Summer’s almost over but don’t be sad — that means it’s almost time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. We’ve got a ton of information on this year’s party, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you’ve got more, please leave them in the comments.
Tickets are already on sale and Disney is beginning to release schedules for the Halloween festivities (with more to come the closer we get). Here’s what partygoers can count on so far:
The Sanderson Sisters are back! This year they’ll be joined by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other Disney villains in this not-to-be missed show featuring songs, dances and spells. The show is scheduled to take place several times nightly, as follows:
- September 2 – September 13: 9:15 PM,10:40 PM and Midnight
- September 16 – September 30: 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight
- October 1 – 31: 7:45 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight
Cadaver Dans
Located in Frontierland and seen as part of the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, the Cadaver Dans will take you through rousing renditions of spooky Disney classics like “Grim Grinning Ghosts”, “Cruella DeVil” and the “Oogie Boogie Song” among others.
- September 2 – October 31: In Frontierland at 7:15 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:55 PM and 10:50 PM
Lead by the Headless Horseman, this eerie but fun parade featuring ghosts and ghouls from the Haunted Mansion takes place twice nightly.
- September 2 – September 30: 8:30 PM and 11:15 PM
- October 1 – October 31: 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM
Celebrate the Magic
Cinderella’s Castle will be magically transformed with Halloween-inspired scenes featuring Disney Villains.
- September 2 – October 31: 10:00 PM
Disney Villains and the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion welcome guests to a spooky version of the Magic Kingdom’s much-loved evening fireworks display, set to the soundtrack of Disney’s scarier songs.
- September 2 – October 31: 10:15 PM
Other events and sights to see at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Trick or treating for visitors both young and old.
- Special Character Meets – These are incredibly popular and lines form early. Available in 2015: Jack Skellington and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, Jafar, Cruella De Vil, the Queen of Hearts, and Lotso, as well as many other regular characters.
- The Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball and the Toy Story Dance Party are a character dance parties last held in 2014, and are scheduled nightly from 7 PM to Midnight, but no further information has been given as yet.
- PhotoPass photographers will take Magic Shots during the party. When you look at your pictures, you’ll see something magically inserted into the shot with you… maybe a ghost or two!
- Exclusive merchandise
- An exclusive Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide and Map 2016
Download the PDF here. Click on images below for full resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party, do I need to have a Park ticket for the Magic Kingdom for that day as well?
A: No. You do not need a park ticket in addition to the special event ticket to attend the Halloween Party, which officially begins at 7 PM — however party guests have traditionally been allowed into the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 PM.
Q: Can I enter the Park at 4 PM, leave and come back?
You can, because you’ll be given a special Party wristband. But you’ll be giving up valuable Park time if you do.
Q: Do they really make non-Party guests leave Magic Kingdom at 7 PM?
Yes. As it gets closer to 7 PM, Cast Members will start reminding everyone not wearing a wristband that they must leave before the Party begins. Once 7 PM comes, Cast Members will start escorting anyone without a wristband out of the Park. You’ll always hear stories of people who claim they were able to sneak past the CMs and stay, but some of those may be exaggerated, and besides, you don’t want to be that guy, do you?
Q: What if I’ve got an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) at a Magic Kingdom restaurant like Be Our Guest at 6 PM? They’re not going to cut my dinner short, are they?
Definitely not. But when you are finished and leave the restaurant, you’ll be escorted to the gate.
Q: Will I be able to make FastPass+ selections for attractions during the Halloween Party?
No, but also kind of yes.
No — there are no FastPass+ selections available during the Party, between 7 PM and Midnight. The good news is, you won’t need them. Ride lines tend to be much shorter during holiday parties because guests are busy with other activities, like special character meet and greets, trick or treating, and the parades. So it’s a great time to ride your favorite attraction an extra time or two. Make sure to visit Haunted Mansion, of course, which is extra spooky this time of year.
BUT… you can make FastPass+ selections between 4 PM and 7 PM on those days, since Party ticket holders are allowed in the gates early at 4 PM, before the official event starts.
Q: What is the costume policy for guests at Magic Kingdom and for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Can we dress up?
A: This is an important question, as Disney has changed their policy regarding costumes recently. Here are the guidelines — note that the rules for guests 14 years and older are stricter than they were in the past.
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.
Costumes 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.
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
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 light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
May not wear masks of any kind.
Q: Are the special character meet and greet lines long during the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
YES. In past years both the Seven Dwarves meet and Jack Skellington & Sally’s in particular had lengthy, lengthy lines. If these character meets are important to you, get there early — as in, before the party starts early.
Q: Where is the best place to find exclusive merchandise during the party?
A: One of the easiest places to find items is The Emporium, but check out Big Top Souvenirs as well.
Q: How do I get tickets?
A; Tickets start at $72 for adults and $67 for kids and rise closer to $100 as Halloween nears. Click here for more details, and to purchase tickets now.
Tastefully appointed Disney touches throughout the development: Golden Oak does scream “Disney”, but it whispers it ever-so-elegantly. This bronze sculpture of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a favorite.
Sales of homes at Disney’s exclusive Florida community are doing quite well. Named after the Walt Disney Company’s California ranch, the original projections for the gated community expected these costly retreats to mostly function as vacation homes. But most buyers are moving to the Mouse full-time, prompting Disney to urge realtors to market the remaining properties in the 300-home development to families. (I can’t imagine it’ll be a hard sell — where else can Disney-obsessed millionaires live out their fantasies?)
