Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in exchange for my honest review in this Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Disney Parks for this opportunity!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of our favorite events at Walt Disney World every year. If you’re like me, you might be concerned about how late the party goes to with small kids. Will the shows be too late for kids to see, is it overly crowded for small kids, will they be spooked? My guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids will hopefully help answer some questions for you and help you better plan your evening with younger kids.
(Kent Phillips, photographer)
A Guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with Small Kids
First, let’s talk a little bit about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party so you can decide if this is an event that you and your family might enjoy. It is one of my personal favorites with Happy Hallowishes Fireworks, Mickey’s Boo to You Parade, and the fabulous candy trails that Disney has to offer. Honestly, I would go just to see Hallowishes. It is my favorite firework show!
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2018 Dates:
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary is a sperate ticketed event from admission to Magic Kingdom Park. Ticket prices begin at $85, per event, but can vary in cost depending on the age of attendee (adult or child) and time of attendance. Advance Sales Pricing is available for all event dates except October 31, 2018. For the event on this date, only Same-Day Sales Pricing applies.
With that in mind, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets prior to your arrival at Walt Disney World Resort. You can receive a $10 discount per-ticket before October 31st. This will also save you time by not having to stand in line at Guest Relations to purchase tickets. This can take some time away from your vacation.
Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Too Late for Smaller Kids?
Naps
Make sure that kids have had a good nap in the middle of the day before arriving for the party.
Leisure Day Prior to Party
Plan your party day to also be a leisure day beforehand. Sleep in, enjoy the pool, and taking it easy. Having a calming day before Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party will make it easier to navigate the excitement and crash later.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Nothing takes the energy out of anyone faster than being dehydrated.
Choose the Earlier Show and Parade
Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular begins with the first showing at 8:30 pm followed by Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Parade at 9:15 pm. You could easily Trick-or-Treat for an hour with a quick stop to dance with some of your favorite characters (keep scrolling for more on that). Then, find a spot to view Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular in front of Cinderella Castle and stay put to watch Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Parade shortly after. Once the parade is over, continue to stick around to watch Happy Hallowishes Fireworks at 10:15 pm.
Once the fireworks are over, if little ones are tired, this is a good time to head home for the evening. Leaving a little earlier before the later show and parade times also means less time waiting for transportation in crowds.
What are the Crowd Levels?
Since Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event, I find that it is less crowded than some days at Magic Kingdom Park. Yes, there are still a lot of people that gather for the shows and parade but it isn’t heavily crowded in the streets.
Trick-or-Treat trails tend to move quickly and are never terribly crowded. The lines might be longer in some locations as guests filter into the party. Still, the lines are usually never at a standstill.
(David Roark, photographer)
I would personally recommend attending a party that falls on a Sunday or Monday. They tend to be less crowded as locals often will attend on Friday evenings. I also will mention that early September is less crowded parties too. The closer to Halloween, the busier it becomes.
TIP: If your children are not interested in parades, shows, or fireworks, this is a great time to head to the trick-or-treat stations too. Fewer crowds and might be a great time of distraction for any children who are afraid of fireworks.
A Few Special Treats
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
If you have children who enjoy Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, be sure to grab the exclusive spell cards available during the party! Limited one per guest.
Magic Shot Locations
Also, don’t forget to grab some adorable photos with Magic Shot Locations listed on the event map. Purchase the Memory Maker beforehand to download all of the special memories when you get home.
Mad Tea Party Halloween Layover
The Mad Tea Party has a special Halloween layover with fun enhancements and lights. If your kids enjoy a few rides, this is one to check out. My kids loved the music.
Get Around Lines for Characters
If standing in line late at night for characters is a little too much, why not join in on some dance parties?! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a couple of locations where kids can get up close to some of their favorite characters and dance the night away.
Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball
Located at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland is the Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball with your favorite Monsters, Inc. characters. Kids can dance with Sulley, Mike Wazowski, and even Boo from 7:00 pm-12:00 am.
Party with Vampirina and Pals
At the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam, kids can jam out with Vampirina and other Disney Junior pals from 7:00 pm-12:00 am.
Disney Favorite Characters
If you are up to a few lines for characters, there are several iconic favorites out in their special Halloween costumes. You can find them via the “Your Favorite Disney Characters” icon listed on the event map.
Trick-or-Treat Trails
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids offers magical events to get into the Halloween spirit. Kids can dress in their favorite costumes (check here for rules and regulations of dress code) and trick-or-treat through various candy trails within Magic Kingdom Park. Cast Members are very generous with candy handouts and I can promise that you will walk out with a very large bag of candy and other fun goodies. Plus, trick-or-treating in Magic Kingdom Park? My kids thought they were seriously VIP.
If you are concerned about allergies while trick-or-treating, Disney has you covered. Kids with allergies receive a teal-colored treat bag and Cast Members will hand out a teal token at any treat station that can later be redeemed at Allergy-Friendly Centers (look for the teal bag icon on the event map for locations).
Parades, Shows, and More
If your kids love parades, fireworks, and shows, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids is sure to dazzle.
Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltaculcar
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular offers three different showings and is hosted by the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus”. All with some wicked fun from Disney villains. There is plenty of dancing and singing to get everyone in the Haloween spirit.
(David Roark, photographer)
I would arrive about 20 minutes early to snag a seat in front of Cinderella Castle.
Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade
This is one of my favorite parades at Walt Disney World. The song is entirely catchy, trust me you’ll be singing it all the way home, and the floats are so well done. I think this is one of those parades where each and every Cast Member really get into it while on-stage. You can tell they love it as much as the crowd. There is a lot of crowd interaction and it is perfect for little ones to get up and dance to.
(Charlie Champagne, photographer)
Be sure to arrive about 30 minutes early on Main Street to get a good seat and be on the lookout for the Headless Horseman who rides down Main Street from Liberty Square prior to the beginning of the parade. Don’t worry, he isn’t too spooky. He’s “Not-So-Scary”!
Happy Hallowishes Fireworks
I’ve said it several times but really, Hallowishes is the best. If you are wanting to get a full view of the projections on Cinderella Castle, be sure to grab a seat in front of the castle about 30-45 minutes before showtime.
If you are more concerned about the fireworks than the projections, there is a great place to watch Happy Hallowishes right on the Tomorrowland bridge. You can even grab a seat on the built-in bench along the bridge. This is a perfect spot to view all of the fireworks from behind Cinderella Castle.
Not-So-Scary
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids really is not so scary. I think it is the perfect Halloween party for little ones. The park is decked out in fun Disney Halloween themed decorations and favorite characters are in their Halloween best.
I will note that it can be a little spooky around Magic Kingdom Park with music, fog, lights, etc. but it isn’t much different than any other night at the park. Just keep an eye out for kids in costume in stepping off of curbs.
As I mentioned before, the Headless Horseman does ride down Main Street before the parade but it is a very slow trot and he isn’t very intimidating. He is more of a “spooktacular” character.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids is a spectacular time. There are so many ways to make memories as a family together. I honestly do not know how we will ever top trick-or-treating at home without being at Walt Disney World. I don’t think we can.
I think families of all ages will enjoy Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with special treats, characters, shows and more. If you are worried if your small children will enjoy Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, I wouldn’t worry too much. I think you will find it to be a perfect addition to your vacation.
I hope this guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with small kids has been helpful. Have a wonderful time and be sure to share your tips in the comments below.
More Walt Disney World Tips:
- How to Plan a Walt Disney World Birthday for Kids
- Multigenerational Family Vacation Tips
- Walt Disney World Park Tips for Parents
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