What NOT to Do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Avoid These Rookie Mistakes & Make the Most of Your Spooktacular Night!

You did it! You snagged tickets to one of the most beloved Disney World events of the year:

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP). You’re pumped, your costume is packed, and visions of candy trails and dancing ghosts are swirling through your head. But before you float into Magic Kingdom like a happy Haunted Mansion spirit, let’s make sure your night doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at 9PM.

Here’s a not-so-scary list of the top mistakes to avoid so you can have a frightfully fun night—without the frustration.

🕓 1. Don’t Show Up Right at 7 PM

Yes, the party officially starts at 7:00 PM—but your party ticket gets you in as early as 4:00 PM. That’s a full three bonus hours to explore the park before the event even kicks off.

Why that matters:Those early hours are perfect for:

• Grabbing dinner (without wasting party time)

• Riding a few favorites

• Lining up early for rare characters (more on that in a sec)

  
  

  Pro tip: Get to the gates by 3:30 PM so you're ready to scan in and maximize your time.

🎢 2. Don’t Waste Party Time on Rides You Can Do Any Day

Yes, it’s tempting to head straight for your favorite rides—but MNSSHP is the only time of year when select attractions get spooky Halloween overlays, and you don’t want to miss those limited-time thrills!

🎃 Here are the rides with party-exclusive overlays:

• Space Mountain – Lights out! Ride in complete darkness with a spooky new soundtrack. It’s intense and awesome.

• Mad Tea Party – Twirling under eerie lighting and special Halloween effects. Plus, the color lighting depends on your teacup speed.

• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – This one turns into an interactive Halloween comedy show. You can go back multiple times and hear different jokes!

• Pirates of the Caribbean – Live pirates (yes, real humans!) are added inside the attraction, interacting with guests and adding a festive twist.

• Haunted Mansion – While the ride itself stays the same, you’ll often find Madame Carlotta or other ghostly characters chatting with guests in the yard outside the mansion. It’s hilarious and atmospheric, especially at night.

  

  

  

  🎢 These overlays are only available during the party—so prioritize them while you can!

  Meanwhile, rides like Big Thunder Mountain or Jungle Cruise (which don’t change for the party) are better saved for your regular park day.

🎃 3. Don’t Miss the Second Boo-to-You Parade

The Boo-to-You Parade is a must-see (grave diggers! villains! the Headless Horseman!). But here’s the secret:The second parade is way less crowded.

While everyone rushes to the 8:15 PM showing, you can:

• Hit low-wait attractions

• Grab snacks without lines

• Meet characters with shorter waits

  
  

Then, catch the second parade (usually around 11:15 PM) with breathing room and great views. Win-win.

👻 4. Don’t Assume You Can Meet Every Character

MNSSHP is the place to meet rare characters like:

• Jack & Sally

• The Seven Dwarfs

• Elvis Stitch

• Lotso (yes, he smells like strawberries)

  
  

But here’s the thing: you won’t be able to meet them all.Character lines get long—like, “get in line at 5 PM for a 7 PM meet” long.

Pick 1–2 must-do characters, and be realistic with your time. If meeting rare characters is your jam, plan around them early.

🍿 5. Don’t Plan a Sit-Down Dinner During the Party

This one’s painful for us foodies, but trust me—a table-service meal during the party is a time eater (pun intended).

Instead:

• Eat a quick-service dinner before 7 PM

• Save room for those party-exclusive snacks (hello, Candy Corn Soft Serve!)

  
  

Dining packages and reservations during party hours? Skip ‘em unless it's part of your must-do list.

🗺️ 6. Don’t Skip the Event Guide & Map

Once you check in, grab that MNSSHP event map. It shows:

• Trick-or-treat locations

• Character meet-and-greet spots

• Show/parade times

• Exclusive snack locations

  
  

Winging it might work for birds, but not for party-goers. A quick glance at the guide will save you steps, stress, and time.

🧵 7. Don’t Wear an Uncomfortable Costume

Yes, we all want to be Insta-ready, but Florida in fall is still Florida (read: humid). The cutest costume in the world won't matter if you're melting by 9 PM.

Tips:

• Choose breathable, lightweight materials

• Wear comfy shoes (you’ll thank yourself at 11:58 PM)

• Pack a backup tee or fan if your costume is extra

  

  MNSSHP 2024

You can still slay the costume game—just do it without overheating.

✨ 8. Don’t Try to Do Everything

Here’s the truth: You can’t do it all.Between trick-or-treating, parades, shows, snacks, and rides, there’s a ton packed into one night.

So choose your priorities:

• Love parades and shows? Lock in those times first.

• Big into rides? Knock them out during the first parade.

• Candy collector? Go early or late for the best haul.

  
  

Let go of the pressure to “do it all,” and focus on what makes your group happiest.

🏰 Wrap-Up: Plan Smart, Party Hard (But Not Too Hard)

MNSSHP is hands-down one of the most magical, festive, and fun events Disney World offers—but only if you avoid the common pitfalls that turn trick-or-treats into tired feet.

So remember:

• Get there early

• Pick your priorities

• Don’t overplan

• Wear comfy shoes

• And for the love of pumpkins, don’t miss the Headless Horseman 🐎🎃

  
  

You’re now officially prepped to haunt the party like a pro.See you on Main Street—with a candy bag in one hand and a Mickey pretzel in the other!