If the fall is one of your favorite times of the year, then you’re going to want to plan a trip to Disney between mid-August to early November! Disney World Halloween has become one of the biggest celebrations of the year with select parks rolling out the pumpkins and fall decorations, special events, exclusive eats and drinks, and so much more. So, whether you’re deciding if Halloween is the right time for your visit or already in the middle of planning, here’s everything you need to know to celebrate Halloween in Walt Disney World!

Halloween Decorations

When it comes to Halloween decorations, Disney World goes all out. It’s not quite as big as the holiday celebrations, where the parks and resorts are transformed into winter wonderlands, but you’re still going to get your fix of pumpkins and fall colors. Each year, Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs get decorated in yellows, reds, and oranges with several fall and Halloween-themed photo ops. Let’s get into the details!

Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations

Magic Kingdom is the heart of Halloween at Disney World, with decorations that are sure to put you in the fall spirit. As soon as you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by giant Mickey-shaped pumpkins and other Halloween-themed decor. Main Street, U.S.A. is especially festive, with autumn leaves, scarecrows, and jack-o-lanterns lining the streets.

And, while the decorations don’t span much further than Main Street, we recommend riding Haunted Mansion at some point during the day. Unlike the attraction at Disneyland (which gets a Nightmare Before Christmas makeover), the ride remains the same as it is year-round. However, it’s still one of the most popular attractions during Halloween at Magic Kingdom.

Disney Springs Halloween Decorations

Disney Springs is another great place to experience Halloween at Disney World. The shopping and dining complex is transformed for the fall season, with decorations that are both spooky and fun. You’ll see plenty of pumpkins, skeletons, and other Halloween decor throughout the area.

Note that the fall decorations at both Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs are usually up from mid-August (when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts) to November 1st.

Disney World Halloween Events

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World during the Halloween season, you’re in for a treat! There are several events that you won’t want to miss. Here are some of the top Halloween events at Disney World:

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is one of the most popular events at Disney World during the Halloween season. This event takes place at Magic Kingdom on select nights from mid-August to early November. During the event, you can enjoy trick-or-treating, a Halloween parade and fireworks show, and a special Halloween stage show. You can also meet some of your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween costumes.

Learn more about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and how to get tickets here!

Minnie’s Halloween Dinner

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience during the Halloween season, check out Minnie’s Halloween Dine. This seasonal character meal takes place at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During your meal, you can meet Minnie Mouse and her friends in their Halloween costumes while enjoying a buffet-style meal. Advance dining reservations are recommended and can fill up quickly so we recommend making your reservation 60 days prior to your trip.

Return to Sleepy Hollow

If you’re a fan of the classic Disney movie, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, you won’t want to miss Return to Sleepy Hollow. This event takes place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and includes a screening of the movie followed by a meet-and-greet with the Headless Horseman.

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

While not specifically a Halloween event, the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival takes place during the Halloween season and is a must-visit for foodies. During the festival, you can sample food and drinks from around the world, attend cooking demonstrations, and enjoy live music.

Learn more about the EPCOT’s seasonal festivals here!

Halloween Eats and Drinks

One of the best things about celebrating a holiday at Disney World is the specialty eats and drinks and Halloween is no different! During the fall/Halloween season, you can find a variety of themed eats, treats, and drinks that are available for a limited time throughout all four theme parks, the Disney World Resort hotels, and Disney Springs. Some of the popular snacks in the past include a Halloween Margarita Flight at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the Not-So-Poison Apple Churros at Magic Kingdom, and the Haunted Mansion Cone at Disney Springs.

See the FULL LIST of Halloween snacks coming to Disney World this fall here!

Halloween Merchandise

If you’re visiting Disney during the Halloween season, you might as well dress like it! From apparel to accessories and more, Disney rolls out a lot of exclusive merchandise for the fall and Halloween.

One of the most popular items during Halloween at Disney World is the viral Mickey and Minnie Mouse pumpkins. These are usually available on shopDisney and in the parks and sell out quickly so be ready when they first debut!

Of course, there are plenty of other Halloween items to take home including t-shirts, an entire Haunted Mansion-themed collection, limited-edition MagicBands, Mickey and Minnie plushes with the duo dressed in Halloween costumes, Minnie ears, mugs, pins, kitchenware, and more.

During the Halloween season, you can find the fall merchandise collections in stores at the parks and resorts, so you should be able to pick up everything you want while you’re there. And, if you can’t make it to Disney World, you can always do your Disney Halloween shopping online on shopDisney.

Stay tuned for more details on the 2024 Disney Halloween merchandise collections.

Halloween Season Crowds

When it comes to visiting Disney World during the Halloween season, you can expect large crowds. Halloween is one of the most popular times of the year to visit the parks, and as a result, you should be prepared for long lines and wait times.

It’s important to note that the crowds can vary depending on the day of the week and time of day, especially during the fall. Weekends and evenings tend to be the busiest, while weekdays and mornings are typically less crowded. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the week and arriving early in the morning.

Utilizing Lightning Lane entry and purchasing tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party can be a big help in avoiding crowds. All of these give you the opportunity to skip the long wait times for attractions in all four theme parks by either using the Lightning Lanes or visiting when the park is less crowded.

So, while the crowds during the Halloween season at Disney World can be overwhelming, with some planning and preparation, you can still have an enjoyable experience and tackle all your must-do attractions.

Tips for Visiting During Halloween Season

With more to do during the Halloween season at Disney World and bigger crowds, it can be tough to plan the perfect trip. Luckily, we’ve been to Disney during this time of year hundreds of times — here are our 5 best tips!

1. Start Planning Early

Be sure to check the event schedule before you go so you can plan your visit accordingly. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a popular event that takes place on select nights in Magic Kingdom and requires a separate ticket. These tickets usually go on sale in May and can sell out for certain nights FAST. Minnie’s Halloween Dine can also book up quickly. So, be sure you know what Halloween activities you will want to do months before your trip. We recommend starting to plan about 6 months prior for the best chance at getting reservations and special event tickets.

2. Pack Your Halloween Costumes

One of the best things about visiting Disney World during Halloween is the chance to dress up in costume. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there are plenty of opportunities to show off your creative side. Just be sure to follow the park’s costume guidelines, which prohibit masks for guests over 14 years old and weapons of any kind.

If you’re going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, dressing up is a must!

3. Save Room For Seasonal Treats

During the Halloween season, Disney World offers a variety of seasonal treats and snacks that you won’t find any other time of year. From pumpkin-spiced churros to candy corn soft-serve, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to research what limited-time treats will be available so you don’t miss out. And, don’t fill up on table service meals! Save some room for the specialty eats and drinks.

4. Plan for Crowds

Halloween is a popular time to visit Disney World, so be prepared for crowds. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the week rather than on weekends, and try to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening when lines tend to be shorter. You can also pay for Lightning Lanes to skip the lines on select attractions.

5. Enjoy the Decorations

One of the highlights of visiting Disney World during Halloween is seeing all of the festive decorations throughout the parks and resorts. From giant pumpkins to spooky lighting, there’s no shortage of Halloween-themed decor to enjoy. A lot of people tend to skip Disney Springs if they have a shorter trip, but this is only one of TWO different places where you can find fall decorations. So, don’t skip it during your Halloween trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of costumes are allowed at Disney World during Halloween?

If you are planning to visit Disney World during Halloween, you might want to dress up in a costume. However, it is important to note that there are some restrictions on what types of costumes are allowed. Here are the current costume and attire requirements:

• Costumes and costume masks, which may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older.
• Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
• Excessively torn clothing
• Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
• Clothing that touches or drags on the ground
• Clothing with multiple layers is subject to search upon entry
• Objectionable tattoos

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Costume Guidelines

Costume guidelines are a bit more relaxed for guests attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. During the event, anyone 13 or younger can wear masks as long as they provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen. Additionally, guests 14 years and older must adhere to the following guidelines:

• All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
• Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)
• Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
• Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
• Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
• Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.

When do Halloween decorations typically go up at Disney World?

Disney World typically starts putting up Halloween decorations in mid-August. This is usually just before the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The decorations then stay up until the end of October.

How much should I budget for a Halloween visit to Disney World?

Disney World can be an expensive vacation destination, and a Halloween visit is no exception. The cost of your trip will depend on a variety of factors, including your travel dates, where you stay, and the activities you plan to do. However, you can expect to pay more for a Halloween visit than you would for a visit during other times of the year. It is a good idea to budget at least $250 per day, per person for park tickets and food. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of your hotel, any souvenirs you may want, and whether you’ll attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (which is an additional cost on top of your park ticket).

Comments

Have you ever visited Disney World around Halloween? What is your favorite way to celebrate the season when you visit? Let us know in the comments!