What NOT to Wear at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Ashlie & Lauren
- May 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 7
If you have ever dreamed of dressing up as your favorite Disney Princess or Villain and taking a stroll down Main Street with those castle views, you might want to consider visiting during spooky season. Disney celebrates Halloween in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is offered at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, and Oogie Boogie Bash is at Disney California Adventure. Both are after-hours ticketed events that offer unique characters, food, and entertainment.
We attended MNSSHP back in 2022 and had an absolute blast. These two parties are different, and you can read all about what each one has to offer here! However, when it comes to outfit planning and costumes, the rules and guidelines remain the same.
Disney has a very strict dress code during typical park hours. No one under the age of 14 is allowed entry into the theme park if they are wearing a costume. But, during MNSSHP and Oogie Boogie Bash, Disney encourages you to dress to in your Halloween best and enjoy the night in full costume if that’s something you want to do!
Even though Disney allows you to dress up and go all out, there are still some very specific rules and guidelines. But, just because you have purchased a ticket to either of the parties, Disney still has the right to deny you entry if you happen to be breaking any of these stipulations. And the last thing you want to is to spend a lot of money on your ticket and costume and then not be able to attend.
Safety is a big priority behind these rules, so we are going to break down what you can and cannot wear to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash to make sure you get the most out of your evening.
No Costumes During the Day
We need to be very clear about this: Your costume is only allowed during party hours. When you purchase your ticket for these after-hour events, the hours of the party will be listed on your ticket. The hours listed on the ticket are the only times of the day you are allowed to wear your costume. Even if you have a base park ticket the same day as your party, you will not be allowed to wear your costume during the day.
The only exception to this rule is that guests who have purchased a ticket are typically allowed into the parks a couple of hours ahead of the party starting, but you will need to check your ticket for times! If you plan on visiting the same theme park the day of your party, you will need to either leave the park to change into your costume, or purchase a locker to store your items until the time the party guests are allowed to enter the park. If you don't want to worry about a wardrobe change, we would suggest sticking to a DisneyBound outfit (like this Minnie one!) that would be allowed in the park during the day, but also be adorable for the party!
Your Costumes Cannot Drag on the Ground
If you’re thinking about twirling around the castle in Cinderella’s ball gown, you need to make sure that the hem is above your ankles. This rule is in place for any costume, but I feel like ball gowns might be one of the hardest garments to fit this rule. If you have your heart set on dressing like Tiana or wearing one of Belle’s gorgeous dresses, just make sure you order your costume within plenty of time. That way, if you need to take it to a tailor, you aren’t crunched for time.
If this is too much stress, but you still want to dress like your favorite princess, don’t worry! Belle’s blue dress and Ariel's land look are both great options that meet the costume requirements!
No Capes
Yes, Edna Mode has entered the chat. Technically, you CAN wear a cape, but there are specific requirements. According to Disney’s website, capes can be worn if they don’t go below your waist.
If you’re wanting to go the villain route for a costume, finding a a cape that doesn’t go below your waist can be tricky. When we’ve styled outfits for clients in the past for parties, we’ve had to get creative with creating those elements. A couple of years ago, a client wanted an Evil Queen DisneyBound. So, for the cape effect, we suggested a dress with bell sleeves. You can also find plenty of capelets that would meet the requirements on Amazon!
No Gore
It’s no surprise that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash are more geared towards family-friendly vibes. You will see people of all ages at this party enjoying the evening. Per Disney’s website, “Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent”.
This rule can be a bit vague, but if you're really wanting just a touch of scary, might we suggest channeling a little Constance Hatchaway? These earrings make for a perfect subtle touch of darkness without making it inappropriate. Stay away from anything that involves blood or images of weapons. If you’re wanting something that is a little more scary, check out Hollywood Horror Nights over at Universal Studios. Remember, according to Mickey, “It’s really not so scary!”
No Masks & Careful with the Props
Accessories can be important when putting together your costume. There are certain items that Disney deems as acceptable as far as props for your looks:
transparent wings
plastic light sabers
toy swords
tutus
Masks are also an issue for the parties. Any face covering is not allowed during the party. If you would like to dress up as Captain America, Iron Man, or even Mickey, your face will need to be visible. And don’t think that you can sneak one in. Disney takes safety very seriously, and just because you have a ticket, it doesn’t mean you can’t be asked to leave or take your mask out of the park.
Do Not Pretend to Be a Character
You want to take photos with your friends in your costume? Great! You want to take PhotoPass photos of your amazing outfits? Fantastic! Having your friends or family take photos of you throughout the park? Work it!
But, taking photos with strangers who think you’re a Sanderson Sister, that’s a hard no. You are not allowed to roam the parks pretending to be a Disney character who signs autographs and takes photos without a character attendant. Be mindful that Disney goes to great lengths to create the most authentic experiences for their guests.
These guidelines are in place to keep you and others safe, so make sure you take them seriously.
If these rules are giving you anxiety (which would also be a great costume idea), fear not. You are NOT required to dress in costume to attend these after-hour experiences. We’ve styled plenty of non-costume outfits for our clients. If you are looking for some alternative ideas, you can head to our post here for plenty of looks.
We also really love outfit planning for these events and would be happy to create looks for you based on your style, size, and interests. You can check out our Custom Services to see what we can style for you! Let us take the stress out of finding outfits that meet these requirements for the party. We will make sure you’re following all the rules and are ready to go for your big night.
Feel free to ask us any questions about these events. Until then, remember, theme park fashion doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to make you smile!
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