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Trick or Treat! Your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Park Plan

by Mommy Frog on September 13, 2023 50 Orlando

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Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a popular, separately ticked event held at Magic Kingdom on select nights from Aug. 11 to Nov. 1, 2023. This is one of our favorite events at Walt Disney World with unique characters, trick-or-treating, special entertainment and more. Get ready because tickets are on sale now ... and as an extra treat, Undercover Tourist has them at a discount! With so much offered in a limited timeframe, we've created this party park plan to give you the best strategies for maximizing your time at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Park Plan – Vanellope in the Boo-to-You Parade

Overview of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Park Plan

While we have our full guide to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we wanted to break down our strategies for attending this popular event. The party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, and you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. With the party ticket allowing eight hours total in the park, it can be almost an entire day in itself! There's a lot to do at these parties and those prime party hours will fly by.

We created this party park plan to help maximize your time and experience the lowest wait times. (We have park plans for a regular day at the theme parks as well!). This plan helps with the approximate order to follow, as well as general strategies.

Inclement weather can change the best laid-out plans, causing modifications, delays or cancellations for select entertainment, and impacting outdoor rides, treat trails and character greetings. In such cases, you must go with the flow and make the best out of it!

Overall, our best advice is to prioritize what's most important to YOU! Be sure to modify when needed to help align with your family's priorities.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - Park Plan

If you're looking for a downloadable version of this park plan to take with you to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we've got you covered. You can download it here! Hoppy Halloween!

Arriving at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

1. Arrive Early

With a party ticket, guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m., three hours before the party officially starts. Allow extra time for taking Disney transportation or parking at the Transportation & Ticket Center, and going through security and the entrance touchpoints. Expect to see a large crowd waiting if arriving close to 4 p.m. and allow for about 15 minutes to reach the turnstiles.

This first step is a crucial one, as you don't want to be wasting party time later trying to enter the park.

2. Grab Your Wristband

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Park Plan - Getting Wristband at Entry

Once you arrive at the Magic Kingdom entrance, head to the specific touchpoints for party attendees. It's usually the touchpoints on the righthand side — keep an eye out for signage and cast member directions to be sure you're in the correct spot.

If you’re already in the park before 4 p.m. as a daytime guest, go to a wristband distribution location, between 4-7 p.m. so you can stay inside the park. There are wristband locations in Adventureland (across from Pirates of the Caribbean), Tomorrowland (across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor), Fantasyland (in front of Mickey's PhilharMagic) and in Chamber of Commerce (next to City Hall).

Pre-Party Time at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

3. Meet Jack Skellington and Sally First

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Park Plan — Kid meeting Jack and Sally

Due to their popularity, the "Nightmare Before Christmas" duo typically starts greeting guests with party wristbands at 4:30 p.m., so hop in line at Town Square Theater as soon as you enter the park at 4 p.m. to be near the front of the line. Cast members allow people to line up as soon as they see the first wristband.

Hop tip: If there's already a line when you arrive, double-check how long the line is with a cast member. The line quickly builds, so if it's too long by the time you ask, come back just before the first parade starts. We've seen it come down to about an hour since everyone else is waiting for the parade.

4. Hit the Rides and Join the Virtual Queue

If your party focus is on special entertainment, characters and trick-or-treating, go on rides now. Not all rides and shows are open during the party, so make sure to prioritize if you don’t want to miss out on any later. Unavailable attractions include the Carousel of Progress, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island. Save any rides with special overlays for the party.

New this year, TRON Lightcycle Run is available during the party via a virtual queue! Guests with a party ticket have an opportunity to join the virtual queue at 6 p.m. through the My Disney Experience app (you do not need to be inside Magic Kingdom to join, but everyone must have their party tickets linked). We were able to confirm our party shortly before and then secure a boarding group right at 6 p.m. The virtual queue filled up within a minute, so you'll want to be prepared.

5. Eat Dinner

Foodie Guide to Halloween at Disney World - Mickey Cinnamon Roll

The party is packed with fun festivities all night long. Take the extra time to sit down and fuel up before the party starts. Because time is limited, we recommend a quick-service spot, such as Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café or Casey's Corner. There's a good amount of Halloween treats available during regular hours so you can start on the sweets as well, such as the delicious Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll from Main Street Bakery! Check out the full Halloween menus at Magic Kingdom for more details!

6. Visit Standard Characters 

While nearly every character during the party will be exclusive (either in a Halloween costume or a rarely seen character), certain characters wear the same outfit during the day and the party — such as Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella and Elena in Princess Fairytale Hall. You may want to save party time by meeting them between 4-7 p.m.

There are also certain characters that meet during the day but do not meet during the party, including Peter Pan, Snow White and Merida. If those characters are a priority, be sure to use your pre-party time to meet them (the characters from "Peter Pan" are always a great group costume idea!).

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

7. Get Exclusive Treats and Merch Early

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Jack and Sally cake pops

In past years, some special treats and merchandise may draw long lines and sell out early in the night. If you're eyeing a special item, be sure to grab it early just in case, so you don't regret missing it later! Note that food mobile ordering is not available during the party.

8. Prioritize Characters

Mickey's Not-So Scary Characters — The Seven Dwarfs

If you must visit a certain character, be sure to do so earlier in the night, as some may leave their location to be in the parade or cut off the line 30 minutes before the party ends. Characters may also take breaks so remember to pack your patience when waiting in line. Double-check with a cast member to find out how long a line is (you can also see wait times for the Seven Dwarfs and Jack and Sally in the My Disney Experience app). For a full list of character locations, hop over to our blog!

9. Watch the First Parade in Town Square

weens and Teens at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - Headless Horseman Trotting Down Main Street

For a good view with shorter notice, grab a spot in front of the Walt Disney World Railroad station. While you wait, the Headless Horseman gallops along the entire parade route about 15-20 minutes before the rest of the parade. Here in this spot, you'll also be able to participate in a vibrant dance party with Powerline Max from "A Goofy Movie," which hoppens in Main Street, U.S.A. minutes before the parade reaches the area.

10. Find a Spot for Fireworks

Once the parade is over, move as close as you can to Cinderella Castle for the fireworks show so you can have a better view of the projections. Just know that people may stay in their spots after the first parade, so the hub will remain crowded.

11. Trick or Treat Later

There can be long lines for the treat trails early on, so focus on the rest of your plan and trick or treat later with little to no wait.

12. Circle Back to Characters and Sprinkle in Your Favorite Rides

With the remaining time left, catch any characters you may have missed and go on your favorite rides — both of which usually have lower wait times as the night goes on.

13. Finish the Night with the Sanderson Sisters

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

By watching the last stage show of the night, you get to stay past the official party time to close out the park with the Sanderson sisters and their villainous friends. (It's one of our all-time favorite shows at Disney World, so we can't think of a better way to end the night!)

We hope this helps you plan out your time at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Let us know your family's strategies in the comments below!

Related: Your Complete Guide to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Feb 4, 2024 at 12:11 p.m. Tracy Allan Says...

This is a great guide. Thank you for creating this. We are going this year at the end of October. Do you have a planning list of which party nights are less busy? Is there such a thing? X

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Feb 6, 2024 at 12:13 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tracy!

In recent years, all parties tend to sell out, so crowds are fairly the same throughout the season. Tuesdays and Thursdays might see slightly lower crowds than compared to Fridays and Sundays, but it may not make that much of a noticeable difference.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 15, 2023 at 6:49 p.m. Kathy Says...

I have been reading all about the Halloween Party, but there is so much I don't think I will remember everything. Is there some kind of pamphlet that is available?

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Aug 15, 2023 at 2:32 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kathy!

We toadally get it - there is so much spooktacular fun going on! Yes, when you enter the park, there are party pamphlets available. We also have printable versions of this park plan so you can screenshot, download or print them to take with you. Have fun!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 5, 2022 at 2:58 a.m. Michelle D. Says...

Thanks for the guide! We are attending for the first time on 10/14. So excited!

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Sep 25, 2022 at 9:33 p.m. Travel and Foodie Warriors Says...

Hopefully we’ll make it to MNSSHP soon!

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Sep 25, 2022 at 11:14 a.m. Joyce Didomenico Says...

Has Disney’s soaring prices been stopping you from your family traditions of celebrating Halloween with The Mouse. We’ll beat them at their game! Hop over to Undercovertourist.com. The Frog will help you save your money and your family traditions! I use this site for all my Orlando vacation books it is awesome

Reply
Sep 25, 2022 at 1:02 a.m. Jammie Says...

We have ALWAYS wanted to attend this event! This is a WONDERFUL guide!!!

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Sep 24, 2022 at 8:39 p.m. Laura Deitrick Says...

I'd love to win!!

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Sep 24, 2022 at 6:26 p.m. Aaron NEALE Says...

Has anyone ever gone during thanksgiving week? Is it really packed?

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Sep 26, 2022 at 8:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Aaron!

Thanksgiving at Disney World can be one of the busiest weeks of the year, though we have some tips if you're going during this busy time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 24, 2022 at 6:18 p.m. Courtney Says...

I love this event! My sister and nephew are going this year and I’m sooooo jealous!

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Sep 24, 2022 at 6:12 p.m. Sheryl Owens Says...

What a great step by step plan but with wiggle room for unforeseen circumstances!

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Sep 24, 2022 at 6:09 p.m. Ginna Henderson Says...

Can’t wait to go!

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Sep 24, 2022 at 6:06 p.m. Kathi Jackson Says...

This looks like so much fun. Love it

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Sep 13, 2022 at 8:55 p.m. Tammy James-Schneider Says...

We bought tickets here with the frog, found them to be a good savings but could not get tickets to the Halloween party, it was sold out when we were at WDW. Loved reading what the party offered here tho!!

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Sep 13, 2022 at 4:27 p.m. Brittney Blackett Says...

So on my bucket list! This sounds like so much fun! Hopefully someday!

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Sep 12, 2022 at 2:37 a.m. melissa Says...

We were in Disneyland last fall and watching all the costumes were AMAZiNG!!!! People and whole families went all out. It was so fun to see.

Reply
Sep 11, 2022 at 3:40 p.m. Mitch GayNYCDad Says...

We went once as a family and it was wonderful. Although I may have been too candy focused!

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Sep 11, 2022 at 11:43 a.m. Christine Richetti Says...

I’ve wondered if this was worth the hype. Seems

Like it is!

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Sep 8, 2022 at 1:27 p.m. Robert Fedrick Says...

So awesome!

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Sep 5, 2022 at 8:43 p.m. NuttMeg5 Says...

This is on my bucket list! After party's look so fun

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Sep 4, 2022 at 6:31 p.m. Kristin Rummer Says...

Soooo FUN!!!

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Sep 4, 2022 at 2:48 p.m. Diana G Says...

All great tips! We found the picture opportunities quite nice too.

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Sep 4, 2022 at 2:45 p.m. Katherine Leipold Says...

We love Disney!

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Sep 4, 2022 at 3:47 a.m. CHRISTIE MADSEN Says...

This is going to be so fun!

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Sep 2, 2022 at 1:55 p.m. Patti Says...

These are great tips! Thanks so much!

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Sep 2, 2022 at 10:08 a.m. Kristy Anderson Says...

This is on my bucket list!

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Sep 2, 2022 at 5:03 a.m. Donny L Says...

I’ve never been during Halloween season but would love to go!

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Sep 2, 2022 at 3:53 a.m. Jacquie Says...

Ah this looks fun! Thanks

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Sep 2, 2022 at 2:17 a.m. Lisa Says...

They give awesome candy

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Sep 2, 2022 at 1:05 a.m. ShayH Says...

I've done the Christmas party but never the Halloween one. I can't wait to experience this one soon.

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Sep 1, 2022 at 9:42 p.m. Carol Hawkins Says...

I have gone twice through the years. My family loved trick or treating and the parade as well as the fireworks. We have never managed to see the Sanderson Sisters. It is a fun event and I agree you need to start early.

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Sep 1, 2022 at 9:03 p.m. Claire Handler Says...

This can get anyone excited for Halloween season! Such a fun way to see Disney!! Love your guide details

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Sep 1, 2022 at 8:25 p.m. Meredith Says...

So much entertainment for one party! There is something for everyone

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Sep 1, 2022 at 8:25 p.m. Says...

Love the Halloween Party. The treat bags are too small … bring your own … lol

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Sep 1, 2022 at 7:28 p.m. Taylor Cook Says...

So exciting! I haven’t done Disney at Halloween before it’s my favorite holiday to decorate for!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 6:45 p.m. KellyG10 Says...

So exciting! Thank you!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 6:37 p.m. Cathy Baker Says...

Special spooky treats are my favorite!!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 6:19 p.m. Angela Isbell Says...

Would love to be able to do this, just to expensive for a party of seven with littles who probably couldn't hang.

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Sep 1, 2022 at 5:58 p.m. Romanmagictravel Says...

You can start the fun at 4 o’clock.

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Sep 1, 2022 at 5:54 p.m. Quilting by the creek Says...

I would LOVE to go to this!!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 5:48 p.m. Diannee Says...

The Headless Horseman is my favorite! i was so blown away the first time I saw him.

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Sep 1, 2022 at 5:28 p.m. SC4Real Says...

Get spooked

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Sep 1, 2022 at 5:07 p.m. Kevin Collins Says...

This looks so AWESOME!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 5:01 p.m. Emily Walters Says...

Love the parties!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 4:56 p.m. Stephanie Says...

Looks like fun?!

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Sep 1, 2022 at 4:40 p.m. Donnie hodges Says...

good deals

Reply
Sep 1, 2022 at 4:36 p.m. Jesse Says...

Be super cool to win as we've never been to Disney.

Reply
Sep 1, 2022 at 4:34 p.m. Lori waggerby Says...

So excited to go this year!! Thanks for all the info!

Reply
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