Complete Guide to Disney World Halloween

Complete Guide to Disney World Halloween

Complete Guide to Disney World Halloween

Disney World Halloween 2026 events and celebrations are so special and our favorite time of year! A trip to Disney World during Halloween season (which in Disney, that is from August until October 31) is truly a spell-binding time for guests of all ages!

We’re excited to take you through each expected Walt Disney World Halloween event. You can also find what will be happening all across the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s important to note that all events are subject to change. But you can always check back here for any updates that will be made to the Disney World Halloween 2026 events.

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So if you’re ready to learn everything there is about the Disney World Halloween events and parties read on!

Disney World Crowd Calendar

Guide to Walt Disney World Halloween 2026

Disney Halloween is a truly magical time of the year when guests travel from all over to try exclusive spooky treats, see spook-tacular shows and so much more! As Annual Passholders, Halloween at Disney World is truly our favorite time of the year and we love visiting each year to see what Disney brings! Whether that be dressing up for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, or just seeing the fun decor set out each year, it’s a blast.

Related post: Discounted Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets

When Does Disney Decorate for Halloween?

The question we get asked the most is when does Disney start decorating for Halloween? But there is no direct answer. The decorating team at Disney has their deadlines under lock and key. Theres no telling when you can expect to start seeing autumnal decor start springing up. Especially around places like The Magic Kingdom. But, based on experience, in recent years we have noticed that Disney World Halloween decorations have been spotted as early as the first week in August.

Typically, Halloween at Disney will start with a few wreaths and pumpkins around the end of summer and then slowly Halloween will creep into the parks!

When Does Disney World Halloween Start?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party begins near the middle of August each year. You can expect to see Halloween decorations go up the first week of August!

 

When Does Disney Set Up for Halloween?

• Disney World Halloween Decorations: We have seen Halloween decorations in The Magic Kingdom as early as the first week in August. But there is no specific date for Disney World to start decorating for Halloween that is public knowledge.

You can expect the Magic Kingdom to be fully decorated by the start of the Halloween season which is typically the middle of August. Disney World at Halloween time events will not be ones to miss!

Related Post: Walt Disney World Halloween Time Tickets

Magic Kingdom Halloween

The Magic Kingdom is the best place to be at Disney World during Halloween. It is here that you’ll find those iconic Mickey pumpkins everywhere! From donning the light posts to having special photo ops set up both inside and outside the park, you’ll know it’s Halloween in Disney World with every turn you take. If you want to experience Magic Kingdom on Halloween day, make sure to get purchase your Walt Disney World ticket and also Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets as early as possible. This park does fill up on Oct 31 very quickly.

Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations

As we mentioned above, you can find Halloween at Disney World decorations beginning as early as the first week of August! Not only can you spot the famous Mickey pumpkins on the light posts stretching from Town Square all the way to the central Hub. In Magic Kingdom during Halloween, you can also find autumnal garland strung along the buildings of Main Street USA. Also lining the second story of Main Street, be sure to spot the ornately carved pumpkins to set a spooky mood.

What Halloween Decorations are in Magic Kingdom?

• Mickey Mouse Head Pumpkin Wreath – Just what it sounds like! A pumpkin in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head donning the light posts along Main Street USA and the Hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle. The pumpkin head is surrounded by fall colored leaves and smaller pumpkins.
• Autumnal Garland – stands of autumn foliage can be found strung along the buildings of Town Square, Main Street USA, and the Main Street Train Station.
• Autumnal Bunting – Disney Parks love their bunting. From the 4th of July celebrations to Halloween time at Walt Disney World, you can find this decorative fabric hung from building ledges and rooftops.
• Main Street USA Pumpkins – Look up to the second story of Main Street USA to find specialty carved pumpkins. If you look closely, you’ll be able to see the carvings echo the store they’re located above.

Can You Meet Halloween Characters in Magic Kingdom?

• The short answer is no. Normal ticketed guests do not have the opportunity to meet any characters in specially themed costumes. The only chance to meet a character (like Mickey and Minnie in Town Square Theater and Jack Skellington) dressed in a Halloween costume is at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (separately ticketed event). Party tickets are available now!

Guests looking to meet Disney World Halloween characters should expect to visit Mickey’s Not So Scary Party, which has many specialty characters. Some of the very best Halloween Disney World characters you can meet at the party include Jack and Sally, Pooh and Friends, Rock n’ Roll Stitch and more. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is also your only chance to see the Halloween parade

Related Post: Walt Disney World October Crowd Calendar

Halloween at Epcot

Epcot is an amazing park for so many reasons, but it’s not the best park for Disney during Halloween. There aren’t many Walt Disney World Halloween events at Epcot that occur during the fall. Nor are there remotely any Epcot Halloween decorations. But one huge reason we do love going to Epcot in the fall is the International Food and Wine Festival!

What is There To Do at Epcot During Halloween?

• While there aren’t any Halloween specific events held at Epcot. The main reason this park is still a must visit is for the International Food and Wine Festival. While not exactly a Disney World Halloween theme, you will find plenty of fall-themed and pumpkin-flavored goodies during this event.

Epcot Halloween Decorations

• Unfortunately, you won’t find any Halloween specific decorations at Epcot. The décor at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival will be more fall-like than Halloween-themed. If you’re more of a Fall foodie than a creepy crawly, Epcot will be more of your pace.

Related post: Walt Disney World Food and Wine Festival

Hollywood Studios Halloween

Hollywood Studios likes to dip its toe into Halloween at Disney World Florida. You won’t find a ton of Halloween Décor or Disney World Halloween specials. But you can find a few hints to the season here and there. Hollywood studios is also home to the best Halloween Dining experience.

Hollywood Studios during Halloween Main Event

• Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine: An enchanting character dining experience hosted by Minnie Mouse and her friends. All set to a spook-tackular Halloween theme!

If your kids want to see the fab five all dressed up in their Halloween costumes, this is the place to come for some fun dining at Disney during Halloween. This dining experience is one of many included in Minnie’s seasonal dining at the Hollywood and Vine restaurant.

Can You See Any Characters at Hollywood Studios During Halloween?

Like Epcot, Hollywood Studios wont have any specialty Halloween themed characters. We would love to see a Star Wars Villain cavalcade for Disney World Halloween, but we might just be dreaming for now.

Related Post: Check Out the Best Restaurants in Disney World at Hollywood Studios! 

Disney Animal Kingdom Halloween

Animal Kingdom Park has been the least invested park at Disney World at Halloween. There are a couple treats here and there, a little décor and standard merchandise but nothing to really write home about. We’d love to see them celebrate the villains represented by the park (such as Scar from Lion King, Charles F. Muntz from Up or even Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas).

Animal Kingdom Characters for Disney World Halloween

• In years past, we have been able to spot Chip and Dale wearing their dinosaur costumes to celebrate the holiday! But be warned, you aren’t going to see any any villains on the flotillas that glide through the rivers of Animal Kingdom. But, you can head over to Dinoland USA to see if Donald and his friends are sporting any Halloween costumes.

Halloween Decor at Animal Kingdom

• Like the characters, there isn’t much that goes into Halloween at Animal Kingdom. You may be able to spot more Fall-themed decor scattered throughout the park.

Related Article: Complete Guide to the Best time to Visit Disney World 

Halloween at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a fun place to visit during the Halloween Season at Walt Disney World. The Disney Springs Halloween decorations rival those in Magic Kingdom providing plenty of photo opportunities for you and your family.

Celebrating Halloween at Disney Springs

• Late Night Concerts and Dance Parties – Guests of all ages can enjoy live musical entertainment at is many outdoor stages.
• Special Photo Opportunities – Not only are there art installations celebrating the Disney World Halloween season, but you can also find a one-of-a-kind Halloween photo at the Disney PhotoPass Studio

Halloween Night at Disney Springs can be a fun place for the adults to come play on October 31 as plenty of the bars and restaurants will have fun drinks and entertainment. We are sure if you are visiting during the spooky season, there will be plenty of Disney Springs Halloween activities.

Be sure to check our list above for Halloween time offerings of food and merchandise at Disney Springs!

Related post: What are the Best Disney Springs Restaurants?

Disney World Halloween at the Resorts

Most resorts decorate and have fun activities for their guests staying there to celebrate Halloween at Disney World. However, we do have one resort that we love to recommend everyone at least visit (if not stay there) during the Halloween season. We believe Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is the best Disney resort for Halloween.

Fort Wilderness at Halloween

• The thing that makes this resort the best place for your Disney Halloween stay is not necessarily what Disney does, it’s what the guests do! It’s been a long-standing tradition that the campers at Fort Wilderness go ALL OUT in their Halloween décor at their campsites. You’ll see tons of “scary” Halloween decorations at most of the campsites. From giant inflatable Mickey Mouse vampires to actual haunted houses you can walk through.

The guests also often give out candy to any trick or treaters on Halloween night providing some of the best trick or treating at Disney World resorts. Even if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness, we recommend hopping over there one evening and doing a tour of all the campers’ decorations.

Other resorts also have fun with Halloween so let’s look at some of the Halloween events you can find at just about every Disney resort.

Events for Disney World Halloween at the Hotels

• From Halloween-y type of movies being shown at night to Halloween-based games at the pools and sometimes even actual trick or treating, your kids especially will find some fun Halloween activities to participate in at your resort.

Halloween Themed In-room Décor

• One thing you can do at your Disney World resort that you can’t do anywhere else is provide your own Halloween decorations at Disney. You can make Halloween at Disney World the bet yet by decorating your windows and interior all you want (following Disney guidelines for how you affix your décor).

Whether you bring decorations from home or purchase it using Disney’s In-Room Celebrations packages, you’re sure to make your stay even more special.

Related post: The Complete List of Disney World Resorts

Disney World Halloween Food

Halloween Disney World snacks are in no short supply. You can find specialty themed food all around the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney at Halloween is celebrated in the form of food in the theme parks, Disney Springs, and even the resorts! Since most food items change year after year, we have decided to put together a list of some of our favorite Disney World Halloween snacks locations.

Best Locations for Disney Halloween Food

Magic Kingdom Park:

• Main Street Bakery – Main Street USA
• Sleepy Hollow – Liberty Square
• Aloha Aisle – Adventureland

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Creature Comforts – (Starbucks) Africa
• Flame Tree Barbecue – Discovery Island
• Restaurantosaurus – Dinoland USA

Epcot:

• Block & Hans – American Adventure Pavilion

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• ABC Commissary – Commissary Lane
• Backlot Express – Echo Lake
• Trolley Car Cafe – Hollywood Boulevard

Disney Springs:

• Amorette’s Patisserie – Town Center
• The Ganachery – The Landing
• Gideon’s Bakehouse – The Landing

Resort Hotels:

• Contempo Cafe – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Le Petit Cafe – Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Roaring Fork – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• BoardWalk Bakery – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

You’ll notice Magic Kingdom’s offerings are less than expected. That’s because most of the Disney World at Halloween time treats in Magic Kingdom are offered exclusively at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. If you’re attending the party and looking for our list of favorite treats there, make sure you check out our Complete Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Related post: What are the Best Desserts at Disney World?

Disney World Halloween Merchandise

Halloween at Disney World has no limits when it comes to themed merchandise. If you’re looking for the newest themed Spirit Jersey, Minnie Ear headband, or popcorn bucket we have got you covered! Halloween in Disney World was teased for the “Disney’s Halfway to Halloween” with dates, treats and brand new merchandise. We’ve seen new Spirit Jerseys, Mickey Ears, hats, shirts and more.

Brand new Disney Halloween merchandise will be available for guests to buy in shops around the parks when the season is here! The Disney Halloween party typically comes with exclusive merchandise, as well.

Where Can I Buy The Newest Disney Halloween Merchandise?

Magic Kingdom Park:

• Emporium – Main Street USA
• Disney Clothiers – Main Street USA

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• Riverside Depot – Discovery Island
• Island Mercantile – Discovery Island

Epcot:

• Creations Shop – World Celebration

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Once Upon a Time – Sunset Boulevard
• Mickey’s of Hollywood – Hollywood Boulevard
• Celebrity 5 & 10 – Hollywood Boulevard

Disney Springs:

• World of Disney – Town Center
• Market Place Co-Op – Market Place
• DisneyStyle – West Side

Resort Hotels:

• Each Disney Resort has one main gift shop for all of your shopping needs! This shop will also have specialty themed merchandise to get you in the spooky spirit.

Disney World during Halloween time is in no short supply when it comes to merchandise. Nearly every location, even kiosks, that sell merchandise will have Halloween themed items to purchase. The locations listed above are just some of our favorite spots to get the newest items. Always check back for an updated list as new items become available.

Related Post: Disney Springs Ultimate Hotel Guide

Disney World Halloween FAQ

Q: When does Disney put out Halloween decorations?

A: Disney is awesome at being magical about its seasonal decorations. You can be in Magic Kingdom one day with no decorations and show up the next day to having all of Disney World decorated for Halloween! In general, you’ll start to see the Disney World Halloween decorations in August.

Q: When does Halloween end at Disney World?

A: As quickly as they go up, the Walt Disney World Halloween decorations come down! While they may hang around for a few days after Oct 31, don’t expect to see them too far into November.

Q: Is the Disney World Halloween party happening this year?

A: Disney fans were delighted to hear that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is here to stay at Walt Disney World! The Disney World Halloween Party is back and tickets go on sale in May.

Q: What is the best Disney park for Halloween?

A:Very simply the Magic Kingdom park is the absolute best park when visiting Disney World during Halloween. The main reason is the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween event. Magic Kingdom does have the best Halloween decorations and theming of all of the Disney World theme parks in general.

Q: When does 2026 Disney World Halloween officially begin?

A:  Middle of August – October 31, 2026

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our Disney  World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a Disney World Travel Agent for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a Free Quote for all Disney World Vacation Packages. The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets. If you’re brand new to Disney vacation planning we recommend our Walt Disney World Planning Page! Learn more about Disney hotels by reading our Walt Disney World Hotels Review page.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!