disney world halloween tours

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The 2023 event has concluded. please check back for information regarding the 2024 event., halloween fun for everyone, halloween with a disney twist.

Get your favorite costume ready! Come collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions and some beloved Disney Characters.

Though attractions and experiences are subject to change, here’s a list of what was available during our 2023 event:

• Set your sights on the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! Watch 3 sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle the residents of Magic Kingdom park.
• Witness Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular —a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney Characters and hosted by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas .
• Boogie down at the Disney Junior Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café —featuring some favorite friends from Disney Junior shows. It’s perfect for young partygoers!
• Watch beloved Disney Characters—including Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sandersons from Hocus Pocus—during Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade .
• Collect a bag full of candy as you roam the trick-or-treat trails in search of some of your favorite sweets.
• Revel in the extraordinarily enchanting atmosphere of Magic Kingdom park during this limited-capacity event.

Best of all, this event is “not-so-scary”—so children of all ages can join in the fun!

Before you go, please review our dress code and costume guidelines .

Favorite Attractions

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Swiss Family Treehouse

Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square

• Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• “It’s a small world”
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mad Tea Party
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Storybook Circus

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Barnstormer

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
• TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise

Entertainment offerings, available attractions and experiences are subject to change.

Enchanting Entertainment

Disney’s not-so-spooky spectacular.

Watch the skies come alive with a Halloween spectacular featuring lasers, fireworks and more!

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Join a wickedly fun celebration at Cinderella Castle stage hosted by the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus.

Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Witness a masquerade of Characters—including a few faces from Haunted Mansion.

The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet

Head over to Frontierland where this Dapper Dans-style singing group will delight you with their “dead pan” humor.

Candy, Costumes, Characters & More

Trick-or-treat throughout the park.

Allergy-Friendly Fun If you have a food allergy, please see a Cast Member to pick up a teal-colored treat bag. When you trick-or-treat with your teal bag, you’ll receive a teal token at our treat stations. Later on, you can redeem these teal tokens at our Allergy-Friendly Centers for your special treats!

Enjoy Mars Wrigley Treats Thank you to the signature sponsor—Mars Wrigley—for providing tasty treats at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2023.

Come in Costume

Before brewing up your make-believe best, please read our official costume guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. You can also visit Disney Store to put together the pumpkin-perfect disguise!

See Favorite Characters All Dressed Up

Get your camera ready! Be on the lookout for some Disney Characters in their “haunt-couture” looks—ready to pose for a photo with you.

Devilishly Delightful Additions

Event merchandise.

Bring the party home with not-so-scary souvenirs and mementos (available for purchase).

Specialty Sips & Bites

See what we've brewed up for the occasion: Halloween-inspired food and beverages (available for purchase).

Disney PhotoPass Experiences

Not-so-scary memories.

Mickey’s big bash will come and go before you know it, but we’ve cast our spell so partygoers can preserve these haunted highlights forever. Throughout the evening, Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on hand to snap spirited pics at a variety of spots—including Character experiences! You can also enjoy Disney PhotoPass service at select attractions.

Please note that if Guests want to preview their attraction photos—for select experiences like Haunted Mansion —they must do one of the following:

• Wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ linked to their Disney account
• Set up Disney Magic Mobile Service in the My Disney Experience app

A few tips for linking attraction photos and videos using your mobile device:

• Make sure to sign in to the My Disney Experience app.
• Keep your mobile device out of low power mode while on board.
• Use a mobile device with Bluetooth® technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app.

Please note that an Apple Watch can’t be used to automatically link attraction photos and videos.

Magic Shots

Magic Shots add Disney Characters and other surprises to Disney PhotoPass photos after they’ve been taken! Watch as a supernatural surprise appears in your photo—like the grim grinning ghosts from Haunted Mansion.

Memory Maker

Purchase Memory Maker so you can relive this hex-cellent event! Capture and share memories with Disney PhotoPass service—we'll get everyone in the picture!

Learn more about Memory Maker.

So Much More to See and Do

Disney resorts collection.

Stay in the magic at uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels.

Disney Gift Card

Surprise them with a gift card to use at the event!

Be Spellbound by Hocus Pocus 2

Watch the bewitching sequel on Disney+. Subscription required.

Guide to Halloween 2024 at Disney World

Halloween is the longest “season” of the year at Walt Disney World, beginning in mid-August and running until October 31, 2024. This guide to spook season will cover everything you need to know about how Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the resorts celebrate fall–from food to special events, merchandise, and more.

In terms of basics, we should start by acknowledging the reality that Halloween pales in comparison to Christmas at Walt Disney World. While the Halloween season is technically longer (3 versus 2 months), the holiday season is the biggest in scale and scope. See our Ultimate Guide to Christmas 2024 at Walt Disney World for everything you need to know about that.

Every park and resort gets into the holiday spirit for Christmas. By contrast, Halloween is largely confined to Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and a handful of other locations–and even then, it’s not as ubiquitous as Christmas. Nevertheless, if you’re planning on visiting Florida during the spook season months, we’ve got you covered with everything to make the trip as ghoulish ( in a good way! ) as possible…

For starters, one of the most common question we receive is When Does Walt Disney World Decorate for Halloween? If you’re planning a 2024 vacation, that’s worth checking out. Here’s everything else you need to know about the autumn at Walt Disney World…

Halloween Season Crowds

The crowd levels you’ll encounter at Walt Disney World during Halloween vary widely, which should be unsurprising since it’s a 3-month holiday. Generally speaking, weekends and school breaks are the busiest times to visit Walt Disney World from August through October.

This includes the first half of August, which is still summer vacation for most of the United States. See our August 2024 Crowd Calendar for further insights on good and bad times to visit in that month.

Historically, September is the least busy month at Walt Disney World, making pretty much any day during that month a good time to visit Walt Disney World. However, there are a couple of exceptions towards the beginning and end of the month. See our September 2024 Crowd Calendar .

All bets are off in October, which marks the kickoff to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration. While we’re expecting the entirety of the month to have crazy crowds, a recent wave of cancellations might ease attendance levels from crazy to “only” bonkers. See our October 2024 Crowd Calendar for further details.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a hard-ticketed event at Magic Kingdom that allows guests to celebrate the spook season at Walt Disney World. MNSSHP features special entertainment, like Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade, Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular stage show, trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom, and the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. Lots of characters are out in the park wearing their favorite costumes – and you’re encouraged to wear yours, too!

Aside from 2020-2021 (when it didn’t happen), we’ve attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at least once every year since 2008–including over a dozen times in 2019! You can read about our most recent experience at the event in Mickey’s Scary HOT Halloween Party Report . For what it’s worth, the last two years have been better than 2018-2019, so if you haven’t attended since then, it’s potentially worth reconsidering.

From all of those party nights–and ticket purchases–we’ve learned a lot about how it works, much of which is also covered in our  Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party , which also covers whether it’s worth the money, strategy for the event, and much more.

Here are other resources you might consider consulting for MNSSHP:

• Every PhotoPass Magic Shot at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Dining & Dessert Parties During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Food & Dessert Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Worth the $$$$?

Tickets for most dates of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will sell out again in 2024, so we’d encourage you to make a decision to attend or not and buy tickets shortly after they go on sale.

One of the most common questions we hear from readers is when will Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dates be announced and tickets go on sale? Pretty much any time between now and May 2024. It could occur within the coming weeks or not for several more months. Historical precedent supports both.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has been announced in late April during “Halfway to Halloween” in each of the last two years. The three parties before that were announced in mid-February, mid-January, and mid-March, respectively. That’s quite the scattering of months, and it’s honestly difficult to say what’ll happen in 2024.

If you want to be notified when dates & tickets for the 2024 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are released, subscribe to our FREE email newsletter for alerts.

Minnie’s Halloween Dine

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s Halloween fun at Hollywood & Vine where Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is back for Halloween. You can get in the spooky spirit during Minnie’s Halloween Dine.

This is once again the normal experience. The buffet recently returned and the full character experience is back. As such, we once again highly recommend Minnie’s Halloween Dine, especially to those who aren’t doing Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Read our full Minnie’s Halloween Dine Review for photos of the characters, food, and more!

Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations

Magic Kingdom is the only park at Walt Disney World that really gets decked out for Halloween. There you’ll see iconic Mickey Head Pumpkin Wreaths on lampposts up and down Main Street and the Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle.

There are also pumpkins lining the second story of Main Street’s shops, with the carvings on each drawing inspiration from the businesses inside. In addition to that, there are some fall wreaths and other light touches to give the front of the park Halloween atmosphere.

Our favorite decorations of all are the Town Square “Pumpkin People” or Scarecrow Citizens of Main Street!

These are just some of the many decorations up and down Main Street and extending into Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom. Check out  Halloween is Back in Full Form at Magic Kingdom for dozens of photos of the park decked out for fall.

Disney Springs Halloween Decorations

Throughout September and October, you’ll find “Fall at Disney Springs,” which features seasonal decorations, photo backdrops, entertainment, and treats all around Disney Springs.

There’s not a ton to it, but Disney Springs definitely feels more like Halloween than anywhere at Walt Disney World outside of Main Street at Magic Kingdom. The decorations are nice, there’s plenty of Halloween merchandise, and some fun photo ops. We wouldn’t recommend making a trip to Disney Springs specifically for the fall/Halloween decor, but it’s neat to see on an already-planned visit there.

Halloween Merchandise

Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the Halloween season will find a variety of themed merchandise throughout the theme parks, hotels, and at various shops in Disney Springs.

There are Pumpkin Mickey and Hocus Pocus Spirit Jerseys, Pumpkin Mickey Ear Band, and variety of other options. See Halloween Merchandise at Walt Disney World for a look at everything.

Return to Sleepy Hollow

“Return to Sleepy Hollow” is a fun fall event held at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The evening includes a group viewing of the 1949 animated classic film the Legend of Sleepy Hollow inside the resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables.

During event nights, you’ll be able to see galloping ghosts and experience an up close and personal encounter with the Headless Horseman. After the movie, there’s a dessert party where guests can enjoy Halloween-themed snacks and desserts.

In the last year it was held, the “Return to Sleepy Hollow” occurred at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground on select weekends in late September and October, plus the last full week leading up to Halloween. Here were those dates: September 28-30, October 3-7, October 10-14, 17-21, 24-31.

With that said, the Return to Sleepy Hollow has not been held for the last few years, and no announcement has been made (yet) for Halloween 2024. For the last couple of years, it has not occurred along with a number of other upcharge offerings due to staffing shortages and other operational cutbacks.

The reason it was cancelled previously was due to construction of the now-shelved Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge, which also entailed building a new Tri-Circle-D Ranch. That project is now finished, and the reimagined results are pretty impressive.

“Halloween” Attractions

This is where things start to become a stretch. Unlike Disneyland, there are no Halloween attraction overlays at Walt Disney World. That means no Nightmare Before Christmas -inspired Haunted Mansion Holiday, no Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, and no “Monsters After Dark” for Tower of Terror.

Instead, Walt Disney World has two iconic haunted house/hotel attractions: Haunted Mansion and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Both are open year-round and are not expressly “Halloween” attractions, but both share bloodlines with–and have served as inspiration for–iconic Halloween stories, movies, and more.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival

This one is another stretch. It’s not even remotely themed to Halloween, but if you squint hard enough, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival might vaguely resemble a fall-themed offering. Depending on the year, you might find a handful of pumpkin-flavored snacks and other fall(ish) treats in Epcot (if you search hard enough). Plus, the event has something of an Oktoberfest vibe (again, a stretch).

Regardless, Walt Disney World’s flagship fall foodie event is fun, and we highly recommend spending some time snacking around the world. See our Guide to the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival for everything you need to know. We’d also recommend checking out our Food Booth Photos & Reviews to scout things out and plan your snacking strategy.

Other Orlando Halloween Events

Now in its 34th terrifying year, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is Orlando’s most famous Halloween event for adults, and our favorite current haunt season event. We typically buy Frequent Fear Passes that allow us to visit multiple times during September and October. It’s a great event if you want to be scared–but it’s not suitable for children.

The primary draw of HHN is the walk-through haunted house mazes. Around half are usually based on horror franchises like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Beetlejuice, with the other half being original IP. There’s other entertainment including stage shows, the Halloween: Marathon of Mayhem lagoon show, and outdoor scare zones filled with hordes of scare-actors who try to startle guests. See our Ultimate Guide to Halloween Horror Nights for everything you need to know.

Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and the fear is everywhere. At SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream, you’ll evade angry haunts as they rampage through scare zones. Seek shelter indoors, only to find you’ve entered a house of horrors. Deepen the thrill with a nighttime coaster ride. Quench your thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar. Feel the monstrous electricity of a live show.

Above all, try to resist the haunting song of the one who has emerged from the lake. Evil is calling–with a howl and a scream. Experience 27 nights of fully immersive fear this fall from September 10 through October 31, only at SeaWorld Orlando. (Those are SeaWorld’s cheesy words, not mine. Since this event is brand new, we haven’t yet experienced it and are just rolling with the PR copy.)

That’s a wrap for our Guide to Halloween 2024 at Walt Disney World. As the spook season draws nearer, we’re expecting additional surprises and announcements will be made, so hopefully we’ll have more news to share as Halloween approaches.

So stay tuned. We’ll be sure to keep you posted and this guide updated accordingly!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

How do you celebrate Halloween at Walt Disney World? Any other ways to get in the spook season spirit? Wish the other three parks did more to celebrate fall? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

You may want to notate that there *are* Halloween overlays on select rides in Magic Kingdom like Pirates or Space Mountain during MNSSHP but not during regular non party hours in fall.

When Does Disney Decorate for Halloween? if you have information please update for 2023 Thanks

I’m taking my kids for first time Oct 6-10. We are doing Mickeys not so scary party on Thursday, Oct 6. We have park hopper tickets. Can you recommend what order I should book the parks? I have an 8 year old, 5 year old, and 1 year old. I’m so overwhelmed by all the info and we have military tickets so I can’t get an agent. Thank you!!!!

Hi, what are the options to meet Halloween costumes/ specific characters *outwith* the NSSHP events? The crowds and the price rule the parties out for us but would love to meet some special characters. I can think of Hollywood and Vine but wondering if any other options or meet and greets in park? Thanks

Any idea on when the rest of the Halloween treats will be revealed? I’m surprised that the rest haven’t been announced yet.

I am assuming from the lack of posts on the topic that there isn’t one great resort for Halloween? Are they pretty normal, so just go with your favorite if you are visiting for Halloween?

I would like to see WDW for Halloween, but the description of Magic Kingdom feels a little underwhelming. It seems like LA does it better, both Kingdom and Cali Adventure. Do you think it’s worth a special trip just to do Magic Kingdom (not the after-hours party) in FL to see it for Halloween?

I do not think so at all. If you wanted to plan a visit to see the Halloween decor and then the Christmas decor that would be different. But to simply come for the Halloween decorations I think would be a waste of money.

Is trick or treating going on anywhere in Disney World? Are parks significantly busier on 10/31?

Can you tell me what food treats and drinks are included in the boo bash ticket price?

Great photo of the Cast Members. These Boo Bash posts and images are really tugging at my heart and travel urge strings. Having just spent a month in Orlando last May, and having planned upcoming family trips to national parks… I’m getting pulled back in! I was doing so well! But, alas, ’tis the unparalleled Magic. It starts with the Pandora World of Avatar soundtrack, then moves to the Star Tunnel or Pirates queue music loop, then some merch acquisitions and then boom, I’ve gone and booked another trip.

Such a thorough guide to my family’s favorite holiday! We were supposed to go to MNSSHP in 2020 on Oct 31st, but rescheduled the whole trip for last week of October this year. Being a budget hawk, I was not willing to shell out $1k for our family of 5 to the Boo Bash on Halloween night when 2 of the 3 children normally go to bed around 9 pm.

My question for you Tom is do you know historically what activities does the Wilderness Lodge do on Halloween? I thought about maybe finding a good spot to trick or treat (maybe Celebration or Winter Garden?) in case the Lodge doesn’t have much going on.

Thanks for your blog, your writing is entertaining, comical, and informative.

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Halloween at Disney: Your Not-So-Scary Guide (2023)

For some people, there’s no better time of year than Halloween — you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy some creepy decorations, dress up in costume, and have a socially-acceptable excuse for eating seven Snickers bars in one sitting. But, even if you’re not into the scarier stuff, you might still enjoy celebrating autumn. The weather’s finally cooler after Florida’s blast furnace summer, yellow and orange hues adorn everything, and freshly-made apple cider seems to be flowing around every corner. It’s hard not to love that time of year, and celebrating it at Walt Disney World makes it even better. Here’s our complete not-so-scary guide to Halloween at Disney.

Which Disney Park is Best for Halloween?

At Disney World,  Magic Kingdom is undisputed as the best Disney Park for Halloween . The park has by far the most Halloween decor, events, themed food, and Halloween merchandise for Fall. Plus, it’s home to  Haunted Mansion , which serves up a dose of the Halloween spooky s pirit  (sorry) all year long.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios  offers a Halloween-themed dining experience and the always-creepy  Twilight Zone Tower of Terror  attraction.

While  host to the wildly popular International Food & Wine Festival in the Fall, EPCOT has very little in the way of actual Halloween observances — usually just a “Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit” scavenger hunt. But it’s always Oktoberfest inside the  Biergarten  restaurant, and pumpkins grow year-round at  The Land  pavilion.

Halloween celebrations are equally scarce at  Disney’s Animal Kingdom . However, you might find a few pumpkins mixed in with the animals on Halloween day. And there are a couple of animal exhibits that seem especially appropriate at this time of year.

Read on to discover more about how each of the theme parks (as well as the resorts and Disney Springs) celebrate the creepiest time of year!

Planning on spending Halloween at Disney? Contact an  Authorized Disney Vacation Planner  to make sure your trip is only scary in the ways you want it to be! We strongly recommend the Disney Experts at  The Vacationeer !

Whether you’re looking for tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or want to spend the day riding Haunted Mansion, their team of 90+ Disney fanatics can help you scare up the perfect hotel, dining, and theme park ticket package.

There’s no charge to use their planning services, and there’s never any obligation to book.

Halloween Decorations at Magic Kingdom

The moment you step into Town Square at the entrance to Magic Kingdom, you’ll instantly know it’s Halloween time at the Walt Disney World Resort. And the best thing is, you can see the decor even if you haven’t spent the extra money to purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! These decorations are visible during the day for guests with a regular theme park ticket.

Dozens of Jack-o-Lanterns  are perched atop the porticoes, colonnades, and awnings of the buildings along Main Street, USA. And while you’ll find that most of them are smiling back at you with snaggle-toothed grins, a closer look will show that many of the ghoulish gourds are carved with designs related to the building they’re placed on.

In addition to the whimsical parade of pumpkins, Main Street buildings are also decorated with a traditional-style  autumnal  yellow, orange, and brown bunting.

Lampposts along Main Street feature  Halloween Mickey Wreaths  made up of a Mickey Mouse-shaped Jack-o-Lantern surrounded by a ring of colorful fall foliage. At night, the Mickey Jack-O-Lanterns glow brightly, making an even more festive Halloween display.

Several  larger-than-life scarecrows  — each with a Jack-o-Lantern head and dressed like a citizen of Main Street, USA — can be found in Town Square near the train station.

And although it’s not technically a Halloween-only offering, it’s hard to argue that  Haunted Mansion  isn’t one giant Halloween decoration. This beloved attraction — home to 999 Happy Haunts — offers hot and cold running chills year-round but always seems to take on an extra ghoulish feel around Halloween. With ominous music and a delightfully unkempt exterior, it’s a great Halloween sight, day or night. And, of course, once you get inside, creaks are around every corner.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Image © Disney

The flagship event of Halloween at Disney World is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Presented on select nights from mid- August through all of September and October (and occasionally even into very early November ), the party turns Magic Kingdom into Halloween Headquarters for the night. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is what some people refer to as a “hard-ticketed event,” meaning that you must have a special ticket just for the party . Your daily theme park ticket or annual pass will  not  get you into the Halloween Party. 2023 admission prices for the party range from $109-199, depending on the date. So what do you get for the money?

Exclusive Access to Magic Kingdom After-Hours

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party  starts at 7 PM and lasts until midnight.  Because the Disney Halloween party is a separately-ticketed event, you’ll generally find lower crowds at the party than were present earlier in the day at Magic Kingdom, which means that you can enjoy minimal wait times for most of the attractions which operate during the party.

Speaking of attractions, you’ll find that many Magic Kingdom rides are open during the party. However, some of the less-popular attractions may not be available. See the full list of operating rides in our FAQ section at the end of this article. In addition, some theater-style attractions are closed, so they can be used for Trick-or-Treat locations.

Money-Saving Tip:  Halloween Party ticket holders can get into Magic Kingdom  as early as 4 PM without purchasing a regular theme park ticket. Save a bit of money by making your Halloween Party day a “no other parks” day; skip a theme park ticket that day by spending time in the morning and early afternoon at Disney Springs (no cost to enter) or your resort hotel pool, then make your way over to Magic Kingdom at 4 PM for three “free” hours in the park before the party begins.

It’s important to note that the opposite is  not  true. You will  not  be able to “sneak into” the Halloween party by simply staying late at the park. Disney thoroughly “sweeps” the park at 6 PM, often by forming a human chain of Cast Members, checking to ensure everyone has the required event wristband.

There are also wristband checkpoints throughout the park all night long and at the entrance to attractions. If you have a dinner reservation that crosses over from the regular operating day to the party, you’ll be allowed to finish your meal but will be required to leave the park afterward (unless, of course, you have a ticket for the party).

Special  Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations

When you arrive in the Magic Kingdom area for the Halloween party, you’ll notice that everything feels different. Of course, we’ve already discussed the regular Halloween decorations at Magic Kingdom. Still, you’ll find even more spooktacular decor for the Halloween party.

Giant inflatable Jack-o-Lanterns loom over the parking lot entrance. As you approach the park itself, everything feels far removed from a typical night at Magic Kingdom. Theatrical fog is everywhere; buildings are bathed in colorful swaths of purple, green, and orange light; projections of ghosts fly across storefronts; and creepy music fills the air. You’ll even notice that many Cast Members are wearing special costumes just for the night.

The Ride of the Headless Horseman

A highlight of the night is the thrilling ride of the Headless Horseman. Typically just before the Halloween parade, the sound of thunder rumbles across the park. You hear an ominous warning, followed by the clip-clop of hooves. Even before you can see it, you hear the oohs and ahhs of Guests further down as the horseman approaches.

And then, it’s right in front of you. A towering and fearsome (yet beautiful) black horse — very real — jockeyed by a mysterious creature. The Headless Horseman clutches a fiery Jack-o-Lantern as he rides by, scanning the crowd to see if it’s  your  head that would fit his needs.

This portion of the evening is not to be missed. In prior years, the horse would tear through the park at full gallop; more recently, he’s slowed down to a modest trot. This is primarily for safety reasons, though it also has the happy side effect of making it easier to marvel at the display before you.

Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade

Mickey’s Halloween Party features what is probably our favorite Disney parade of all time… Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade! Twice nightly during the party, you’ll be treated to a 20-minute Halloween spectacle that starts in Frontierland and goes through Liberty Square and Main Street, USA.

The parade features several enhanced elements that are always a fan favorite, including a Haunted Mansion section featuring real ballroom dancers, hitchhiking ghosts, and a dancing group of gravediggers (sparks literally fly as their shovels scrape the pavement!).

Add in pirates, Disney villains, Disney characters in Halloween costumes, and even classic Disney character Clara Cluck clucking along to  Ghost Riders in the Sky  — and you’ve got all the makings of a Halloween celebration like no other.

Just don’t blame us if you’re still humming the parade music a few months later. Seriously, it’s  that  catchy.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks

The capstone of the party is a special Halloween-themed fireworks display. Cinderella Castle blasts to life during a dazzling display of fireworks, projections, lasers, and spotlights hosted by the giant Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. While the fireworks are visible from around the park, this is one of those times when it’s worth securing a spot inside the central hub in front of the castle. Many of the effects are most dazzling from there, and it’s the only place you’ll be able to see Jack during the show.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party

A separately-priced dessert party at Tomorrowland Terrace is an optional addition to your Halloween party experience. This event, which coincides with the fireworks show, features all-you-care-to-enjoy specialty drinks and themed snacks, such as Chocolate-dipped strawberries, cupcakes, seasonal fruits, cheeses, and other ghoulish goodies. Two versions are offered, each at a different pricepoint:

• Desserts at Tomorrowland Terrace and fireworks viewing area at Plaza Garden :  $99 (including tax and gratuity) for Guests ages 10+ and $59 (including tax and gratuity) for Guests ages 3-9
• Desserts at Tomorrowland Terrace and fireworks viewing area at Tomorrowland Terrace :  $115 (including tax and gratuity) for Guests ages 10+ and $69 (including tax and gratuity) for Guests ages 3-9

Note that you’ll still need a ticket to the Halloween party, too; it’s  NOT   included in the price of the dessert party.

Hocus Pocus Villain  Spelltacular Stage Show

Fans of the camp/cult classic Halloween film  Hocus Pocus  will appreciate seeing the Sanderson Sisters running amuck on the forecourt stage at Cinderella Castle. Of course, many of the worst Disney Hocus Pocus Villains drop by to take part in the festivities as they help complete a devilish Hocus Pocus Party Potion — from modern baddies like Dr. Facilier and Oogie Boogie to classic villains such as Maleficent and Cruella, it’s a rogue’s gallery of Disney heavies.

The show’s finale is  exactly  what fans of the classic film hope it will be… a live performance of  I Put a Spell on You  by Winifred, Mary, and Sarah. We know some locals who consider this stage show alone to be worth the entire party’s price of admission! We’re also on the lookout this year to see if there are any changes to the show with the arrival of  Hocus Pocus 2  on Disney+.

The Cadaver Dans

By day, the Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet singing pleasing old-timey songs along Main Street USA. But during the Halloween party, they’re replaced by the Cadaver Dans, fresh out of the grave in Frontierland. Although they’ve clearly seen better days (is that a hatchet in that guy’s hat?), their vocal harmonies are always on point. Gather ’round for chilling harmonies from somewhere beyond.

The Cadaver Dans sing a spooky song | Image © Disney

Haunted Mansion During Mickey’s Halloween Party

It’s no surprise that everyone makes it a point to ride Haunted Mansion during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney puts extra care into the atmosphere around the attraction during the party.

As you approach, you’ll find the mansion’s caretakers have undergone a disquieting metamorphosis — a cadaverous pallor thanks to ghostly gray makeup that gives them that “fresh out of the tomb” look. They’re even covered in cobwebs!

In past years, a southern belle ghost has been known to appear on the front lawn, lounging on a park bench near the mansion’s conservatory and carrying on saucy conversations with those queuing up for the ride. She certainly is the afterlife of the party!

Expect longer than normal lines as most people visiting the park queue up to volunteer as Happy Haunt number 1,000.

Trick-or-Treating During Mickey’s Halloween Party

It just wouldn’t be Halloween without trick-or-treating. Guests of all ages can fill their bags full of sweets when they drop by several candy stops throughout the park during the party.

Each Guest receives a complimentary (free) trick-or-treat bag upon entering the party, or you can bring your own if you plan on really stocking up. You’ll be pleased to find “name brand” candy — the 2023 sponsor is Mars Wrigley, so expect to find M&Ms, Snickers, and Skittles in your bag.

There’s always plenty of candy to go around; every year, they park refrigerated trailers backstage to hold the tons of candy that are given out during the party!

To find the trick-or-treat locations, search your Halloween Party guide map or MyDisneyExperience, or just be on the lookout for giant lighted inflatables that indicate candy stops. These typically range from single distribution points to “treat trails” that offer several different stops to get candy along the way.

Allergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating at Disney

Those with allergy concerns or other medical considerations need not miss out on the Halloween fun of trick-or-treating during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Ask for a teal bag and then trick-or-treat with the rest of your group.

Rather than candy at each location, you’ll receive a trick-or-treat token that can be redeemed in a central location for allergy-friendly treats. There, you’ll be pleased to find a counter displaying plenty of allergen-free options, a few sugar-free offerings, and even some small crafts/party favors for a non-edible treat.

All of the options are well-labeled to indicate ingredients and any common allergens that might be present, so you can confidently make your choices. There is always a knowledgeable Cast Member available to answer questions about the treats.

Disney Characters in Halloween Costumes

Many of your favorite Disney characters will be well-dressed for the party. During the parade, you’ll spot Winnie the Pooh and friends in their Halloween finest, along with the “Fab Five” of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. In addition, be on the lookout for special character costumes when you drop by various meet-and-greet options in the park during the party. You might even find some rarer characters’ appearances on these special nights.

Guest Costume Guidelines During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Kids and adults alike are welcome to (and even encouraged to) wear costumes during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The park even relaxes its  normal  dress guidelines a bit to allow for a little more freedom during the party.

For Guests ages 13 and under , costumes and  some  masks may be worn. Masks must always provide unobstructed peripheral vision with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.

For Guests 14 Years of Age or Older , costumes may be worn according to provided they meet certain guidelines (and yes, Disney’s serious about this).

• Masks may NOT be worn.
• Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
• All Guests may dress as their favorite character but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent.
• Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
• Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)
• Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
• Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are also acceptable.
• Some examples of acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates in 2023

There are 38 Halloween parties scheduled in 2023. Tickets go on sale to Resort hotel guests on April 27, 2023 — and to everyone else on May 2, 2023.

Here are the 2023 event dates:

• August 2023: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
• September 2023: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
• October 2023: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
• November 2023: 1

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Ticket Prices in 2023

2023 ticket prices for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party range from $109 to $199 per Guest (ages 10 and up), depending on the date. Tickets for children aged 3-9 are $10 cheaper than an adult ticket.  Children ages 2 and under do not need a ticket. Prices do not include tax. Discounts are also offered on  some  nights for Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders. Halloween Party tickets allow Magic Kingdom admission as early as 4 PM; to enter earlier, you’ll need a regular theme park ticket, too.

Here’s a look at the dates for each price point in 2023:

• $109 (Ages 10+):   August 15, 18, 22, 25, 29.
• $119 (Ages 10+):   September 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17.
• $149 (Ages 10+):   August 11.  September 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29.  October 1.
• $169 (Ages 10+):   October 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26.
• $189 (Ages 10+):   October 6, 13, 20, 27.
• $199 (Ages 10+):   October 29, 31.  November 1.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Ticket Price Calendar 2023

Here’s a calendar showing the dates of the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, along with the pre-tax pricing for Guests ages 10+. Pricing for ages 3-9 is $10 cheaper.

2023 Halloween Party Dates & Prices (click calendar to enlarge)

Do You Need a Theme Park Ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event.  You don’t need a Magic Kingdom theme park ticket to get in, but you will need a Halloween Party ticket.  The party doesn’t start until 7 PM. Still, your Halloween Party ticket allows you to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 PM. If you want to enter Magic Kingdom earlier than 4 PM, you need a theme park ticket.

Do You Need a Theme Park Reservation for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

Your Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket is valid for one date only, so it serves as its own theme park reservation.  Halloween Party Guests do not need to make a theme park reservation through  Disney Park Pass  unless they plan to arrive at Magic Kingdom earlier than 4 PM.  If you want to enter Magic Kingdom earlier than 4 PM, you will need to follow whatever reservation rules apply to your regular theme park ticket for that day’s admission.

What Happened to Disney After Hours Boo Bash ?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as the resort slowly returned to normal operations in 2021, Disney offered a smaller interim event called  Disney After Hours Boo Bash . Now that the regular Halloween Party has returned in full force, Boo Bash is no longer being offered.

With so many dates and prices for Halloween party tickets, you’d be forgiven for being a bit confused. Fear not! Call in the experts at  The Vacationeer ! Their team of Disney experts know all about Halloween at Walt Disney World and can give you all the best tips. There’s no charge to use their planning services, so contact them today!

Halloween at Hollywood Studios

While certainly not Halloween Headquarters, Disney’s Hollywood Studios does offer a couple of options to celebrate (though only one is truly a Halloween offering).

Minnie’s Halloween Dine

Join favorite Disney pals for  Minnie’s Halloween Dine  at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant. Typically offered from mid-August through early November, the event pairs the restaurant’s all-you-care-to-enjoy  menu  with appearances by Disney Characters in Halloween-themed outfits. Note that this offering is for lunch and dinner only, not breakfast.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Though not necessarily a Halloween attraction, Tower of Terror is certainly high on the creepy factor. The ghosts of old Hollywood prowl the Hollywood Tower Hotel, where legend has it that a freak lightning strike decades ago sent several unsuspecting vacationers into the Twilight Zone.

Hop aboard an elevator that has certainly seen better days. You’ll soon realize this is no ordinary hotel (it’s never a good sign when ghosts beckon you to join them). So make time to  drop in  during your Halloween visit to the park.

Halloween at EPCOT

Image courtesy Flickr/Sylvar (CC by 2.0)

The month of October at EPCOT is completely consumed by the International Food & Wine Festival. However, you’ll still find a few nods to Halloween.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

While we don’t yet know about 2023, here’s historical information for 2022:

A Halloween-themed scavenger hunt called Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is embedded within 2022’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

For a limited time — September 29 to October 31, 2022 — Guests could purchase a souvenir map/sticker set for about $10, then search the park for hidden decorative pumpkins based on Disney characters.

When you’ve found each pumpkin, you put a corresponding sticker on your map showing where the pumpkin is located in the park. Then, once you’re through hunting, bring the map to a designated location to receive a surprise.

This type of “buy a map, find the things, get a prize” activity is common fare for the festivals at EPCOT (the Flower & Garden Festival usually features an Easter Egg hunt in the same style). The prizes are often quite small — similar to a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy — but are usually nicely themed and make for a fun keepsake. It’s a great way to explore the park and is a relatively cheap add-on to your day.

Even if you don’t want to purchase the map, you’ll still be able to see the pumpkins. So look high and low all around  World Showcase , especially in quiet corners.

One final tip: there’s no “grading” of your map when you go to redeem your prize. You can find as many or as few pumpkins as you like, and you’ll never be told, “Nope, that one’s wrong… go back out there and find the right answer.” So just go out and enjoy it, and when you’ve decided you’re done, go grab your goodies.

Pumpkins on Living with the Land

A year-round treat on the Living with the Land attractions is catching a glimpse of Mickey-shaped pumpkins. The attraction itself — a boat ride through greenhouses and innovative farming methods — is a year-round celebration of the bounty of Earth’s harvest.

One popular exhibit is a unique method of growing pumpkins and other gourds in an elevated manner… hanging from above rather than lying on the ground. Often you’ll find a pumpkin or squash growing inside a plastic mold shaped like the head of a certain familiar mouse. Even though they’re not carved, they always seem to give off a bit of a jack-o-lantern vibe.

The greenhouse staff has also been known to occasionally set up fall harvest displays featuring freshly-grown pumpkins, squash, and other gourds, along with bales of hay and a few friendly scarecrows.

Once you’ve seen all the vegetables growing along the boat route, head to  Garden Grill  or  Sunshine Seasons  to enjoy a harvest feast made in part with food grown in the pavilion’s on-site greenhouses.

Gran Fiesta Tour and Mexico Folk Art Gallery

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is often incorrectly lumped in as “part of Halloween,” no doubt due to its proximity to the holiday (November 1st – 2nd) and its macabre imagery.

But the Day of the Dead is a separate observance — a joyful holiday celebrating the memory of departed relatives. You’ll find a nod to this memorable holiday in the  Gran Fiesta Tour  boat ride in EPCOT’s Mexico pavilion, where a cheerful band of animatronic skeletons performs on an archway as your boat passes underneath.

After your boat tour, explore the Mexico Folk Art Gallery; it currently exhibits  “Remember Me!” – La Celebración del Día de Muertos .

Dining at Biergarten

Another of those “it isn’t Halloween, but it’s close enough” experiences is to have a hearty feast at the  Biergarten  restaurant at EPCOT’s Germany pavilion. This restaurant celebrates Oktoberfest all year long, so while it’s not Halloween  per se , it’s certainly a fall festival of flavor and live polka music from the famed  Oktoberfest Musikanten . So chow down on some schnitzel, spaetzle, and strudel while raising a giant glass!

Mickey Pumpkin Mold image above courtesy of Flickr user Sylvar under CC by 2.0

Halloween at Animal Kingdom

You’ll be hard-pressed to find much of anything in the way of Halloween-specific celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That said, we have a few suggestions for celebrating Halloween at Animal Kingdom.

Pumpkin Animal Enrichment

If your trip happens to bring you to Animal Kingdom on October 31, you might notice that the Animal caretakers have provided some seasonal “enrichment” for the animal along the safari route and exploration trails.

Providing novel items in their habitat allows the animals to practice natural behaviors that they would do in the wild. For Halloween, that often includes introducing pumpkins (carved and otherwise) into their living spaces.

Because of the unique nature and the need for this to be an “unusual” occurrence for the creatures, you’ll typically find this happening only on Halloween itself or perhaps one or two days prior.

And while the display provides for some amusing human viewing, the pumpkins don’t last long. They’ll quickly be nibbled, thrown, crushed, shredded, and otherwise demolished.

Gigantic Bats

One of our favorite stops along the  Maharajah Jungle Trek  exploration trail is an exhibit featuring the  Malayan Flying Fox  — a large fruit bat with an impressive wingspan.

Though not specific to Halloween (these creatures are more fascinating than they are frightening), decades of pop culture have wrongfully saddled these magnificent flying mammals with a reputation for creepiness. Even their scientific name,  Pteropus vampyrus , reflects an early false belief that they were bloodsuckers.

Halloween is a perfect time to drop in to see them as they truly are — peaceful critters content to spend the day hanging upside down, attacking only any stray bits of fruit that might be nearby. If you’re fortunate, you might be able to see one of them unfurl its entire 3-4 foot wingspan.

For those who are still thoroughly (or partially) creeped out by bats, you’ll be happy to know that you can choose your own level of exposure to the creatures. Those who want to avoid them altogether can easily bypass this segment of the trail without so much as batting an eye, while those who want just a little bit of “protection” to feel at ease can view the bats from an area that offers closely-spaced thin wires as a “shield.”

But for the best view, we recommend the main viewing area, which offers a complete open-air encounter with the bats. Widely spaced vertical dividers form openings that are narrower than the wingspan of the creatures, so any fears you might have of a bat swooping down into your hair (another pop culture myth) are easily assuaged. And remember, as nocturnally-active creatures, they will spend the daylight hours just hanging around.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug! and Other Insect Offerings

Another year-round offering that happens to fit right in with Halloween is all the creepy crawlies that call Animal Kingdom home.

Start out with a showing of  It’s Tough to Be a Bug! , a 4-D film that offers a few scary moments, such as giant (fake) spiders dropping from the ceiling and special effects that simulate insects attacking. Just don’t be surprised if you leave the show with an  appreciation  for the role insects play in the natural life cycles of our planet.

Once you’ve seen the show, make time to visit the animal exploration trails around the park. Hidden away in some of the exhibits, you’ll find delightfully creepy critters such as hissing cockroaches, but thanks to  It’s Tough to Be a Bug,  you’ll appreciate them for what they are (even if they do still disgust you at least a little bit).

Other Animal Encounters, Real and Imagined

For a good old-fashioned fright, hop onboard  Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain . There, you’ll combine the physical thrill of hurtling backward and forward on a runaway mountain train in advance of an up-close encounter with the  mythical Yeti .

For a more serene journey, enjoy a ride on  Kilimanjaro Safaris . You’ll get to see not only giraffes, elephants, and hippos — but also the elusive  Okapi , known as the  ghosts of the forest . You’ll also spot a creepy  baobab tree  with a  gnarled almost-dead appearance , making it a perfect Halloween backdrop.

Fall at Disney Springs

Disney Springs, the shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort, celebrates Fall (and Halloween) each year with a mix of seasonal treats and shopping.

Go beyond trick-or-treating with exquisite, handcrafted chocolate creations from The Ganachery, a specialty cake from Amorette’s Patisserie, or a top-tier cupcake from Sprinkles. Seasonal snacks are also offered at many other eateries nearby.

Do a bit of shopping, enjoy occasional holiday entertainment, and don’t forget to keep your selfie game on point with themed photo backdrops.

Halloween at Walt Disney World Resorts

Halloween at many of the Disney resort hotels is a pretty low-key affair, though one Disney Resort stands out from the rest.

Halloween at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

The folks at Fort Wilderness always take the holidays seriously, and Halloween is no exception. And what’s amazing is that the vast majority of the celebrations are mainly handled by the  Guests  staying there!

Halloween Decorations at Fort Wilderness

Guests camping at Fort Wilderness always get into the spirit of Halloween with astounding outdoor decorations and displays at their campsites. And we’d be lying if we said it isn’t seen as somewhat of a contest among Guests to see who can provide the most impressive display at their campsite (okay, in truth, it IS a contest… Cast Members do judge the decorations).

Trust us when we say Halloween is SERIOUS BUSINESS for the campers at Fort Wilderness.

Halloween Golf Cart Parade at Fort Wilderness

A mainstay of any major holiday at Fort Wilderness is the Golf Cart parade… Independence Day, Christmas, and of course, Halloween. Seeing the creativity the campers show off when decorating their utilitarian golf carts with fanciful decorations is truly something.

We counted upwards of 100 golf carts in the 2021 parade, with entries ranging from the simple to the astounding. Imagine golf carts disguised as Disney Cruise ships, Carl and Ellie’s house from  Up , a Star Wars Bantha, and more. They may all be homemade, but some of the creativity on display is top-notch.

We count the Halloween Golf Cart Parade at Fort Wilderness as one of the best-hidden gems of Walt Disney World Halloween. If you can’t make it out to the Fort, be sure to check out  prior year videos  on YouTube.

Return to Sleepy Hollow at Fort Wilderness

We’re still eagerly awaiting word on whether  Return to Sleepy Hollow  will be back on the calendar at Fort Wilderness for 2023.

The special event in prior years included showings of the 1949 Disney classic  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and  an up-close encounter with the Headless Horseman!

The event was placed on hiatus a few years back, partly thanks to COVID and the resort area’s construction. We’re  hopeful  it’ll return, but we haven’t heard anything for certain yet.

Halloween at Other Disney Resorts

While no other resort puts on quite the Halloween experience you’ll find at Fort Wilderness, you can still expect a few minor seasonal enhancements if you stay on Disney property around Halloween time.

Most resorts offer some limited form of trick-or-treating in the main lobby area, and you’ll likely find themed poolside activities and seasonal movie nights.

Halloween Decor in Your Disney Resort Hotel Room

If you’d like to add a bit of the Halloween spirit directly inside your room, you’re free to bring your own homemade decorations… just be sure that you’re not bringing anything that will cause damage to the walls, and of course, avoid displaying anything objectionable.

Ready to book your mausoleum — er — hotel room for Halloween at Disney?  Reach out to  The Vacationeer !  Their Disney Travel Planners are ready to help you make final arrangements for your trip.  There’s no charge to use their planning services, so contact them today for a FREE quote on your hotel stay and Halloween Party tickets!

Halloween Snacks & Treats at Walt Disney World

Mickey Pumpkin Waffle Ice Cream Sundae, a Disney Halloween treat from years past

Halloween typically brings a full cavalcade of specially-themed snacks for purchase. Some will be available at any time of day, and others will be sold only during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Here are just a few examples of the types of treats that have been offered (which vary from year to year):

• Not-So-Poison Apple Churro: Churro rolled in green apple sugar, topped with caramel sauce and chunks of Snickers bars
• Pain and Panic Hot Dog:  All-beef hot dog, sweet & spicy onion relish, sriracha mustard, spicy cheese-flavored snacks
• Winifred’s Elixir of Youth:  Black tea slushy, kiwi foam, Winifred chocolate piece
• Binx Pastry Tail:  Cat tail, dark chocolate, Binx chocolate piece
• Terrifyin’ Twice-Spiced Chicken Sandwich: Spicy fried chicken dipped in hot honey, topped with pepper jack, jalapeño poppers, and bacon
• Oh, My Gourd Cupcake:  Pumpkin spice cupcake, cinnamon cream cheese icing, dark chocolate ears
• Bucket of Bones: Bone-in “piggy wings” tossed in Coca-Cola Cherry barbecue sauce with jalapeño slices
• Apple Fritter Sundae: Apple fritter topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and sprinkles
• Tropical Graveyard: Mango mousse and sour tropical gelatin, topped with cookie crumbles, gummy worm, and a chocolate “tombstone”
• Grave Digger Milk Shake:  Coconut & matcha blended soft-serve, whipped cream, Grave Digger shovel, chocolate gravestone
• Worms and Dirt Funnel Cake:  Funnel cake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, gummy worms, Billy chocolate piece
• Sweet Almond Corn Cake: Candy corn-topped almond vanilla cake dipped in yellow, orange, and white chocolate.
• Monster Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Monster cookies filled with vanilla ice cream.
• Donald Candy Corn Sipper

Halloween at Disney World FAQs

Is Halloween a Good Time to Visit Walt Disney World Resort?

We feel that Halloween is an excellent time to visit Disney World. In addition to the popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll generally find slightly cooler weather and better crowd levels when compared to summer. Of course, this time of year’s unfortunate side effect coincides with the  peak of Hurricane Season . However, that  usually  doesn’t interfere with Disney vacations.

When does Disney World Decorate for Halloween?

Magic Kingdom at Disney World is fully decorated for Halloween by the time the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party happens. For 2023, that means Magic Kingdom’s Halloween decorations will be installed no later than August 11. Halloween décor in other resort areas (usually rather minimal) typically comes along a bit later.

When Does Disney Take Down Its Halloween Decorations?

The transition from Halloween to Christmas is lightning-fast at Disney World. In 2023, Magic Kingdom’s last Halloween Party takes place on November 1, and the first Christmas Party will likely take place the following week.

All evidence of Halloween will be completely gone before the first Christmas Party, so Halloween decorations could disappear as early as November 2.

Remember that Halloween décor will have been up for about two-and-a-half months before November 1, so there’s no real reason for them to keep it around after the last boo has been booed.

Is Mickey’s Halloween Party Worth It?

We believe Mickey’s Halloween Party is worth the cost because of the exclusive fireworks, phenomenal parade (performed twice), great stage show, and trick-or-treating.

If you’re on the fence about whether the ticket cost is worth it, check our Halloween Party calendar earlier in this article to find some dates at a lower price point.

Even if you have no qualms about shelling out the cash for the lower-cost tickets, the higher-priced nights might give you pause, especially on October 31, Halloween night. But, as always, it comes down to what’s important to you.

How does Disney’s Halloween Party Affect Magic Kingdom Park Hours?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place from 7 PM-Midnight on select nights from mid-August through the end of October. On days when there’s a Halloween Party, Day Guests will be asked to leave Magic Kingdom at 6 PM. Disney is very effective at clearing out those who don’t have a party ticket.

In 2023, 18 out of the 31 nights of October host a Halloween party, meaning Magic Kingdom will close at 6 PM most nights that month. So be sure to check park hours before you plan to visit.

You can also expect daytime crowds at Magic Kingdom to be heavier on days  without  a party, as people often factor in park hours when deciding which park to visit.

Are Magic Kingdom Tickets Cheaper on Days it Closes Early for the Halloween Party?

No, you’ll pay full price for a Magic Kingdom ticket regardless of how long or short the park hours are on any given day.

Is the Disney World Halloween Party happening this year (2023)?

Yes, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Disney World in 2023. A full list of dates is provided earlier in this article.

What Rides Are Open During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

22 of Magic Kingdom’s rides/attractions are currently expected to be open during the 2023 Disney World Halloween Party (subject to change):

• Astro Orbiter
• Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• “it’s a small world.”
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
• TRON Lightcycle/Run (using virtual queue)
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Is Disney Better at Halloween or Christmas?

In terms of sheer volume, we can objectively state that Christmas (along with other winter holidays) is much more widely celebrated than Halloween at Disney World; Christmas offerings include decor, entertainment, and events in every theme park, every resort hotel, and virtually every other nook and cranny of the resort.

As for which is actually  better , that’s really going to come down to a matter of personal preference. Ask a dozen frequent visitors, and you’ll likely get an even mix of answers… with a few refusing to take a position either way (much like asking a parent to pick a favorite child). The two events are so drastically different it’s hard to compare them.

What are the Crowds Like for Halloween at Disney?

Crowds are generally calm during Disney’s Halloween season (mid-August through the end of October). However, you’ll find variances from day to day.

The earlier in the season, the higher the crowds, as not all schools will be back in session yet. And, of course, you’ll see some spikes around Labor Day weekend and October 31. Check our  Disney World Crowd Calendar  to see a date-specific forecast based on historical data.

You can also get a general idea about the relative popularity of different parts of the holiday season by viewing Disney’s  theme park ticket price calendar , as well as our Halloween Party Ticket Price calendar earlier in this article — the higher-priced dates on both calendars are usually a good indicator of dates when Disney expects relatively higher crowds.

Does Disney Do Anything Special for Halloween?

Disney celebrates Halloween in many ways, including themed decorations at Magic Kingdom, a special Halloween party, special seasonal food, and more. In addition, Guests staying at Fort Wilderness usually pull out all the stops by decorating their campsites. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Fall all around Disney World.

Does Disney do Halloween on its Cruise Ships and  other Disney parks ?

In addition to Walt Disney World’s Halloween festivities, Disney Cruise Line offers its  Halloween on the High Seas celebration as a special theme on most fall departures. Disneyland in California is well-known for its Halloweentime  celebration, and many of Disney’s  international theme parks  also offer  special Halloween programming .

Disney World Halloween Versus Universal, SeaWorld, and Legoland

Each major Orlando theme park complex offers Halloween activities and events, but you’ll find they’re vastly different. Some are more family-friendly, while others are intended primarily for adults.

• Disney World  Halloween offerings, predictably, steer clear of sheer terror in favor of a more festive, non-intimidating atmosphere. Of special note is  Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party , where you’re more likely to find grim-grinning ghosts trying to follow you home than you are to have a screeching banshee trying to chase you down.
• Legoland Florida  (about an hour away) provides another family-friendly Halloween offering with its  Brick or Treat  event. Of course, there’s plenty of candy, exclusive characters, and many great-themed shows. A pleasant distinction of this event is that it  is  included in your daily admission… there’s no need to buy a separate ticket!
• Universal Orlando’s  Halloween offering, on the other hand, is all about fear. The  Halloween Horror Nights event is Universal’s most popular special event each year. It’s well known for haunted houses and scare zones , which are heavy on gore and jump scares. Though children are not denied entry, the recommended minimum age is 13.
• SeaWorld Orlando  also lands solidly in the terror category with its  Howl-O-Scream  offering. While those under 18 are permitted to attend, SeaWorld notes that the event “contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, blood, and risqué content that is not intended for children.”

Bottom line: if you have kids in tow (or just don’t like being scared), stick with Disney and Legoland. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a frightening Halloween experience, Universal and SeaWorld will curdle your blood in all the right ways.

Ready to Experience Halloween at Disney or Universal?

The Halloween season is one of the best times to visit Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the rest of the Orlando theme parks. So what’re you waiting for? Reach out to the Orlando experts at  The Vacationeer !

They’re a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and a Universal Orlando Resort Preferred Travel Agency, so you can be sure your trip will be in good hands!

Their planning services are 100% free to use, and you’re never under any obligation to book when you get a quote from them. So don’t wait… contact them today!

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Walt Disney World Halloween Guide- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, Decorations

Halloween at Walt Disney World is a great time of year to visit with fun Halloween decor, seasonal treats, a ticketed Halloween party in Magic Kingdom plus your favorite characters in their Halloween costumes!

Keep reading for everything Walt Disney World Halloween!

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In this planning guide:

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights in Magic Kingdom from August-October. Here are the official party dates.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2023 Dates

The Halloween party takes place in the Magic Kingdom from 7:00 PM to Midnight August 11th through November 1st.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27 , and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2 . The event dates are:

• August : 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
• September : 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
• October : 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
• November : 1

Also, read when does Disney World decorate for Halloween? for all of our musings on when pumpkins will first appear to mark the Halloween season.

Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may be purchased online or by calling 407-939-4240. Ticket prices will range from $109 – $199.

Prices will also vary based on event night, make sure to buy your tickets in advance to get the best deals. Tickets are always $10 more the day of the event.

The Halloween party takes place in the Magic Kingdom from 7:00 PM to midnight. Guests with a party ticket will be able to enter at 4PM on these dates. If you do not have a ticket you will have to leave at 8PM so plan on accordingly on these dates!

Guests can expect fan-favorite characters to return like Disney villains and the Haunted Mansion graveyard gravediggers along with a special focus on the sequel to the infamous Hocus Pocus film with a “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show!

All the best entertainment and Halloween decorations are found in Magic Kingdom due to this party!

Read all about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in our guide!>

Minnie's Halloween Dine at Hollywood Studios

Minnie's Halloween Dine, the spooky themed character dining, begins at Hollywood & Vine usually in late September.

Guests get to interact with characters like Minnie Mouse in her witch costume, Goofy as a spooky cowboy, Mickey Mouse dressed as a vampire, and Pluto wearing his Halloween collar. This character dining option is popular as its one of the only Halloween themed activities outside of Magic Kingdom and reservations go fast!

Read our review of character dining at Hollywood & Vine to prepare for your visit!>

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

This event is not strictly for Halloween but the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is the ongoing festival at EPCOT during the Halloween season at Walt Disney World. You will notice a good sized selection of Fall seasonal foods at this festival making it line up nicely with the Halloween celebrations at Magic Kingdom.

The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival takes place  July 27 and continuing through November 18, 2023.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

Disneyland's Downtown Disney also throws this scavenger hunt, you can see the 2022 pumpkin themed prizes above.

The festival does celebrate the Halloween season by throwing a special pumpkin themed scavenger hunt which will take place September 29 to October 31, 2022.

It's quite easy to take part of the Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunt:

• Purchase a special map and stickers at select merchandise locations, including  Creations Shop ,  Port of Entry  and  World Traveler at International Gateway.
• Have fun hunting for hidden decorative pumpkins based on Disney characters. Once you’ve found a character, place the corresponding stickers on your Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit map.

Whether you choose to hunt for pumpkins or not, you may return your map to Disney Traders—located at the entrance to World Showcase or World Traveler at International Gateway––for a prize. Last year the prize was small pumpkins with Disney character faces on them.

Disney Springs

This year Disney Springs will include Halloween-themed live music on the waterside stage. The band Squad Ghoul will play each Friday through Sunday, September 29th through October 29th.

Disney Springs will also feature themed Halloween displays for merchandise in all of its Disney owned stores along with some fall decorations around the shopping and dining district.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom will feature Disney villains during the Animal Experience at the Conservation Station. Disney animators will teach guests how to draw Bruce from “Finding Nemo;” Kaa and Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book;” Tick-Tock from “Peter Pan;” or Scar from “The Lion King.”

The villain animation line-up runs from October 1st through October 31st. While there's not much focus on Halloween at Animal Kingdom, it's great to see this addition to the park especially for guests attending specifically for the festivities.

Walt Disney World Halloween FAQ

For guests visiting Walt Disney World for Halloween 2023, you may have a few questions on what to expect and how to have the best experience in the resort.

What are the dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party 2023?

The dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party run from August 11th to November 1st. Yes, Halloween in August! Since the party is so popular, Walt Disney World runs the festivities for some time so everyone can have the chance to go.

What dates is Disney World decorated for Halloween?

The decoration dates usually line up with the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party, so you can expect the first decorations to go up in Magic Kingdom in August and last through Halloween. Some guests like to try and visit the week after Halloween to get a chance to see both the Halloween and the Christmas decorations up at the same time!

Which Disney World park is best for Halloween?

Magic Kingdom is the Walt Disney World theme park that is best for Halloween. Since this is where the Halloween party is held you will see the biggest and best decorations in this theme park. You will see the decorations for Halloween at Walt Disney World regulated to mainly Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. But you can find themed Disney pumpkins around EPCOT for the Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunt.

Is Disney decorated for Halloween in September?

Yes! Walt Disney World will have their full Halloween decorations up in September.

How long is Disney decorated for Halloween?

Halloween decorations stay up from mid-August to Halloween on October 31st. The day after Halloween you will start to see the decorations coming down. Technically, the Halloween season is the longest holiday celebration at Walt Disney World even surpassing Christmas since it begins so early.

What Halloween food can you find at Walt Disney World?

Walt Disney World will have a long list of Walt Disney World Halloween food options each year! Most of the options are available in Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the Walt Disney World resort hotels.

Walt Disney World Halloween Rides

Unlike Disneyland's Halloween celebration , Walt Disney World doesn't do any themed or overlay attractions at their theme parks. Disneyland does a full overlay on their Haunted Mansion transforming it into a Nightmare Before Christmas theme and also does a Halloween spin on some of their Cars Land attractions.

In Magic Kingdom, you can enjoy the always classic Haunted Mansion to enjoy some spooky vibes during your Halloween visit. While PhotoPass opportunities in front of the Haunted Mansion take place more often during the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, there will still be possible chances to get a photo op with one of the hitch hiking ghosts from the ride.

Another spooky ride at Walt Disney World would be the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios. The twilight zone themed ghost presence in this ride matches up perfectly with a nice Halloween themed day. Combine it with the Minnie's Halloween character dining at Hollywood & Vine then you have a perfect Halloween afternoon at Hollywood Studios.

Return to Sleepy Hollow- Fort Wilderness Campground

Return to Sleepy Hollow is a fall event that was held at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The event would include a viewing of the classic movie The Legend of Sleepy Hollow inside the Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. During the event, guests would be able to experience a personal encounter with the Headless Horseman. After the movie, the resort would throw a dessert party filled with Halloween-themed treats.

The event typically took place on certain weekends in September and October and the full week of Halloween. The event hasn't been held in a few years and it's uncertain if we'll see it return. So far Disney has made no formal announcement on this event returning to Fort Wilderness Campground. We would love to see this event return but until we hear anything official from Disney then you should assume it will not be a part of this year's Halloween season.

Walt Disney World Halloween Merchandise

Halloween merchandise is always a big hit with Disney fans as most of it often features popular villains or beloved attractions like the Haunted Mansion!

Some of the merchandise can be found online at Shop Disney along with Disney Springs, and the theme parks. Here's the sneak peak of some of the merchandise you will be able to find at the parks this year!

Plan Your Halloween at Disney World Vacation!

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for a Halloween at Disney World trip! We have a team of writers working hard to keep you updated weekly on events in the parks and tips for navigating the magic. Subscribe to our free deals newsletter  to receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. You can find more information on planning your vacation here:

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Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Complete Guide to Disney World Halloween 2024

There’s just something that’s special about Disney World Halloween 2024 events and celebrations! As the phased reopening comes to a near end, we are seeing new additions as well as returning favorites. A trip to Disney World during Halloween 2024 season (which in Disney, that’s really anywhere from mid-August until the first week in November) is truly a spell-binding time for guests of all ages!

We’re excited to take you through each expected 2024 Walt Disney World Halloween event. You can also find what will be happening all across the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s important to note that all events are subject to change. But you can always check back here for any updates that will be made to the Disney World Halloween 2024 events.

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip to Disney World at Halloween time , be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disney World tickets as well as book amazing Walt Disney World vacation packages!

So if you’re ready to learn everything there is about the 2024 Disney World Halloween events and parties read on!

Disney World Crowd Calendar

Guide to Walt Disney World Halloween 2024

Disney Halloween is truly magical time of the year where guests travel from all over to try exclusive spooky treats, see spook-tacular shows and so much more! As Annual Passholders, Halloween at Disney World is truly our favorite time of the year and we love visiting each year to see what Disney brings! Whether that be dressing up for the Disney Halloween party, or just seeing the fun decor set out each year, it’s a blast.

So, grab your broom sticks and candy sacks because Disney World during Halloween 2024 officially runs from August 12th – Nov 1st! And probably the most exciting bit of information we have to share is that the fan favorite Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be returning! Tickets for the 2024 Disney World Halloween party go on sale May 2nd, and you can get discounted event tickets right through The Park Prodigy.

Related post : Discounted Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets

When Does Disney Decorate for Halloween 2024?

The question we get asked the most is  when does Disney start decorating for Halloween? But there is no direct answer. The decorating team at Disney has their deadlines under lock and key. Theres no telling when you can expect to start seeing autumnal decor start springing up. Especially around places like The Magic Kingdom. But, based on experience, in recent years we have noticed that Disney World Halloween decorations have been spotted as early as the first week in August.

Typically, Halloween at Disney will start with a few wreaths and pumpkins around the end of summer and then slowly Halloween will creep into the parks!

When Does Disney World Halloween Start 2024?

*Halloween dates have not been announced for 2024 yet!

• Disney Halloween 2024 Dates: Halloween officially begins August 12th and ends November 1st, 2023

When Does Disney Set Up for Halloween 2024?

• Disney World Halloween Decorations:  We have seen Halloween decorations in The Magic Kingdom as early as the first week in August. But there is no specific date for Disney World to start decorating for Halloween that is public knowledge.

You can expect for the 2024 Disney Halloween events to be fully decorated by the start of the Halloween season. Which this year falls on August 12th, 2024. 2024 Disney World at Halloween time events will not be ones to miss!

Related Post: Walt Disney World Halloween Time Tickets

Magic Kingdom Halloween 2024

The Magic Kingdom is the best place to be at Disney World during Halloween in 2024 . It is here that you’ll find those iconic Mickey pumpkins everywhere! From donning the light posts to having special photo ops set up both inside and outside the park, you’ll know it’s Halloween in Disney World with every turn you take. If you want to experience Magic Kingdom on Halloween day 2024, make sure to get purchase your Walt Disney World ticket and also Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets as early as possible. This park does fill up on Oct 31 very quickly.

Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations 2024

As we mentioned above, you can find Halloween at Disney World 2024  decorations beginning as early as the first week of August! Not only can you spot the famous Mickey pumpkins on the light posts stretching from Town Square all the way to the central Hub. In Magic Kingdom during Halloween , you can also find autumnal garland strung along the buildings of Main Street USA. Also lining the second story of Main Street, be sure to spot the ornately carved pumpkins to set a spooky mood.

What Halloween Decorations are in Magic Kingdom?

• Mickey Mouse Head Pumpkin Wreath – Just what is sounds like! A pumpkin in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head donning the light posts along Main Street USA and the Hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The pumpkin head is surrounded by fall colored leaves and smaller pumpkins.
• Autumnal Garland – stands of autumn foliage can be found strung along the buildings of Town Square, Main Street USA, and the Main Street Train Station.
• Autumnal Bunting – Disney Parks love their bunting. From the 4th of July celebrations to Halloween time at Walt Disney World , you can find this decorative fabric hung from building ledges and rooftops.
• Main Street USA Pumpkins – Look up to the second story of Main Street USA to find specialty carved pumpkins. If you look closely, you’ll be able to see the carvings echo the store they’re located above.

Can You Meet Halloween Characters in Magic Kingdom?

• The short answer is no. Normal ticketed guests do not have the opportunity to meet any characters in specially themed costumes. The only chance to meet a character dressed in a Halloween costume is at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Guests looking to meet Disney World Halloween characters should expect to visit Mickey’s Not So Scary Party, which has many specialty characters. Some of the very best Halloween Disney World characters you can meet at the party include Jack and Sally, Pooh and Friends, Rock n’ Roll Stitch and more.

Related Post: Walt Disney World October Crowd Calendar

Halloween at Epcot 2024

Epcot is an amazing park for so many reasons, but it’s not the best park for Disney during Halloween 2024 . There aren’t many 2024 Walt Disney World Halloween events at Epcot that occur during the fall. Nor are there remotely any Epcot Halloween decorations. But one huge reason we do love going to Epcot in the fall is the  International Food and Wine Festival !

What is There To Do at Epcot During Halloween 2024?

• While there aren’t any Halloween specific events held at Epcot. The main reason this park is still a must visit is for the 2024 International Food and Wine Festival. While not exactly a Disney World Halloween theme, you will find plenty of fall-themed and pumpkin-flavored goodies during this event.

Epcot Halloween Decorations 2024

• Unfortunately, you won’t find any Halloween specific decorations at Epcot. The décor at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival will be more fall-like than Halloween-themed. If you’re more of a Fall foodie than a creepy crawly, Epcot will be more of your pace.

Related post:  Walt Disney World Food and Wine Festival

Hollywood Studios Halloween 2024

Hollywood Studios likes to dip its toe into Halloween at Disney World Florida . You won’t find a ton of Halloween Décor or 2024 Disney World Halloween specials. But you can find a few hints to the season here and there. Hollywood studios is also home to the best 2024 Halloween Dining experience.

Hollywood Studios during Halloween Main Event

• Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine:  An enchanting character dining experience hosted by Minnie Mouse and her friends. All set to a spook-tackular Halloween theme!

If your kids want to see the fab five all dressed up in their Halloween costumes, this is the place to come for some fun dining at Disney during Halloween . This dining experience is one of many included in Minnie’s seasonal dining at the Hollywood and Vine restaurant.

Can You See Any Characters at Hollywood Studios During Halloween?

Like Epcot, Hollywood Studios wont have any specialty Halloween themed characters. We would love to see a Star Wars Villain cavalcade for Disney World Halloween 2024 , but we might just be dreaming for now.

Related Post: Check Out the Best Restaurants in Disney World at Hollywood Studios! 

Disney Animal Kingdom Halloween 2024

Animal Kingdom Park has been the least invested park at Disney World at Halloween. There are a couple treats here and there, a little décor and standard merchandise but nothing to really write home about. We’d love to see them celebrate the villains represented by the park (such as Scar from Lion King , Charles F. Muntz from Up or even Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas ).

Animal Kingdom Characters for Disney World Halloween

• In years past, we have been able to spot Chip and Dale wearing their dinosaur costumes to celebrate the holiday! But be warned, you aren’t going to see any any villains on the flotillas that glide through the rivers of Animal Kingdom. But, you can head over to Dinoland USA to see if Donald and his friends are sporting any Halloween costumes.

Halloween Decor at Animal Kingdom

• Like the characters, there isn’t much that goes into  Halloween at Animal Kingdom 2024 . You may be able to spot more Fall-themed decor scattered throughout the park.

Related Article: Complete Guide to the Best time to Visit Disney World 

Halloween at Disney Springs 2024

Disney Springs is a fun place to visit during the Halloween Season at Walt Disney World. The 2024 Disney Springs Halloween decorations rival those in Magic Kingdom providing plenty of photo opportunities for you and your family.

Celebrating Halloween at Disney Springs 2024

• Late Night Concerts and Dance Parties – Guests of all ages can enjoy live musical entertainment at is many outdoor stages.
• Special Photo Opportunities  – Not only are there art installations celebrating the Disney World Halloween season , but you can also find a one-of-a-kind Halloween photo at the Disney PhotoPass Studio

Downtown Disney Halloween night can be a fun place for the adults to come play on October 31 as plenty of the bars and restaurants will have fun drinks and entertainment. We are sure if you are visiting during the spooky season, there will be plenty of Disney Springs Halloween activities.

Be sure to check our list above for Halloween time offerings of food and merchandise at Disney Springs!

Related post:  What are the Best Disney Springs Restaurants?

Disney World Halloween at the Resorts 2024

Most resorts decorate and have fun activities for their guests staying there to celebrate Halloween at Disney World . However we do have one resort that we love to recommend everyone at least visit (if not stay there) during the Halloween season. We believe Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is the best Disney resort for Halloween .

Fort Wilderness at Halloween 2024

• The thing that makes this resort the best place for your Disney Halloween stay is not necessarily what Disney does, it’s what the guests do! It’s been a long-standing tradition that the campers at Fort Wilderness go ALL OUT in their Halloween décor at their campsites. You’ll see tons of “scary” Halloween decorations at most of the campsites. From giant inflatable Mickey Mouse vampires to actual haunted houses you can walk through.

The guests also often give out candy to any trick or treaters on Halloween night providing some of the best trick or treating at Disney World resorts. Even if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness, we recommend hopping over there one evening and doing a tour of all the campers’ decorations.

Other resorts also have fun with Halloween so let’s look at some of the Halloween events you can find at just about every Disney resort.

Events for Disney World Halloween at the Hotels

• From Halloween-y type of movies being shown at night to Halloween-based games at the pools and sometimes even actual trick or treating, your kids especially will find some fun Halloween activities to participate in at your resort.

Halloween Themed In-room Décor

• One thing you can do at your Disney World resort that you can’t do anywhere else is provide your own Halloween decorations at Disney . You can make Halloween at Disney World 2024  the bet yet by decorating your windows and interior all you want (following Disney guidelines for how you affix your décor).

Whether you bring decorations from home or purchase it using Disney’s In-Room Celebrations packages, you’re sure to make your stay even more special.

Related post:  The Complete List of Disney World Resorts

Disney World Halloween Food

Halloween  Disney World snacks are in no short supply. You can find specialty themed food all around the Walt Disney World Resort.  Disney at Halloween is celebrated in the form of food in the theme parks, Disney Springs, and even the resorts! Since most food items change year after year, we have decided to put together a list of some of our favorite  Disney World Halloween snacks  locations.

Best Locations for Disney Halloween Food

Magic Kingdom Park:

• Main Street Bakery  – Main Street USA
• Sleepy Hollow  – Liberty Square
• Aloha Aisle  – Adventureland

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Creature Comforts – (Starbucks) Africa
• Flame Tree Barbecue – Discovery Island
• Restaurantosaurus – Dinoland USA
• Block & Hans – American Adventure Pavilion

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• ABC Commissary – Commissary Lane
• Backlot Express – Echo Lake
• Trolley Car Cafe – Hollywood Boulevard
• PizzeRizzo – Grand Ave

Disney Springs:

• Amorette’s Patisserie – Town Center
• The Ganachery – The Landing
• Gideon’s Bakehouse – The Landing

Resort Hotels:

• Contempo Cafe – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Le Petit Cafe – Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Roaring Fork – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• BoardWalk Bakery – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

You’ll notice Magic Kingdom’s offerings are less than expected. That’s because most of the Disney World at Halloween time treats in Magic Kingdom are offered exclusively at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. If you’re attending the party and looking for our list of favorite treats there, make sure you check out our Complete Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party .

Related post:   What are the Best Desserts at Disney World?

Disney World Halloween Merchandise 2024

Halloween at Disney World 2024  has no limits when it comes to themed merchandise. If you’re looking for the newest themed Spirit Jersey, Minnie Ear headband, or popcorn bucket we have got you covered! Halloween in Disney World was teased for the “Disney’s Halfway to Halloween” with dates, treats and brand new merchandise. We’ve seen new Spirit Jerseys, Mickey Ears, hats, shirts and more.

Brand new Disney Halloween merchandise will be available for guests to buy in shops around the parks when the season is here! The Disney Halloween party typically comes with exclusive merchandise, as well.

Where Can I Buy The Newest Disney Halloween Merchandise?

• Emporium  – Main Street USA
• Disney Clothiers  – Main Street USA
• Riverside Depot  – Discovery Island
• Island Mercantile – Discovery Island
• Creations Shop – World Celebration
• Once Upon a Time  – Sunset Boulevard
• Mickey’s of Hollywood  – Hollywood Boulevard
• Celebrity 5 & 10  – Hollywood Boulevard
• World of Disney  – Town Center
• Market Place Co-Op  – Market Place
• DisneyStyle – West Side
• Each Disney Resort has one main gift shop for all of your shopping needs! This shop will also have specialty themed merchandise to get you in the spooky spirit.

Disney World during Halloween  time 2024 is in no short supply when it comes to merchandise. Nearly every location, even kiosks, that sell merchandise will have Halloween themed items to purchase. The locations listed above are just some of our favorite spots to get the newest items. Always check back for an updated list as new items become available.

Related Post: Disney Springs Ultimate Hotel Guide

Disney100 Additions to Disney World During Halloween 2024

Disney World loves to up the excitement when it comes to celebrations, and last year Halloween at Disney World 2024  included the 50th Anniversary Celebration. We are hoping with Disney’s 100 year celebration, we will see new exciting additions to the Halloween season.

Related Post: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets

2024 Disney World Halloween FAQ

Q: When does Disney put out Halloween decorations ?

A: Disney is awesome at being magical about its seasonal decorations. You can be in Magic Kingdom one day with no decorations and show up the next day to having all of Disney World decorated for Halloween ! In general, you’ll start to see the Disney World Halloween decorations in August.

Q: When does Halloween end at Disney World?

A: As quickly as they go up, the Walt Disney World Halloween decorations come down! While they may hang around for a few days after Oct 31, don’t expect to see them too far into November.

Q: Is the Disney World Halloween party happening this year?

A: Disney fans were delighted to hear that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party  is here to stay at Walt Disney World! The Disney World Halloween Party is back for 2024 and tickets go on sale in May.

Q: What is the best Disney park for Halloween?

A:Very simply the Magic Kingdom park is the absolute best park when visiting Disney World during Halloween. The main reason is the 2024 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween event. Magic Kingdom does have the best Halloween decorations and theming of all of the Disney World theme parks in general.

Q: When does 2024 Disney World Halloween officially begin?

A: Aug. 12 – November 1st, 2024

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our   Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a  Disney World Travel Agent   for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote  for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your  Walt Disney World Tickets ,   and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as  Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets  and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .   If you’re brand new to Disney vacation planning we recommend our  Walt Disney World Planning Page!   Learn more about Disney hotels by reading our  Walt Disney World Hotels Review page .

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today , as well!

Who We Recommend

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Michael Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!

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Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The 2023 event has concluded. please check back for information regarding the 2024 event., halloween fun for everyone, halloween with a disney twist.

Get your favorite costume ready! Come collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions and some beloved Disney Characters.

Though attractions and experiences are subject to change, here’s a list of what was available during our 2023 event:

• Set your sights on the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! Watch 3 sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle the residents of Magic Kingdom park.
• Witness Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular —a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney Characters and hosted by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas .
• Boogie down at the Disney Junior Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café —featuring some favorite friends from Disney Junior shows. It’s perfect for young partygoers!
• Watch beloved Disney Characters—including Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sandersons from Hocus Pocus—during Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade .
• Collect a bag full of candy as you roam the trick-or-treat trails in search of some of your favorite sweets.
• Revel in the extraordinarily enchanting atmosphere of Magic Kingdom park during this limited-capacity event.

Best of all, this event is “not-so-scary”—so children of all ages can join in the fun!

Before you go, please review our dress code and costume guidelines .

Favorite Attractions

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Swiss Family Treehouse

Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square

• Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• “It’s a small world”
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mad Tea Party
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Storybook Circus

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Barnstormer

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
• TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise

Entertainment offerings, available attractions and experiences are subject to change.

Enchanting Entertainment

Disney’s not-so-spooky spectacular.

Watch the skies come alive with a Halloween spectacular featuring lasers, fireworks and more!

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Join a wickedly fun celebration at Cinderella Castle stage hosted by the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus.

Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Witness a masquerade of Characters—including a few faces from Haunted Mansion.

The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet

Head over to Frontierland where this Dapper Dans-style singing group will delight you with their “dead pan” humor.

Candy, Costumes, Characters & More

Trick-or-treat throughout the park.

Allergy-Friendly Fun If you have a food allergy, please see a Cast Member to pick up a teal-colored treat bag. When you trick-or-treat with your teal bag, you’ll receive a teal token at our treat stations. Later on, you can redeem these teal tokens at our Allergy-Friendly Centers for your special treats!

Enjoy Mars Wrigley Treats Thank you to the signature sponsor—Mars Wrigley—for providing tasty treats at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2023.

Come in Costume

Before brewing up your make-believe best, please read our official costume guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. You can also visit Disney Store to put together the pumpkin-perfect disguise!

See Favorite Characters All Dressed Up

Get your camera ready! Be on the lookout for some Disney Characters in their “haunt-couture” looks—ready to pose for a photo with you.

Devilishly Delightful Additions

Event merchandise.

Bring the party home with not-so-scary souvenirs and mementos (available for purchase).

Specialty Sips & Bites

See what we've brewed up for the occasion: Halloween-inspired food and beverages (available for purchase).

Disney PhotoPass Experiences

Not-so-scary memories.

Mickey’s big bash will come and go before you know it, but we’ve cast our spell so partygoers can preserve these haunted highlights forever. Throughout the evening, Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on hand to snap spirited pics at a variety of spots—including Character experiences and locations with batty backdrops! You can also enjoy Disney PhotoPass service at select attractions.

Please note that if Guests want to preview their attraction photos—for select experiences like Haunted Mansion —they must do one of the following:

• Wear a Disney band linked to their Disney account
• Set up Disney Magic Mobile Service in the My Disney Experience app

A few tips for linking attraction photos and videos using your mobile device:

• Make sure to sign in to the My Disney Experience app.
• Keep your mobile device out of low power mode while on board.
• Use a mobile device with Bluetooth® technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app.

Please note that an Apple Watch can’t be used to automatically link attraction photos and videos.

Magic Shots

Magic Shots add Disney Characters and other surprises to Disney PhotoPass photos after they’ve been taken! Watch as a supernatural surprise appears in your photo—like the grim grinning ghosts from Haunted Mansion.

Memory Maker

Purchase Memory Maker so you can relive this hex-cellent event! Capture and share memories with Disney PhotoPass service—we'll get everyone in the picture!

Learn more about Memory Maker.

So Much More to See and Do

Disney resort hotel offers.

Stay in the magic with special offers at uniquely themed Disney Resort Hotels.

Disney Gift Card

Surprise them with a gift card to use at the event!

Be Spellbound by Hocus Pocus 2

The long-awaited sequel premieres this fall on Disney+. Subscription required.

Halloween at Disney World: 10 Things You Can’t Miss in 2023!

The spooky season is upon us, and it is no secret that celebrating all things Halloween at Disney is one of the highlights of the year. 

Running from August 11th through October 31st, Halloween is the longest “season” at Walt Disney World.

With so many things happening across the resort, we’ve lined up the top 10 “must do’s” so you don’t miss a thing. 

Are you ready for a spooktacular time? Let’s get started!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. Enjoy the Halloween Festivities at Fort Wilderness Campground (2023 Details Pending)

The “Return to Sleepy Hollow” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is one of the coolest Disney Halloween experiences on property.

If you haven’t been, it’s definitely a must-do! 

So what exactly is Return to Sleepy Hollow? 

You’ll enjoy quite a few things such as:

• A group viewing of the 1949 animated classic film the Legend of Sleepy Hollow inside the resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables (so awesome!)
• An after-movie dessert party which includes Halloween-themed snacks and desserts
• You may even get an up close and personal encounter with the Headless Horseman! 

The only other time you see him is at the start of the Boo-To-You Parade if you attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. So, it’s a unique opportunity for sure!

If you can’t make it out to this event, you can enjoy the over-the-top spooky Disney Halloween decorations that the RVers present on their piece of real estate at the campground .

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket!  GET MY TICKETS.

2. Create Your Own Halloween Foodie Tour Across Walt Disney World Resort 

Who doesn’t love a tasty Disney Halloween treat?! Find scrumptious options across the Walt Disney World Resort made to satisfy any sweet tooth. 

Disney releases seasonal foodie guides with specialty themed treats. Use these to create your own foodie tour and enjoy the limited-time offerings. 

The options are endless and the snacks are worth the extra effort to get them! 

As of this writing, the only foodie guide that has been released is for Magic Kingdom / Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

As the Fall season draws closer, foodie guides will be shared for the remaining parks and resorts. Stay tuned!

Mysteries of Memento Mori at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Official Haunted Mansion Store)

3. Have Fun at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is returning this year in all its ghoulish glory!

After a 2-year hiatus and an After Hours version offered in 2021, Disney fans are delighted this popular event we know and love is back!

MNSSHP kicks off on August 11th, the first of 38 party dates scheduled this year! 

Celebrate a Disney Halloween with special entertainment like the “Boo-to-You” Parade, Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular stage show, trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom , and the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. 

You’ll also find lots of characters out in the park wearing their favorite Halloween costumes – and you’re even encouraged to wear one, too! It’s fun for all ages!

Get your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets TODAY!

4. Go on a Scavenger Hunt with Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit at EPCOT

Gather the whole family and join in on a very special pumpkin hunt at EPCOT!

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit will be available at EPCOT from September 29th to October 31st (or while supplies last).

Similar to other seasonal scavenger hunts, with the purchase of a map and stickers , you can search around EPCOT to look for hidden decorative Disney character themed pumpkins.

Find them all and receive a special keepsake item.

10 Best Gifts to Buy from Your Walt Disney World Vacation in 2023

5. Enjoy the Fall at Disney Springs

Throughout September and October, you’ll find “Fall at Disney Springs,” which features seasonal decorations, photo backdrops, entertainment, and treats. 

Be sure to grab a “passport” similar to those provided during EPCOT’s festivals , highlighting all the food and treat options available throughout Disney Springs!

What’s the Best Restaurant in Disney Springs? Don’t Miss These 5 Spots!

6. Get Your Favorite Disney Halloween Merchandise

Guests visiting Walt Disney World have an array of Halloween-themed merchandise to choose from when selecting a trip souvenir! 

Mickey pumpkins, themed popcorn buckets (always SUPER popular and often sell out quickly), spirit jerseys , Mickey Halloween ears , and a variety of other boo-tiful options will be available at the parks, resorts and select locations in Disney Springs. 

Don’t forget to peruse shopDisney.com, too! I’ve already seen Disney Halloween merchandise pop-up on the website! Shop early!

You can find more Disney Halloween merchandise here!

7. Do a Halloween Resort Bar Crawl 

There are a variety of specialty and limited-time food and drink options scattered all across the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Use the foodie guides (mentioned earlier) and plan a resort bar crawl!  

Hop on the monorail or Skyliner and visit the resorts to give some of those treats and drinks a try.

Add a little frightful flair and wear your favorite Disney Halloween shirt and ears to help get into the spooky spirit! 

• Monorail Resort Route: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Resort, and Contemporary Resort
• Skyliner Resort Route: Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, POP Century, Art of Animation

10 Best Disney World Resorts for Adults to Splurge On

8. Enjoy Special Halloween Events at the Disney Resorts 

Many of the Disney resorts will have some type of complimentary Halloween activities for Guests on Halloween day that may include:

• A costume contest
• Spooky arts and crafts
• Special showings of Disney Halloween movies at the resort pool or beach areas
• Possibly even trick-or-treating! 

So, be sure to check with the Front Desk of your Disney Resort for more details.

15 BEST SeaWorld Spooktacular Tips (2024 First-timer’s Guide)

9. Take Lots of Photos of the Halloween Decor

The Disney Halloween decor is festive, super pretty and provides a beautiful backdrop for any photo. You’ll find the most photo opportunities at Magic Kingdom. 

While there are some cute and unique photo ops in Disney Springs, most of “Halloween” is confined to Magic Kingdom.  

Mickey pumpkin wreaths adorn the lampposts up and down Main Street U.S.A., the Town Square and in front of Cinderella Castle.

There are also Fall-colored buntings are draped perfectly on all the Main Street facades and stores, and carved Mickey pumpkins line the second level of the storefronts. 

Take advantage of these backdrops, perhaps theme your park attire to fit the harvest vibe, strike your favorite pose and say cheese!

2024 BEST Days to Go to the Magic Kingdom (Crowd Calendar Guide)

10. Enjoy Multiple Spooky Rides on the Haunted Mansion and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Unless you are attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party where you’ll find Halloween overlays on Pirates of the Caribbean , Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain, you won’t find any others across Walt Disney World.

There are however two very iconic attractions that depict spooky vibes and inspire creepy stories: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios and Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom.

While these are not “Halloween” attractions per se, they do fit in perfectly with the haunted theme!

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the  latest podcast episode on Apple  or on your  non-Apple  device now!

My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do for Halloween at Disney World

As you can see, you can create your own perfect Disney Halloween experience by using some of the items on this list to kick start your spooky vacation.

Now it’s your turn, what’s your favorite thing to do at Disney for Halloween? Let us know in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Hi there! I’m Marnie from A Disney State of Mind, a creative Disney writer and blogger with 35+ years of travel and park experience.

I have a fierce and contagious passion for all things Disney.

I specialize in simplifying the complexities of planning a Disney vacation by sharing travel tips, park strategies, the latest park news, unbiased reviews, and advice to make the most of your Walt Disney World experience.

Follow all my adventures @adisneystateofmind on Instagram and Facebook.

UP NEXT: 31 BEST Disney Halloween Movies (MUST WATCH IN THIS ORDER)

(Original Article Date: August 10, 2022/Updated by the Editor on July 19, 2023)

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2023 Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Guide: Food, Tips, Tickets and more!

19 beginner tips for mickey’s not-so-scary halloween party (2023 full guide), 4 thoughts on “halloween at disney world: 10 things you can’t miss in 2023”.

Looping in Ft Wilderness. Many, many scary sights For a Family On Halloween night

Absolutely!

Marnie, Unfortunately, Disney hasn’t had the “Return to Sleepy Hollow” event at the Fort for several years. It’s still a great place to spend Halloween.

Thank you for the update! We hope that it will return in the future.

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24 Dates You Need To Know If You’re Visiting Disney World in 2024

Are you planning to go to Walt Disney World in 2024? Here are 24 dates to be aware of to help you decide on the best time to visit!

It’s always exciting to be in Disney World, but some times of the year are better than others – and not just because of the crowds! Disney has a lot of events, refurbishments, grand openings, and more planning for 2024 and how your trip overlaps with them can really make or break your vacation.

Disney World 2024 Dates to Know

So, to help you decide on the best time to be at Disney World in 2024, we’re bringing you a look at all the major things happening throughout the year and when they’re happening!

New Rides, Attractions, and Hotels

January 27th – summer 2024: country bear musical jamboree.

The beloved opening day attraction, Country Bear Jamboree has officially closed its curtains for the last time in 2024 to make way for a brand new show in Magic Kingdom – Country Bear Musical Jamboree! This new take on the classic show will be inspired by Nashville’s Opry-style shows with reimagined Disney music featuring a country twist. It is expected that the updated attraction will open sometime in summer 2024. Learn more about the upcoming changes here .

June 10: CommuniCore Hall & Plaza Opening

The highly anticipated CommuniCore Hall and Plaza will be opening beginning June 10. This will complete the multi-year EPCOT transformation, which has included additions such as Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and new “neighborhoods” to represent the reimagined park.

When it opens, CommuniCore Hall will include a new character greeting location with Mickey & friends, along with a mural showcasing the EPCOT past and present. It will also open with “¡Celebración Encanto!,” which will run several times throughout the day through September 6.

July 1st: New DVC Cabins Begin to Open at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are getting a new look and joining the Disney Vacation Club resort collection! According to Disney, the first phase of the new cabins will open on July 1st, with the second phase opening later that month and more continuing to open throughout the rest of the year.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

You can learn more about how to book and see a first look at the concept art here .

Summer 2024: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

One of the most highly anticipated new attractions coming to Disney World in 2024 is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure . Replacing Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom, this ride will take guests on a journey through the swamps of Louisiana, where they’ll encounter all sorts of creatures and characters from the world of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog . The ride promises to be a thrilling and immersive experience and is expected to open in late 2024 .

Closures and Refurbishments

January 8th – mid-march 2024: kali river rapids closed.

Kali River Rapids, a popular water ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom known for soaking its riders, closed for refurbishment from January 8th to mid-March 2024. This was a routine refurbishment that usually happens every year to help ensure the ride remains in top condition for guests to enjoy.

January 8th – Summer 2024: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Closed

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, closed for refurbishment on January 8th. Disney has not yet announced an exact opening date, but they currently anticipate that it will reopen sometime in summer 2024.

January 16th – 20th: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed

Over in Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad also got some TLC from January 16th to 20th, 2024. This closure was brief, with the ride only being closed for a few days before being reopened to guests. 

January 16th – 27th: Disney Skyliner Closed

From January 16th to 27th, 2024, portions of the Disney Skyliner closed for routine maintenance. All routes were closed through the 21st, with service to and from Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT closed through January 27th, 2024.

June 16th – TBA: Test Track Closing for Reimagining

Test Track presented by  Chevrolet  will close temporarily beginning June 17 at EPCOT. This closure will make way for the newly designed ride to take its place later on. As of now, no reopening date or season has been revealed.

November 2nd – 6th: Frozen Ever After Closure

Looking later in 2024, Frozen Ever After in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion will be closed for routine maintenance from November 2nd to 6th. If you’re visiting during this time, you can still get your Frozen fix by meeting Anna and Elsa in the Norway Pavilion or head on over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.

You can learn more about all of the 2024 Disney World refurbishments and closures here!

Seasonal Events and Festivals

January 10th – fall 2024: disney after hours.

Disney After Hours is a special event that allows you to enjoy select attractions and experiences on select nights at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios after regular park hours. In 2024, Disney After Hours will take place on select evenings between January 10th and August 2024, as of now. Keep in mind that you can enter the parks as early as 7 PM if you’ve purchased a Disney After Hours ticket even if you don’t have a daytime park ticket, so be sure to make the most of your time! 

Click here to learn more about Disney After Hours events and when they’ll take place in 2024.

January 12th – February 19th: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts celebrates all things arts featuring some of the most Instagrammable food and drink, plus plenty of interactive activities to keep you busy. During the festival, you can also enjoy live performances, workshops, art exhibits, and more. The festival took place from January 12th to February 19th in 2024.

February 28th – May 27th: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT transforms for the spring when the International Flower & Garden Festival arrives! During the festival, you can explore stunning gardens, attend gardening workshops, and enjoy farm fresh food and drinks offerings. The festival will take place from February 28th to May 27th, 2024.

July – November: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is another popular event that celebrates food and drink from around the world. During the festival, you can sample delicious dishes and drinks from global food booths, attend cooking demonstrations, and even enjoy live music. Disney has not yet released the 2024 festival dates, however, it has run from July to November in the past. 

August – October: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Hoping to celebrate Halloween in Disney World this year? Well, you don’t want to miss Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This family-friendly event takes place at Magic Kingdom in the fall and features trick-or-treating, specialty eats and drinks, limited time entertainment, and the chance to ride all the park’s attractions without the crowds. The party dates have not yet been released by Disney, but the event usually takes place on select nights between August to October.

November – December: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is another special event celebrating the holidays in Magic Kingdom that takes place every year. During the party, you can enjoy holiday-themed entertainment, meet your favorite Disney characters, and watch a special Christmas parade and fireworks show. Official dates have not yet been announced, however Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party traditionally takes place on select nights between November and December. 

November – December: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is another unique way to celebrate the holidays in Disney World. During the festival, you can enjoy special holiday-themed food and drinks, attend storytelling sessions that retell holiday traditions from around the world, and see one of the most coveted shows in all of Disney World – The Candlelight Processional. Festival dates are usually released closer to the holiday season, though we expect it to take place from November to December. 

Operational Changes

January 9th: all-day park hopper and disney dining plan returns.

The All-Day Park Hopper option returned to Disney World in January 2024. This means that you are now able to visit multiple parks in a single day, without any restrictions if you’ve purchased a Park Hopper ticket or Disney World Annual Pass. Additionally, the Disney Dining Plan also returned on the same day , allowing guests who purchased a Disney vacation package to pre-pay for their meals before they even set food in Disney World. 

January 9th: Park Pass Reservations No Longer Required For Date-Based Tickets

Date-based tickets no longer require making a Park Pass Reservation. This means that you will have more flexibility when planning your visit to the parks. Just keep in mind that this does not apply to Disney World Annual Passholders or guests with non-date-based tickets. Click here to learn more about this change and what it means for your 2024 vacation!

January 11th: Annual Passholder “Good to Go” Days Introduced

While Park Pass Reservations are still required for most dates for Disney World Annual Passholders, on January 11th, Disney introduced “Good to Go” days on select dates in 2024. These are days when passholders are able to visit any of the four theme parks without first making a Park Pass Reservation.

Photo by Cliff Wang

You can learn more about “Good-to-Go” days and what they mean for you as a passholder!

runDisney Race Weekends

January 3rd – 7th: disney world marathon weekend.

The Disney World Marathon Weekend is one of the most popular runDisney events of the year. This five-day event features races of varying distances, from a 5K to a full marathon. The highlight of the weekend is the full marathon, which takes runners through all four Disney World parks. There’s also a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K from January 3rd to 7th, 2024.

February 22nd – 26th: Princess Half Marathon Weekend

The Princess Half Marathon Weekend also returned to Disney World in 2024! This four-day event features a 5K, a 10K, and culminated with a half marathon that goes through Magic Kingdom. Expect the parks to be a bit more crowded with runners between February 22nd to 26th, 2024.

April 18th – 21st: Springtime Surprise Weekend

The Springtime Surprise Weekend is a newer addition to the runDisney lineup, but it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. This four-day event features a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon and will take place from April 18th to 21st, 2024.

October 31st – November 3rd: Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend

The final run Disney event of 2024 is the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend. This four-day event features a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon, with half marathon participants getting access to a special after-hours event in EPCOT during the Food & Wine Festival. This year, it will take place from October 31st to November 3rd, 2024.

So, as you can see, there’s a lot happening in Disney World in 2024! You can learn more about the changes coming to the Disney Parks and beyond to help you plan your next vacation here!

The post 24 Dates You Need To Know If You’re Visiting Disney World in 2024 appeared first on WDW Magazine .

Major Florida Airport Partners with Disney World for Groundbreaking Travel Service

in Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) are joining forces for an all-new transportation service option for guests.

LYNX Bus Service Adds New Transportation Service to Disney World, Disney Springs From Orlando International Airport

LYNX serves as the primary public transit provider for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, offering essential connectivity to residents and visitors alike. Additionally, it extends its reach to Lake and Polk counties, ensuring comprehensive transportation coverage across the region.

Operating on a hub-and-spoke model, LYNX facilitates efficient travel with its strategic network design. At the heart of this system are the four major theme parks and Disney Springs , which serve as central hubs. From these hubs, LYNX provides convenient service to the various resort hotels, ensuring seamless access for travelers exploring the area.

This structured approach to transit not only enhances accessibility within the region but also fosters connectivity between critical destinations, supporting the vibrant tourism and transportation ecosystem of Central Florida.

LYNX is now offering new services for Disney guests from MCO to the theme parks!

Coming off a busy and strenuous Spring Break season , WDW has made an announcement that should make things a little easier for guests. Introducing the Link 311, affectionately known as the Lynx bus, a novel transportation route forging a vital link between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the bustling tourist hotspot of Disney Springs, along with other key destinations.

Great news!! Starting April 21, the new Link 311 with @lynxbusorlando will operate between our airport & the Disney Springs Transfer Center, with convenient stops along the way! 🗓️ Every 30 minutes, daily ⌚ 5am-11pm 📍 Level 1, Terminal A, A38-41 spots 🚍 https://t.co/xDKBFVjyQ7 pic.twitter.com/Me1Ubhyez5 — Orlando International Airport (@MCO) April 19, 2024

Great news!! Starting April 21, the new Link 311 with @lynxbusorlando will operate between our airport & the Disney Springs Transfer Center, with convenient stops along the way! Every 30 minutes, daily 5am-11pm Level 1, Terminal A, A38-41 spots – @MCO on X

This new route, commencing at Terminal A of the airport, boasts six strategically placed stops, including prominent locations like Florida Mall, Universal Boulevard, and Destination Parkway. Whether travelers seek retail therapy, entertainment, or a slice of adventure, Link 311 provides seamless access to various attractions and amenities.

Operating every 30 minutes from the early hours of 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., the Lynx bus offers a reliable and frequent service catering to the diverse schedules of passengers. With a flat fare of $2, accessing this convenient mode of transportation is affordable and accessible. Travelers can pay using cash, the LYNX app, or a bus pass, ensuring ease of use for all commuters.

The introduction of Link 311 signifies a significant enhancement in the transportation infrastructure of Orlando, providing travelers with a convenient and cost-effective means to explore the city’s vibrant offerings. Whether arriving at the airport or venturing out for an exciting day of exploration, the Lynx bus stands ready to whisk passengers away on their next adventure.

Disney World guests can now rejoice as a new transportation option is set to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers arriving at the airport. The launch of the Link 311 service connecting the airport and Disney Springs Transfer Center provides guests with a direct and hassle-free transportation solution.

Say goodbye to navigating multiple transfers or relying on private transportation – this service offers a seamless journey to Disney Springs and beyond. With buses operating every 30 minutes throughout the day, guests enjoy greater flexibility in their travel plans. Whether arriving bright and early in the morning or late at night, a reliable transportation option is on hand to accommodate various arrival times, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.

Operating from 5 am to 11 pm, the Link 311 service caters to guests arriving at different times of the day. This extended service window ensures that transportation to Disney World is accessible regardless of arrival time, providing peace of mind and flexibility in travel arrangements. Strategically located stops along the route, including Level 1, Terminal A, A38-41 spots, make accessing the service directly from the airport terminal effortless.

Bid farewell to additional transfers or navigating unfamiliar transportation hubs – these convenient stops enhance the overall travel experience for guests. In summary, the introduction of the Link 311 service with Lynx Bus Orlando is a welcomed addition for Disney World guests.

Offering a convenient, reliable, and accessible transportation option from the airport to Disney Springs and beyond, guests can now enjoy seamless connectivity between the airport and the enchanting world of Disney.

Whether arriving for a magical vacation or departing after an unforgettable experience, this new service promises to make the journey as memorable as the destination itself. Hopefully, Ron DeSantis’s new law won’t interfere with Disney guests looking away from political drama.

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Disney World Just Won Its First-ever Michelin Star for This Swanky Restaurant

Victoria & Albert’s just made history for Disney.

Kent Phillips/Courtesy of Disney

Celebrations are in order for Orlando’s burgeoning dining scene, as Disney announced it earned its first Michelin star for the property’s contemporary fine dining hot spot Victoria & Albert’s. In doing so it has become the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park to receive such a designation, according to Disney Parks' blog .

Known as the “culinary crown jewel” of the mouse’s central Florida property, the coveted restauranthelmed by chef Matthew Sowers is just steps from Magic Kingdom, located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by Michelin for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” Sowers, who has been with the restaurant for nearly 20 years, said in the announcement. “Everybody on our team earned this Star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.”

As a bona fide culinary destination, Victoria & Albert’s has welcomed guests for over two decades and recently underwent royal renovations . The multi-course, multi-hour experience is hosted in an intimate dining room that takes inspiration from Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Celebration and has subtle Disney touches, like a brass pumpkin from "Cinderella."

While you won’t find any grey stuff, the ever-evolving tasting menu reflects seasonal bounties and offers “extraordinary flavors and the highest quality of ingredients from across the world.” A plant-based menu is available for those with dietary restrictions. 

Its elevated eats are complemented by drink pairings, including a zero-proof menu and a robust selection of globally sourced waters . Victoria & Albert’s has an award-winning wine program with over 500 different selections, spanning 35 global regions. For the ultimate splurge, a tucked-away chef’s table can accommodate six guests and offers a front-row seat to the kitchen.

It takes a remarkable team to earn such a high honor. Sowers is joined by a team that includes executive chef Kevin Chong, pastry chef Ally Rogers, culinary director chef Scott Hunnel, and maître d’hotel Sommelier Israel Perez. “Just like a dance, there are many tiny steps that come naturally after years of dedication,” Perez said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure . “Everything is done with purpose, and it is beautiful when the tempo is perfect.”

The applauded restaurant is not new to such accolades: it was previously awarded the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional. It also holds the honor of being the only location in Florida to have both Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards.

The Michelin Guide began honoring central and southern Florida restaurants in 2022. Victoria & Albert’s joins 26 other Michelin-star restaurants in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. Reservations are limited at Victoria & Albert’s and must be made in advance. Pricing begins at $295 per guest and children are not permitted. 

Screen Rant

Disneyland vs disney world: all differences & which to visit.

Disneyland and Disney World are both great vacation spots, but each resort caters to different types of travelers and trips. Which should you choose?

• Disneyland has two theme parks, while Disney World has four. The latter requires a longer stay to see everything.
• Disneyland is walkable, but Disney World requires visitors to travel via car, monorail, boat, and bus.
• Disneyland is typically slightly cheaper than Disney World, making it a good option for shorter trips or budget-conscious travelers.

There are six Disneyland parks worldwide, and two of them reside in the United States — but while Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Resort have notable similarities, they also have some major differences . Disney's California-based location is the first of its theme parks to open worldwide, but Walt Disney World has caught up in terms of popularity. This might be because the Florida resort is larger than the California one, allowing it to offer more accommodations and attractions.

This doesn't necessarily mean Walt Disney World is better than Disneyland; both locations are worth checking out, and each will appeal to different types of travelers. Whether someone chooses Walt Disney World or Disneyland will largely depend on what they're looking for from their vacation. It's worth learning what makes each resort unique before purchasing tickets to Disneyland or its Florida-based counterpart.

All Disney Castles At Every Disneyland Park

Disneyland has 2 parks & disney world has 4 parks (plus 2 water parks), disney world is larger & better for a longer getaway.

Probably the biggest difference between Disneyland California and Walt Disney World is the size of each resort , as the latter is much larger than its California-based counterpart. According to Travel + Leisure , Disneyland clocks in at around 500 acres, while Walt Disney World Resort is around 25,000 acres. That's a massive difference, and it shows in the number of parks at each location. Disneyland only has two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park . Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has four theme parks on its premises: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

This distinction can be helpful when planning a trip to Disney, as visitors will want to choose the location that better suits the amount of time they plan to spend there.

With four parks to cover, Disney World could be the better choice for a longer getaway . The parks at Disneyland California are easy enough to cover in a day or two. However, it's impossible to see all of Disney World in that time. This distinction can be helpful when planning a trip to Disney, as visitors will want to choose the location that better suits the amount of time they plan to spend there. Walt Disney World Resort also features two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach — which require additional time to visit. They are great for summer trips, though.

Disneyland Is Walkable, But Walt Disney World Isn't

Walt disney world requires more travel planning.

The size difference between Disneyland and Disney World is important to note, as the latter resort also requires more travel planning. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are right next to one another, and they aren't far from the Downtown Disney District and Disney's Anaheim-based hotels. This means that Disneyland is a largely walkable trip , though children, elderly visitors, and people with disabilities may require additional accommodation. While walking all over Disneyland will take time and energy, it's often doable — and that's not the case for Walt Disney World .

The separate parks at Walt Disney World Resort are much further from one another, so visitors will need to plan their travels accordingly. Bringing or renting a car can be a smart choice when visiting Disney World. Of course, the resort also has buses, boats, and monorails that carry guests from one place to another. This takes extra time and must be added to any Disney World itinerary.

Disney World Has More Than 20 Disney Hotels Neary (& Disneyland Only Has 3)

The florida resort offers a wider range of options.

Disney World's larger size also allows the Florida resort to have more official Disney hotels than Disneyland California. Disneyland California has three Disney hotels nearby: the Disneyland Hotel, the Pixar Place Hotel, and the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. These are all within walking distance of the parks, but they do limit one's choices when it comes to finding connected hotels. With Disney often offering perks through its accommodations, it's always good to find a hotel that falls under its umbrella.

Disney World has more than 20 hotels near its theme parks — and while they aren't necessarily within walking distance, they offer a wider range of themes and price points for visitors to choose from. Hotels like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Art of Animation Resort allow visitors to stay in a connected hotel at a lower price point. Meanwhile, lodgings like the Grand Floridian Hotel & Resort and Disney's Riviera Resort offer the opportunity for a more luxurious, pricier stay.

Disneyland Is Slightly Cheaper Than Disney World

Ticket prices are slightly cheaper & disney world warrants a longer stay.

Disneyland and Disney World are both fairly expensive to visit, but the Florida resort will typically cost visitors more money . Ticket prices for both parks vary depending on the time of year and demand, but as of this writing, a standard one-day ticket to Disneyland starts at about $134 per adult. The equivalent ticket starts at around $149 for Disney World (via Disneyland.com / DisneyWorld.com ). This may not seem like a huge difference, but depending on how many people are visiting and how many days they're staying, it can add up.

There's also the fact that Disney World offers more for guests to see, meaning they'll have to stay longer. While visitors can purchase a one-day park hopper ticket or a two-day ticket for Disneyland, they'll likely need to purchase more days if they want to see all the parks at Walt Disney World . This can make Disneyland better for those on a budget, if only slightly.

Should You Visit Disneyland California Or Walt Disney World Resort?

The resort visitors choose depends on their vacation preferences.

The decision to visit Disneyland California or Walt Disney World comes down to each traveler's preferences , as both parks cater to different types of vacations and guests. Those hoping to travel for a shorter period of time or maintain a budget may prefer Disneyland. It offers many of the same experiences and attractions, but it's possible to cover the parks in a couple of days. It can also save travelers some money, even if it's still on the pricier side of vacations overall. It's certainly better for shorter trips than Disney World, which is impossible to cover over a long weekend.

Travelers looking for longer getaways with more variety may be better off at Walt Disney World , as there are numerous parks and hotels to fill up a long trip. The options alone are much greater at Disney World, and there's more to see over a lengthier period of time. Of course, Disney World also requires more planning and traveling, so anyone looking to avoid the more tedious aspects of vacationing may prefer Disneyland . Diehard Marvel fans may also prefer the California parks, as they contain Avengers Campus.

Source: Travel + Leisure , Disneyland.com

Halfway to Halloween events: Scary Disney marathon, burlesque, Spirit Halloween contest and more

Tired of the bright, colorful colors of the spring? It's time to celebrate Halfway to Halloween !

Hey, if we can celebrate Christmas in July, we can do a semi-Halloween when all the goths and dark children who gritted their teeth through Valentine's Day and Easter's pastel palette can get a quick hit of the scary and macabre.

Here's a look at some of what's happening.

Disney Channel brings half the horror with Halfway to Halloween marathon

Get back in the spirit with your favorite haunted episodes from "Big City Greens," "Kiff," "Monsters at Work," "Hailey's On It!," "The Ghost and Molly McGee," "The Ghastly Ghoul," "Lego Friends the Next Chapter," and what the channel called "a semi-cursed peek at 'ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series!'" The event starts Sunday at 3:30 pm on the Disney Channel.

In previous years the Disney parks also have had Halfway to Halloween promotions, especially when there were scary new movies or shows to talk about, but nothing has been announced yet this year.

Halloween Horror Nights fans rejoice: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will be the longest ever. Here are the dates.

Shudder TV running Halfway to Halloween programming through April

Horror channel Shudder is already all over this, with terrifying exclusive films like "Last Night with the Devil" and "Infested" and programs like "The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula," "101 Scariest Movie Moments of All Time," "Creepshow," 'The Last Drive-In Halloween Special Marathon" with Joe Bob Briggs, and more. Deadline has the schedule .

Spirit Halloween lets you win an overnight stay at the Lizzie Borden House

They aren't taking over any local storefronts — yet — but the Halloween superstore Spirit Halloween has a weeklong celebration on its Instagram page for the midway mark, promoting the opening of their flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

The big event? Leave a comment on the contest Instagram post for an "axe-clusive" chance to spend the night at the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts.

One lucky winner and up to 12 of their friends will get:

• An exclusive guided house tour, including insider insight around the murder, the trial, and commonly reported hauntings
• A late-night ghost tour, complete with professional ghost-hunting gear
• A private breakfast in the Borden family dining room
• A ghost hunting starter kit with two pieces of Ghost Daddy Ghost Hunting Gear and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course
• The ultimate Lizzie Borden gift package, featuring an official hatchet, the Lizzie Borden board game, Lily the Haunted Doll, and America's Most Haunted Volume II
• Winner's choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston for two

Halfway to Halloween Expo in Ann Arbor

If you want to go all out, plan a blood-curdling road trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the Halfway to Halloween Expo on May 11.

"Embrace the darkness, let your imagination run wild, and indulge in the macabre delights," the site says. There will be a themed haunted walkthrough, monster dancing, and over 160 suitably scary vendors.

Check your local events

Lots of local bars, restaurants and venues may pick up on the idea. Here are just a few:

• The 13th Floor Haunted House in Jacksonville (one of the "top 5 most terrifying haunted houses in the U.S.A., according to USA TODAY ) is bringing back its horrifying Halfway to Halloween event on May 3 and 4, tickets on sale now.
• There's a Halfway to Halloween Bar Crawl in Daytona Beach on Saturday, April 27.
• The Barnes & Noble in St. Petersburg has invited all their local horror authors for a meet and greet and mass signing event on Saturday, April 27.
• You gotta have horror burlesque. Don't miss the "Death Becomes Them" horror cabaret in Tampa Saturday with "spooky vendors," local horror authors and a Wicked Pin-Up context.

Check your local favs to see what's cooking in the lab.