Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is one of the Frog Family’s favorite events of the whole year, and we were lucky enough to be on hand for this year’s opening night on September 11!

This year, the party includes a fun new event, the Not So Scary Street Jam! that takes places along Main Street U.S.A. after the Headless Horseman passes during the “Boo-to-You” Parade. Tad and I had a blast joining all of the other kids (and adults) dancing and singing along to “Calling All the Monsters” and the “Monster Mash.” (You can learn the moves here.)

Here are a few of the other tips we picked up so you’ll have an “oh-so-fun” night, too!

Check-In
The party officially begins at 7 p.m., but guests with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets can enter the park beginning at 4 p.m. You’ll be given a wristband with your party ticket.

Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade
A big highlight of the party is the ”Boo-to-You” Parade, led by none other than the Headless Horseman!

Check out Tad’s video of the parade below, which he has been working on between homework assignments.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Parade runs twice each night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party; once at 8:15 p.m. then again at 10:30 p.m. The parade kicks off in Frontierland, follows the waterway until it reaches Liberty Square, crosses the Liberty Square bridge, circles Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle then heads down Main Street U.S.A. where it ends next to Harmony Barbershop.

We always try to get into position about 30 minutes before each parade, but at the very least, get to a spot along the parade route AT LEAST five minutes before the parade. You won’t want to miss the Headless Horseman (and the street jam if you’re along Main Street U.S.A.)! If your parents are OK with you staying up past bedtime, go to the second parade, because it’s usually much less crowded.

Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Show
I love all of Disney’s fireworks shows, but Happy HalloWishes is unbelievable! The fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. and although you can see them throughout Magic Kingdom, my favorite place is in the middle of Main Street U.S.A. next to Casey’s Corner. These fireworks cover lots of sky, and being a little further back from the castle gives you a better view.

Villains Dance Mix & Mingle
Don’t miss the Villains Dance Mix & Mingle. The show takes place on the castle stage at 7:45, 8:50, 10:05 and 11:15 p.m. The Disney Villains actually come down onto the area in front of the castle after each show for meet and greets. Tad and I really wanted to get our pictures taken with the Villains, so we watched the last show, which was much less crowded. Watch the video from last year here.

Character Dance Parties
There are two character dance parties during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They run continuously throughout the evening, so squeeze them in when you have a break in your schedule.

Rock-It Out…Stitch’s Club 626 with Stitch, Pluto, Goofy, and Chip n’ Dale takes place at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Woody’s Happy Harvest Roundup with Woody, Jessie and Bullseye takes place at The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square.

Trick-or-Treating
There are 16 different trick-or-treating spots throughout Magic Kingdom where you can fill your bags with LOTS of candy. Giant light-up balloons mark the treat spots! There is also a new trick-or-treat trail near the Barnstormer in Storybook Circus.

Character Appearances
If you’re a “Character Groupie” like me, you’re going to LOVE the character meet and greets at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Not only are Disney Characters everywhere you turn, they’re dressed up in Halloween costumes! The Seven Dwarfs are back again this year! You’ll find them next to Splash Mountain in Frontierland and my best advice is to get there as soon as the party starts if you want to meet them. (The lines can get VERY long.)

Attractions & Dining
Most, but not all, attractions and restaurants remain open during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. We ate an early supper before the party started so we didn’t have to worry about long lines and had much more time to enjoy all the fun things going on around the park.

*Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event and is not included with regular theme park admission.