Fall offers a variety of festivities, leading to a busy, albeit fun, season. For busy families, Disney World offers a one-stop option to pack in a season’s worth of fun.
Whether fall has you overwhelmed or you would like to add some extra seasonal fun to your schedule, Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) can give you the celebration you want without the chaos.
MNSSHP is a separate ticketed event from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. in the Magic Kingdom, although you are allowed entrance into the park as early as 4 p.m. without purchasing an additional same-day park ticket or having to make a park reservation. If you have a park ticket and reservation for the day of the party, you must also purchase the MNSSHP event ticket if you attend. The event sells out, so you will have to purchase tickets ahead of time and most likely will not be able to purchase tickets the day of the event.
The Magic Kingdom will be adorned with fall décor to enjoy during the daylight and with some decorations lit at night. Party activities include a show on the castle stage featuring the Sanderson Sisters from the movie Hocus Pocus and other Disney villains, a fireworks display hosted by Jack Skellington from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, a Boo-to-You Halloween parade, access to select rides with some rides having a special overlay, characters dressed in Halloween costumes for photo opportunities, photo spots for picture taking (including some with special effects), trick-or-treat stations, and a dancing location with Disney Junior characters. Adults and children may dress up, but everyone must adhere to costume guidelines.
There is a lot to experience and limited time to do as much as possible. You will have to prioritize and plan for this event the same way you would for a park day. Here are some tips to make it a successful one-stop family event.
Disney World's Halloween Party Strategies For Everyone:
Take time to review the guidelines regarding when you are allowed to enter the park for the event and the costume guidelines prior to the event.
Plan to be in the park on the day of the party for ease or make plans to arrive by 4 p.m.
Plan to eat dinner before the party or quickly during it so you do not lose party time.
On the day of the party, obtain your wristband that allows you entrance into the event prior to the party if you are already in the Magic Kingdom; ask a cast member where to go inside of the park to obtain your wristband, party guide with information, and trick-or-treating bag.
Review the party guide listing the times for the castle show and fireworks, candy locations, and character opportunities and adjust your tentative schedule as necessary.
Choose 1-2 characters that are at the top of your wish list and attempt to get those character pictures. A good strategy might be to stand in line when line queues open for the event and wait for a character then do pictures later when it is dark.
The lines at trick-or-treat stations usually move quickly, so you can do those as you come across them in the park.
If you want to ride Tron Lightcycle / Run, you will need to enter a virtual queue, which opens at 6 p.m.
Overall, try for 1-2 characters, 1-2 pictures, a castle show, fireworks, parade, and candy.
Historically, most people have worn costumes. Many of the costumes are Disney themed. The challenge is wearing something that adheres to the guidelines, is not too hot to wear in the Florida heat and is not too cumbersome to wear at the park. This will take some planning. If you do not have the time or energy for this, at least wear a Disney fall-themed shirt, such as a Mickey-shaped pumpkin shirt. This is a great option to participate in the festivities with minimal fuss and to stay as cool as possible during the day, but people who do not wear anything fall-related seem to be out of place. You can be as creative or as minimalist as you want but do go dressed in some way for the party.
It will still be hot at night during the party. Your candy might get slightly melty. People still eat it and enjoy it.
The party can feel busy, and it is easy to be overwhelmed attempting to get everything accomplished. It most likely will be sold out. Everything will turn out fine if you do some basic planning ahead of time.
If you want special or rare character photo opportunities, you will spend a lot of time in line waiting, so you must be willing to forego some other things at the party. You will have to make choices as you will not get to do everything at the party.
If you can afford it, it might be worthwhile to attend two MNSSHP events. This greatly reduces the stress of cramming in as much as possible during one event. It also allows you to dedicate one party to standing in long lines for character photos and enjoying other attractions at another party. This is also a good option if you have a busy schedule and the party is your one chance for fall fun. If you book early, you have a chance to purchase two events within a few days of one another so you can attend both during your visit.
If you are not ready to go to a MNSSHP but go to the Magic Kingdom in the fall (August through October), check that one of the parties is not on the same date as your Magic Kingdom day, or plan to leave early as the park will close for those not attending the party. You will have to park hop to another park or plan to choose another park for your visit that day.
Disney World's Halloween Party Strategies For Families with Children:
Dressing up and getting candy are probably must-dos. Plan far enough in advance so you can decide to dress up individually or do a group costume. Many families do Disney-themed costumes, so if you need ideas, this is a good place to start brainstorming.
Disney provides treat bags, so there is no need to add stress by packing a treat container.
Children might want to explore the dance party with Junior characters, ride some of the available rides, and take in the atmosphere and decorations. They might also be interested in taking time to sit and eat some of their candy.
It might be more of an opportunity to spend quality time together in a Halloween-themed atmosphere rather than getting in a long list of activities available at the party. There is nothing wrong with this. Enjoying quality time as a family at this fall event is why you are going to the party!
Disney World's Halloween Party Strategies For Adults or Couples:
For adults attending the party, their itinerary might look somewhat busier. It is easy to let the event become stressful, so plan well and do not attempt to do everything.
Because it is easier for adults to stand in long lines, you have a chance to see more characters for special photo opportunities.
As an adult, you also have the ability to stay to the end of the party for some extra ride time.
Do not spend a lot of time eating candy. Take it back to the room to enjoy or enjoy it throughout your visit. While families are taking a break and eating candy, you can enjoy rides or other attractions.
Understand that adults are not out of place at this event, and they are not out of place trick-or-treating. You are at Disney; being a kid at heart is the norm.
Adults wear costumes (or at least a Disney fall-themed shirt).
With a little planning and these Disney World Halloween party strategies, the party can be fun and you will feel that you were able to accomplish most of your goals. Do not stress about doing everything; enjoy the fun atmosphere with your family.
