Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2016 Guide

Today, I’ve got info for you on the details of what takes place at the party, how much it costs, when it’s held and thoughts on how to create a touring plan to use during the party.

Let’s get started…

What is it?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a party that takes place at Magic Kingdom. Everybody visiting Magic Kingdom in September or October will get to enjoy the decorations in the park but only people attending the party will get to enjoy the special events (details on the events are below).

How much does it cost?

This event is only available to people who have purchased special event tickets. Tickets range in price, depending on the date you attend and if you purchase in advance.

See the calendars below for specifics (click the images to see them larger).

Tickets for 2016 went on sale on May 5 and can be purchased at DisneyWorld.com or by calling 407-WDISNEY.

When is it?

A few nights each week in September and October, Magic Kingdom closes early so that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) can be held from 7 p.m. to midnight (though people with party tickets can enter as early as 4 p.m.).

People often ask me how Disney filters out the non-party goers. The answer is that party attendees are given special bracelets to show that they are attending the party and starting at 7 p.m., Cast Members will usher out anybody who doesn’t have that bracelet.

These are the party dates for 2016:

• September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
• October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Important note! The party will go on regardless of weather so even if it’s pouring down rain, it’ll be taking place. If you don’t want to risk it by purchasing ahead of time (it is during hurricane season, after all), wait until you’re at Disney World to purchase tickets. Some dates do sell out ahead of time but many don’t.

What exactly takes place during the party?

People who attend the party get to take part in special events including:

Trick-or-treating

Everybody is given a bag when entering the party but you can bring your own if you’d like to get more as well.

Go later in the night to avoid lugging around heavy candy, to enjoy shorter lines, because Cast Members seem to be more generous at that time and to allow you to do more important things earlier.

There are trick-or-treat stations as well as 1 trail. To maximize how much candy you can get, visit the trail, located near Storybook Circus.

Costume policy
Disney used to allow everybody to wear costumes during the Halloween party, but the policy is different for 2016.

This is the new policy:

Guests ages 14 and older are strongly discouraged from wearing layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body as they may be subject to additional security screening. Additionally, costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

Due to Florida weather, you might also want to make sure costumes are cool enough to wear in the heat and humidity and something that can easily be covered in a poncho.

Boo-To-You Parade

The parade is held twice during the party (at 8:35 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.). For easiest viewing, go to Frontierland for the second parade. The parade will come through that section about 15 minutes after the official parade start time so keep that in mind when planning.

One thing that’s fantastic to see is the Headless Horseman who appears just before the parade begins.

Celebrate the Magic Villains Style Castle Show

The projection show at the castle takes place at 9:45 p.m. and changes to this villains version for the party.

This show takes place on the stage in front of the castle at 8 p.m., 9:20 p.m., 10:40 p.m., and midnight.

In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!

With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat.

HalloWishes

A special version of Wishes called HalloWishes is shown at 10 p.m. during the party.

The best places to see fireworks are noted on the map below.

 

Character meet-and-greets
There are always chances to meet lots of characters during the party. These were available in 2015:

• Jack Skellington and Sally (in the Storybook Circus area)
• the Seven Dwarfs (in Fantasyland)
• several villains (including Jafar and Cruella De Vil)
• princesses (including the princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall who will meet just like they always do, including Anna and Elsa)
• Queen of Hearts (near Mad Tea Party)
• Gaston (outside Gaston’s Tavern)
• Lotso (in Tomorrowland)

Not available to meet in 2015: the Evil Queen and Maleficent.

Exclusive merchandise
Disney always has exclusive merchandise available to purchase during their parties. The easiest place to find items is usually The Emporium.

Shorter waits for rides
During the party, you can enjoy shorter lines on rides but there are no FastPass+ reservations available and not all rides are open (but most are).

Although I think you should definitely take advantage of the special party events, the ability to walk onto rides is a huge luxury that’s a lot of fun.

One ride you should definitely take advantage of during the party is Haunted Mansion where the maids and butlers are specially dressed for the party, there are storytellers and you can have your pic taken with the hearse driver.

Side note: Magic Kingdom is a great park to visit during the day of a party since less people want to be there due to the early closure. If you show up at 4 p.m., you’ll be able to ride plenty of things between 4 and 7, before the party even begins.

Photo opportunities
PhotoPass photographers will take magical shots during the party where you will pose and when you see the pics afterward, you’ll see something magically inserted into the photo.

 

 

This animated Magic Shot was available in 2015 (only available if you purchased Memory Maker).

Exclusive Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card
Guests attending MNSSHP can pick up an exclusive Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card. This was the card for 2015. The 2016 card has not yet been announced.

 

Get the party map
This was the map for 2015. When the 2016 map is available, I’ll post it here.
How to plan your time

In my opinion, these should be your priorities:

• Meeting popular characters like Jack Skellington and Sally, the 7 Dwarfs, villains, and the princesses
• Boo to You Parade
• Hocus Pocus show, Celebrate the Magic Villains Style Castle Show and HalloWishes fireworks
• Rides
• Candy

To fit it all together, this is how I would plan my time:

• 4:00 – 7:00 – ride rides, eat dinner and then get in line between 5:30 and 6 to meet your highest priority character (the Seven Dwarfs or Jack Skellington & Sally)
• 7:00 – 9:00 – rides, shopping
• 9:00 – 11:00 – Celebrate the Magic Villains Style Castle Show, fireworks, Hocus Pocus show
• 11:00 – midnight – Boo to You Parade at 11:15 p.m., trick-or-treat on the trail and get as much candy as you can, meet more characters with shorter lines

Is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth it?

I think the party is worth it, especially if you consider that you can think of your party ticket as your park ticket for the day but with special entertainment and shorter waits for rides.

For instance, if you’ll be in Disney theme parks for 7 days, you could get 6 day park tickets and tickets to the party. On the party day, you could use the first part of the day to rest or visit Disney Springs, and then go to Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. to use your party ticket.

In general, Tuesdays are the least crowded day to attend overall and September dates are less busy than October dates.

Extra touches

Disney also offers a Happy HalloWishes Dessert Package which provided VIP seating for the parade and a Halloween-themed version of the Tomorrowland Terrace dessert party. It costs $69 for adults and $39 for kids and can be booked online or by calling 407-939-3463.

Another bit of extra magic that could be added if you’re visiting Disney World in September or October is the special in-room celebration called Mickey’s Spooktacular Celebration where your room can be decorated for the occasion.