Disney’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Disney World Vs Disneyland

I am going to tell you about one of my favorite things at Disney World — Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

We are going to cover some major differences between the Halloween party at Disney World and the Halloween party at Disneyland Resort more specifically California Adventure.

Have you been thinking of going to Disney World or Disneyland Resort this Halloween season? Whether you do the event or not, you should know what is going on because it will impact your visit.

What I describe for the Magic Kingdom generally applies to Disneyland, for years the party has been at Disneyland Park, but there are differences.  This year will bring even more differences.

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Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash

This year is the fourth year that the Halloween party held at the Disneyland Resort is exclusively California Adventure since 2009.  The event this year is called the Oogie Boogie Bash.

We are hoping that Mickey’s Halloween Party returns to Disneyland Park next year, but if you are deciding what to do this year, there are going to be major differences between Florida and California. Basically, because California Adventure is a much smaller park!

Overview of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Oogie Boogie Bash

What Does your ticket Include?

Admission to the park 4:00 pm – till close.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

We will start in Florida with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It is one of the special events held at the Magic Kingdom.

The party dates have been extended over a longer period to help accommodate its growing popularity each year.  For 2023, the party starts in August and goes through October 31st. Ticket's go on sale on April 27, 2023 for Disney hotel guests and May 2, 2023.  

You can get them through GetAwayToday, if you book a package you can use my coupon code. (PlanAway10)

It happens two, three, or four times a week, with more days of the party happening each week the closer you get to Halloween.

Oogie Boogie Bash

As for California, the Oogie Boogie Bash is held three days a week, every week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday). It runs for a shorter period, beginning about a month later, around the middle of September. (Tickets for 2023 are sold out)

What Kind of Ticket is Required to Go to the Not So Scary Halloween Party?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is separate from general park admission. You can get into the Magic Kingdom the day of the party with general admission, but the park closes early that day, usually at 7:00 pm.

If you want to be at the Magic Kingdom the entire day of the party, you will need to buy both a general admission ticket and a special event ticket.

Price of Disney's Halloween Ticket

The special event ticket costs from $109 to $199 on the high end, except for Halloween, which will cost you more. The earlier in the season you go, the less expensive it will be, and Fridays are almost always more expensive than the other days of the week.

At Disneyland, the Oogie Boogie Bash prices run from $110 at the low end, to $145 on the high end (that’s not just Halloween, but also on five other days). It was a mere 7 years ago that I paid $69 to go to the party at Disneyland! Wow, have times changed!

I realize that sounds expensive, but I still think the ticket price is worth it compared to general admission. More on that later.

What Time is the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party?

The party starts at 7:00 pm and typically lasts until midnight.  Please note that historically Disney has let special event guests enter the Magic Kingdom three hours before the official start of the party.  At Disneyland, we’ve actually got in three and a half hours before start time.  (We haven’t tried to get in early at the Magic Kingdom.)

How Does Disney Know Who has a Special Event Ticket Compared to a General Admission Ticket?

One perplexing item for us before our first time attending the party was how Disney get general admission guests out of the park.  We found that Disney does not close the park. Instead, Disney gives party guests a wristband.

At the official start of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Disney employees (cast members) stand at the entrance of each land. If you don’t have a band, you are informed of the park closure or escorted to the park exit. Look for the special event entrance and get your wristband and candy bag!

Why is Disney's Halloween Party so Magically Worth it?

Maybe I should have first asked, “Is it worth it?” Absolutely! I’ll talk more about it later, but you can probably get more done at the party than with a general admission ticket, and without enduring the heat of the day! 

In other words, if you want to do the normal Disney stuff, you can do it at the party, and for less than a general admission ticket. And you can do all of the party stuff too!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is awesome! Low lines, candy, the parade, characters, the show, the props . . . oh, did I mention low lines? The magical spirit of Halloween is all around. Disney does a fantastic job of decorating having special food items on the menu and making your experience amazing.

Dressing Up for the Halloween Party

Dressing up for this event is a big deal.  Some families match and go all out.  We have gone all out on some years, but last year it was so hot that my son was just not going to wear his costume!  It is not required to dress up but if you do there are a few restrictions that you need to pay attention to

• You can dress up as your favorite character but you may not pose with park guests
• If Disney thinks your outfit is inappropriate they can remove you from the park
• Costumes must be family-friendly
• Costumes cannot contain weapons that look like real weapons
• Costumes may not contain sharp items that could hurt another guest

Guest Under 13

• Can wear masks, but the masks can not cover the entire face

Guest Over 13

• Layered Costumes are discouraged
• Costumes that drag on the ground are not allowed
• Capes can be worn as long as they do not go below the waist
• Themed clothes are acceptable
• Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face
• No masks are allowed

If you want more detail on Costume guidelines you can go directly to the Disney site. These rules apply to both Disneyland and Disney World.

Trick or Treating During the Disney Halloween Party

Trick or treating is the best part of Halloween.  At this party children and yes even adults are allowed to trick or treat.  There are candy trails located throughout the park. The park map handed out for the event will show you where they’re at.

There will be a Goofy Balloon located at the entrance to the trick or treat lines.

There is a special trick or treating line that opens up early. It is located as you walk into the park, you will be directed to the right location.  At this station, they give you a bag full of candy!

The quality of the candy is amazing.  They have candy from the Mars Company like Butter finger and M&M's. They also have nonchocolate varieties like Twizzlers and Mike and Ike.  Plus many more. They also have healthy options such as apple slices and carrots.

Trick or Treating at Disney World vs. Disneyland

In this category Disneyland Wins.  Disneyland had a lot more trick-or-treating lines compared to Disney World.  They are closer together at Disneyland and easier to get from one to another. But most importantly, there are multiple stations in each line at Disneyland, whereas at Disney World most of the lines only had one station that handed out candy. Not nearly as fun!

We had purchased big bags when we went to California and we filled them up with 10 pounds of candy. (Luckily for us our kids don’t gorge on candy, and so after the candy sitting at our house for a while, we gave the rest away.)

In Florida, we didn't even need to use the bags we brought because the amount of candy fit into the small bag provided at the front gate.

I am not positive how the candy lines will be at the Oogie Boogie Bash, but I imagine it will be good.  But based on how it’s being advertised on Disney’s site, the lines there will be much better than those at Disney World.

Rides are Different During the Not So Scary Halloween Party

We mentioned that the lines are low during the party!  This is the major perk of getting a special event ticket.  The last two hours of the party we walked right onto most rides.  Even major attractions like Snow White and the Seven Drawfs (at the Magic Kingdom) will have a min 15- 20 minute wait.

Special Changes on Rides at Disney World

Some attractions receive spooktacular overlays and enhancements!   These rides include:

• Space Mountain – Goes completely dark
• Mad Tea Party – Special lighting and music
• Pirates of the Caribbean – A crew of live pirates takes over the ride
• Monster's Laugh Floor – Learn's about how human's celebrate Halloween

Special Changes at California Adventure

The location of the Halloween Party has changed this year to be exclusively at California Adventure.  In past years it has been at Disneyland and more recently both parks.

• Guardian of the Galaxy Mission Break Out- Super Scary
• Luigi Rollickin ridester changes to Luigi Honkin Halloween
• Mater's Junkyard Jamboree changes to Mater's Junkyard JamBooree

Note: Disneyland is not included in the Halloween party but typically Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion have overlays.

Disneyland Vs. Disney World

In past years I would say it would be Disneyland Park because of the much longer and more enjoyable candy lines!  This year Magic Kingdom wins because the amount of rides available at California adventure is limited!  Magic Kingdom is a bigger park with much more to offer.

But there are some cool offerings at California Adventure that will be interesting to see. The Grizzly Peak area, which usually has a challenging trail, is transformed into “Villians Grove.” This won’t be a haunted forest on a scare level, but you don’t go to the party for that. With Disney effects, this may be a game-changer.

Parades and Special Show during the Not So Scary Halloween Party

There are three shows this year at Magic Kingdom.  They include Fireworks, Hocus Pocus, and the parade.

Disney's World – Not So Spooky Spooktacular

There will be a new firework show that will not disappoint, with lasers and projection effects.  The Fab Five will go on a trick-or-treating adventure leading to a haunted house and encounter villains along the way.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular

Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular is a production that is held four times each night.  It is on the stage in front of the castle and features music and theatrics from the villains.  If you are a diehard, you can hold out until the midnight show, and you get to experience the show when everything else is shut down (getting the most out of everything else before the show).

Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular is only at the Magic Kingdom and is not offered at the Disneyland Resort.

Boo To You Halloween Parade

“Boo To You Halloween Parade” is a must-see. You will need to claim your spot early and get ready for a great show.  The headless horseman rides out in front on his horse to start the parade.  It is really cool to see.

The headless horseman also makes an appearance in California now, and will be returning this year for the “Frightfully Fun Parade.”

Cadaver Dan's Barbershop Quartet

The Cadaver Dan's Barbershop Quartet is located in Frontierland.   It is a great musical show.

Disneyland Oogie Boogie Bash

Villainous is a World of Color Spooktacular staring a girl that discovers there is a little villain in all of us.

Descendants – a decedent-inspired dance party. Dance with Villains from the isle of the lost.

Frightfully Fun Parade – a parade led by Mickey and Minnie.

Should I Go To a Park Before the Disney Halloween Party?

We don’t go to a park before the special event (buying an extra ticket). This is usually our relax-and recover-day. We may check out some of Disney’s hotels, or Disney Springs. Or we may just hit the pool at our hotel. 

You can do so much at the special event, we get our fill without having to do a park beforehand.  So my advice is to save your energy for the evening festivities!

So What is the Difference Between California and Florida?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is very similar — most years. This year the party in California is at California Adventure. Rumor has it that Disney moved the location last year and again this year because of the opening of Star Ward Land at Disneyland Park.

Galaxy's Edge is now open at Hollywood Studios as well but not in the Magic Kingdom which allows the Not so Scary Halloween party to continue to be at MK.

This was a bit of a downer for us. We love seeing the castle during the Halloween Party, going on the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, and enjoying the spooky feel of Main Street. (Space Mountain at Disneyland is my favorite)

Disney's Halloween Party California and Florida

The event is also more expensive in Florida as you get closer to the party date. This year, the ticket is $110 to $145 at California Adventure and $99 -$199 at the Magic Kingdom.

I will say that setting aside the price, between Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, we enjoy the party at Disneyland slightly better (in years past), for one main reason — the candy lines.

At the Magic Kingdom, each candy location usually only has one place to get candy.  Disneyland Park in the past has been awesome, some locations are like candy mazes, with multiple spots to get candy! It was an experience in itself.

When to Buy Tickets to Disney's Halloween Party

Buy tickets now if you want to go! These tickets sell out in advance, so I don’t think you can buy them the day of especially closer to Halloween.  Tickets usually go on sale in the Spring.

Disney has increased the number of people who can purchase tickets to the party.  Last year it was easier for more people to enjoy the party, but also made it more crowded!

Which Park Should I Attend?

	Not So Scary Halloween Party	Oogie Boogie Bash
Prices	$79-$115 (Expect Halloween $135)	$110-$145
Dates	August 12- October 31	September 17- October 31st
Party Times	7pm-12pm	6pm-11pm
Average Temp. on October 1st	86 degrees	81 degrees
Average Rainfall	Between 2.5 – 3 inches	Less than an Inch
Shows	1. Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular 2. Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular (fireworks show) 3. Cadavar Dans Barbershop Quarter	1. World of Color: Villainous 2. Cadavar Dans Barbershop Quartet
Trick or Treat	Yes	Yes
Parades	Boo-to-you-Halloween Parade	Frightfully Fun Parade
Attraction Overlays	1. Space Mountain 2. Pirates of the Caribbean 3. Mad Tea Party 4. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor	1. Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters 3. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Fireworks	Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular	No separate fireworks show
Extras	Parade Seating and Eats (3 options) 1. Dining with Cruella De Vil 2. Dessert Party (Plaza Garden) 3. Dessert Party (Tomorrowland Terrace)	Villains Grove DescenDance

Disneyland Vs. Disney World Halloween Party

Deciding which park to attend is a tough decision. We went to Disney World – Magic Kingdom last year.  I had full intention of going to Disneyland this year.  But, when I saw how much more the ticket prices were for California I was shocked!  Most of the perks from last year were gone (free parking, double park pass).

We opted to go to Disney World again because the price was slightly lower and it would be held in the Magic Kingdom.  Excitement is the best word to describe how we feel about the Not So Scary Halloween Party!

If you have been to both Halloween Parties Which one did you like best?  Leave a Comment Below and let us know!

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