Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Overview
Our Magical Night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for unique experiences that can brighten our son Eli’s life. This past Halloween, we decided to do something a bit different. Eli isn’t a fan of the spookiness that Halloween often brings, but like most kids, he’s a sucker for trick-or-treating. So, we thought, why not combine the fun of trick-or-treating with a touch of Disney magic? That’s how we found ourselves at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.
This was our fourth visit to Disney World, and to be honest, we’ve never been big fans of the park. For us, it always felt like just another theme park—a crowded, commercialized venture that didn’t quite live up to the hype. But this visit? This visit turned out to be something truly special.
A Spontaneous Start
The decision to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was impulsive. We were on our way to Orlando for Universal Studios, motivated by Eli’s newfound love for the Harry Potter series. As we planned our trip, we discovered the Halloween party and thought, why not? The tickets are separate from general park admission and sell out fast, so we were lucky to snag ours at the last minute.
Heading to Magic Kingdom via Conrad Orlando Shuttle
The party officially starts at 7 PM, but guests can enter the park as early as 4 PM. After landing in Orlando and checking into our hotel around 2 PM, we rested for about an hour before heading out. Our hotel shuttle dropped us off at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), where we opted for the ferry to Magic Kingdom. There’s something charming about crossing the water and seeing Cinderella’s Castle come into view—even for skeptics like us.
Anticipation building as we make our way across the water!
A Warm Welcome
Eli was dressed as Spider-Man, a costume choice that came with its own challenges. It was a hot day, and we had to be mindful of keeping him cool. Upon entering the park, we were given special party bracelets that set us apart from the daytime visitors. The entrance was decked out with bubbles filled with smoke-like water vapor, and Eli spent a few minutes popping them with glee. We each received a trick-or-treat bag and were directed to the right of Main Street to begin our adventure.
Fueling Up for the Night
Since the park was still open to daytime guests when we arrived, we decided to have an early dinner. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café was our choice, serving up burgers and chicken strips. After a long flight, sitting in an air-conditioned space and recharging with a meal was just what we needed. The My Disney Experience app proved invaluable in helping us plan the rest of our evening.
Rides, Parades, and Spooky Fun
Never-ending spinning fun!
Our first ride of the night was the Mad Tea Party. With only a 10-minute wait, it was a delightful start to the evening. One of the unique aspects of the party is that Lightning Lane access is not available, meaning all rides operate on standby queues. Surprisingly, this made the lines move faster. The longest wait we had was 40 minutes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a significant improvement from its usual 100+ minute standby time.
As the sun set, the park transformed. The Halloween ambiance was truly enchanting, and the limited crowd made it feel intimate. We caught the special Halloween parade near Cinderella’s Castle.
Beautiful nighttime display on the castle
The infamous Headless Horseman
Eli waved enthusiastically at every character, his excitement contagious.
After the parade, we made our way around the park to trick-or-treat at various checkpoints. Disney doesn’t skimp on candy—we left with about 5 pounds of it!
The fireworks show was a highlight of the night. It’s exclusive to the Halloween party, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The combination of lights, music, and pyrotechnics left us in awe. Eli’s face lit up with pure joy as the sky exploded in vibrant colors. If you’re attending the party, the fireworks are an absolute must-see.
Post-fireworks, we headed to Eli’s favorite ride: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. With no wait time, we rode it three times in a row. Eli was in his element, firing lasers and racking up points. We ended our night on the Astro Orbiter, which gave us a stunning view of the park under the stars.
Eli’s forever favorite ride
Tips for Future Visitors
If you’re considering Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
Buy Tickets Early: The party sells out quickly, so secure your tickets as soon as possible.
Arrive Early: Although the party starts at 7 PM, arriving at 4 PM gives you extra time to explore and enjoy the park.
Dress Comfortably: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so choose costumes that won’t overheat you or your kids.
Use the App: The My Disney Experience app is a lifesaver for checking wait times and planning your evening.
Prioritize the Exclusives: The parade, fireworks, and trick-or-treating stations are unique to the party, so don’t miss them.
Bottom Line
Initially, we were worried that the party’s short duration and packed schedule of must-see attractions—rides, parades, fireworks, and trick-or-treating—would leave us feeling rushed. However, the limited number of tickets sold ensures manageable crowds, and the absence of Lightning Lane keeps lines moving swiftly. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we accomplished.
Eli’s enthusiasm was infectious, and for the first time, Disney World felt magical to us. The attention to detail, the festive atmosphere, and the joy on Eli’s face made it a night to remember. We loved it so much that we’ve already decided to return next Halloween.
Our trip to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party turned out to be a delightful surprise. What started as a spontaneous decision became one of the most magical experiences we’ve had as a family. It’s safe to say that Disney won us over—at least for one night. We can’t wait to go back and relive the magic all over again.