Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tips for 2023
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has become a staple at Walt Disney World in the summer and fall. This extra ticket event runs select nights from August through November, and in the past few years every party has sold out. Why is it so popular? I visited one of the first parties this year to see for myself!
Read on for insight on what makes this party so special and frightfully fun. As well as tips and tricks to make the most out of your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party time, depending on your interests and enjoyment.
Entertainment During Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
This hands-down for me is why guests should add Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to their Walt Disney World vacations. The shows and entertainment at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are some of the best I’ve seen at Walt Disney World all year!
Even if you aren’t normally big on castle stage shows or parades, you may find that this is your favorite part of the evening. Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade is so unique and fun that I had to watch it twice. You can tell the performers and entertainment that are part of the show absolutely love their jobs, and that excitement just radiates through guests. I think my favorite floats were the newly added Minnie, Dais, and Clarabelle as the Sanderson sisters, and the hitchhiking ghosts from Haunted Mansion (a classic).
Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade
The later you stay the lower the crowds! The second parade is often much less crowded than the first parade mostly because families with young children sometimes can’t make it that late into the evening. So if you plan on staying all night, the second parade is a great option!
However, a word of caution! Make sure you look ahead at a weather app to check to see if rain is in the forecast. Most of the entertainment at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is weather permitting so if there are thunderstorms or lightning in the forecast for later in the evening, you might want to catch the first parade just in case the second one is canceled due to weather.
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Ready to run amok? Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular might be my favorite element of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. I’m not even personally a hocus-pocus fan (I was a wimp as a child and still hate the thought of that movie…) but this show is a lot of fun and you get to see some unique villain characters that don’t usually appear in Disney parks!
Again, if you can make it for the second or especially the third show crowds will be smaller and you’ll have an easier time viewing the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular from up front. Or you can do what I did and watch Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade from just in front of the castle, and then towards the end of the parade quickly walk right in front of Cinderella‘s castle to claim your spot for the next Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show! Bring a popcorn bucket or a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party exclusive snack, and the time will pass quickly.
Unique Characters
Speaking of unique characters, another great draw of this party is being able to see characters that you would never see otherwise. Meeting all Seven Dwarves at the same time, or Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas are exclusive party meet and greets! The unique characters can be very popular, so work with your Be Our Guest Vacations travel agent to make a plan as to who to line up for first and at what time.
Overall Atmosphere of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
For me one of the draws of this party is just the unique atmosphere in Magic Kingdom. Guests are there to have fun and are extra decked out in their Halloween best. Some guests wear silly Halloween T-shirts or spooky years. While others look as though they could be actual Disney characters their costumes are so elaborate. I really enjoy people watching at this event, and just being with other people in Magic Kingdom made the Halloween party extra fun for me!
Dance Parties
Heading to the party with your littles? Incorporating a dance party or two at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great idea. Burn off some energy and have some fun! If your kids are obsessed with the Disney Channel movies (like mine are) they will love the Zombies dance party in Tomorrowland. And toddlers are sure to enjoy the Disney Junior Jam with one-on-one attention from some of their favorite Disney Junior characters.
Sneak in a Ride on Tron: Lightcycle/Run
The extra bonus no one seems to be talking about is getting in an extra ride on Tron: Lightcycle/Run. The best new attraction at Magic Kingdom! I actually missed out on the virtual queue during my trip and wasn’t able to ride on Tron on my Magic Kingdom days this trip, so I was so excited that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party offered an extra attempt at a virtual queue.
Halloween Party guests can attempt another virtual queue at 6:00 PM for their party night. You do not have to be in the park to attempt this virtual queue. I was able to get a boarding group and was called around 8:30 PM.
My walk-through, pre-ride show and ride experience were about 20-25 minutes total! So not only did I get to ride this amazing attraction at night (which is such an elevated experience!) but the wait time in the virtual queue was pretty minimal for such an incredible attraction.
Purchase Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets in Advance
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2023 and don’t have your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets purchased yet know that as of this date they are sold out for select dates in September and October. But there are few a few parties left with availability!
We strongly advise you purchase your tickets prior to travel because we do anticipate that almost all parties will sell out due to the popularity of this event. Be sure to email your Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional to help with your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket purchase, and they will equip you with your exclusive Be Our Guest Vacations official Halloween party guide. Our guide includes additional tips, tricks and information to help you make the most of your party time!
Thinking ahead and planning a trip in November or December 2023? Start talking with your Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional about whether Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be a fun holiday addition to your Walt Disney World vacation.
And if you are already planning and dreaming of your Fall 2024 Walt Disney World vacation be sure to keep this guide in mind. You can let your Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional know that you’re interested in Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party during your trip and they’ll reach out when party tickets first go on sale! Not yet booked for 2024? Complete a request today and we'll get you in touch with one of our Walt Disney World planning experts!