As we celebrate Halloween, we’re bringing you the inside scoop on one of our favorite seasonal features: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP). From parades to fireworks, costumes, to tricks and treats, the family-friendly Walt Disney World celebration is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!
Three of our Travel Advisors were lucky enough to attend this year’s party, and they’re sharing all their favorite parts and expert tips with you!
Tricia Realbuto
MNSSHP really helps to put guests of all ages in the Halloween spirit. From everyone in costumes, the decorations, the music, etc the park really comes alive! And the name definitely says it all: it IS really not so scary. I always love the Boo To You Parade, especially watching from Frontierland. I really do think its the best parade at Walt Disney World anytime of year.
My favorite spot to watch the night time entertainment is right in the hub. My suggestion: make sure to arrive early to grab a great viewing spot. If you stand closer to the Walt Disney statue, you’ll be a little more raised up and have a slight viewing advantage.
Check the My Disney Experience app or the party map as some attractions are closed during the parade to serve as trick or treating spots!
The parks open to party guests at 4pm so arrive right on time. The cast member will give you a wristband to wear for the remainder of the evening. Throughout the night, cast members will be checking for your party access so make sure to keep it on!
Kim Steiner
My top recommendation is to prioritize your time. There are so many fun offerings, but it is really impossible to do everything (even with a great plan). Prioritizing is key when determining your itinerary.
Figure out what is the most important to you:
Trick or Treating
Exclusive Character Meet and Greets
Shows or Dance Parties
Parade
Fireworks
Rides/ Attractions (some with a holiday twist)
Pick your favorites and be sure to check them out first.
Some of my favorites: I love the Boo to You Parade, Not So Scary Spooktacular Fireworks, and especially the Character Meet and Greets that are only available during MNSSHP; some are even wearing their own Halloween costumes :-).
Tips:
Arrive early to maximize your time (You may enter at 4PM with your party ticket. Disney Vacation Club members can enter at 2PM, even though party hours are 7PM-12AM.)
Due to popularity, some characters are available before official party hours begin. E.g., Jack and Sally will have the longest wait, but will begin greeting guests at 4:30PM. If this is a must-do, enter at 4PM and get in line immediately. They are actually my favorite MNSSHP Meet and Greet, and the wait will be hours long all night. Moana is another super popular Meet and Greet as she is also exclusive to seasonal parties (and Aulani).
If the young kids can hang in there, the second parade is normally less crowded than the first.
For great viewing of the new fireworks, a dessert party can be a fun option as this new show has projections on Cinderella’s castle.
If dining at a Quick Service (recommended so you don’t waste time), eat early as many locations will close at 6PM/7PM, and there will be limited options during party hours.
Wear a costume (but abide by guidelines). There are so many costume possibilities, and the whole family can get in on the fun.
Bottom line, MNSSHP is a fun event for every age, and I would not miss it if visiting WDW during the Halloween season!
Amanda Stumpf
For those interested in enjoying the party at a leisurely pace, I recommend arriving later in the evening. This year, arrived around 8pm. I loved the parade and the new fireworks show. We found a spot in the garden in the hub for the fireworks. We watched the parade from where it begins, near by Splash Mountain. I thought that location was great!
Happy Halloween!