When it comes to spooky season in Disney World, we’ve done it ALL.

We’ve tried hundreds of seasonal treats over the years, we’ve checked out the merchandise, and we’ve taken more than our fair share of photos of the Mickey pumpkins. But for the past 17 years, we’ve also been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) EVERY year that it was available. Today, we’re here to take you on a journey through the past, because the party that we all know and love has changed quite a bit in nearly 20 years. Let’s go back in time!

 

The Price

First of all, we’ve got to mention the price! Back when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party first launched in 1995 (before DFB was even a thing), tickets cost just $16.95 per person. That’s WILD. If we adjusted that price for inflation today, the tickets would cost $36.42 per person.

Contrast that with 2026, when tickets will be $119 for the cheapest dates and range all the way to $229 for the most expensive and popular dates. Now, a family of four could shell out nearly $1000 just to spend 5 hours doing Halloween festivities in Magic Kingdom. Good thing your tickets get you into the park as early as 4PM, right? Gotta use every hour you’re given!

Is the Party Worth the Price? See Our Thoughts From 2025 Here!

The Pandemic Changes

Of course, there was a hiatus on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, instead of having a hard-ticketed event, Magic Kingdom offered modified Halloween celebrations during the daytime. Seasonal snacks, special merchandise, and of course, the cutest character cavalcades! You could see Mickey and friends in their Halloween costumes in the daytime, as well as select Disney Villains, pals from the Hundred Acre Woods, and characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

In 2021, MNSSHP didn’t fully come back. Instead, it was structured like an After Hours event. Disney After Hours BOO Bash was the name of the game, and it had some, but not all, of the Halloween celebrations we’d enjoyed at the party in the past.

See What Boo Bash Was Like Here!

New Experiences in Magic Kingdom

Of course, one thing that has changed Magic Kingdom’s Halloween party experience significantly during the time we’ve been reporting on it is all the new attractions and offerings. Does anyone else remember when they allowed you to preview New Fantasyland during the party? That was awesome!

In more recent years, we’ve added TRON Lightcycle / Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to the party ride lineup, and they’ve both been incredibly popular. Any time a new ride is added to the list, it tends to be busy during the party because people want the chance to ride it with a lower wait time.

Click Here to See What It Was Like to Ride TRON at the Party in 2023!

Character Changes

Sometimes good and sometimes not-as-good are the character changes that Disney has made to the party. A fan favorite option was adding Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. And in 2025, Magic Kingdom added some villain sightings along Market Street (the entrance to the party). Getting to chat with Mother Gothel was a surprising delight!

But to make way for new offerings, some other things have gone away. We miss the days when you could meet Snow White WITH the Seven Dwarfs all together. Also, we haven’t seen Tarzan and friends in a while, as well as Lotso from Toy Story 3 or Boo from Monsters Inc.

See the Full List of Character Meets From 2025 Here!

Entertainment Updates

Over the years, the fireworks at this party have gone through a few iterations as projection technology has improved and the regular Magic Kingdom fireworks shows have changed. But changes seem to happen even more frequently to Mickey’s Boo to You! Parade. We often see floats added and removed as new, popular movies and characters come out.

A few years ago, costumes were refreshed for many sections of the parade, and more villains were added. Making the parade longer with more of our favorite characters? We’re totally down for that!

When Do Tickets Go on Sale for the Halloween Party?

Activities Have Shifted

Over the years, the smaller-scale activities available at the party have shifted as well. Many years ago, you could get complimentary face painting during the party with your admission. What a great souvenir!

Now, if you’d like to get your face painted, you’ll need to visit the kiosk in Tomorrowland to pay for one of the available designs. It’s not guaranteed to be open during the party, though.

See Some Great Costume Ideas for the Halloween Party Here!

Candy!

And one change that we’re honestly really grateful for? The candy situation has leveled UP significantly! Now, Mars, Inc. is a sponsor of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so you’ll get treats like SNICKERS, Twix, Milky Way, SKITTLES, and more. Even better, they often hand out a full-size bag of M&Ms when you enter the party to start things off right.

Wow, this party sure has changed! If you’re going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, it’s a good idea to make a list of must-dos ahead of time so that you can maximize your time. It’s a great way to experience Halloween in the parks!

Get the Full Breakdown on the Halloween Party Here!

Do you remember any of these changes at the Halloween Party? Tell us in the comments!