10 Genius Tips for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Don't go to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party before you read this! Here are my top 10 tips for making the most of your party ticket.

1. Arrive early to bank extra time

Your party ticket gets you into Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m., a three-hour head start before the party officially kicks off at 7. Most guests don't take advantage of it.

• Buy tickets early. Dates sell out fast, especially weekends and nights close to Halloween.
• Want Jack and Sally at 4 p.m.? Be waiting outside the gates closer to 3 p.m. The lines build that fast.
• Not a Jack and Sally priority? Wait until about 4:15. The turnstile rush at 4 is intense, and you're not missing anything exclusive in the first 15 minutes.

Use the early window for rides so you're free after 7 for trick-or-treating, the parade and the fireworks, the stuff you actually paid for.

2. Skip the sit-down meal during party hours

Save table-service dining for earlier in the day or the 4 to 7 p.m. window. A sit-down meal at Be Our Guest, Cinderella's Royal Table or The Plaza easily eats an hour of party time. Only a handful of spots are open during the party, so even mobile order lines can run long. We eat before and plan snack stops around it.

3. Pick your parade spot based on what you want to see

The Boo-to-You Parade starts in Frontierland, moves through Liberty Square, past the castle and finishes on Main Street. About 15 to 20 minutes before it starts, the Headless Horseman rides the same route on a real horse.

• Main Street: the best atmosphere, plus a bonus you can only see here: Max as Powerline from A Goofy Movie and his dance crew in a pre-parade performance. The trade-off: there can be a 20+ minute gap after the Horseman passes. For front row near the hub, claim your spot about an hour early.
• Frontierland or Liberty Square: you see the Horseman first, and crowds are noticeably thinner. About 15 minutes' notice usually gets you a solid view.

My take: first party or a Goofy Movie fan in your group? Main Street. Focused on efficiency? Frontierland.

The Headless Horseman may not run every night (rain, slick ground, or a new horse can keep him out). Treat him like a bonus.

4. Save trick-or-treating for later

Treat trail lines are worst early in the evening and thin out noticeably between 10 p.m. and midnight.

5. Claim your fireworks spot early and see shows early

The Halloween fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington have historically started around 10 p.m. Stake out a spot an hour early, ideally one that works for the parade too, so you're not moving twice. Florida storms can delay or cancel shows with little warning, so catch your must-sees at the earlier showtime when you can.

6. Know which rides have Halloween overlays

• Space Mountain runs completely dark, which is more intense, so keep that in mind for kids who don't like the dark.
• Mad Tea Party gets eerie lighting.
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor has a Halloween-themed show.

7. Have a ride strategy

Historically, TRON, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan and Space Mountain run busier. Knock out a few popular ones during the early arrival window so you aren't rushed later.

8. Be realistic about character meets

Jack and Sally alone can run over an hour, and other lines can eat two or three hours. Pick two or three characters that really matter, and let the rest go. Best trick: get in line while everyone else is watching one of the parades.

9. Dress for Florida weather

August and September nights can be brutally hot, and there's little shade at the entrance at 4 p.m. Wear breathable clothing under your costume, bring water and wear comfy shoes.

10. Stay for the midnight Hocus Pocus show

If your crew can hang on, the final Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular in front of the castle is worth it. It runs earlier too, so check the schedule and build it in either way.

Bonus tips

• Bring your own trick-or-treat bag. Trick-or-treating is unlimited, and they give out a ton of candy.
• Go in with a plan. Know which characters, snacks and shows you want before you walk in.

Want to see it in action? Check out my full party night guide and our 10-rides challenge.

What would you add? Tell me in the comments on the video!

Party times, entertainment and policies can change. Check Disney's current party details before you go.