Which Orlando Area Halloween Event Is Right for Your Family?
If you’re planning a fall trip to Orlando, there’s a good chance the spooky season is on your radar — and rightfully so! Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando go all-in on Halloween, but their signature events couldn’t be more different.
So, should you head to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for magical tricks and treats, or brave the scream-inducing thrills of Halloween Horror Nights? Here’s a breakdown to help your family pick the right fit — or plan for both!
Related: A First-Timer’s Survival Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Orlando Resort
🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
Location: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
When: Select nights, August 15 through October 31
Hours: 7:00 PM to midnight (guests with event tickets can enter the park as early as 4:00 PM)
Ticket Price: Starting at $119
What It Offers:
- All-ages costumes and photo ops with rare characters in Halloween outfits
- Trick-or-treat stations throughout the park
- Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, featuring villains, grave diggers, and the Headless Horseman
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington
- Specialty snacks, spooky ride overlays, and lower wait times for attractions
Target Audience:
Families with young kids, Disney fans, and guests looking for festive fun that’s cute—not creepy.
Scare Level:
✨ Wholesome and whimsical. No jump scares or gore. Perfect for little ones or those who don’t enjoy being scared.d those looking for festive fun without the fright.
💀 Halloween Horror Nights
Location: Universal Studios Florida
When: Select nights August 29 through November 2
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tickets: Starting around $82.99 (Express Pass strongly recommended)
Audience: Adults and teens (not recommended for kids under 13)
What You’ll Get:
- 10+ highly detailed haunted houses themed to horror films, shows, and original stories
- Multiple scare zones with roaming actors ready to jump, scream, and chase
- Live shows, horror-themed snacks, and specialty drinks
- An immersive environment that transforms the entire park into a haunted experience
Overall Vibe:
Scary. And we mean really scary. Expect intense effects, realistic sets, and terrifying encounters—this is not for young kids or the faint of heart.
🎟️ Should You Do Both?
If your family has a range of ages or interests, doing both events is absolutely possible—as long as you plan wisely:
- For younger kids or those who spook easily, stick with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary. It’s all treats, no tricks.
- For thrill-seeking teens and adults, Halloween Horror Nights delivers heart-pounding scares and a uniquely immersive horror experience.
- For mixed groups or Halloween superfans, try to hit both—but give yourself a break day in between. Both events are late-night and energy-heavy.
Pro tip: Mickey’s party allows guests to dress in costume and trick-or-treat—so bring your candy bags! At Universal, costumes aren’t allowed, but you can wear your best horror fandom gear.
Related: Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 34
Final Verdict?
🎃 Go to Mickey’s party if: You want whimsical Halloween fun with candy, characters, and fireworks the whole family can enjoy.
💀 Go to Horror Nights if: You want to scream your head off in world-class haunted houses with your thrill-loving teens or adult friends.
🕸️ Go to both if: You’re visiting for a few nights and want to experience Halloween at its most magical and most terrifying.
Orlando does spooky season like no other—and no matter which route you take, you’re in for a devilishly good time.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
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