It’s officially fall at Walt Disney World! While the weather may not agree, the gift shops and décor say it is, and that means Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is in full swing! When asked if the party is “worth it,” I always answer with a resounding yes! Now, I will say that as the price continues to rise, I may change my mind if the offerings don’t rise, as well, but for now, I say put it on your itinerary. Once you do, here are a few tips to make the most of your not-so-scary night.

For those unfamiliar, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is a hard ticket event offered on select nights in September and October at the Magic Kingdom. A hard ticket event is an event offered outside the regular park operating hours that requires the purchase of a separate ticket in order to take part. MNSSHP offers guests of all ages the chance to dress-up, trick-or-treat and enjoy party-exclusive shows, events, merchandise and even food.

MNSSHP Images by Jessica Ma'ilo001

Get Park Wise: Hard ticket events can get a little spendy, so take advantage of military, annual passholder, DVC or advance ticket discounts if they apply for your chosen party date.

Here are my top 5 tips for a successful Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

Get In Early

While the party officially begins at 7:00 P.M., MNSSHP guests have unofficially been able to enter the party at 4:00 for years. Your miles may vary, but it’s a pretty safe bet to plan your strategy around the 4:00 entry. Use this time before the party starts to ride a few rides, grab a few snapshots in your costume at any fall décor already visible or grab a bite to eat.

Characters

Here’s the real advantage to getting in early – character lines! If you have a rare character you’re dying to meet, such as Jack Skellington or the Seven Dwarfs, you’ll want to pony up to the line around 5:30. Yes, you will be standing in line for an hour and a half, but you won’t be wasting precious party time doing so. You’ll be able to get through with your meet fairly quickly, then onward to the party-specific fun!

MNSSHP Images by Jessica Ma'ilo005

Merchandise

If you’ve got your eye on a specific party pin or hard-to-get shirt size, you may want to make a merch stop early in the evening. We always get too excited about the party and remember to grab souvenirs as midnight is near, and it’s gotten us a in the rear end a couple times by way of being stuck in a crazy crowded gift shop with everyone else who forgot or making it to the shop after midnight and not being allowed in. If the goods are on your must-have list, stop in early!

MNSSHP Images by Jessica Ma'ilo004

Get Park Wise: If you’re a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom player (or hoping to make your million selling on ebay), you’ll want to line up for the special ticket early in your evening, as well.

Rides

I don’t necessarily suggest using MNSSHP to ride since there are so many opportunities only available during the party, but Haunted Mansion is a must-do, as the cast members are extra haunted, and the whole area has a great atmosphere during the party. Pirates of the Caribbean also takes on an eerie persona on party nights. I suggest trying these during a parade, but if you’ve done all you had on your list by 11:30, that’s a great time to sneak in a couple of rides, as the younger set have already left or are on their way out.

MNSSHP Images by Jessica Ma'ilo003

Get Park Wise: Party guests with their tickets linked in My Disney Experience have been able to use it to schedule FastPass+ between 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.

 

Parades and Fireworks

Both are not to be missed! Boo to You! steps off twice on party nights. Take advantage of the (at least slightly) less crowded second showing. This serves double duty, as you can get in some other events or rides while a good portion of party guests are watching the early parade. Be sure to get a spot in front of the Castle for Happy HalloWishes, as the Castle itself plays a part in the show. If you’re close to the hub, you can also catch the new Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular featuring the Sanderson Sisters! Yes, you read that right! The Hocus Pocus gals are invading Magic Kingdom, and I’m pretty pumped about it!

MNSSHP Images by Jessica Ma'ilo002

 

Are the offerings of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party worth the price for you? What are your tips for tackling Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

 

fgt

[email protected]

Jessica Ma'ilo
Jessica is a special education teacher by day and blogger and Fairy Godmother Travel agent by evening. When not supervising play dates or sleepovers, she can be found creating, sewing or singing. She loves hitting the Disney Parks, and she and her family escape to the World and Land as often as they can. She can be contacted at [email protected], and you can also check out her family blog, Magic, Memories, Mayhem.