Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will have its earliest start ever. Here’s when

BAY LAKE, Fla. – The Headless Horseman is saddling up sooner than ever for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

The popular separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom runs Aug. 7 through Oct. 31, spanning select weekend and weekday evenings throughout the fall season, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Party-goers can expect exclusive entertainment, Halloween-themed food and beverages, character greetings, trick-or-treating, and more.

New this year, Stitch is taking over the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland with a costume-themed dance party alongside Lilo and Angel.

The Cadaver Dans will also return, performing soulful harmony sets for guests making their way through the park.

Returning fan favorites include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, set for 8:15 p.m., and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, featuring the Sanderson Sisters and Disney Villains including Hades, Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier, and the Evil Queen.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show will once again transform Cinderella Castle with dazzling projections and appearances by Ursula, the Queen of Hearts, and Oogie Boogie.

Trick-or-treating remains a cornerstone of the event, with more than a dozen candy stops throughout the park. Cast members will hand out Mars Wrigley favorites, including M&Ms, Snickers, and Starburst. Complimentary treat bags will be provided to all guests — costumes not required to participate. Disney also teased familiar and fiendish faces will be surprising guests along the trails.

Character meet-and-greet highlights include Jack Skellington and Sally, Mickey and Minnie in Halloween costumes at Town Square Theater, Pooh in his bumblebee costume, and festive royal couples such as Ariel and Eric and Aladdin and Jasmine.

Tickets go on sale May 5 for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green. All other guests can purchase tickets beginning May 12.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $119 to $229 per ticket (plus tax), depending on the date.

Discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. Tickets and more information are available by clicking here or by calling the Disney Reservation Center at 407-934-7639.

Guests with party tickets may enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m., and this year, Halloween lands on a Saturday.

Exclusive treats

Magic Kingdom Park is serving up some of its most ghoulish eats yet for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

The culinary team has conjured a sinister spread of sweets and savory bites exclusive to the after-hours event, along with options available during regular park hours. New offerings this year include the Doom Buggy Dumplings — chicken dumplings with red miso gochujang sauce, furikake and chili threads — and the Skull-icious Cake, featuring chocolate mousse, peanut butter buttercream, chocolate popping candies and a chocolate cookie crust.

Returning fan favorites include the Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie, with buffalo chicken and mozzarella wrapped in flaky dough and topped with blue cheese crumbles and buffalo ranch, and the Ursula Cone, wild berry soft-serve with candy coral and citrus cotton candy in a black vanilla cone.