There’s a lot going on in Disney World (and Disneyland!) for Halloween this year. And, I mean, A LOT! Between a Halloween scavenger hunt in EPCOT, the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and more, it’s a busy (and FUN) time to visit.
But, instead of getting into all those details, I’ve got something different for you today. I’ve been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party five times (so far, at least) and I’ve learned a thing or two about what you should and shouldn’t do. So, I’m revealing my 15 (!!) best secrets for taking on Halloween in Disney World like a pro!
Plan to attend a party earlier in the Halloween season to avoid crowds
There’s a reason that those August and September dates are discounted for AP and DVC members — they’re not as popular! So, even if you don’t qualify for the discount these party dates are great to consider if you want to face even fewer crowds than the ticketed event promises. It will still feel like Halloween and you’ll likely have better luck finding prime viewing of the entertainment and be able to get on more rides.
Choose a spot on Main Street for the parade
It’s definitely tempting to avoid Main Street during the parade and opt for a spot along the route in Frontierland or Liberty Square, but you’ll be missing out on some of the coolest parts of the parade!
For example, the Headless Horseman (who kicks off the parade) only gallops once he hits Main Street. Plus, there’s usually some sort of mini entertainment offering on Main Street to keep guests busy while they wait for the parade to get to them. For example, in past years, Powerline Max has made an appearance for a little dance party!
Watch the parade in a spot near the park entrance for fewer crowds
People tend to forget about the town square at the front of the park, making it one of the best viewing spots for the parade! And, if you get a seat just at the end of Main Street in the circle looking towards Cinderella Castle you’ll have a straight-on view of the parade!
Watch the second (or third) parade if you can
If you don’t have super little kids or are visiting as just adults, then don’t watch the first parade of the night! The earlier parades tend to be the most crowded.
To avoid entrance crowds plan to be at Magic Kingdom all-day
Your ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will only get you into Magic Kingdom after 4PM, but you’ll be with the rest of the crowds trying to get in at that time. If you’d like to take the stress out of potentially facing long lines at the entrance, purchase a day ticket and make a Park Pass Reservation Magic Kingdom (If required).
This will allow you to be in the park well before the big crowds get there for the party and you can pick up your wristband at designated spots throughout the park — no need to go back to the entrance! Magic Kingdom also tends to have the lowest crowds during the day when a party is scheduled because most people don’t want to pay for a park ticket and have to leave at 7PM.
Take advantage of the 4PM entrance time
You’re paying a lot of money for the Halloween party so take advantage of every second you have! You get THREE extra hours on top of the time that the party is actually happening, so plan to be there when the clock strikes 4 if you didn’t purchase a day ticket.
It’s actually kind of fun to enter from the main entrance after 4PM
I know I said that you can avoid the entrance crowds at 4PM by getting a park ticket for the day, but don’t be afraid of coming just for the party! I’ve always waited until after 4PM to enter when I’m going to a party and I love the experience.
The first Cast Members you see will be decked out in their cute Halloween outfits, the party maps are being handed out at the entrance, and they usually have a special route for you to take into the park with Halloween photo ops and your first trick or treating stop. I love the whole experience of it and it helps immerse you in the Halloween spirit even if it’s only August.
You can still trick or treat if you have food allergies
As someone with a peanut and tree-nut allergy, I know how much it sucks to look into your bag full of candy and not be able to eat most of it. Luckily, Disney has become a lot better about allergies at the Halloween party over the years.
When receiving your bag, let the Cast Member know that you have an allergy and they’ll give you a blue plastic bag that’s different than the regular ones. This will signal to the Cast Members handing out candy at each treat station that you need the allergy-free ones!
Honestly, I don’t usually let them know and just pick out the treats that I’m allergic to after the party. I tend to find that the allergy-friendly candy isn’t all that good because it’s made to accommodate the top 9 allergens so I get jealous of the Milky Ways and M&Ms that my husband and kids have. 😂
Know where to find the full-size candy bags
In my experience, they hand out full-sized candy bags (usually M&Ms) when you first get your trick-or-treating bag at the treat stop on the path adjacent to Main Street. At all other treat stations, you’ll get a handful of fun-sized candy.
Skip the treat stations — yeah, you read that right
I know, I know — that’s the only FREE thing you’re getting at the Halloween party. But, do you really want to spend your time slowly making your way through 14 (!!) lines to receive tiny Milky Ways and Smarties that you’ll be getting more of when you go trick-or-treating at home on Halloween? NO!
I always skip the trick or treating and am happy with my one full-sized candy bag and then some from initially picking up the bag. It just means there’s more time to do everything else that’s exclusive to the party and get in some extra rides with little to no wait time!
Pick and choose what extra treats you try
For a few years now, Disney has been releasing several treats, drinks, and snacks that are only available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Pretty much all of them look good, but you probably won’t have enough time (or money) to try them all. So, do your research in advance!
Prioritize riding the attractions with overlays
There are a few rides that become extra spooky during the Halloween party! Usually, Space Mountain turns into “Deep Space Mountain,” Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor has a Halloween portion of the show, actual pirates can be found in the queue to Pirates of the Caribbean, and Mad Tea Cups get special lighting and music.
These overlays start up around 7PM so don’t go on them too early! You can ask the Cast Member when you’re getting in line if you’re not sure if it’s been switched over when you’re ready to ride.
Prioritize what characters you want to meet
Some really rare characters come out for the Halloween parties! Usually, the princesses greet guests with their respective princes, Disney villains are out, and you can even exchange a joke with some ghosts at the Haunted Mansion.
With so many characters around the park, you’ll want to be selective on which ones you wait in line for since the wait times can be pretty long.
Dress up and go early to get photos in the light
People go all out when it comes to their Halloween costumes for the party and you should too! I entirely support taking way too much time to plan out the perfect outfit and have done it myself whenever I go. It’s fun because other guests and Cast Members will usually comment on your costume (especially the really good ones)!
Wait until the end of the night to shop the exclusive merch unless there’s something you really really want
There aren’t many things that I dislike more than shopping at The Emporium with a million other people and that’s almost guaranteed in the early hours of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
This tends to be people’s first stop since it’s so close to the entrance, so EVERYONE is crammed into the one tiny portion of the store with the exclusive party merchandise. But, Disney buys A LOT of this merch — there’s no need to do it right away! Unless, there’s something that you really, really want, save it until the end of the night. You’ll face fewer crowds and you won’t have to carry around your souvenirs all night.
So, there you have it — my top tips for taking on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Share your tips in the comments below so that we can all experience the party like the Disney pros we are!