Everything to Know About Halloween at Walt Disney World

Every year, Walt Disney World summons ghouls and goblins of all ages to revel in its longest holiday season: Halloween. This year's festivities begin on August 11 and run through All Hallows' Eve, wrapping November 1. So, while much of the country squeezes every last drop out of summer, this Orlando theme park rolls out the orange carpet for oversized pumpkins and ghostly sights.

Halloween at Walt Disney World is unlike any other time of year. The magic is made even more marvelous with over-the-top decor, festive foods, costumed characters, limited-time merchandise, and special events like the fan-favorite Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Here are all the tricks — and treats — that await you at Walt Disney World this Halloween.

Magic Kingdom Park is transformed with festive decor.

Without a doubt, the most spectacular spot to enjoy all things Halloween is Magic Kingdom Park. As the setting of Mickey's famed and park-wide Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Magic Kingdom is transformed into a real-life Halloween town with oversized pumpkins shaped like Mickey's head and stunning fall wreaths decorating Main Street, U.S.A. Don't forget to look up at expertly carved pumpkins lining the second-story windows.

Disney Springs is another park worth visiting to admire seasonal decorations, though the theme here is more autumnal and less Halloween-focused. During the annual Fall Into Magic event, corn stalks, hay bales, and colorful foliage abound.

The limited-time food and beverage options alone are worth a trip.

Walt Disney World's food and beverage team shines with its tantalizing creations, including seasonal cocktails, cakes, cupcakes, and whoopie pies. These tasty departures from the typical theme-park fare act as mini works of art, both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Imagine pumpkin cakes so pretty you'd be tempted to display them on a mantel, giant cookies representing various Halloween versions of Mickey Mouse, and frozen drinks topped with spooky sprinkles, ice cream, donuts, or all the above.

Specialty dining is a highlight, including Minnie's Halloween Dine. Taking over Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios, this monster of a feast is an all-you-care-to-enjoy character dining experience where you can catch Mickey, Minnie, and friends in their Halloween costumes. The event runs from August 11 to November 4, 2023.

To make the trip even tastier, Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival runs at the same time, offering a cornucopia of seasonal delights from across the globe. In 2023, the festival will be held July 27 to November 18.

Halloween is when you can find the best merchandise.

Walt Disney World goes all in on the Halloween merchandise. You'll find apparel, home goods, plush characters, and more holiday-themed items throughout parks, hotels, and shops. Seasonal staples of years past include pumpkin Mickey-ear headbands and spirit jerseys themed to the iconic film "Hocus Pocus."

Some of the season's most-coveted collectibles include the limited-edition popcorn buckets and premium sippers that have become a staple of Disney fandom. In 2023, a candy corn Donald Duck sipper was debuted during the resort's Halfway to Halloween countdown event in the spring. Past years' popcorn buckets have been inspired by Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie from "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a must.

Set in Magic Kingdom Park, this über-popular ticketed event offers rare Disney character sightings and themed entertainment you can't find anywhere else. Unlike other theme park events that rely on thrills and chills, the annual "Not-So-Scary" shindig is completely family-friendly.

If you've ever dreamed of trick-or-treating through Magic Kingdom, this is your chance. Guests of all ages attend in costume and gather up goodies throughout the park. Note that there are guidelines on costumes: Capes can't flow below the waist, costumes can't touch the floor, and masks are not permitted. During the event, some of the most popular Walt Disney World rides — Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor — typically receive a Halloween makeover in the form of spooky lighting and spellbinding music.

You can also get your hands on creative foods and beverages created exclusively for the event. Not-So-Scary memories can be captured with special PhotoPass opportunities, including Magic Shots with the grim, grinning ghosts of the Haunted Mansion. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is planned for select nights from August 11 to November 1, 2023. Bonus: ticket-only entry means shorter attraction wait times.

Exclusive entertainment is a cornerstone of the party.

Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade is a park procession like no other, commencing with an appearance from the Headless Horseman. Shown twice nightly, the cavalcade includes beloved characters alongside villains and icons from your favorite attractions and films. The party also includes a Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show starring the witchy Sanderson sisters. During the performance, they display their wicked ways alongside classic Disney villains, including Maleficent and Oogie Boogie. Then, there's the captivating Dapper Dans, who transform into the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet and sing haunting harmonies at the event.

For the grand finale, the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show is an eerily beautiful display combining pyrotechnics with lasers and projections on the Cinderella Castle. Hosted by Jack Skellington, the nightcap includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and a few villainous surprises.