Hi Dana,
Welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you stopped by. With incredible attractions, immersive lands, seasonal events, and unforgettable entertainment, there's so much to experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Thankfully, Disney makes planning a breeze by offering various ticket options to suit every family's priorities, length of stay, and budget.
First, you'll want to know that Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event held at Magic Kingdom Park, which means it's not included with standard theme park admission. While the party officially kicks off at 7:00 PM, your event ticket will grant you entry to Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM—perfect for a few extra attractions or grabbing a bite before the festivities begin.
Now that we've got that detail squared away, here's what I'd suggest for your ticket needs based on your itinerary. You'll want to purchase a 2-Day Theme Park Ticket with the 1 Park Per Day option. This will allow you to spend a full day at Disney's Hollywood Studios and a partial day at Disney's Animal Kingdom—just as you plan. Then, as long as you've secured your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket, you'll be all set for your evening in Magic Kingdom!
If you're open to added flexibility, especially if EPCOT's World Showcase or another park experience catches your eye, you might consider upgrading to a 2-Day Ticket with the Park Hopper Option. My family enjoys the freedom to pop into another park to grab dinner, experience a favorite show, or chase shorter wait times—especially when combining the Park Hopper option with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which I recommend for minimizing time in line.
Speaking of strategy, if you're looking to make the most of every moment at each park, here are a few quick tips:
- Disney's Hollywood Studios: Arrive early to prioritize popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, or Tower of Terror. The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is beneficial here.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom: If you only have a half day, start early and head straight to Pandora – The World of Avatar. Flight of Passage is a must!
- Magic Kingdom for the Party: Arrive at 4:00 PM to knock out a few attractions before the Halloween fun officially begins. Don't forget to grab a party map and plan your evening around character sightings, trick-or-treating, and the event-exclusive entertainment.
And if you're staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, don't forget about Early Theme Park Entry—it gives you access to select attractions 30 minutes before regular park opening. It's a great way to get a head start before the day event begins.
If you'd like help navigating Lightning Lane strategies or need tips on where to eat during your park-hopping days, I'd be happy to share my favorites. Just submit a question to me, and I will get back to you. Wishing you a spook-tacular time, Dana!
See you real soon,
Brent