Mickey’s Halloween Party Costume Guidelines Broken Down

Guys, it’s August!

That can only mean one thing!

Time to start preparing for Halloween!!

Am, I right? I mean, August is basically over, so that only means one thing.

Halloween is right around the corner!!!

Yes, we do need to get through September and the entire month of October before Halloween arrives, but it’s never too early to prep! Right?

It is especially never too early to prep if you are heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is one of the best parties at Walt Disney World and needs to be experienced at least once. If you plan to head to MNSSHP this year, be sure to check out these 26 must-know tips for making it the best party ever. 

Before you read the 26 tips, be sure to know exactly what you can and cannot wear to the party when it comes to costumes. Disney has cracked down on its list of costume rules in the past few years to help keep guests safe. Plus, having costume guidelines keeps the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party family-friendly. 

Let’s take a look at each rule and understand what and cannot be worn to the party! First, let’s take a look at the general Mickey’s Halloween Party costume guidelines. 

1. Disney Makes the Final Call

Before you plan any Mickey’s Halloween Party costumes, you need to know the golden rule. Disney makes the final call on whether or not your costume meets their guideline standards.

As with all things creative, costume creation included, there are some gray areas. You might personally feel as though you have followed all of Disney’s costume guidelines, but Disney does not agree. If they don’t agree, your costume isn’t going to make the cut.

Your goal: Follow the costume guidelines as close as possible and maybe take a little more caution on top of that. If you think your costume could possibly be breaking a guideline, it probably is. Don’t wear anything that could possibly ruin your night! 

The golden rule: Disney makes the final call on whether or not your costume makes the cut. 

2. No Posing for Pictures or Signing Autographs

It doesn’t matter how amazing your costume looks or how close to the real ‘deal’ you are dressed, do not pose for pictures with others. And, do not sign autographs for other guests. In order to keep guests safe and help to protect their brand and image, Disney insists you leave the posing for pictures and signing autographs to the real ‘characters’. Besides, if you spend all of your time acting like you’re a ‘real’ character, you’re going to miss out on the party!

3. Keep Things Family-Friendly

If it’s too scary for a 5-year-old to see, it’s probably too scary to wear to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Disney is a family-friendly vacation spot enjoyed by kiddos and family members of all ages. We all know that, but when it comes to Halloween things can get a little blurry.

So, just as a reminder…The Halloween party is a place for families to have fun! Super scary costumes take away from the fun! Keep things clean and stay away from scary movies for any costume inspiration! 

4. No Weapons

Sorry, Robin Hood, no bow and arrows allowed at Mickey’s Halloween Party! As a matter of fact, no weapons of any kind are welcome at the party. Leave the pretend axes, faux dynamite, play knives and all other pretend objects of destruction at home. Besides, you aren’t going to have time for handling those pretend weapons anyhow, you need those hand free to get all the candy!!!

5. Keep It Smooth for your Mickey’s Halloween Party

Even if you don’t plan to bring along a weapon to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you also need to keep an eye on your costume’s safety in general. Making sure there is nothing sharp, pokey, or pointy on your costume that could accidentally hurt another guest. 

Yes, this probably even means no super long nails, for those you planning to come as the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Her nails are like daggers (no joke) when she becomes the old hag in the movie. Probably best to leave that detail out. Besides, those long nails will make it super hard to grab all the necessary trick-or-treat candy as you go along! 

Additional MNSSHP Costume Guidelines for Guests 14 Years of Age and Older

In addition to the general guidelines listed above, there are additional costume rules for those guests 14 years of age and older. 

6. Avoid Layered Costumes for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

If you can help it, avoid wearing a layered costume to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Layers make it hard for security to fully inspect your costume and make sure you are safe enough to enter into the Magic Kingdom.

Most likely, if you wear a ton of layers, you will be flagged at security and required to undergo additional screening. This means you will be wasting precious party time. 

Do NOT waste precious party time. It’s not worth it! 

Skip the layers and make things simple for you and for security. 

7. No Full-Length Costumes

Basically, this means you can’t have any costume that reaches the ground or drags on the ground. This eliminates the ability to come fully dressed as a Disney princess in a full-length dress. It also would include villain costumes such as Maleficent or the Evil Queen in which the dress touches the floor. Even villains such as Hades, if you were trying to pull off his full length ‘outfit’. 

However, don’t despair and think you can’t go as any of these characters to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Just because the guidelines say nothing can touch the ground or drag on the ground, doesn’t mean you can’t make adjustments. A little creative planning and you’ll be able to go as your favorite Disney character. Let Mickey’s Halloween Party costume guidelines help inspire your creativity!!

8. Avoid Long Capes on Your Costume

Capes that are long, meaning they go beyond your waist, are not welcome at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party. 

Sorry to everyone who was planning to go as Dr. Strange! His long cape is not going to pass the test. You’re going to have to shorten that thing up!

Or be sure to just follow dear Edna’s advice from the Incredibles and play it safe with…

NO CAPES!

9. No Masks Either for Mickey’s Halloween Party Costume Guidelines

Disney does not allow masks of any kind to be worn at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party. Looks like you’re going to have to get creative in the ol’ face makeup department!

I, for one, am all for this rule. While it would be nice to wear a mask to complete the look of various characters, masks can be creepy. Masks can also be a safety hazard and add an element of confusion to a situation. 

Just leave the mask at home and let’s all be able to recognize each other and keep things ‘not-so-scary’! 

10. Some Accessories are Okay for MNSSHP

While Disney does a general grouping of most of its costume no-nos, it does break down some areas into specifics.

For example, some accessories are okay to include with your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party costume. Disney specifically lists: transparent wings, plastic light sabers (all the Jedi rejoice!), toy swords (as long are blatantly fake) and tutus are allowed. I guess swords aren’t grouped in with the other weapons listed above, so bring on the full pirate costumes!

You can even wear some type of headwear if it doesn’t turn into a mask of sorts that ends up covering up your face. 

11. When In Doubt Just Wear a Themed Shirt

Whether it be a Disney themed shirt or a Disney Halloween themed shirt or just a Halloween themed shirt, all of the above are allowed. Mickey’s Halloween Party Costume Guidelines are very welcoming when it comes to any type of themed t-shirt. Just keep in mind to keep it family-friendly, avoid anything overly gory, and you, my friend, will be good to go!

Plus, if you’re sporting a Disney Halloween themed shirt, it’s a good excuse to get a pair of Halloween inspired Mickey’s ears. Ooo, plus one of those glowing pumpkin necklaces! Oh, and some pumpkin socks. Perhaps a pumpkin belt? All the pumpkin things!!!

Additional Guidelines for Guests Ages 13 Years of Age and Younger

For those guests ages 13 and under, there is just one additional rule that needs to be followed. 

12. No Full Face Masks for Little Guests

While no masks at all are allowed for guests ages 14 and older per Mickey’s Halloween Party costume guidelines, partial masks are allowed for guests 13 years of age and under. As long as a guest who is 13 years of age or younger wears a mask that doesn’t cover their entire face, they are good to go. Young guests must have their eyes be visible as well. 

As with anything related to Disney, Mickey’s Halloween Party costume guidelines are subject to change. Be sure to stay up to date with the complete costume specifications found right here on the Disney website right here. 

4 Easy Disney DIY Costumes to Wear to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Now that we know what you can’t wear to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, let’s focus on what you can wear!! Honestly, the options are pretty endless!

Here are 4 easy and quick MNSSHP Halloween Party Costumes that follow the rules. Plus, they are all on Disney theme so you will fit right in with the festivities. 

1. 101 Dalmations DIY Costume

Whether you are going with an entire group and there actually are 101 of you, or it’s just two of you, 101 Dalmation costumes are quick and easy to whip up. 

Start with a white base layer. The bottoms could be pants, a skirt, shorts or any length in between (as long as it doesn’t drag on the ground). Adjust the bottoms so you will be comfortable in the weather and make sure they are white. Same goes for the shirt, adjust as needed for the weather and you’re good to go. Anything from a tank top, to a t-shirt to a sweatshirt, will do the trick! 

Next, get out some black fabric paint and add some spots. Do a quick search online for Disney’s 101 Dalmations and you can get a better idea of where to put your spots. 

After you have your spots in place, create your ears. Follow along with this video from Courtney June for tips on making a simple and easy pair of ears. All you need is a headband, some fabric, and a hot glue gun. 

Finally, make sure to add some type of collar, in blue or red to your costume and you’re good to go!

Just keep your eyes peeled for Cruella De Vil. You don’t want to rub shoulders with her all dressed up like a Dalmation!

2. Edna Mode DIY Costume

The queen of ‘no capes’ herself, Edna Mode, is probably one of the best ‘easy’ Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costumes you can put together. Grab a black dress and a pair of oversized glasses frames and you’re basically the amazing Edna herself. Make sure everything is of the highest fashion level, so Edna approved.

Ooo, if your hair is cut like Edna, you have no excuse not to go as her! If not, Amazon has your hook up with an Edna wig and a pair of glasses. Check them out here or click on the picture below. 

3. Tinkerbell DIY Costume

Remember how you ARE allowed to wear transparent wings at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Yes, it’s true, you are! If you planned to go as Tinkerbell, you’re in luck! 

Grab a green shirt, green tank top, throw on the transparent wings and put your hair in a top knot, and you’re basically good to go. Bonus points if you find cute little flats that could pass as Tinkerbells. 

Wings can often be found at the Dollar Store, although they are usually in kid sizes. Amazon has a few pairs including some adult-sized ones found here. 

Now, work on talking the rest of the family into going as Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Smee!

4. Mike Wazowski DIY Costume

The easiest, quickest DIY costume has been saved for last. If you’re in a pinch for time, don’t give up hope on being able to make a costume for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. 

Instead, head to the store, buy an oversized lime green shirt, some black, white and blue fabric paint and get to work.

Look-up a picture of Mike Wazowski online and create his signature one eye and a tooth-filled smile on your oversized shirt. Throw on a pair of shorts or pants, perhaps add a pair of ears to a headband and you’re good to go. 

Conclusion to Mickey’s Halloween Party Costume Guidelines

There ya go! A review of Mickey’s Halloween Party Costume Guidelines so you know what to wear to the best Halloween party at Disney World. Plus, a few suggestions of easy and quick DIY Disney costumes. You have no excuse now to not look your (appropriate) best at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! May the festivities begin!!

Be sure to read these 26 Tips for Having a Successful Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party found right here and our review from the 2018 MNSSHP found right here. 

Do you plan on going this year? What costume do you plan to wear? Be sure to leave your suggestions below. 

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