Disney Halloween 2024: Dates, Tickets, & Tips!

Hey guys! Are you ready for some spooktacular fun? Halloween at Disney is seriously the best time of the year, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know for 2024. Get ready for ghoulish delights, bewitching decorations, and memories that will last a lifetime!

What is Disney Halloween?

Disney Halloween, officially known as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, is a special ticketed event held annually at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and at Disneyland in California. This amazing party transforms the parks into a Halloween wonderland, complete with unique parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and of course, tons of candy! It's a family-friendly event, so don't worry about anything being too scary for the little ones.

Why is it so popular? Well, think about it: Disney magic combined with Halloween fun? It's a dream come true! Guests get to dress up in costumes (yes, even adults!), trick-or-treat throughout the park, and experience exclusive entertainment that you can't see any other time of the year. Plus, the atmosphere is just electric. The Halloween decorations, the music, and the cast members all contribute to this amazing experience.

The event usually runs on select nights from mid-August through October 31st. That’s right, you can start celebrating Halloween way before October even arrives! Each night, the party kicks off in the early evening and lasts until midnight, giving you plenty of time to soak up all the spooky fun. One of the biggest draws is the opportunity to meet Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. Imagine meeting Mickey Mouse dressed as a vampire or Goofy as a goofy ghost! These meet-and-greets are super popular, so be prepared to wait in line, but trust me, it’s worth it for the photos and memories.

Another highlight of Disney Halloween is the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. This parade is a must-see! It features all your favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes, along with spooky floats and some seriously catchy music. Keep an eye out for the Headless Horseman who makes a special appearance, riding down the parade route. It's a truly unforgettable sight! And let's not forget the fireworks! The Halloween-themed fireworks show is spectacular, with amazing projections, lasers, and of course, plenty of fireworks. It’s the perfect way to end your night of Halloween fun at Disney.

When does Disney Halloween Start in 2024?

Alright, let's get down to the important stuff: when can you actually start partying? While Disney hasn't officially announced the dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2024, we can make some pretty accurate predictions based on previous years. Typically, the party kicks off in mid-August and runs through Halloween night.

So, what does that mean for 2024? I'd put my money on the first party night being sometime around August 9th or 12th. Keep an eye on the official Disney Parks Blog and Disney's social media channels for the official announcement. They usually release the dates and ticket information a few months in advance, so you'll have plenty of time to plan your trip. Trust me, you'll want to book your tickets as soon as they go on sale. These parties are super popular and tend to sell out quickly, especially the ones closer to Halloween.

In the meantime, start thinking about your costume! One of the best parts of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is that guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up. Whether you want to go as your favorite Disney character, a spooky ghost, or a hilarious pun-inspired costume, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure your costume adheres to Disney's guidelines – no masks for adults, and nothing too scary or offensive. You want to spread joy, not fright!

Here is an example schedule based on 2023 to have an idea:

• August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
• September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
• October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31

While you're waiting for the official dates to be announced, you can also start making your park reservations and booking your hotel. If you're planning to stay on Disney property, consider booking a package that includes park tickets and accommodations. This can often save you money and make your planning process a whole lot easier. Plus, staying at a Disney resort comes with a ton of perks, like early access to the parks and complimentary transportation.

How Much Does Disney Halloween Cost?

Let's talk money, honey! Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event, which means it's not included with your regular park admission. Ticket prices vary depending on the date, with prices generally higher closer to Halloween. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks, consider going to one of the earlier parties in August or September.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $109 to $199 per person. Yeah, I know, it's not exactly cheap, but trust me, it's worth it for the unique experiences and memories you'll make. Plus, keep an eye out for discounts! Disney often offers discounts for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Florida residents. Every little bit helps, right? Also, buying your tickets in advance online is essential, not only will you guarantee you can go on your preferred day, but you'll also get a discount.

So, what do you get for your money? Well, besides access to the Magic Kingdom for the entire evening, you'll also get to enjoy all the special Halloween entertainment, including the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, the Halloween fireworks show, and the character meet-and-greets. Plus, you'll get to trick-or-treat throughout the park and collect tons of candy. And let's not forget the atmosphere! The park is decked out in Halloween decorations, and the cast members are all dressed in costume. It's a truly immersive experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Here is a table with a cost approximation:

If you're on a tight budget, there are still ways to enjoy Disney Halloween without breaking the bank. Consider bringing your own costume from home, packing your own snacks and drinks, and focusing on the free entertainment, like the parade and fireworks. And don't forget to take advantage of the free trick-or-treating! You can easily fill up a bag with candy without spending a dime.

Tips for Making the Most of Disney Halloween

Okay, guys, now that you know the basics, let's talk strategy. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Disney Halloween experience:

• Arrive Early: The party officially starts in the evening, but you can usually get into the Magic Kingdom a few hours before the party starts with your event ticket. Take advantage of this extra time to ride some of the popular attractions before the crowds get too big.
• Plan Your Costume: As I mentioned before, dressing up is a big part of the fun. But make sure your costume is comfortable and practical for walking around the park. And don't forget to check Disney's costume guidelines before you go.
• Prioritize Entertainment: The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and the Halloween fireworks show are the highlights of the party. Check the times guide and plan your evening around these events. And be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
• Take Advantage of Shorter Lines: One of the perks of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is that the lines for the attractions are usually shorter than during the day. Take advantage of this to ride some of your favorite rides with minimal wait times.
• Don't Miss the Characters: Meeting Disney characters in their Halloween costumes is a must-do. Check the times guide for character meet-and-greet locations and times. And be prepared to wait in line – these meet-and-greets are super popular.

Meeting Jack Skellington and Sally

Meeting Jack Skellington and Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is a highlight for many guests attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These characters are incredibly popular, and lines to meet them can be very long. To maximize your chances of meeting them, here are some essential tips:

• Check the Times Guide: As soon as you enter the Magic Kingdom, grab a Times Guide. This guide will list the locations and times for all character meet-and-greets, including Jack and Sally. Times can vary, so it’s crucial to have the most up-to-date information.
• Arrive Early: Jack and Sally typically meet guests throughout the evening, but the earlier you arrive, the shorter the line is likely to be. Aim to be in line at least 30-60 minutes before their scheduled appearance. This may seem like a long wait, but it’s better than waiting for hours later in the evening.
• Head There First: If meeting Jack and Sally is your top priority, make it the first thing you do when the party starts. Head straight to their meeting location as soon as you enter the park. This will help you beat the initial rush and minimize your wait time.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

Trick-or-treating is a quintessential part of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Here are some tips to make the most of your candy-collecting adventure:

• Grab a Bag: As you enter the park, Disney will provide you with a trick-or-treat bag. However, if you plan on collecting a lot of candy, consider bringing a larger bag from home. This will save you from having to empty your smaller bag frequently.
• Look for Trick-or-Treat Locations: Trick-or-treat stations are located throughout the Magic Kingdom, marked by large inflatable signs. Check the park map to find all the locations.
• Pace Yourself: There’s a lot of ground to cover, so pace yourself and don’t try to hit every single trick-or-treat station at once. Spread out your candy collecting throughout the evening to avoid carrying a heavy bag for too long.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to meet Jack and Sally and enjoy all the sweet treats that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has to offer.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about Disney Halloween in 2024! From the dates and ticket prices to the entertainment and tips, I hope this guide has helped you plan your spooktacular adventure. Get ready for a night of ghoulish delights, bewitching decorations, and memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Halloween, everyone!