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be walking a lot. Keep the weather in mind too- it can be HOT and HUMID in Florida in September and October. You can find Halloween-themed t-shirts and spirit jerseys in the resorts and parks too- so if you don't feel like getting in full costume, grab a shirt and new ears and you'll be set!
3. Best Entertainment at MNSSHP
The “Boo-To-You” Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks are highlights you won’t want to miss. Check the entertainment schedule and plan your evening around these shows.
4. Trick-or-Treat Like a Pro
Trick-or-treat stations are scattered throughout the park, and the candy is generous! Bring a larger bag or bucket if you’re a big candy fan — the complimentary ones Disney provides fill up fast.
5. Don’t Skip the Rare Characters
MNSSHP is one of the only times you can meet characters like Jack and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, or Elvis Stitch. These lines can get long, so decide in advance which characters are must-sees for your group. IF Jack and Sally are a must do- then get to them as soon as you enter the party at 4 pm and prepare to wait !
6. Enjoy Shorter Ride Waits
While the focus is on the Halloween festivities, many popular attractions stay open with shorter wait times. Haunted Mansion is especially fun during the party with spooky enhancements. Please check the app to see what attractions are open during party hours- Carousel of Progress and Monsters Inc, Laugh Floor aren't open - however, both are trick or treat stops and when you walk through the Laugh Floor after trick or treating, they do have Halloween jokes and overlays playing for your enjoyment.
7. Snack Smart
Seasonal treats are half the fun! From pumpkin-flavored goodies to glow-in-the-dark drinks, plan to try at least one of the exclusive party snacks. Mobile order helps save time and you can CHECK OUT the menus on the app ahead of time ! We made our list on the plane to Orlando and used the divide and conquer method- then shared bites of each treat.
8. Catch the Second Parade
The first “Boo-To-You” Parade is always more crowded. If your crew can stay late, the second parade usually has lighter crowds and easier viewing spots. Get to your preferred spot early and plan for the parade to take time to get to you if that spot is along Main Street. If you want to see Powerline Max perform , or experience watching the Headless Horseman ride down Main Street, then you'll want to get there early and hang out - we watched from the area near the " Sharing the Magic" statue featuring Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse .
9. Plan Photo Ops
Disney PhotoPass photographers are ready with party-exclusive Magic Shots. Keep your eyes out for them, especially near the Haunted Mansion and Main Street, U.S.A. These photos make the best keepsakes. Take the time to do these at the beginning of the party OR during the parades/shows.
10. Pace Yourself
There’s so much to see and do, it can feel overwhelming. Decide your top priorities — whether it’s characters, rides, shows, or candy — and focus on those. That way, you won’t feel rushed and can enjoy the Halloween magic at your own pace. I HIGHLY recommend utilizing the app to navigate it all !
Bonus Tip:
This event is super popular and often sells out, so book your tickets early. And if planning feels overwhelming, I’d love to help you with all the details — from tickets to resort stays to dining reservations — so you can focus on the fun! Countless families already trust me with their vacation planning — here’s why so many choose me to handle their Disney trips. I’d love to do the same for you!!
FAQ
Q: What time does Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) start, and when can I enter the park?
A: MNSSHP is a separately ticketed event held on select nights at Magic Kingdom. The party officially starts at 7:00 PM, but guests with a party ticket may enter as early as 4:00 PM using their MNSSHP ticket.
Q: Are there costume rules for adults and kids at MNSSHP?
A: Yes—Disney allows both adults and children to wear costumes during MNSSHP, but there are guidelines to follow:
Costumes must be family-friendly; they may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent
No full-face masks for guests ages 14 and up; your face must be visible. Face paint and makeup are okay.
Costumes that drag on the ground are not allowed.
Props resembling realistic weapons, or large accessories that might be a safety hazard, are prohibited.
Layered costumes or those with many pieces might be subject to extra screening.
Q: What does my MNSSHP ticket include? What exclusive perks do I get?
A: Here’s what you can expect with a MNSSHP ticket:
Entry to Magic Kingdom specifically for that party night, including early entry starting at about 4 PM.
Special, exclusive entertainment: the “Boo-To-You” Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks are only available during the party.
Character meet-and-greets, including rare characters or characters in Halloween attire.
Trick-or-treating at stations throughout the park. Free treat bags, and candy is included.
Party-exclusive photo ops / Magic Shots with special Halloween overlays and settings.
Access to Halloween-themed snacks, treats, and merchandise that are only offered during the event.
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