Fall at Walt Disney World Resort runs from early August through late November 2026, anchored by Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and a resort-wide slate of Halloween decor, seasonal food and beverage, and specialty programming across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels. This guide covers the full 2026 lineup, what is new, what is returning, and every confirmed date.
What is new for 2026
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party opens August 7, the earliest opening in the event’s history and one week earlier than 2025’s August 15 opener. The event still runs 38 nights and closes on Halloween.
- A Masquerade with Stitch debuts as the party’s Tomorrowland dance experience at Rockettower Plaza Stage, featuring Stitch, Lilo, and Angel with an ever-changing Costume Trunk theme. It replaces the 2025 Zom-Beatz Bash tied to ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.
- A new Captain Jack Sparrow pirate act joins the party’s Adventureland entertainment lineup alongside the returning Cadaver Dans.
- Enhanced villain treat trails were teased for expansion in 2026 after Princess Fairytale Hall hosted a Maleficent and Evil Queen trail as a 2025 test.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets went on sale one week earlier than 2025, with resort-guest access starting May 5 and general sale starting May 12.
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 – Oct 31 (38 select nights) | Separate ticket, $119–$229 + tax |
| EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival | EPCOT | Aug 27 – Nov 21 | Included with EPCOT admission |
| Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit | EPCOT | During Food and Wine Festival | Paid add-on |
| Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Hangar Bar overlay | Disney Springs | Fall through early November | Walk-up |
| Minnie’s Halloween Dine | Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood Studios | Mid-August through early November | Prix-fixe character meal |
| Fort Wilderness Halloween Golf Cart Parade | Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground | Late October, peaks Oct 30–31 | 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 flagship Halloween event and the centerpiece of the resort’s fall calendar. 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. The 2026 opening is the earliest in the event’s history.
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 ticket pricing
Single-night tickets range from $119 to $229 plus tax, an identical published range to 2025. Only two nights sit at the $119 floor (Aug 11 and Aug 14). Opening night (Aug 7) is priced at $159. Halloween night on Oct 31 is the sole date at the $229 ceiling and sold out within hours of tickets going on sale. Roughly 12 nights are priced at $200 or above, all clustered in October. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive a $10-per-ticket discount valid Aug 7 through Oct 2.
Party entertainment
Returning for 2026:
- Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade — the party’s signature parade, running twice per night at 8:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Opens with the Headless Horseman, features Haunted Mansion gravediggers and ballroom dancers, and closes with Sanderson-Sisters-costumed Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle.
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular — the party’s Jack Skellington-hosted fireworks show at 10:00 p.m., incorporating projection mapping, lasers, and pyrotechnics.
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular — the Sanderson Sisters and Disney villains stage show at Cinderella Castle Stage.
- Cadaver Dans — a ghostly barbershop quartet performing in Frontierland.
- Disney Junior Jam at Cosmic Ray’s, featuring Vampirina and Disney Junior friends.
New for 2026:
- A Masquerade with Stitch at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, a dance party with Stitch, Lilo, and Angel and an ever-changing Costume Trunk theme.
- A Captain Jack Sparrow-led pirate act in Adventureland.
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.
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. The full 2026 overlay slate is expected to be confirmed closer to opening night.
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. 2026 pricing is expected to be confirmed with the party foodie guide.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is EPCOT’s fall centerpiece and one of the largest annual festivals at Walt Disney World. The 2026 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.
Confirmed returning 2026 booths include Gyozas of the Galaxy, The Alps, and Australia. The full 2026 booth list, Foodie Guide, and Eat to the Beat lineup are expected to be published in the weeks ahead of opening.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is a paid scavenger hunt at EPCOT running during the Food and Wine Festival window. 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 contributes two fall-anchored experiences.
- Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine is the park’s seasonal character buffet with Minnie Mouse and Disney friends in Halloween costumes. In 2025 it ran August 16 through November 5 (roughly $63–$64 adult, $42–$44 child) and expanded to all-day service including breakfast on October 12. It is confirmed returning for 2026 on the Disney Parks Blog fall page; specific 2026 dates and pricing are expected to be published closer to the season.
- 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.
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 headline attraction is the Halloween overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, first introduced in 2025 and confirmed returning for 2026. The overlay brings Halloween decor, new specialty cocktails, and themed food items to the Adventurers Club-adjacent bar for the fall season. Specific 2026 opening date, menu, and pricing have not been announced. 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 minimal permanent Halloween decor; fall programming at these parks is centered 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; see the resort hotels section below.
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.
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 a family-first Halloween event and the largest theme-park Halloween slate in Florida by ticketed programming days. It is 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 slate, 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 opens Friday, August 7, 2026, at Magic Kingdom. This is the earliest opening in the event’s history.
How much are Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets in 2026?
Single-night tickets range from $119 to $229 plus tax. Prices vary by date, with only Aug 11 and Aug 14 at the $119 floor and only Oct 31 at the $229 ceiling. 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?
Three additions have been confirmed for 2026: A Masquerade with Stitch, a new Tomorrowland dance party replacing the 2025 Zom-Beatz Bash; a new Captain Jack Sparrow pirate act in Adventureland; 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 and is the most-visited vacation resort in the world.
For tickets and the full 2026 fall program, visit disneyworld.com.
Last updated: July 18, 2026. This guide is updated as Walt Disney World announces additional 2026 details.
