Why You Should AVOID Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on This Random Friday

Yes, yes, it’s not quite time yet, but we’re already gearing up for HALLOWEEN in Disney World!

Mickey’s Not So Scary

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the ultimate spooky season celebration on property, and it runs on select dates in August, September, and October in Magic Kingdom. But if you’re planning to go this year, we’re here to remind you of one day that you should NOT go.

This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off on August 7th and runs on select nights through October 31st. The parties increase in frequency and in ticket price the closer you get to Halloween, so you may be tempted to plan your visit for earlier in the season. However, whatever you do, it’s probably not the best idea to go on opening night.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

For years, we’ve been going on opening night of the party to cover everything we need to share on the blog and YouTube channel, and while it’s a lot of fun, opening nights of the parties can also be a mess. For starters, there are the crowds. Since it’s the first night of the event, there are quite a few vloggers and influencers in attendance, trying to get content out ASAP to their followers.

Magic Kingdom at night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This means that crowds are concentrated on Halloween-exclusive offerings like entertainment, characters, merchandise, and anything new happening at the party that year. Compare that to the parties later in the season, and you’ll find more people spread throughout the park, going on rides and trick-or-treating. But at that first party of the year? Be prepared to stake your spot out for Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade EARLY.

Grave Diggers during Boo to You

In addition, the first night can sometimes come with snafus. If Disney is offering anything new, like a specific character meet-and-greet, a new entertainment offering, or a special addition to the parade, they haven’t had the chance to work out the kinks. We’ve seen new offerings operate on a strange and unpredictable schedule for opening night in the past, and we’ve even occasionally seen additions made to the party partway through the party season as Disney gets more feedback from guests.

Not-So-Scary

If Disney decides to add something new, you also may not find out about it until that first night is over. For example, in recent years, more character surprises have been popping up at trick-or-treating locations. If you were at the first night of the party and didn’t go to that particular treat spot, or went when the character was taking a break, you might miss a special offering like that entirely. If you go to the second, third, or fourth party, you have time to scroll social media (and check out our blog posts!) to see what the year’s must-dos are.

Hitchhiking Ghosts at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The same point stands for snacks at the party too! Here at DFB, we prioritize trying a bunch of new treats at the party each year, and our snack reviews go out on night one. Going to a later party gives you time to check out reviews so you don’t waste your money on overpriced treats that underdeliver.

Mummy Treat

Finally, we’re going to recommend you avoid that first party because of the weather. When Halloween season kicks off in Florida, it’s still HOT HOT HOT outside. Wearing your costume all night is sometimes unbearable, and we’re often still in a time of year when it rains frequently. We’ve been to the opening night of the party many times and spent the entire evening sweating or watching entertainment offerings get rained out. Do yourself a favor and wait until it’s just a little bit cooler outside…even if it’s only by five degrees.

Clouds coming in

So there’s our full breakdown of the reasons you should avoid the first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. If you’re hoping for affordable and less-crowded parties, go on weekdays in September. If you want the best weather and spooky vibes, go in October. It’s best to avoid parties that fall on holiday weekends or during Fall Break as well.

Learn All the Info for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Here!

IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR!

Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide!

From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks!

Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical!