Tips & Tricks for Halloween Horror Nights & Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party

Orlando’s Ultimate Halloween Showdown: Disney vs. Universal

Are you ready for a spine-tingling adventure filled with magic, Halloween treats, and maybe even a few hair-raising scares? Orlando is the ultimate destination for fall travelers, and two events stand out above the rest: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Though both celebrate the season, these experiences couldn’t be more different. One sprinkles in pixie dust and parades, while the other pulls you straight into the fog with monsters lurking around every corner. Together, they make Orlando the perfect Halloween getaway for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone in between.

What are these 2 parties all about?

Disney’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is a family friendly Halloween Party that takes place in the Magic Kingdom.  This is a must do for those seeking a unique and memorable Halloween experience with special characters, parades and stage shows.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is geared toward the teen to adult fear seekers.  Whether you are a horror fanatic or just want to face your fears with friends, HHN offers an adrenaline pumping night you won’t forget.

If Disney is all about candy and characters, HHN is where nightmares take center stage. Each fall, Universal Studios Florida transforms into a horror fan’s dream (or nightmare) with movie-quality haunted houses, scare zones crawling with creatures, and pulse-pounding performances.

Costumes & Attire 🎃

At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the vibe is playful, not petrifying. Costumes are encouraged, so let your imagination run wild—just keep Disney’s guidelines in mind for safety and comfort. So, grab your family &/or friends and create a group costume for the whole group to jump in on or create your own specific costume to show your love of your favorite character.

For HHN costumes are not really allowed, but you can definitely don your favorite horror movie tee. Also don’t forget your Lanyard!

Pro tip: it’s Florida, so breathable fabrics and comfy shoes are a must!

Special Party Entry

For Disney your party ticket gets you in as early as 4:00 PM, even though the festivities officially kick off at 7:00 PM. Arrive early to soak in the fall decorations, grab spooky snacks, and maybe even meet Jack Skellington before the lines build. Once the party begins, expect trick-or-treating, exclusive stage shows, the Boo-to-You Parade, and Disney’s spellbinding Halloween fireworks. It’s a night where every corner glows with pumpkin magic. 

If you are already in Magic Kingdom for the day you can look for wristband distribution stations throughout the park to get your party wristband, event map & treat bag.

Universal Stay & Scream if you have both a Universal Studios daytime ticket and an HHN ticket for the same day, you don’t need to exit and re-enter the park. Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is implementing changes to the "Stay & Scream" early entry program for 2025. Instead of being confined to designated holding areas, guests with daytime and HHN tickets will receive wristbands at 3:00 PM and can roam the park freely until haunted house queues open at 4:00 PM. Haunted houses will begin operating at 5:00 - 5:15 PM.

If you don’t have a daytime ticket or just need to go back to your resort to rest before the event, there is a separate entrance for both events at their parks.

To survive the night

Some great suggestions to save the night at HHN

1.      Never go alone—it’s way more fun (and funny) with friends.

2.      Start in the back of the park to tackle houses before lines get long.

3.      Watch the movies or shows tied to this year’s houses—it makes the details way more intense.

4.      If the scares sound too real, Universal now offers a “Deathly Afraid Necklace” for $20, signaling scare actors to go easy on you in scare zones (but not in haunted houses).

For MNSSHP

1.      Find a spot on the parade route 30 minutes before to get front row or wait and crowds tend to be lower for the 2^nd parade.

2.      Bring an extra bag for all your candy.

3.      If you have a stroller decorate it with battery operated lights so you can find in easier at night.

4.      Don’t miss the dance parties for some great character interaction.

Sweet or Scary? Why Not Both!

The best part of celebrating Halloween in Orlando is that you don’t have to choose just one vibe. Spend one night strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., trick-or-treat bag in hand, surrounded by pumpkins and pixie dust. The next night, brave fog-filled scare zones at Universal Studios, dodging chainsaw-wielding creatures as you head to your next haunted house.

Visiting in the fall also means lighter daytime crowds, seasonal treats throughout the parks, and weather that’s (usually) more comfortable than the summer heat. From family-friendly magic to scream-worthy thrills, Orlando is the ultimate destination to experience the full spectrum of Halloween.

Let Smooth Winds Travel Guide You ✨

Both events sell out quickly—especially closer to Halloween. As your travel advisor, I’ll:

• Help secure your tickets to both parties.

• Plan your schedule so you don’t miss parades, fireworks, or haunted houses.

• Recommend the best resorts for easy access to both parks.

• Handle the details so you can focus on the fun (or the frights).

So, the real question is, will your Orlando Halloween adventure be full of pixie dust, packed with jump scares, or maybe a little of both? Good Thing, you don’t have to choose—you can have it all. This fall, trade in your everyday routine for parades, pumpkins, haunted houses, and unforgettable memories. Reach out today, and let’s get your ultimate Halloween adventure on the books before the fog rolls in. ✨

Here is a link CLICK HERE to see us talk about this and more over on our YouTube channel

Contributing Writers: Brenda Nichols & Shelley Campbell