Why I Paid $600 for a Disney Halloween Party… and Still Think It Was Totally Worth It

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

It’s London. Welcome back to Happily Adventures After!

Welcome back to Happily Adventures After! We are so excited to have you join us for this week’s edition of HAA Disney: Give Me a Review. This week we are going to dive into our review on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

If you’re looking for festive, family-friendly Halloween fun at Walt Disney World, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) might just cast the right kind of spell on you. I recently experienced it for myself—and while I’m not typically a Halloween person, I found myself grinning from ear to (Mickey) ear all night long. From dazzling stage shows and low wait times to trick-or-treating and rare characters, there’s so much to enjoy… if you’re willing to pay the price.

👻 What Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? MNSSHP is a separately ticketed after-hours event held at Magic Kingdom that transforms the park into a Halloween-themed wonderland. The vibe is spooky but never scary—perfect for guests of all ages, including families with young kids.

🎟️ How It Works:

When: Select nights from early August through Halloween. In 2024, the party ran from August 9 to October 31.
Time: 7:00 PM to midnight, but ticket holders can enter the park starting at 4:00 PM—a nice bonus for extra park time without a regular day ticket.
Cost: Tickets ranged from $119 to over $199 per person, with Halloween night tickets surpassing $200.
What’s Included: Trick-or-treating, rare character meet-and-greets, exclusive stage shows and fireworks, ride overlays, themed snacks (for purchase), and a festive, spooky atmosphere.

🧙 What Makes It Special? Even if you’ve visited Magic Kingdom during regular hours, MNSSHP feels like a completely different experience. Here’s what really stood out:

💀 The Entertainment – Top Tier Disney Magic The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is one of the best Disney parades I’ve ever seen. The Headless Horseman opens the show with a dramatic ride down Main Street, and the Haunted Mansion grave diggers literally spark magic with their shovels. Every float is detailed, themed, and choreographed to perfection.

I also loved the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show. It’s full of sass, sparkle, and spooky vibes. The Sanderson Sisters are joined by Disney villains like Dr. Facilier and Maleficent, and they totally own the stage in front of Cinderella Castle.

🧟 Characters – Rare, Interactive, and Fabulous Character sightings were one of the most magical parts of the evening. Right at the entrance, Cruella de Vil was interacting with guests—stylish, sassy, and totally in character. Other rare appearances included Jack & Sally, Lotso, Jafar, the Queen of Hearts, and Elvis Stitch. The lines can be long, but the interactions are worth it.

🍬 Trick-or-Treating – Not Just for Kids Candy stations are everywhere—and Cast Members don’t hold back. Think generous handfuls of name-brand candy (Snickers, M&Ms, Skittles). You’ll get a treat bag when you arrive, and allergy-friendly options are available at designated stations. We left with more candy than we could carry!

🍊 Ride Overlays – Unique and Fun Some rides get a Halloween makeover that’s only available during the party. My highlights:

Space Mountain runs in complete darkness with a creepy soundtrack—it’s intense but fun.
Pirates of the Caribbean features live actors in the queue and on the ride itself, adding a cool layer of storytelling.

🎃 Atmosphere – Fall Magic in Florida Even in the Florida heat, Disney nails the autumn aesthetic. Pumpkin lanterns, orange lights, eerie projections, fog effects, and spooky background music make the park feel completely transformed. Walking down Main Street at night, castle glowing in the distance, candy in hand—it’s unforgettable.

💜 Why I Liked It – Even As a Non-Halloween Fan I’m typically more into Disney’s Christmas celebrations, but MNSSHP genuinely surprised me. It felt immersive from the moment we walked through the gates. Everything was curated, intentional, and full of Disney magic.

The entertainment quality was stellar, the crowds were manageable, and the vibe was festive without being over-the-top creepy. It’s clear that Disney puts thought and heart into this event, and it shows in every detail—from the costumed Cast Members to the seamless crowd control.

🧁 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

Early Entry at 4 PM – More time in the park without needing a day ticket.
Exclusive Shows & Parade – Boo-To-You and Hocus Pocus are not to be missed.
Shorter Ride Waits – Lines for popular rides were shockingly low.
Unique Characters – Meet some you won’t find during regular hours.
Trick-or-Treating for All Ages – Everyone gets to join in.
Adult Costumes Allowed – A rare chance to dress up Disney-style.
Family-Friendly Fun – Spooky but never scary.

❌ Cons:

High Price Tag – Especially on peak nights, tickets are expensive.
Limited Time – Technically only 5–8 hours depending on when you enter.
Extra Costs for Food & Merch – Nothing besides candy is included.
Hot Weather – Florida heat doesn’t quit in fall.
Not Great for First-Time Visitors – You’ll miss daytime attractions.

🎄 Christmas vs. Halloween: My Favorite? As much fun as MNSSHP is, I’m still more of a Very Merry Christmas Party person. There’s something about fake snow on Main Street, free cookies and cocoa, and the holiday tunes that feels peak Disney magic to me.

That said, MNSSHP is definitely worth doing at least once—especially if you’re a Halloween fan, enjoy exclusive entertainment, or want a lower-crowd evening at Magic Kingdom.

✨ Final Verdict:

4.75 out of 5 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is magical, festive, and full of surprises. The stage shows and character moments are next-level, the trick-or-treating is generous, and the whole night feels like a premium Disney experience.

I deducted a little for the cost—because let’s be honest, it’s not a cheap night. But if you’re able to budget for it and want to celebrate Halloween in a uniquely Disney way, it’s well worth the splurge.

🎃 Would I do it again? Yes. 💵 Would I budget carefully for it? Absolutely. ✨ Is it a night I’ll remember forever? Without a doubt.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party truly lives up to the hype—whether you’re a hardcore Halloween fan or just along for the festive fun. With top-tier entertainment, rare character moments, low wait times, and immersive theming, it offers a unique Disney experience that’s well worth considering. While the price is steep, the memories are magical. If you’re dreaming of a night filled with candy, characters, and castle-side chills, MNSSHP is a hauntingly happy hit.