Everything you need to know about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

If you visit Walt Disney World in the fall, you'll notice Halloween decorations scattered around the Magic Kingdom. If you visit in September or October, you can enjoy those decorations after dark, along with special entertainment, by getting tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
This Magic Kingdom Halloween Party is an extra-cost event that starts after the park closes to the public at night. Even though it starts at 7 p.m., it's a good bargain because your tickets get you in any time after 4 p.m. If you're staying at a hotel or resort with a water park or other amenities or a vacation home with your own pool, you can enjoy a lazy morning and afternoon, then head to the park at 4. That way, you'll have the staying power to stick it out until the midnight closing time.

What's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party like? Since this is Disney, the name says it all. There's nothing scary about it, so it's suitable for even the smallest kids. Even the Disney villains, who come out for a mix and mingle dance party and who have their own parade float, are mischievous but friendly.

One of the best parts of the party is the fact that both kids and adults can wear costumes. It's the only time of year that older kids, teens, and adults can dress up, and they take full advantage of the opportunity. You don't have to be in costume to take part in the trick or treating, though. Bring your own bag or get a free one in the park and hit the trick or treat stations as many times as you wish. You'll recognize them instantly, since they're marked with big, glowing orange globes.

Don't get so busy trick or treating that you miss the entertainment. In addition to the Villains Mix and Mingle on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle, you'll want to hang out in the castle area to see the Celebrate the Memories projection show, followed immediately by the HalloWishes fireworks. It's a holiday version of the usual Wishes show, with a special spooky flair.
The Boo to You Parade is another no-miss part of the entertainment. It runs twice each night and is led both times by the eerie Headless Horseman. Your best bet is to see the second parade because the first one gets very crowded, and you'll have to stake out a spot really early if you want a good view. Many families with young kids leave after the fireworks, so there are usually plenty of great viewing posts for the last parade right up until it kicks off.

This is Disney, so of course plenty of popular characters come out to play. Most are in their Halloween costumes, which makes for some special photo opportunities. You'll have to wait in line for those, but if you want some informal fun, be sure to hit the dance parties. They feature characters like Mike and Sulley from “Monsters Inc.” and Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story” in a laid back setting. The characters come out in the crowd to dance and play with the kids (and even the adults).

Most of the major rides are open during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, too, but don't count on getting a lot of riding done. By the time you see the shows, get photos with the characters, and fill your candy bag until it's overflowing, you'll discover that closing time came all too soon.