After a magical week at Disney World, I’m back to share fun and helpful tips for families considering Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Of course, getting there involves two decisions: Are we even going to Walt Disney World? And should we splurge on the extra cost of the party? While my answers will always be yes, I understand that sometimes it’s just not possible. So, if you’re in the yes crowd—or even on the fence—here’s what I learned and how you can make the most of your experience.
FIRST, WHAT IS IT?
If you’re new to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, here’s your crash course. This frightfully fun, separately ticketed event takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom through October 31, 2025. Tickets sell out quickly, so grab them early! Keep in mind, prices also rise the closer it gets to Halloween.
During the party, guests can enjoy shorter wait times for rides, trick-or-treat trails, special character meet-and-greets, festive fireworks, the iconic Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, exclusive snacks and treats, and more.
IT’S REALLY NOT-SO-SCARY
As the catchy tune from the Boo-to-You Parade reminds us, the evening truly isn’t scary for little ones. Of course, every child is different, but you won’t find jump scares or overly gruesome costumes here. Disney enforces strict costume guidelines for all guests, ensuring the night stays a lighthearted Halloween celebration the whole family can enjoy.
COSTUMES = COMFORTABLE
When it comes to costumes, comfort is key—for both kids and adults. Princess dresses are adorable, but if they drag on the ground, they can become a tripping hazard or just plain uncomfortable. We’ve even seen guests pin up their costumes mid-party to make them easier to wear.
Another tip: dress for the weather. Florida is still hot and humid in September and October, and sudden rain showers are common. While elaborate costumes are fun to see, lightweight, breathable outfits will help everyone enjoy the evening without overheating.
VISITING TREAT TRAILS
For many kids, the trick-or-treat trails are the highlight of the night—and for good reason. Each stop hands out heaping amounts of candy! While every guest receives a complimentary treat bag at the entrance (or pick up stop in the park), they’re on the small side and fill up quickly. To make things easier, bring along a larger bag to dump candy into once the starter bag gets heavy.
Pro tip: If your crew can wait, save the treat trails for later in the evening. That way, you won’t be lugging around bags of candy all night long.
OH, THE RAIN!
Back to that Florida weather: it rains—sometimes a lot. And yes, it can impact the party. The Headless Horseman may not ride before the parade, outdoor entertainment might move inside, and parades can switch to a “rainy day” version (which is still magical and, honestly, even more interactive). Outdoor rides will close during storms, and fireworks won’t go on if thunder is in the area. While Disney does everything possible to keep the fun going, safety comes first—so some experiences may be delayed or canceled. Stay in the loop through the My Disney Experience app and park announcements. Full party cancellations are rare, so pack ponchos and roll with the changes.
During our party, a rainstorm hit early in the evening. Entertainment shifted indoors, the Headless Horseman stayed backstage, and we got the rainy day parade. It only ran once that night—and stepped off early to protect performers—but it was still unforgettable.
Overall, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is absolutely worth it if you’re visiting Disney in the fall. For those of us who’d rather skip the haunted houses designed to terrify, this party is the perfect mix of spooky and fun. Next on my bucket list? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Let the manifesting commence! Until then—happy haunts!
