When the leaves begin to change and the air has a bit of a chill, I know it’s time to start thinking about heading to Orlando to celebrate Halloween. For our family, it’s almost always been Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I love the family friendly entertainment, and I hate being scared – and not just because I have bladder issues.
Before you decide which is the better option for your family, take a look at the comparison:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
- Great for all ages: Disney does “not so scary” better than anyone. The decorations are happy and fall-ish, and the shows, parades, and characters all echo the not so scary theme. You’ll find all of your favorite attractions open, and the added bonus of trick or treat stations – candy for everyone!
- Everyone can wear a costume – just be aware that the costumes can’t be offensive, violent, or obstructive. Keep the full face masks at home, too.
- Trick or Treating is welcome and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party even provides bags for the kids and the adults.
- Cost for adults is $67 – $71, depending on the date you choose. The price is for the party only – and you will need a separate ticket if you are going to spend the day at the Magic Kingdom. The Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party begins at 7 and goes until midnight, however, you can enter the Magic Kingdom beginning around 4 PM with your party ticket.
- Definitely book your ticket in advance. Dates closer to Halloween can sell out, as can nights that offer special discounts for DVC members or members of the military. (as of this writing – October 1st – Halloween is already sold out)
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
- Definitely not recommended for young guests. This is a pretty intense experience, with interactive components designed to make you pee your pants. They call it Halloween Horror Nights for good reasons.
- Guest absolutely cannot wear costumes. I think they take great pleasure in knowing they’ve caused you to pee your pants, and they don’t want you to hide that behind a costume. Or it’s for everyone’s safety. Or something.
- No trick or treating. Boo.
- Cost – well, here’s where it gets complicated. Halloween Horror Nights has a variety of ticket options. The cheapest, which will set you back about $42, is an add on ticket. You pay for a day at Universal Studios, and you can add the evening at Halloween Horror Nights on for $42 more. If you have a condition that causes you to spend your day sleeping in a coffin, coming out only after sunset, the ticket for the party by itself is $96. Then there are multi-day options available that can include as many as 22 nights at the party, PLUS an Express Pass. That last option is in the $250 ballpark.
- The party begins at 6:30, and the ending time depends on the night you go – either midnight, 1 AM or 2 AM. You’ll find the longer parties closer to Halloween.
- http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/
The choice is yours – cute characters (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) or creepy creatures – *Halloween Horror Nights). Candy or killing (not the real kind). Either way, these are two great Halloween options in Orlando.