Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is back at Walt Disney World for the first time since 2019 and the whole experience can feel like a bit of a minefield for a first-timer. There's lots of things that are worth knowing before you go to make sure you get the most out of your party time so I thought I'd answer some of the most common questions asked about Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Q: Do I need a park reservation for the day of the party?
A: No you don't. MNSSHP is an after hours event which requires a separate ticket. You do not need daytime park admission at all, you can just buy the event ticket.
Q: What time can I enter the park for MNSSHP?
A: You can enter the park any time after 4pm with an event ticket. If you'd like to enter before that you must have a daytime park ticket plus a valid park reservation for that day.
Q: If I'm already in the park, can't I just stay for MNSSHP?
A: Not unless you have an event ticket. There are several points around the park where you can have your event ticket scanned and you'll be given a MNSSHP wrist band but if you don't have an event ticket you will be ushered out by cast members at 6pm. There's no sneaking around it either; they will want to see a wristband to enter shops, restaurants, rides etc. They're well versed in weeding out those who don't have a party ticket - trust me!
Q: What's different about MNSSHP compared to a normal park day?
A: They have a myriad of halloween specials to enjoy throughout the evening; from shows, parades and firework specials to exclusive halloween themed food, merchandise, ride overlays, rare character meet and greets and trick or treating locations. Here are this year's parade and show times:
Q: When should I see the parades and shows?
A: This is obviously down to personal preference and other advice out there would suggest seeing later shows as the crowds are usually less. However, given that you often can't rely on Florida weather, I would recommend seeing earlier shows if there's something you really have your heart set on; that way you have the best chance of seeing the show/parade if the weather is looking a bit rainy/stormy (heavy rain and lightening will cancel/delay shows and parades due to cast member safety). There is only one Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show so make sure you're ready for that at 10.15pm.
Q: Where can I get halloween candy at MNSSHP?
A: If you collect one of the party maps on entry it shows all the trick or treat locations marked with an orange lolly.
Q: Can I only go through each treat station once?
A: Nope! You're more than welcome to go through the treat stations as many times as you'd like - the cast members won't stop you!
Q: Do they provide a treat bag to keep all the candy in?
A: Yes they do - this year it's an exclusive 50th Anniversary 'Boo To You' bag. They are quite small though so I would recommend taking a backpack with you so you can either put any excess candy in there or you can put your treat bag into your backpack for ease when you go on the rides.
Q: What candy do they offer at MNSSHP?
A: This year (2022) it seems to be a whole lot of Snickers plus Snickers brownie, Snickers peanut butter, Milky Way, Starburst, M&Ms (3 or 4 different varieties), Skittles and Twix. It does say 'Dove' on the treat stations and they are sponsored by Mars Wrigley but the word is that there have been supply issues with some variations of treats.
Q: Do they cater for allergies at MNSSHP?
A: Yes they do! If you need allergy friendly treats you can pick up a special bag at the first treat station (turn right as you enter the park, don't go down Main Street - it's all very well signposted), then there are special locations around the park marked with a teal Mickey pumpkin head on the map where you can collect special allergy friendly tokens. At the end of the night you can redeem your tokens for allergy friendly treats down Main Street to the left of Guest Services or in Liberty Square behind the Sleepy Hollow quick service location. A word of warning though - it looks like they're a little more 'conservative' with the allergy friendly treats than the regular ones...
Q: Which characters can I meet at MNSSHP?
A: Character meet and greet opportunities aren't clear on the map so just to give you a flavour of where they are this year:
- Jack & Sally at Town Square Theatre
- Halloween Mickey at Town Square Theatre
- Jafar, Jasmin and Genie and Captain Jack Sparrow have been spotted in Adventureland (as well as Abu on occasion!)
- Belle & Gaston, Ariel & Eric, Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Minnie, Donald and Daisy as well as the Queen of Hearts, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dum, and Tweedle Dee can be spotted in Fantasyland
- Stitch and George Sanderson can be found in Tomorrowland
You might notice the absence of the Seven Dwarves which has historically been a really popular meet and greet at MNSSHP but no sign of them this year *sad face*.
Q: Can you meet the Sanderson Sisters at MNSSHP?
A: Unfortunately not - that would be my dream!
Q: What are the must dos at MNSSHP?
A: This, again, is down to personal preference. I would prioritise two or three things that you really want to do - whether that's specific meet and greets or shows/parades and plan your night around those. Be aware that the longest queues will be for character meet and greets - especially Jack and Sally which has been known to reach 4 hours long quite quickly.
Q: Which rides have special overlays at MNSSHP?
A: Pirates of the Caribbean has live actors, Space Mountain is Completely in the Dark, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor is transformed into a treat location with audience interaction as you pass through and Haunted Mansion has live actors in the queue line.
Q: Are ride wait times low at MNSSHP?
A: Historically yes. I don't remember waiting any longer than 35 minutes for any ride, even things like Seven Dwarves Mine Train which always has a big queue! Most things were a walk on. If you don't have any daytime admission to Magic Kingdom after hours events are a great opportunity to ride some of your favourite rides without some of the hideous wait times which are often in the blazing sun!
Q: Can adults wear costumes at MNSSHP?
A: Yes they can! One of the only occasions that Disney allow this for adults. Click here for more guidance and rules on costumes at MNSSHP
Q: Ultimate question: Is MNSSHP worth the money?
A: It is if you don't have any other day admission to Magic Kingdom because you get to experience the park with lower crowds for 8 hours (4pm-12am) plus all the Halloween extras which is well worth it. The jury is out though if you're buying an after hours ticket on top of daytime admission - I think everyone should experience MNSSHP once if you're a fan of Halloween!
