When it comes to creating magical family memories, few destinations compare to Walt Disney World. This iconic theme park, part of the larger Disney Parks, transforms into a Halloween wonderland each fall, offering fun, festive, and not-so-scary experiences perfect for families with young children, including special character encounters and thematic decorations.

For RVers, Disney World during Halloween becomes even more enticing thanks to its RV-friendly offerings and proximity to campgrounds like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or new to RV travel, this guide will help you plan the perfect Disney Halloween vacation.

Planning Your Visit

Walt Disney World Resort Halloween Crowds

Walt Disney World Resort is a magnet for Halloween enthusiasts, drawing in crowds eager to soak up the festive atmosphere and partake in special events. If you’re planning a visit during this spooky season, it’s crucial to be crowd-savvy to maximize your enjoyment.

To navigate the parks efficiently, make the My Disney Experience app your best friend. This handy tool allows you to check real-time wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food and drinks from your phone. Additionally, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours (EMH), which grant you early morning or late evening access to the parks, helping you beat the crowds and enjoy more attractions with shorter wait times.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: What to Expect

Each year, from late August through October, Disney World hosts its famous Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom Park. Mickey's Not-So-Scary is a major event within the Magic Kingdom Park, featuring special attractions, character appearances, and various Halloween-themed activities. This special-ticketed event is a must for families looking to enjoy the Halloween season in a way that’s entertaining for kids of all ages.

Dates and Tickets 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party typically runs on select nights from late August to early November. It’s a separate event, which means that even if you have a day pass to the Magic Kingdom, you’ll need to purchase tickets specifically for the party. Tickets sell out fast, especially closer to Halloween, so booking early is essential.

Not-So-Spooky Atmosphere 

Unlike some other Halloween events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is designed to be just that—not too scary. The park is decorated with festive fall décor, featuring glowing pumpkins, not-so-spooky ghosts, and a warm, autumn ambiance. The event caters to younger children and families, making it perfect for those who want to celebrate Halloween without any frightening surprises.

Trick-or-Treating Around Magic Kingdom

Kids (and adults) can go trick-or-treating throughout the park. You’ll find stations set up with cast members handing out generous portions of candy. Bring a large bag because Disney’s candy haul is known to be impressive! Don’t forget that guests of all ages are encouraged to dress in costume. While adults can wear costumes, there are a few rules (like no masks for anyone over 14), so check Disney’s costume guidelines ahead of time. You might even spot Disney characters in their own Halloween costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Halloween-Themed Parades and Fireworks 

One of the highlights of the event is the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, which runs twice nightly. The parade is led by the Headless Horseman and features Disney characters in their Halloween costumes, along with floats inspired by classic spooky tales. Another can't-miss part of the event is Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, a fireworks display set to Halloween-themed music with projections lighting up Cinderella’s Castle.

Character Meet-and-Greets with Disney Villains

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll have the chance to meet some of Disney’s most beloved characters—many of whom are dressed in special Halloween attire. Rare characters, like Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, also make appearances, offering unique photo opportunities that you won’t find any other time of year.

Specialty Sips & Bites at the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

One of the delights of the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort is the array of specialty sips and bites crafted just for the occasion. These seasonal treats are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy, adding an extra layer of magic to your Halloween experience.

Indulge in the Poison Apple, a sweet and tangy drink that combines apple cider with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for sipping as you stroll through the park. For a more theatrical beverage, try the Witch’s Brew, a refreshing punch that comes with a spooky dry ice effect.

When it comes to snacks, the Graveyard Dirt Cups are a must-try. These rich chocolate pudding parfaits, topped with crushed Oreos and gummy worms, are a hit with both kids and adults. For a savory option, the Mummy Dogs—hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough to resemble mummies—are both fun and tasty.

These specialty sips and bites are exclusive to the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so be sure to sample them while you can!

Event-Exclusive Merchandise

No visit to the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort is complete without picking up some event-exclusive merchandise. These limited-edition items are perfect for commemorating your spooky adventure and make for fantastic souvenirs.

Look out for the limited edition Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party pins, which are highly sought after by collectors. Disney Villains fans will be thrilled with the exclusive apparel and accessories featuring their favorite baddies. From ghostly glow-in-the-dark figurines to haunted mansion-themed decorations, there’s a spooky souvenir for everyone.

Don’t miss the special edition Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party trading cards, which are only available during the event. These unique items are perfect for trading with fellow Disney enthusiasts or adding to your collection.

Specialty Magic Shots and Photo Opportunities

Capture the magic of the Halloween party with specialty magic shots and photo opportunities that are sure to make your memories last a lifetime. These unique photo ops are designed to add a touch of spooky fun to your pictures.

Pose with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their Halloween costumes for a ghostly encounter you won’t forget. Take advantage of wickedly cool backdrops like the Haunted Mansion and the Mad Tea Party, which provide the perfect setting for your Halloween photos.

For an extra touch of magic, look for photo opportunities with spooky special effects, such as glowing eyes and ghostly apparitions. And don’t miss the chance to snap a picture with Disney Villains like Maleficent and Jafar, who make exclusive appearances during the party.

These specialty magic shots and photo opportunities are only available during the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so be sure to take advantage of them while you can!

Staying in Your RV: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

For families traveling by RV, there’s no better place to stay than Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Nestled in a serene woodland setting, this sprawling campground offers a perfect blend of outdoor charm and proximity to Disney’s theme parks.

What Fort Wilderness Offers

• Full Hookup Sites: Whether you have a pop-up camper, fifth-wheel, or large motorhome, Fort Wilderness has a site to accommodate your RV. Each site is equipped with water, electricity, sewer hookups, and cable TV. Premium sites are available for larger RVs, offering extra space and prime locations within the campground.

• Amenities for Families: Fort Wilderness goes above and beyond typical campgrounds by offering a range of family-friendly activities. There’s a pool with a waterslide, playgrounds, bike rentals, horseback riding, canoeing, and even outdoor movie nights under the stars. And, during the Halloween season, the resort hosts special activities like pumpkin carving contests and trick-or-treating within the campground.

• Convenient Access to the Parks: One of the biggest perks of staying at Fort Wilderness is its location. The campground is just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom. Disney buses are available to shuttle you to other parks, making it incredibly convenient to enjoy all the Halloween festivities Disney has to offer.

• Campground Costs: Fort Wilderness is a popular choice for RVers, and pricing varies depending on the season and the type of site you choose. During peak times like Halloween, prices can range from $120 to $250 per night, but the access to Disney and the full suite of amenities make it well worth the cost.

Other RV-Friendly Campgrounds Near Disney World

If Fort Wilderness is booked or you’re looking for other nearby RV options, Orlando is home to several great campgrounds that cater to RVers visiting Disney World. Here are a few popular options:

1. Lake Louisa State Park

Located about 30 minutes from Disney World, Lake Louisa State Park offers RVers a peaceful, nature-filled alternative to staying right on Disney property. The park features spacious RV sites with water and electric hookups, and some even have sewer connections. While it’s not as close to the magic, Lake Louisa provides beautiful hiking trails, fishing, and access to the lake, making it a relaxing retreat after a day of Disney fun.

2. Orlando RV Resort

Just 20 minutes away from Disney, Orlando RV Resort is part of the Thousand Trails network and offers full hookup sites with amenities like a pool, playground, mini-golf, and more. The campground is family-friendly and provides easy access to all the Orlando-area attractions, including Disney World. You’ll find a variety of site options, from basic to premium, depending on your RV needs.

3. Tropical Palms RV Resort

Situated a mere 10 minutes from Disney World, Tropical Palms RV Resort is a favorite among RVers due to its prime location and range of amenities. The resort offers full hookup sites, a large pool, a fitness center, and even pet-friendly accommodations. It’s a great option for those wanting to stay close to the parks while enjoying the comforts of an RV resort.

Tips for Enjoying Disney Halloween in an RV

Now that you know where to stay, here are some practical tips for making the most of your RV trip to Disney during Halloween.

1. Book Your RV Spot Early

Whether you plan to stay at Fort Wilderness or another nearby campground, it’s essential to book your RV site early. Halloween is a busy time at Disney World, and campgrounds fill up fast. If you’re set on staying at Fort Wilderness, aim to book your reservation one to three months in advance to secure a spot.

2. Decorate Your RV for Halloween

Many RVers staying at Fort Wilderness get into the Halloween spirit by decorating their RVs with spooky decorations. From string lights and inflatable pumpkins to cobwebs and skeletons, you can make your RV feel just as festive as the Magic Kingdom itself. Disney even hosts a decorating contest for RVs, with prizes for the best-decorated campsites!

3. Pack for All Weather Conditions

October in Orlando can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from hot and humid during the day to cool in the evenings. Be sure to pack a variety of clothing, including lightweight, breathable outfits for daytime park visits and warmer layers for cooler nights at the campground.

4. Plan for Rest Days

Disney World, especially during a special event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, can be overwhelming. To avoid burnout, consider planning a few rest days during your trip. Fort Wilderness and other RV parks have plenty of activities to enjoy without leaving the campground, giving your family time to recharge between park visits.

5. Take Advantage of Park Hopper Options

If you’re visiting for several days, consider adding the Park Hopper option to your tickets. This allows you to explore multiple parks in one day, giving you the flexibility to experience even more Halloween magic, like visiting EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, which runs concurrently with the Halloween season.

Visit Disney World for Halloween with Cruise America

Visiting Disney World during Halloween is a magical experience, and for families traveling by RV, it’s an opportunity to combine the fun of road-tripping with the excitement of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. With Fort Wilderness and other nearby RV campgrounds offering convenient and comfortable accommodations, your family can enjoy the best of both worlds: the thrill of Disney and the joys of camping. 

Whether it’s trick-or-treating in the Magic Kingdom or roasting marshmallows at your RV campsite, a Halloween trip to Disney in an RV rental from Cruise America is sure to create lasting memories for everyone.