How MVT Does Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Halfway to Halloween means we’re officially gearing up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

This past fall, we shared a first-timer’s experience with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – from navigating entry, to the transition from day-to-night guests, exclusive event offerings and everything in-between.

Now that Halfway to Halloween is here, our agents are gearing up to book resorts and party tickets for what has become one of the most popular annual events at Walt Disney World.

As we wait for party dates and ticket releases to be announced, we’ve pulled together a few of our top tips for making the most of your Halloween party experience.

As a special-ticketed event, only party guests will be allowed to stay in the park for the evening festivities. While day guests are escorted out by about 6p.m., partygoers can enter the park as early as 4p.m. to get a head start on snacks and attractions before spooky hour strikes.

“Absolutely come for 4p.m entry”, said Agent Nicole M., who also recommends being smart about any costume choices you may be planning. “Avoid wigs or heavy costumes if you’re going in the hotter months…. or altogether, because it is Florida!”

Once you enter the park, you’ll be outfitted with an event wristband, program and trick-or-treat bag. Regardless of when you arrive, be sure to take some time to map out your “must-do” items for the evening. Decide on showtimes, parades, attractions and food so you’re less surprised as midnight creeps up on you.

Trust us when we say time speeds up once the party begins, and it’s easy to miss some of the most memorable parts of the event if you go in without a strategy.

As soon as the event starts, the park is transformed. Cast member outfits get a festive makeover, attraction overlays kick in, and event-exclusive menus come out to play.

And while we’re just as eager to jump on rides or secure a good spot for live performances, our agents urge clients not to skip out on PhotoPass opportunities only available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

“The Magic Shots at the party are always next-level!” said Agent Jess of the PhotoPass perks that superimpose festive characters and flourishes to your photos before they reach the My Disney Experience App.

Be ready, though, if photo ops are high on your priority list. Certain PhotoPass stops will be particularly busy, especially right when the night kicks off.

“If you want the exclusive magic shots available during the party, the crowds will be highest on Main Street at the start,” said Agent Sharon. “Head over to the Haunted Mansion first. There are usually two available Magic Shots, one of which is the Headless Horseman.”

If you’re excited about collecting photos to commemorate the night, don’t forget that PhotoPass images have not traditionally been included in the cost of your party ticket. You’ll want to opt for a Memory Maker package for at least the day-of to avoid paying individually for each picture.

The Boo To You Parade earns a resounding “YES” from almost everyone who has experienced it at Magical Vacations Travel.

Traditionally performed twice at each party, the parade’s catchy tune and beloved characters have become reason enough for us to buy our tickets year after year.

“I just love the Boo To You Parade so much!” said Jess. “My favorite place to watch is in Liberty Square where they turn the corner, because it feels like you get extra time to watch as they make the turn. It’s especially great with the Gravediggers!”

From the moment the Headless Horseman saunters solo down the route, to Oogie Boogie’s overt dancing and the Gravediggers’ synchronized shovels along the ground, it’s truly worth every second.

In fact, several of our agents have said they prioritize watching both showtimes in one night… it’s that good.

If two parade viewings aren’t in the cards for your night, consider whether the earlier or later show is best for your group.

“Know that the second parade crowds are thinner due to younger families watching the first,” said Nicole. If your kiddos can last, or you’re enjoying the night as Disney adults, we’d recommend holding out for the later performance and using the earlier time to hop on a few extra rides.

There’s a reason this party has become notorious for selling out. The entertainment, characters and festive park makeover have been executed so well, and with such detail, that you can’t help but get into the spooky spirit.

Surrounded by so much hype, we urge clients considering Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to get tickets as early as possible.

I’ve seen too many clients disappointed because they put off buying tickets and they sell out,” said Agent Desiree. “If you’re worried about the additional cost, remember you can enter the park at 4p.m., so take advantage of that extra time. You’ll not only save a little money because you won’t need a park ticket for that day, but you can use time earlier in the day exploring Disney Springs, or resting up at the resort and preparing for your fun, late night.”

Historically, the first and last nights of the event sell out first – due at least in part to influencers who want to get and share the insider scoop before anybody else.

If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World this fall and are interested in attending, get on our waitlist now so you’re at the top of mind for our agents when dates and tickets are released.

So what did we miss? What do we need to know or see to make the most of our next trip to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?