The crisp air and faint smell of candy corn can only mean one thing – it’s almost time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World! This beloved event transforms the Magic Kingdom into a Halloween haven filled with trick-or-treating, rare character sightings, spooky decor and more.
But how many guests get to enjoy the party’s spooktacular festivities? What’s the deal with ticket sales?
While Disney does not release official numbers, we’ve gathered estimates, historical trends and expert tips to provide the most complete guide ever to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket sales. Read on to unmask all the secrets and start planning your fang-tastic Halloween celebration at Disney World!
Delve Into the Delightfully Spooky World of Mickey’s Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event that takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom from early August through October 31. Guests are treated to a ghastly good time at the park, including:
- Exclusive character meet-and-greets with villains, princesses and others in their Halloween costumes
- Trick-or-treating throughout the park for both candy and healthy treats
- Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade with floats and Disney characters in costume
- “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle
- Hard ticket events at Walt Disney World feature rare character meet-and-greets
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show set to spooky music and projections
Plus, guests can walk around Magic Kingdom decked out in costume themselves! It’s one of the only places at Walt Disney World where adults can wear costumes.
With so much extra magic packed into the evening, it’s no wonder Mickey’s Not-So-Scary routinely sells out faster every year. But just how many guests get to enjoy the Halloween hijinks?
Estimating the Limited Number of Tickets Sold Per Party
Disney does not release official numbers on how many Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets it sells per night. However, experts estimate the maximum party capacity is around 30,000 guests.
To put this number in perspective, a typical busy day at Magic Kingdom sees around 80,000-100,000 visitors. Since the Halloween party requires a separate ticket from normal park admission, it results in a much lower crowd level.
Having approximately one-third of the regular daytime attendance provides a far more comfortable, manageable experience. Guests report that rides have minimal waits, trick-or-treat lines move quickly, and navigating the park is a breeze compared to a usual day.
If your goal is to meet hard-to-see characters like Jack and Sally, plan to line up at least an hour before their scheduled meet. But you won’t find the extremely long waits typical during normal park hours.
Following expert tips to maximize time and target the lowest crowd spots will ensure you get done everything on your Halloween bucket list!
Securing Your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Tickets
Since this popular party has limited capacity, tickets often sell out completely – especially for dates closer to Halloween.
Here’s what you need to know about purchasing your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary tickets:
- On sale dates: Tickets go on sale to the general public in early May each year. In 2023, it was May 2. Disney Resort hotel guests and Annual Passholders get early booking windows.
- Pricing: Ticket costs vary based on the expected popularity of each party night. For example, in 2022 prices ranged from $109 on lower demand Tuesdays to $199 on Halloween night.
- Sell outs: In both 2022 and 2023, the first Halloween party sell out occurred in mid-September. By October 1, all party nights were sold out.
- Buy early: Given the high demand, we strongly recommend buying your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary tickets as early as possible. Weeknights are less likely to sell out quickly than Fridays or Halloween night. But there’s no guarantee!
Many guests who missed out on purchasing direct from Disney in advance report success buying Mickey’s Not-So-Scary tickets from authorized ticket resellers and third party vendors. Just ensure to only buy from reputable sources.
Now let’s explore how to make the most of your coveted party ticket!
Maximize Time By Arriving at 4PM
Here’s an insider tip to get the most bang for your buck at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary: arrive early! Guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM with their party tickets.
Taking full advantage of this early entry gives you nearly 8 extra hours compared to waiting until the 7PM official start time. That’s crucial when there’s so much to see and do.
The park does get crowded between 4PM-6PM as non-party guests start leaving. Use this time to:
- Knock out headliner rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight
- See rare characters like Moana at their pre-party meet-and-greet locations
- Enjoy dinner or snacks before more limited food options open at 7PM
- Secure a primo spot for the first Boo to You parade or fireworks show
- Snap photos in front of the park’s Halloween decorations with lower crowds
You’ll get your money’s worth by putting this early arrival evening time to good use. Then once the party officially kicks off at 7PM, you’re ready to trick-or-treat and party the night away.
Meet Elusive Characters During the Party
In addition to seeing your favorite Disney pals dressed up in costumes, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers opportunities to meet ultra rare characters that you won’t find at other times.
Fan favorites that draw the longest lines include:
- Jack Skellington and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
- The Seven Dwarfs together in one place
- Lotso from “Toy Story 3”
- Elvis Stitch wearing a Halloween costume
- Pooh, Tigger, and friends in their Halloween best
- Cruella de Vil
- Disney villains like Maleficent, Dr. Facilier and Hades
Wait times over an hour are not uncommon, especially for the most popular character greets like Jack and Sally.
Pro tips to minimize wait times:
- Line up at least 60-90 minutes before the scheduled start time
- Target when crowds are lower during parades or fireworks
- Prioritize your top priority character first
- Check the My Disney Experience app for exact meet times and locations
Meeting characters is many guests’ top priority. Avoid spending half the party waiting in line by having a smart strategy.
Enjoy Spooky Ride Overlays During Mickey’s Halloween Party
In addition to exclusive shows and meet-and-greets, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party features a few Magic Kingdom rides with special seasonal twists:
- Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy – The lights on the indoor rollercoaster go out, immersing riders in complete darkness with spooky music and surprises.
- Mad Tea Party – This spinning classic ride glows with special lighting and Halloween tunes.
- Monsters Inc Laugh Floor – Mike, Sulley and the monsters get in the Halloween spirit with decorated rooms and holiday jokes.
The ride overlays definitely enhance the Halloween ambiance throughout the park. But in most cases, the actual ride experience itself differs only slightly.
We recommend hopping on these fan favorites if waits are 15 minutes or less to quickly experience the decor. With so much else happening during the party, we don’t advise waiting longer unless it’s a bucket list priority.
Indulge in the Event’s Special Eats and Treats
No Halloween party would be complete without candy and sweets! Here’s an overview of the mouthwatering food you can find at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary:
- Trick-or-treating: All guests receive a reusable bag for collecting goodies at candy stations spread throughout the park. Pork loin cherry crisps were the Healthy version in 2022.
- Allergy-friendly options: Stations offer non-food treats for those with dietary restrictions. Grab a card at City Hall or Liberty Square.
- Specialty treats: Items like the Maleficent cone at Storybook Treats or Hades Nachos only come out during the party.
- Popcorn buckets: Reusable containers in fun Halloween themes are available for purchase and refills.
- Merchandise: Look for themed souvenirs like light-up pumpkin mugs and haunted mansion figures.
Since Mickey’s Not-So-Scary happens only select nights, we suggest buying your must-have treats and merchandise right away in case selections sell out later. Treat yourself to the full Halloween experience!
Pick the Perfect Viewing Spot for the Shows & Parade
No Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is complete without the Sanderson Sisters and Boo to You Parade starring classic Disney characters decked out in costumes.
Here are tips for catching all the spellbinding entertainment:
- Find Frontierland parade spots about 30 minutes before start time if you want to sit curbside. Standing room is more flexible.
- Watch fireworks from Fantasyland or Frontierland to avoid the crowds on Main Street. The hub fills up over an hour in advance.
- Take in the second Boo to You parade for prime viewing with fewer people. Stake out a spot about 20 minutes prior.
- See Hocus Pocus show at a later time like the 10:45PM or midnight performances for lower crowds.
With so many guests wanting to experience the highlights, having a game plan ensures you see the shows on your trip’s bucket list.
Trick-or-Treat Smartly Around the Park
One perk no other Disney World event offers is trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom! Here are tips to maximize your Halloween candy haul:
- Utilize the entire length of the party by saving candy stops for the last 1-2 hours. Stations have minimal lines as guests start leaving.
- Visit Tomorrowland or Liberty Square lands earlier, as those trails get more crowded late.
- Pack extra bags if you have avid trick-or-treaters who want to really stock up! Disney bags are on the smaller side.
- Review allergy-friendly options online and know where to pick up special non-food tokens. Ask about ingredients at stations.
- Prioritize unique trails like Storybook Circus or the train station queue if time is limited.
With smart trick-or-treating strategies, you can enjoy this signature party activity while still having time for rides and shows!
Dress Up for the Occasion With Disney Costume Guidelines
Seeing fellow guests embrace the Halloween spirit adds to the party’s magic. While costumes are not required, you’ll likely want to join in!
Review Disney’s costume guidelines before planning your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary attire:
- Costumes for guests ages 14+ must not drag the ground or cover the face. Elaborate enclosing outfits are discouraged.
- Younger kids can wear costume masks as long as eyes are visible and the mask doesn’t obstruct vision or movement.
- No weapons – even toy ones – are permitted. Any accessories like lightsabers must be flexible and blunted.
- Adults cannot impersonate Disney characters or sign autographs in costume.
- Obscene, offensive or violently graphic costumes are prohibited. Use common sense and family-friendly themes.
Some popular costume ideas include Disney characters, Marvel heroes, storybook figures, and group themes featuring the whole family!
Brave the Crowds and Create Lasting Memories
While Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has limited capacity, strategizing to experience the can’t-miss entertainment, characters and rides will ensure you get the most out of your ticket.
Arrive early, have a plan of attack with trick-or-treating and shows, and soak in the ambiance of Magic Kingdom transformed for Halloween. These tips will help you make the most of this fan favorite Disney event.
The party will sell out quicker every year as its popularity continues rising. But with smart planning, you can enjoy lower crowds than a typical park day and create magical memories that will last long past Halloween night!
