Disney World Issues 9 Rules for Guests, Policy Effective August 7

in Walt Disney World

a family walking with Goofy character in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom

Credit: Disney

Have a ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park? Let’s go over Walt Disney World Resort’s costume rules for the special event, which is one of the only times guests 14 and older can dress up at the Central Florida Disney parks.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Rules for Halloween Costumes

a long sleeve disney shirt for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 merch
Credit: Disney

The official costume guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guests differ significantly from the standard Disney dress code. Walt Disney World Resort allows guests 14 and older to dress as their favorite characters for the event, but it still has strict rules that anyone dressing up must follow.

1. No Acting or Posing

A person wearing a purple Halloween-themed jacket with "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party BOO TO YOU" and images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in costumes, standing in front of hay bales and pumpkins at a festive halloween party.
Credit: Disney

Guests can dress as their favorite character, but they must not pose for photos with other guests or sign autographs. Disney writes:

“All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.”

2. Appropriate Costumes Only

At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2024, enjoy a Halloween-themed cupcake with gray frosting, colorful gummy worms, and a spooky black cake topper. It comes in a green wrapper, set against a blurred background featuring a bat cutout, potion bottle, and skeleton figurine.
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort forbids any costumes that may be inappropriate or offensive, writing:

“Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.”

3. No Prop Weapons

hocus pocus villains spectacular
Credit: Disney

Disney does not allow any props or accessories that resemble or may be mistaken for a dangerous weapon:

“Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.”

4. No Dangerous Objects

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Jack and Sally
Credit: Disney

Even costumes or props that do not resemble weapons may break the rules if they are sharp or pointy enough to injure another guest or Disney cast member. The official costume guidelines read:

“Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.”

5. Avoid Layers

not-so-spooky spectacular dessert party viewing area
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort doesn’t officially forbid layered costumes, but encourages Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guests to avoid intricate outfits that may activate the security scanners and require additional screening:

“Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.”

6. Nothing Touching the Ground

Mickey and Minnie dressed up in their Halloween costumes during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Credit: Disney

Halloween costumes must not drag on the ground or touch the ground to avoid tripping other guests or getting caught/tangled in attractions. Disney explains:

“Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)”

7. Short Capes Only

Goofy, Minnie, Mickey, Pluto, and Donald dressed up for the Walt Disney World Halloween celebrations.
Credit: Disney

Capes are allowed, but they must not go past waist-length, for the same safety reasons as the rule about fabric reaching or dragging on the ground. Disney writes:

“Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.”

8. NO Costume Masks

Disney Cast Members welcome Guests as they enter through Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Credit: Disney

Face masks for medical purposes are still allowed at Walt Disney World Resort, but must show the eyes. However, no costume masks are allowed at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

“Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.”

9. No Headwear Covering the Face

The Headless Horseman at Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort notes that themed t-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, hats, transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, toy swords, and tutus are allowed. However, any headwear used as a costume accessory must not cover the face:

“Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.”

Note that religious headwear may cover portions of the face.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Magic Shot on Main Street, U.S.A.
Credit: Disney

If you’re headed to Walt Disney World Resort for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, make sure to keep these rules on hand. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re not sure whether something would be allowed, it’s best to choose something else. Ultimately, policy enforcement is left up to individual security cast members, and outfits that toe the line might pass by the gate one night but get flagged the next.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from August 7 to October 31, 2026.

What is the best costume you’ve ever seen at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort? Inside the Magic would love to hear about it in the comments!

in Walt Disney World

View Comment (1)