Party Overview
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween (MNSSHP) Party is back for 2022 after a 2-year hiatus as the world dealt with the pandemic. There was a collective cheer when this was recently announced by Disney!
For 2022, MNSSHP kicks off on Friday August 12th, the first of 37 party dates this year for you to enjoy!
This is by far my very favorite time of year to visit. The weather is perfect, the crowds are a bit lighter (especially in September and early October), the holidays are just around the corner, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is in full gear, and the ghouls and goblins are out at the Magic Kingdom! Just kidding! It’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! There is nothing scary about it. Trust me, I’m the biggest scaredy cat to roam the earth – if there was a ghoul or goblin around, I would not be attending! But because it’s NOT SCARY, I have attended MNSSHP every year for over 15 years! I highly recommend everyone attend at least once if your budget and time permits. I guarantee you, you will be back for more! It is that much fun!
Since I have been attending and enjoying the party for so many years, I have quite a few tips and tricks up my sleeve to help YOU plan the best, most spooktacular evening EVER. Let’s jump right in and get to all the details you need to know before you head to the party!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2022 Dates & Ticket Prices
- August 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
- September 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30
- October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $99 for children (ages 3-9) and $109 for adults (ages 10+). The highest ticket is priced at $189 for children (ages 3-9) and $199 for adults (ages 10+) – that is for October 31st (Halloween). Prices do vary and increase in cost depending on the date/time you choose to attend. The closer to Halloween, the more expensive the party is for both adults and children. Halloween Night (October 31), as you read above, is the most expensive party to attend.
Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, valid for select event nights.
To purchase tickets, visit the Walt Disney World website (click here).
Best Days/Dates to Attend
If you are wondering, the best dates to attend the party is usually anytime in August and early September, and on Sunday’s – Wednesday’s in September and October. Friday and Saturday in October have a tendency to be very busy due to locals attending the party as well as vacationers. Halloween (Oct 31st) is the most crowded and historically has sold out well in advance. If you plan to attend on Halloween, be sure to purchase your tickets early.
Rain Or Shine!
Keep in mind that the party goes on rain or shine! The parades or fireworks may be canceled during the evening due to weather, but the party still happens. If you are leery of buying tickets ahead of time because of potential bad weather, you can purchase tickets on the night of the party. Very few nights sell out – usually just the first night and Halloween night. Although since this is the first MNSSHP happening in 2 years, there may be more parties that sell out than usual. Be mindful of that.
Party Tips & Strategies
Strategies
With party time starting at 7PM on select nights at the Magic Kingdom, there are only 5 hours to meet rare characters, ride attractions, trick-or-treat, and see the exclusive fireworks and parade! There is no question, if you want to maximize your time and dollar at this event, you will need to devise a plan and determine your priorities! Just remember, even the best plans can’t often squeeze it all in. Do what is most important to you first!
Starting at 4PM, if you already in Magic Kingdom and have tickets for that evening’s MNSSHP, locate specific cast members scattered throughout the park to receive your trick-or-treat bag and event wristband.
If you are coming from another park or your hotel, you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM through a designated entrance. NOTE: These date-specific event tickets DO NOT require an additional day theme park ticket OR theme park reservation.
Upon checking in for the party, you will receive your trick-or-treat bag and event wristband.
If you enter the park at 4PM, know that the park is still open to the general public usually until 6PM, so the crowd levels may be high for a few hours. You will still be able to successfully ride at least 2 or 3 attractions before the actual party begins if you plan accordingly.
Beginning around 6PM, the Cast Members will begin to shuffle non-event guest out of the park. This is why it is essential that you obtain your event wristband. This indicates to Cast Members that you have a paid party ticket for that evening.
Note that Genie+ reservations are not available during the party. Generally lines during the party are manageable depending on the popularity of the attraction. If you have a regular day park ticket, you can book Genie+ attractions up until park closing (usually 6PM) at the Magic Kingdom.
Tips
- Ride attractions during parade times, most guests are watching the parade so the lines tend to be shorter.
- View the second parade of the evening, the first parade is usually the most popular and attracts the biggest crowd.
- Depending on the date you attend, you may need to plan to claim your spot and wait for the parade up to 60-90 minutes. If you attend at the end of August or early September, your wait time may be less at 30-60 minutes.
- The parade begins in Frontierland, however I am a firm believer that the best place to watch it is from Main Street U.S.A. There is nothing like the backdrop of Cinderella Castle in all of your photos!
- Attractions tend to have the shortest lines of the evening just before midnight when the party is about to end. Save some of the most popular attractions such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (SDMT), Peter Pan or Space Mountain for the last 30 minutes of the evening. Dare I say, some may even be walk ons.
- If your priority is to get photos with special, rare characters such as the Seven Dwarfs or Jack and Sally, plan to wait in very long lines. Generally lines start to form sometimes before the party even begins at 7PM. Wait times could be up to 2 hours, so plan accordingly if you intend to accomplish other things during the evening at the party. Families tend to start to leave around 11PM, chances are if you wait until late in the evening, your wait time may decrease significantly.
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular is shown on party nights usually at 10:15 PM, weather permitting. This firework show can be viewed from various locations around the park. Your best viewing location will always be somewhere in the hub or about 1/4 way down Main Street. There are projections on the Castle during the show that enhance the story of the show! You don’t have to see the projections to enjoy the fireworks, but if you snag a spot on Main Street or in the hub, you will enjoy it more.
- Take advantage of the PhotoPass Magic Shots at select locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. The PhotoPass opportunities during MNSSHP are incredible! Since it’s been a few years since, I wonder what new offerings will be available! I will update accordingly once I learn more about the PhotoPass options for 2022. And don’t forget the new “step in” photo opportunities being offered this year to celebrate the 50th.
- You can visit candy stations more than once, so stock up!! If you need additional trick-or-treat bags, ask a Cast Member. There are more than plenty for everyone!
- With the hustle and bustle of the evening, it’s easy to forget about the adorable and yummy special event treats to purchase! Be sure to check them out and pick one up.
Costumes are encouraged for all ages! So be sure to dress up and have fun!! To keep us all safe, a few years ago Walt Disney World implemented costume guidelines for those attending the party. Here are the official rules and regulations from waltdisneyworld.com.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Costume Guidelines
There are guidelines for your costumes – continue reading for more details.
General Rules:
- Disney may deny admission or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or could detract from the experience of other Guests.
- Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
- Weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon are not permitted.
- Sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest are not permitted as part of the costume.
- Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the park unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
Guests Ages 13 and Under:
- Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
Guests Ages 14 and Older:
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g., full-length Princess dresses)
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Masks of any kind may not be worn.
Note that all rules and regulations are subject to change at any time.
Trick-or-Treating
Do you have a food allergy? If so, Disney has a special trick-or-treat experience for you!
While at Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party, see a Cast Member to pick up a teal-colored treat bag – the official color of food allergy awareness. These are available at any treat location an at the official Allergy-Friendly Centers located at Town Square Theater (near Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.) and Liberty Square Ticket Office (near The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square).
When you trick-or-treat with your teal bag, Cast Members will give you a teal token at any treat station. You can redeem your teal tokens at the Allergy-Friendly Centers to receive your special treats!
Attractions Open During the Event
Information from 2019 – subject to change in 2022. Will update accordingly as we learn more.
Adventureland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas
Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Splash Mountain
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s SpaceRanger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrow Transit Authority PeopleMover
Expected Show Times for Special Events during MNSSHP
Subject to change in 2022. Will be updated once more details are released.
- Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade – 9:15PM and 11:15PM
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular – 10:15PM
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – 8:30PM, 10:45PM, 12AM
- Cadaver Dan’s Barbershop Quartet – 7:00PM, 7:45PM, 8:30PM, 9:50PM, 10:30PM
- Frontierland Costume Promenade (New for 2018!) – 8:50PM, 10:50PM
- Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball – 7:00PM – 12:00AM
Returning Favorites
- The Headless Horseman will ride his ghostly steed down Main Street, U.S.A. as a prelude to “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which features floats filled with Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween best, Disney villains and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers.
- Join the Sanderson Sisters during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle as they call upon their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion.
- Returning overlays on the Pirates of the Caribbean, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain.
- What’s Halloween without candy? During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests can go trick-or-treating for M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and other Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. And new this year, guests will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th Anniversary celebration and Halloween design.
- Celebrate the season alongside favorite Disney characters as they take over the park for their favorite party of the year.
- Nighttime extravaganza “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” displaying high above Cinderella Castle. Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” serves as the host of this state-of-the-art projection show featuring special effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks filling the sky above Magic Kingdom. His sidekick Zero will go on a trick-or-treating adventure with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they enter into a haunted mansion and encounter dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and a whole series of troublemaking Disney villains.
- Discover sweet and savory menu items inspired by fall flavors and the Halloween season.
- NEW! In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, we’re adding even more fun to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year in the form of event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities. And in addition to the reusable trick-or-treating tote bag, guests will also receive a Halloween-themed 50thAnniversary celebration commemorative print.
PhotoPass Opportunities
One of the very coolest features of the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are the incredible PhotoPass Magic Shot opportunities throughout the park. I showcased a few of them from previous years throughout this post. Details will be shared once 2022 PhotoPass information is released.
Once details and choices are provided, be sure to make your list of the photos you want to be sure to capture. The lines for some of these have a tendency to get long, certainly depending on the time of year you are attending and the crowd level at the party. I personally think they are absolutely worth it. In the end, the pictures are what you will look back on and relive how fun the party was!!
Foodie Guide
As expected, there is an extraordinary amount of ghoulish delights to satisfy any sweet tooth! Let’s dig in and take a look at all of the frightfully fabulous treats available this Halloween season.
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
- Not-So-Poison Apple Pie Milk Shake: Apple pie milk shake with green apple whipped cream, sour apple marshmallow straw, cinnamon donuts, and a poison apple straw (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
- Sweet Candy Corn Soft-serve Swirl Cone: Sweet corn and vanilla soft-serve swirl topped with candy corn chocolate bow (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Casey’s Corner
- Pain and Panic Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog, sweet and spicy onion relish, and sriracha mustard topped with spicy cheese-flavored snacks (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
- Winifred’s Elixir of Youth: Black tea slushy with kiwi foam and Winifred chocolate piece (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Cheshire Café
- Binx Pastry Tail: Cat tail drizzled with dark chocolate and topped with Binx chocolate piece (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
- Cold Witches Brew Coffee: French vanilla cold brew with pumpkin spiced foam topped with Halloween sprinkles (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Bayou Burger: All-beef patty, jalapeño pimento cheese, crispy andouille sausage, and garlic pickles (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
The Friar’s Nook
- Hades Hot Dog: Spicy beef and pork hot dog, Hades’ relish, and pickles served with house-made violet mustard (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
- Un Poco Loco Tots: Chorizo sausage, green onion, and Hades’ cheese sauce (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Golden Oak Outpost
- Spellbinding Fried Pie: Buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese wrapped in flaky dough topped with a candy eye and jalapeño ranch aïoli (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Ice Cream Cart near Haunted Mansion
- Chilling Chamber Pop: Chocolate crumbs, cherry buttercream, and dark chocolate pearls topped with Tightrope Walker chocolate piece (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
- Monster Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Monster cookies filled with vanilla ice cream (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Liberty Square Market
- Monster Cookie: Sugar cookie with candy eyes and Halloween-themed sprinkles (New) (Available during regular park hours only)
Main Street Bakery
- Oh, My Gourd Cupcake: Pumpkin spice cupcake with cinnamon cream cheese icing finished with dark chocolate ears (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café
- Sweet Almond Corn Cake: Almond vanilla cake dipped in white, orange, and yellow chocolate topped with candy corn (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Popcorn Cart near Cinderella Castle
- Mexican Spiced Hot “COCO” Brownie: Spice chocolate brownie with dark chocolate ganache topped with Miguel chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
- Grave Digger Milk Shake: Coconut and matcha blended soft-serve topped with whipped cream, Grave Digger shovel, and chocolate gravestone (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
- Worms and Dirt Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, gummy worms, and Billy chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
- Chilling Chamber Pop: Chocolate crumbs, cherry buttercream, and dark chocolate pearls topped with Tightrope Walker chocolate piece (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Snack Cart near Cinderella Castle
- M&M’s Peanut Butter Churro: Churro rolled in peanut dust with peanut sauce, chocolate sauce, and M&M’s Peanut Butter (New) (Available during regular park hours and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
Sunshine Tree Terrace
- Jack-O-Lantern Float: Citrus swirl with Fanta Orange, brown sugar whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only)
Stay tuned for more! I’ll be sharing as soon as new information is released.