Fall at Walt Disney World Resort runs from early August through late November 2026, built around Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and Halloween decor, seasonal food, and special programming across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels.
Every 2026 date of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is sold out, according to Disney. I went to the party on August 25, and my photos and the party-night show schedule are below.
What is new for 2026
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party opened August 7, one week earlier than 2025’s August 15 opener. The event runs 38 nights and closes on Halloween, and every date is sold out.
- Stitch’s Masquerade Mashup, an ever-changing masquerade with Stitch, Lilo, and Angel on the Tomorrowland Stage, replaced the 2025 Zom-Beatz Bash tied to ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.
- A new pirate show, Captain Jack’s Buccaneer Bash, joins the party’s Adventureland entertainment lineup alongside the returning Cadaver Dans. Its musical set has Captain Barbossa commandeering the stage.
- Party tickets went on sale one week earlier than 2025, with resort-guest access starting May 5 and general sale starting May 12.
- New party food, led by the Headless Horseman Treat at Casey’s Corner. My party food and merch guide has my reviews and the merch prices.
At-a-glance: Halloween at Walt Disney World in 2026
| Event | Location | Dates | Ticket type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Magic Kingdom | Aug 7 to Oct 31 (38 select nights) | Separate ticket, sold out |
| EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival | EPCOT | Aug 27 to Nov 21 | Included with EPCOT admission |
| Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit | EPCOT | Sept 25 to Nov 2 | Paid add-on |
| Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar overlay | Disney Springs | August 11 through November 9 | Walk-up |
| Minnie’s Halloween Dine | Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood Studios | Aug 16 to Nov 3 | Prix-fixe character meal |
| Fort Wilderness Halloween Golf Cart Parade | Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground | Late October, peaks Oct 30 and 31 | Free for resort guests |
| Fall decor on Main Street, U.S.A. | Magic Kingdom | Early August through Nov 1 | Included with park admission |
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is Walt Disney World’s separately ticketed Halloween party. The hard-ticket after-hours party runs 38 select nights at Magic Kingdom from August 7 through October 31, 2026, with party hours from 7:00 p.m. to midnight and ticketed early entry from 4:00 p.m.
2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates
- August: 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- September: 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29
- October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
2026 tickets: sold out
Every 2026 date is sold out, according to Disney’s event page. Single-night tickets ran $119 to $229 plus tax, the same published range as 2025. Halloween night on Oct 31 was the only date at the $229 top price and sold out within hours of going on sale, and the last three nights with tickets (September 24, September 29, and October 25) sold out by September 21. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive a $10-per-ticket discount valid Aug 7 through Oct 2.
Party entertainment and showtimes
Times below are from the party guide map on August 25. Check the My Disney Experience app on your night.
- Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade: 8:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., beginning in Frontierland. It opens with the Headless Horseman, features Haunted Mansion gravediggers and ballroom dancers, and closes with Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle as the Sanderson Sisters.
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular: fireworks in the skies above Cinderella Castle at 10 p.m., hosted by Jack Skellington, with projection mapping and lasers.
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular: the Sanderson Sisters and Disney villains on the Castle Forecourt Stage. Through September 29, shows are at 9:05 p.m., 10:35 p.m., and midnight. From October 1 through 31, a 7:35 p.m. show is added.
- The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet: a ghostly barbershop quartet in Frontierland.
- Destination DescenDANCE Party: a dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, hosted by Coca-Cola.
- Halloween Fun in Storybook Circus: throughout Storybook Circus.
- Stitch’s Masquerade Mashup (new): a dance party with Stitch, Lilo, and Angel on the Tomorrowland Stage.
- Captain Jack’s Buccaneer Bash (new): a pirate show on the Adventureland Stage, across from Pirates of the Caribbean. It features Captain Jack Sparrow recruiting new crew, the Dashing Corsairs stunt-and-juggling act, and a musical set in which Captain Barbossa commandeers the stage and renames the party.
Barbossa’s musical set runs about 20 minutes. There is no published schedule for it, so it plays several times a night between the other acts, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. HAN filmed the full show.
For a full walkthrough, see my guide to Captain Barbossa’s Buccaneer Bash.
Character meet-and-greets
Mickey and Minnie appear together in Halloween costume at Town Square Theater. Jack Skellington and Sally, Winnie the Pooh in a bumblebee costume, royal couples Ariel and Eric, and Aladdin and Jasmine, plus rotating characters at the Mad Tea Party all appear at the party. Villains including Oogie Boogie, Ursula, and Jafar appear primarily in the parade and stage show rather than in dedicated meet-and-greet lines.
New for 2026, a set of Haunted Mansion character meet-and-greets debuted near the party welcome area, led by the all-new ghost Lady Fermotta and the mansion’s living steward Blair Lockward, both trading Halloween one-liners with guests. Other outlets also reported a rare character appearance by the Mansion’s Grave Diggers. See my full look at the Haunted Mansion meet-and-greets, with video.
Trick-or-treating and treat trails
More than a dozen candy trails run across the park during the party, with Mars Wrigley candy (M&M’s, Snickers, Starburst) and an allergy-friendly teal-bag program. Guests receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag at the start of the party.
Attraction overlays
Three attractions run Halloween overlays during the party: Space Mountain goes fully dark with a Halloween soundtrack, Mad Tea Party runs on Halloween lighting, and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor switches to Halloween jokes.
Premium dessert parties
Two Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party options are offered on party nights: the Tomorrowland Terrace version ($124 adult, $74 child in 2025) and the Plaza Garden Viewing version ($99 adult, $59 child). Party-exclusive dining is also available at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest, priced separately. The prices shown are from 2025, so check Disney’s site for this year’s.
Party food, merch, and popcorn buckets
My pick from the party-only menu is the $6.99 Headless Horseman Treat at Casey’s Corner, a pumpkin pie tart with whipped cheesecake and candied pecans. The Hatbox Ghost ($28) and Headless Horseman ($30) popcorn buckets are sold only during the party at the carts near Cinderella Castle. My party food and merch guide has my reviews, photos of the merch line, and every price, and my popcorn bucket roundup has every bucket this season.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
The 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival runs August 27 through November 21, 2026 and is included with EPCOT admission. Festival programming includes 30-plus Global Marketplaces serving specialty food and beverage from around the world, the Eat to the Beat concert series at America Gardens Theatre, Emile’s Fromage Montage cheese crawl, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt, and festival merchandise.
Beyond the Global Marketplaces, Disney lists the Eat to the Beat concerts with dining packages, a Cheers to Cheese exhibit at CommuniCore Hall through November 8, Emile’s Fromage Montage, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak, and the Jammin’ Chefs.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is a paid scavenger hunt at EPCOT, running September 25 through November 2. Guests search for hidden decorative pumpkins inspired by Disney characters and, upon completion, receive a festive keepsake while supplies last.
Halloween at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios does not run a hard-ticket Halloween event, but it adds two fall experiences, plus Halloween treats starting October 1.
- Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine is the park’s seasonal character buffet with Minnie Mouse and Disney friends in Halloween costumes, served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For 2026 it runs August 16 through November 3. Disney prices breakfast at $35 to $59.99 per adult and lunch and dinner at over $60 per adult.
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is a year-round stage show that opened May 27, 2025 in the former Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy space and features Cruella, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and the Magic Mirror. The show references roughly 59 Disney villains across its run and pairs naturally with the fall season.
- Halloween treats arrive October 1: the new Maleficent Funnel Cake at Epic Eats and the returning Ghost Cream Puff at ABC Commissary and Backlot Express. All of Disney World’s October 1 Halloween treats are in my guide, with Disney’s photos.
Fall at Disney Springs
Disney Springs runs seasonal fall programming across October, with Halloween decor, photo backdrops, and fall menu items across the district. The main draw is the Halloween overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, first introduced in 2025 and confirmed returning for 2026. The overlay runs August 11 through November 9 and brings Halloween decor and a new food and drink menu to the Adventurers Club-adjacent bar. Disney Springs does not run trick-or-treating.
Fall decor around the resort
Fall decor rolls out across Walt Disney World starting in early to mid-August and typically comes down within a day of the final Halloween party. Highlights include:
- Magic Kingdom: pumpkin displays and scarecrows in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., carved pumpkins in upper-story windows, russet and orange decor across Fantasyland and Frontierland, and Dumbo-inspired pumpkins in Storybook Circus. Cinderella Castle receives spooky lighting and projections during MNSSHP nights only.
- EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom carry little permanent Halloween decor, and fall programming at these parks centers on scheduled events and food.
- Disney Springs carries seasonal decor across October and photo-op backdrops.
- Resort hotels carry lobby-scale decor and light programming, covered in the resort hotels section below.
Photos by Philip Hernandez, August 25.
Fall at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom does not carry Halloween-specific programming, but the fall shoulder season is a strong time to visit for cooler weather and animal activity. Recommended fall visits include Maharajah Jungle Trek for Sumatran tiger sightings, Kilimanjaro Safaris across the savanna, the Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 4-D show at Tree of Life Theater, Pandora, The World of Avatar, and Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station.
From October 1 through October 31, Animal Kingdom adds a Halloween treat menu, including the new Boneyard Cookies and Scream Sundae at Terra Treats and the new Candy Corn Pop at Flame Tree Barbecue. I list all eight Animal Kingdom treats in my guide to Disney World’s October 1 Halloween treats.
Fall at Walt Disney World Resort hotels
Most Disney World resort hotels offer low-key Halloween programming including lobby trick-or-treating, Halloween movies at Movies Under the Stars, poolside costume contests, and light decor. The standout is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, where guests decorate campsites and golf carts across October, culminating in the Halloween Golf Cart Parade on the peak nights of October 30 and 31. Return to Sleepy Hollow, the previous Fort Wilderness Halloween event, is retired.
Fireworks-viewing spots at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Transportation and Ticket Center remain popular vantage points during MNSSHP nights.
Watch: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party walkthrough
How Disney World Halloween compares to other 2026 Halloween events
Walt Disney World Halloween is family-first and not intended to be scary. Fans looking for horror-themed haunted houses should see HAN’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026 guide at Universal Orlando, which runs a separately ticketed hard-ticket event with 10 haunted houses August 28 through November 1. HAN’s Halloween Time at Disneyland 2026 guide covers the West Coast equivalent, including the separately ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash. HAN’s Howl-O-Scream 2026 all-locations guide covers SeaWorld’s harder-edged Halloween lineup, including Howl-O-Scream Orlando.
For a full 2026 opening-week roundup, see HAN’s When do haunted houses open in 2026? guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party open in 2026?
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party opened Friday, August 7, 2026, at Magic Kingdom, and runs select nights through October 31.
How much are Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets in 2026?
Single-night tickets went on sale from $119 to $229 plus tax, varying by date. As of September 21, all 2026 party dates are sold out. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive a $10-per-ticket discount valid Aug 7 through Oct 2.
How many nights does Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party run?
The 2026 event runs 38 nights, from Aug 7 through Oct 31. Party hours are 7:00 p.m. to midnight, with ticketed early entry from 4:00 p.m.
Do I need a separate ticket for Halloween at Disney World?
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party requires a separate hard ticket. Fall decor across the parks, EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Minnie’s Halloween Dine, Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar, and Fort Wilderness Halloween programming are included with standard park admission or resort access. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is a paid add-on.
When does EPCOT Food and Wine Festival run in 2026?
The 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival runs August 27 through November 21, 2026, and is included with EPCOT admission.
Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scary?
No. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a family-oriented Halloween event with costumed characters, a trick-or-treat program, a parade, and fireworks. It is not intended to be scary. Guests looking for a hard-ticket scare event in Florida should see Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando.
Can I wear a costume to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?
Yes. Disney World lifts its standard no-costume policy for the party, and guests of all ages are welcome to attend in costume, subject to Disney’s costume guidelines including mask and prop restrictions.
What is new at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2026?
Stitch’s Masquerade Mashup, a Tomorrowland dance party that replaced the 2025 Zom-Beatz Bash, Captain Jack’s Buccaneer Bash, a pirate show in Adventureland, new Haunted Mansion meet-and-greets, and an earlier August 7 opening date.
About Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is Walt Disney Company’s Florida vacation destination, spanning four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom), two water parks, the Disney Springs dining and shopping district, and more than 25 Disney-owned and Disney-operated resort hotels. It opened October 1, 1971.
For tickets and the full 2026 fall program, visit disneyworld.com.
Updated September 24, 2026.
