Trick-or-treating throughout the park, your favourite Disney characters on parade, a wickedly joyous “Villain Spelltacular” and to cap it off, bewitching fireworks under a pumpkin moon – it’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort, of course!
This year, the party runs for an unprecedented 32 nights – in fact, the spooktacular fun is happening right now. While I haven’t had the opportunity to experience Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (or #MNSSHP as it’s hashtagged on social media) at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, I have had the ghouish pleasure of attending Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort in 2015. The entire family still talks about it to this day!
We loved the chance to meet, greet and pose with some dastardly Disney Villains and popular Disney Pals decked out in Halloween costumes. (Although the boys will say their highlight was the trick-or-treating… it’s always about the candy!)
Today, I’m here to tell you what you can expect from each, so you can start planning your Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacation right away!
But first, aside from the lure of the epic Halloween bashes, why should you visit Disney Parks in the fall? You’ll be able to take advantage of fewer crowds and more pleasing daily temperatures, a FREE dining plan promo at Walt Disney World Resort and a Good Neighbour Hotel package offer at Disneyland Resort. Plus, both destinations are currently offering savings of 20-30% at select Disney hotels; click here to view all special offers at Disney Parks. Without further ado…
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort ????
Appropriate for children of all ages, the Party is family-friendly as only Disney can do. Dress-up is encouraged for ages 13 and under, but trust me when I say that adults definitely get in on the fun, too. (Please read the official costume guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.)
Directly from the Headless Horseman’s – er, mouth? – here are some of the top attractions you expect at this year’s bash:
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Chills, thrills and villains join in a wickedly fun celebration hosted by the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witch sisters from Disney’s live action film Hocus Pocus. Taking place at Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, the sisters are joined by dancers, Disney Villains and jaw-dropping visual effects.
Times for party dates August 25 – September 29: 8:15pm, 10:45pm, 12:00am
Times for party dates Oct. 1 – Nov. 1: 7:40 pm, 8:35pm, 10:45pm, and 12:00am
Happy HalloWishes. This fireworks spectacle high above the Cinderella Castle lights the night. Guests are encouraged to sing along with some of the most infamous Disney Villains, including Cruella de Vil, Jafar and Oogie Boogie. 
Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade. Led by the Headless Horseman, it’s masquerade mania as favorite Disney characters dress up for the occasion and ghostly floats bring the frights and sounds of the season to Main Street, U.S.A. and other Magic Kingdom viewing locations. Times: 9:15 pm and 11:15 pm (begins in Frontierland)
Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort ????
Join Mickey and friends for Halloween fun and Disney magic at Disneyland Park. NEW this year: the ability to visit BOTH Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park with your special event ticket during Mickey’s Halloween Party! Entry to either park begins three hours before the Party start time, allowing you to save on park admission if you choose to begin your day of fun mid-afternoon.
Cars Land Haul-O-Ween. Everyone’s favorite Cars characters have transformed Radiator Springs into their own Haul-O-Ween celebration! Each of the Cars has decorated its establishment for the season, for the first time, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree. You’ll also have a chance to meet-and-greet your favourite Cars characters in their Halloween “car-stumes”.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. During the day, guests will continue to experience the excitement, fun and six different ride experiences on Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! However, each evening the attraction transforms from Mission: BREAKOUT! to Monsters After Dark; the Collector’s Fortress goes dark, alarms sound and the exterior features all-new lighting.
Buena Vista Street Halloween Décor. Along Buena Vista Street, guests will enjoy Halloween decorations in store windows and in Carthay Circle, they’ll see a new 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman himself, holding up his jack-o’-lantern head to the sky.
The decor is absolutely one of my favourite things to take in. Don’t you just want to grab a parka and pumpkin spice latte?
Both parties require a separate ticket for admission, and prices vary depending on the date you choose. However, if you’re sitting on the fence, wondering if this is the year you party like a ghoul, consider this:
1. Disney in fall is always a good idea. (See my rationale above.)
2. If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), Halloween is a BIG deal. In fact, apart from Christmas, my boys rank Halloween at the top of their lists of holidays and special days. Both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Party are a chance to revel in one of the most fun and memorable parts of childhood – made even more magical.
3. For the vast and varied entertainment, the tricks and treats, a chance to take part in your favourite rides and attractions with a Halloween spin and the photo opps (I’d give anything to get a shot with Mater in his “van-pire” outfit!) I’ll go on record as saying the parties a great value and a must-do.
Psst… don’t forget your costume!
So go! Plan your Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacation… and have a spooktacularly great time!