7 ways to celebrate Halloween at Disney World

Disney is running a few different specials if you book a fall trip by Aug. 31, including 25% of rooms at select Disney resorts.

Here are seven ways you can celebrate Halloween at Disney World this year:

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The obvious place to start is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the hard-ticket event that is the centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween celebration. Attending the party is the only way you can see the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show and Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade. It also features the Happy Hallowishes fireworks — but you can see those from outside the park (more on that in a moment). 

One of the highlights of the night: The Headless Horseman charges down Main Street USA ahead of the parade. It’s a spectacular sight. You also have a chance to see Disney characters in their Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating around the park. Tickets for the party start at $72.  

If the trick-or-treating doesn’t fix your sweet tooth — or you just don’t feel like jostling for a spot on the parade route — you can sign up for the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package. This gives you VIP viewing for the parade, as well as a dessert buffet and seating for the Happy Hallowishes fireworks.

The parts runs from Sept. 2 through Oct. 31 this year. The cost, in addition to the event ticket, is $79 for adults or $47 for children (ages 3 to 9), plus tax.

2. Make your own Halloween party

If you’re not interested in buying extra tickets, you can recreate some of the fun yourself. 

Kids can get dressed up in costume any time at the Magic Kingdom. Adults aren’t allowed to wear costumes outside of the party, but that shouldn’t stop you from “Disney Bounding” — putting together an outfit that evokes your favorite characters. Think red polka dots (Minnie Mouse), or a green dress (TinkerBell) or a yellow skirt with a blue t-shirt (Snow White). Check out the British Disney Bound blog for inspiration. 

Once you’re dressed to the nines, head to the Magic Kingdom, which is all decked out for Halloween. Enjoy some themed treats, and don’t miss the Haunted Mansion. On nights when the park closes for the party, you can catch the Happy Hallowishes fireworks for free at one of the nearby resorts, all of which pipe in the music. Consider the beach at the Polynesian, the boat dock area at the Grand Floridian, or the rooftop deck at the Contemporary’s California Grill.

3. Mix and mingle at Club Villain

If you want a more adult diversion, consider an evening at Club Villain, where you can drink, dine and dance with some of the villains we most love to hate. Though not technically a Halloween event, Club Villain is taking place at Hollywood Studios two nights a week during September and October. The event includes: 

Tickets are $129 per person, tax and gratuity included. 

4. Help your kids get in the spirit

Let’s face it, your kids can put on their Halloween costume at home for trick-or-treating. What they can’t do is get an ultimate Disney makeover at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique or The Pirates League.

Kids with a princess flair are best served at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, with locations inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom park and at the Once Upon a Toy store in Disney Springs Marketplace. Prices range from about $60 for hair, nails and makeup to $200 for the works, including a gown, wand and crown. There’s also a knight package available. 

The Pirates League is basically the opposite of Bibbity Bobbity Boutique: a place where kids can be made over to look like zombie or ghost pirates, among other things. In addition to pirates, kids can be transformed into an empress or mermaid here as well. Kids also receive training in the buccaneer arts before heading back out into the Magic Kingdom. Packages at the Pirates League range from $34.95 to $74.95 plus tax (costumes and some accessories cost extra).

5. Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage

If the kids are already decked out in their pirate or mermaid best, the best treat may be to take them on the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage, which leaves from the Contemporary Resort. Guests meet early for snacks — including cake and ice cream — and a meet-and-greet with Captain Hook at Mr. Smee before departing for a cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Kids also can take part in a scavenger hunt. The cost is $69 for adults, $41 for kids.

6. Decorate your room

Set the mood — in a big way — with Mickey’s Spooktacular Celebration kit from Disney Floral & Gifts. Arrive at your door to find a personalized light-up pumpkin banner welcoming you. Inside, you’ll find a welcome letter from Mickey Mouse letting you know what surprises await. Also included: 

Disney Floral & Gifts

• A Halloween Mickey themed collapsible tote  
• Black felt bat that can be embroidered 
• A pair of Halloween Mickey themed pillowcase that can be personalized 
• Mickey Mouse plush 
• Games and trivia that include a black light flashlight, regular flashlight & activities 
• Eyeball mirror vinyl clings 
• Black candelabra with battery operated taper candles, cobwebs and spiders 
• Assorted snacks and goodies 
• Luminaries with battery candles 
• Orange blanket with bat that can be personalized 
• Mickey Mouse ghost light-up lanyard

If you’re not inclined to spend $450 for the officials in-room celebration, consider bringing some of your own decor to add to the mood.

7. Join a DVC Halloween party 

Disney Vacation Club members can join a special Nightmare Before Christmas party on Halloween night at the Contemporary Resort’s Ballroom of the Americas. Hosted by Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, the event includes:

• A character meet-and-greet in front of a themed backdrop featuring scenic pieces from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
• A DJ playing music and leading dance-alongs 
• Beverages and light snacks
• Complimentary face painting for kids and adults
• Craft activities for kids and adults 

Members can choose one of two times to attend: 3-5 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. The cost is $20 per person (ages 3 and up). To make a reservation, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Reservations are required and space is limited.