10 changes and new items at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom on Aug. 7 with new entertainment, divisive Cast Member costumes and a merchandise collection that digs deeper into Disney’s Halloween character lineup.

Although many of the party’s signature experiences remain unchanged, there are 10 additions for the 2026 event that are worth discussing—including a first for the Headless Horseman, new looks and several foods we already want to try.

Fear not, returning favorites such as Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular still anchor the evening. But to keep things intriguing, Disney has found several smaller ways to refresh the experience. Here are 10 changes guests can expect at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2026.

10 new things coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

1. Stitch hosts an ever-changing Tomorrowland masquerade

“A Masquerade with Stitch” brings Stitch, Lilo and Angel to the Rockettower Plaza Stage. Each accessory Stitch pulls from Lilo’s Costume Trunk sparks a different theme, allowing the dance party to change throughout the night. Walt Disney World describes it as an “ever-changing masquerade.”

2. Captain Jack Sparrow leads new pirate antics in Adventureland

Captain Jack Sparrow has dropped anchor in Adventureland for a new series of swashbuckling antics. Disney has not yet revealed exactly what these spirited encounters will include, but they add another live entertainment experience to the party.

3. Cast members receive controversial new costumes

The party’s colorful festive cast member costumes reportedly are being replaced by darker skeleton-print shirts paired with green shorts or trousers. The early reveal has prompted criticism over the loss of the old costumes’ unmistakable purple, orange and yellow personality, although the lighter design may prove more comfortable during Florida’s hot early-season parties. Disney has not publicly confirmed the wardrobe change.

4. The Headless Horseman receives his first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Loungefly backpack

The Headless Horseman takes center stage on his own Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Loungefly mini backpack for the first time. The design includes a detachable vampire Mickey coin purse, while the back is stamped with the Loungefly emblem and “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026.”

5. More Disney Halloween characters share the spotlight in the party-exclusive merchandise collection

The 2026 collection moves beyond the usual Mickey-and-friends focus by bringing several corners of Disney Halloween together. Mickey, Minnie, Winifred Sanderson, the Headless Horseman, Oogie Boogie, the Evil Queen and all three Hitchhiking Ghosts appear within the same design across items including a long-sleeve shirt and photo frame.

In previous years, the Sanderson sisters and Disney Villains were more likely to receive separate pieces while Mickey and the gang led the main party motif.

6. The merchandise returns to a classic Halloween color palette

The collection trades the wider mix of purple, green and other bright colors seen in previous years for a tightly controlled palette of black, orange, cream and gray.

The limited colors can make some pieces feel a little bland, but they may be a win for guests who prefer the classic look of Halloween. The mouse-ear headband captures the approach especially well with black-and-orange character artwork and a removable bat-shaped centerpiece.

And now let’s look at some of the new 2026 treats from the Disney Parks Blog foodie guide that caught our attention.

7. The Headless Horseman Treat layers fall flavors into one dessert

Casey’s Corner (open until midnight)

A pumpkin pie tart is topped with whipped cheesecake, spiced caramel panna cotta, candied pecans and marshmallow buttercream “flames.” The party-exclusive dessert packs several classic fall flavors into one of the menu’s most elaborate new creations.

8. The Cruella Cookie Sandwich with a raspberry center

Pinocchio Village Haus (open until 10 p.m.)

Two chocolate cookies are filled with raspberry ganache before being dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles. The contrasting black, white and red colors give this party-exclusive dessert a fitting Cruella-inspired appearance.

9. The Fra Diavolo Chicken Sandwich turns up the heat

Pinocchio Village Haus (open until 10 p.m.)

A fried chicken breast is topped with fra diavolo sauce, cheese, basil pesto and arugula on a ciabatta bun. Served with French fries, it is one of the more substantial new party-exclusive meals.

10. Cursed Cowboy Fries pile burnt ends over sweet potato fries

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (open until 10 p.m.)

Sweet potato fries are loaded with barbecue burnt ends, chipotle queso, pico de gallo and crispy jalapeños. The combination of smoky, sweet and spicy flavors makes this one of the party foods fit for sharing.

With new tricks to discover, enticing entertainment and more Disney Halloween characters materializing across the merchandise, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is ready to awaken for another spirited season.