Trick or Treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

My favorite time of year to go to Disney World is in the fall. I absolutely adore going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. And one of the best parts of the Party is the Trick or Treating. Last year, Disney handed out a whopping 215 tons of candy at the parties.

When you check in for the party, at the Rose Garden or the gate, you are handed your party wristbands, a map, and a small, gift-bag sized trick or treat bag. In the past, the bag has advertised the latest Disney movies, such as TinkerBell or Wall-E. The bags are easy to carry and fairly sturdy, however, if your child has a favorite bag or bucket they'd prefer, that's perfectly okay.

There are several Trick or Treat Trails set up around the Magic Kingdom. The Trails, as well as additional candy stops, are marked on the party map. The first two years that I attended the party, the Trails were Alice in Wonderland themed, with Cast Members dressed as playing cards handing out the candy. Along the Trails, we got a surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. This past year, there were new trails, including one at Splash Mountain. The candy distribution is generous and we've found the Cast Members to be very friendly and in the spirit of Halloween. Most Cast Members will give each person a large handful of candy at each stop along the trail. Some Cast Members will wait for the kids to say "Trick or Treat" before handing out candy, and you should remember to say "Thank you!" too.

A surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts

Disney is very generous with the candy that they hand out during MNSSHP. The candy varies, but is usually a good mix of popular varieties including Butterfinger, Hersheys, Skittles, Twix, Laffy Taffy, Heath Bars, Smarties, Nestle Crunch, Reese's peanut butter cups, Tootsie Rolls, Twizzlers, and more. In the past, there were also small boxes of raisins for a healthy option and also little extras that were handed out at some stops in lieu of candy. One year, we got packs of Winnie the Pooh Halloween memory cards. Another year, we got Jack Skellington stencils that were made of a nice sturdy plastic. Last year, at the Jungle Cruise stop, you could even get bananas instead of candy. One of our favorite treats was the Jake and the Neverland Pirates fruit snacks. And Disney has also added several locations where you can trade in your candy for healthier alternatives, including sugar-free, allergen-free, and non-candy options.

You never know what you might find on the Trick or Treat Trails. In previous years, near the Haunted Mansion, was a trail that led down to the Riverboat landing. A ghostly ship's captain bearing a lamp haunted a fog-enshrouded area at the bottom of the stairs. Last year, Disney added a new Riverboat stop that was less spooky and lots of fun: a Mardi Gras party from the Princess and the Frog.

Our giant haul of candy!

The Trick or Treat Trails are a great way to pass the time while waiting for the Boo to You parades or dance parties to start, or walking from one area of the park to another. We usually use our small bags while walking the trails, but dump the candy into a single backpack when it becomes too much to easily carry or when going on rides. The Trails are rarely busy if you attend a party in September or even early October. We haven't ususally had to wait for more than one group to finish before getting our candy or having a chance to interact with the characters. We really enjoyed the unexpectedly calm pace at a park that is often quite frenetic.

At the end of the night, don't forget to get your bag topped off as you exit the gate. In 2009, the top of candy was giant Ghiradelli caramel filled chocolate bars. And each of us got six! Last year, it was individually wrapped Peeps in Halloween colors. So if you're planning to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, be sure to make time for Trick or Treating. It's definitely worth it!

Trick or Treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

My favorite time of year to go to Disney World is in the fall. I absolutely adore going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. And one of the best parts of the Party is the Trick or Treating. Last year, Disney handed out a whopping 215 tons of candy at the parties.

When you check in for the party, at the Rose Garden or the gate, you are handed your party wristbands, a map, and a small, gift-bag sized trick or treat bag. In the past, the bag has advertised the latest Disney movies, such as TinkerBell or Wall-E. The bags are easy to carry and fairly sturdy, however, if your child has a favorite bag or bucket they'd prefer, that's perfectly okay.

There are several Trick or Treat Trails set up around the Magic Kingdom. The Trails, as well as additional candy stops, are marked on the party map. The first two years that I attended the party, the Trails were Alice in Wonderland themed, with Cast Members dressed as playing cards handing out the candy. Along the Trails, we got a surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. This past year, there were new trails, including one at Splash Mountain. The candy distribution is generous and we've found the Cast Members to be very friendly and in the spirit of Halloween. Most Cast Members will give each person a large handful of candy at each stop along the trail. Some Cast Members will wait for the kids to say "Trick or Treat" before handing out candy, and you should remember to say "Thank you!" too.

A surprise meeting with the Queen of Hearts

Disney is very generous with the candy that they hand out during MNSSHP. The candy varies, but is usually a good mix of popular varieties including Butterfinger, Hersheys, Skittles, Twix, Laffy Taffy, Heath Bars, Smarties, Nestle Crunch, Reese's peanut butter cups, Tootsie Rolls, Twizzlers, and more. In the past, there were also small boxes of raisins for a healthy option and also little extras that were handed out at some stops in lieu of candy. One year, we got packs of Winnie the Pooh Halloween memory cards. Another year, we got Jack Skellington stencils that were made of a nice sturdy plastic. Last year, at the Jungle Cruise stop, you could even get bananas instead of candy. One of our favorite treats was the Jake and the Neverland Pirates fruit snacks. And Disney has also added several locations where you can trade in your candy for healthier alternatives, including sugar-free, allergen-free, and non-candy options.

You never know what you might find on the Trick or Treat Trails. In previous years, near the Haunted Mansion, was a trail that led down to the Riverboat landing. A ghostly ship's captain bearing a lamp haunted a fog-enshrouded area at the bottom of the stairs. Last year, Disney added a new Riverboat stop that was less spooky and lots of fun: a Mardi Gras party from the Princess and the Frog.

Our giant haul of candy!

The Trick or Treat Trails are a great way to pass the time while waiting for the Boo to You parades or dance parties to start, or walking from one area of the park to another. We usually use our small bags while walking the trails, but dump the candy into a single backpack when it becomes too much to easily carry or when going on rides. The Trails are rarely busy if you attend a party in September or even early October. We haven't ususally had to wait for more than one group to finish before getting our candy or having a chance to interact with the characters. We really enjoyed the unexpectedly calm pace at a park that is often quite frenetic.

At the end of the night, don't forget to get your bag topped off as you exit the gate. In 2009, the top of candy was giant Ghiradelli caramel filled chocolate bars. And each of us got six! Last year, it was individually wrapped Peeps in Halloween colors. So if you're planning to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, be sure to make time for Trick or Treating. It's definitely worth it!

The Halloween Merchandise At Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Is Spooktacular

All images: Disney

So, you've decided to attend this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. While you're there enjoying rides, parades, and lots of trick or treating, keep an eye out for these fun collectibles exclusive to the Party. Most items can be found at the Emporium on Main Street, USA or Big Top Souvenirs in Fantasyland.

For Hocus Pocus fans, how about a pair of Mickey ears featuring the Sanderson sisters and a cauldron. Or maybe a new Magic Band is more your speed.

If it's clothing you'd prefer, a spirit jersey featuring the Sanderson sisters and the logo for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular may be just the ticket.

Or if you're looking for something you can use at home, perhaps a Hocus Pocus cauldron mug would suit you best.

This year's Party exclusive Magic Band features Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween costumes and lots of pumpkins.

This spiderweb covered vest also has a Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party logo that lights up.

If it's collectible pins you're looking for, there are several new party inspired pins this year. You can find these pins and many more at the Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland. There will be quite a few limited release pins, including this one which features Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy trick or treating.

A limited edition set of pins features several Disney Villains, each with a stack of pumpkins that say "Boo to You!" The glow-in-the-dark villains include Jafar, Captain Hook, the Evil Queen, Oogie Boogie, and Maleficent.

A Passholder exclusive pin features spooky vampire Mickey stalking treats. With all these spooktacular collectibles to choose from, which ones will follow you home?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Fireworks

No matter what they're called (Hallowishes or Not So Spooky Spectacular), the fireworks at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are still my favorite. And while they're great when viewed from the front of Cinderella’s Castle (mostly so you can see the projections as well), they're pretty spectacular from Frontierland as well. 

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

It's nearly that time of year again, time for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year to go to the Magic Kingdom. The decorations are everywhere, from scarecrows on Main Street to pumpkins in nearly every window. And the party is extra fun, with the Boo to You Parade, special Halloween treats, a Villains Show, Happy Hallowishes Fireworks, and of course Trick or Treating throughout the park. This year, the new Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular will be hosted by the Sanderson Sisters from the movie Hocus Pocus. It will be shown four times each party; 8:00pm, 9:20pm, 10:40pm, and 12:00am. I've never stopped to watch the show before, but I can't wait to see the new show. The parade can be seen twice during each party, at 8:35pm and 11:15pm, and the fireworks start at 10pm.

This year, the Party begins on September 15 and continues, on select nights, until November 1. Each party is officially from 7pm until 12am, but you can generally arrive around 4pm. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticked event. And just in case you'd like a sneak peek at the maps, here you go.

Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Look Incredible

Disney

Disney has created an all-new fireworks show for this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. The Halloween Party fireworks have been my favorite for years, so I'm excited to see how this new show stacks up. The Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks are hosted by Jack Skellington and feature projections, lasers, and lots of fireworks.

Disney shared a live stream of the fireworks recently and they looked incredible. (This video has since been removed.)

Doesn't it put you in a Halloween mood? If you'd like to see the show in person, tickets are still available for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights through Halloween. 

When Jack Skellington Hosts A Fireworks Show, It's Spooktacular!

All images: Disney

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is returning to the Magic Kingdom this year with a whole new fireworks show. The party kicks off on August 16 and runs, on select nights, until November 1.

In the all-new "Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular", Jack Skellington serves as the host. He's ready to tell a not-so-scary story about Halloween night. With a little help from his dog Zero, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy are whisked off to a haunted house. As they travel through the rooms, they find dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts, and troublesome villains. Expect a spooktacular show filled with state-of-the-art projections, lasers, and fireworks.

If you plan to head to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, be sure to buy your tickets in advance to save $10. If you're an Annual Passholder, you can save an additional $5 on select nights.

Halloween Treats at Disney World

I was very excited to discover some new Halloween treats at Disney World recently. There were a few collectible popcorn buckets and drink cups that I was really hoping would be available. First up is a Nightmare Before Christmas popcorn bucket. It's Zero in his doghouse! And to make him even more special, Zero glows in the dark, and his nose lights up! I'm not sure if he's only available during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or not, but be on the lookout at popcorn carts around the Magic Kingdom.

The next cool container was inspired by the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It's a scary apple with a drippy skull. The cup is a translucent red, and the skull is white and glows in the dark. This lidded cup can be found across from Pecos Bill's in Adventureland. It comes filled with your choice of soft drink and costs $8. And you can ask for your soda without ice for an even better deal.

The final Treat is a regular Disney popcorn bucket with a lid. I saw it earlier in the day, but wasn't sure I wanted to carry it all day. It has the Lonesome Ghosts chasing Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. It's from one of my favorite Disney shorts, so I had to have it. Unfortunately, they close a lot of the popcorn carts early during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I tried three different carts before I finally found it at the cart next to Gaston's Tavern in Fantasyland. They had already cleaned up the popcorn and closed the register, but when I explained that I had run to the cart just to buy that specific bucket, a very sweet Cast Member gave me the empty bucket anyway. I was very greatful! As silly as it sounds, I adore those ridiculous popcorn buckets and actually have about a dozen. However, we plan to start using them during movie nights, so it's alright.

Although they aren't Halloween, I did want to mention that I found a few of the special Star Wars buckets at Hollywood Studios. They had both Vader's Helmet and the Han Solo in Carbonite from Star Wars Weekends. I found them at the popcorn cart across from Toy Story Midway Mania. You can get them filled with either regular popcorn or caramel popcorn. (All of the popcorn is now PopSecret brand, which is more consistent than the popcorn they used to use.)

Halloween Is Coming To Disney World!

Disney

After Disney cancelled this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, I wondered if there would be any Halloween in the parks this year. Fortunately for us, it looks like there will be Halloween treats and decor throughout all four parks. I can't wait! Here are a few of the treats you can expect to find beginning September 8.

Magic Kingdom

Disney

Main Street Bakery

• Mickey Cinnamon Roll - Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing

Disney

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café

• Cinnamon Donuts Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container 
• Hades Nachos - Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño 
• Orange and Black Sugar Churros (also available at Churro Carts)

Liberty Square Market

• Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake - Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe 

Disney

Sleepy Hollow

• Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae - Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles
• Madame Leota Sipper

Disney

Storybook Treats

• Poor Unfortunate Souls Float- Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke

Disney

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies 

• Pumpkin Spice Milkshake  Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
• Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae - Topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles

Disney

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

• Mickey Monster Mash Burger - Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli

Sunshine Tree Terrace 

• Headless Horseman Rides Again - Strawberry DOLE Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw

Pinocchio Village House

• Not So Poison Apple Cupcake - A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple 

Quick-Service Restaurants

• Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes
• Jack Skellington Sipper (Also available at Outdoor Vending Locations)
• Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper

Disney

Popcorn Carts

• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket
• Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket 
• Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)

Disney

In the Magic Kingdom, even more fun starts on September 15. The cavalcade of characters will feature Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and their pals decked out in their Halloween finery. Chip and Dale will be sporting their costumes over in Frontierland. Other dressed up Disney characters will be riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

And for the first time outside of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, guests of all ages are invited to join in the costume fun. Adults and children alike can wear their spookiest, Disney-ist, family friendly costume to the Magic Kingdom from September 15 to October 31. Be sure to check out Disney's Costume Guidelines before planning your outfit.

EPCOT

Disney

Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum

• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket

Eats at EPCOT and Mission Space Popcorn Cart

• Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket 

Disney

All Popcorn Locations

• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket

Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse 

• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw

Disney

The following treats will only be available on Halloween Day.

Sunshine Seasons

• Halloween Cupcake - Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish 

Coral Reef Restaurant

• Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction - Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish 

Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill

• Halloween Sugar Cookie - Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles 

Desserts & Champagne Marketplace

• Liquid Nitro Cake Pop - Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles 

Animal Kingdom

Disney

Flame Tree Barbecue

• Scar Cupcake (Also available at Creature Comforts and Restaurantosaurus) - Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image

Disney

• Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Also available at Isle of Java) - Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim

Disney

• Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) - Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms 

Trek Snacks

• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Also available at Tamu Tamu, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts)  
• Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket

Hollywood Studios

Disney

Trolley Car Café

• Poison Candied Apple - Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base

Disney

PizzeRizzo

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli - Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell 
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Also available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and Anaheim Produce) 

Disney

Rosie's All-American Café

• Pumpkin Tiramisu - Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake

Disney

• Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Also available at Backlot Express and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube 
• Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Also available at Backlot Express and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube

Disney

Backlot Express

• Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair- Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones  

Anaheim Produce

• Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Also available at Hollywood Popcorn and Animation Popcorn) 

Which treat would you try first?

A New Fireworks Show Is Coming To MNSSHP

Disney

Disney recently announced that a new fireworks display is coming to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I'm not sure whether to be excited or to dread the change. The Halloween fireworks have long been my favorite nighttime show. There's nothing like standing in Fantasyland surrounded by a ring of fireworks. It's incredible!

The new show will feature Disney's state-of-the-art projections, lasers, lighting, and fireworks, all coming together to tell a whole new story. Guests will watch as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy are drawn into a mysterious haunted house. In each room, they'll  find somethingspooky, but not-so-scary, such as dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts, or troublemaking villains.

This year, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights from August 16 to November 1.