Magic Kingdom guests will have some additional rules to follow beginning August 7, and several of them could affect what visitors are able to do inside the park. The restrictions cover everything from when certain guests can enter to what they can wear and carry — so it pays to be prepared before you arrive.

These rules are tied to the return of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the beloved separately ticketed event that takes place on select nights after regular park hours. The party includes special entertainment, character appearances, trick-or-treating, themed food, merchandise, and more. Because Magic Kingdom has to transition from normal daytime operations into a ticketed evening event, Disney uses several policies to keep things running smoothly — and to separate party guests from regular daytime visitors.

Here are the five rules every guest needs to know.

Rule 1: Party Guests Cannot Enter Until 4 p.m.

A Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket does not provide all-day admission to Magic Kingdom. Guests who purchase only a party ticket can enter the park beginning at 4 p.m. Anyone hoping to visit Magic Kingdom earlier will need a separate valid daytime admission.

That said, entering at 4 p.m. doesn't mean the party has officially started. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins at 7 p.m., creating a three-hour window when both regular daytime guests and party ticket holders can be inside Magic Kingdom at the same time. Disney uses wristbands to identify party guests during this overlap period, and those wristbands become essential once the event officially kicks off.

Rule 2: Costume Masks Are Restricted

Costumes are absolutely part of the fun at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — but Disney does have rules about what guests can wear. Guests ages 14 and older are not permitted to wear costume masks. Younger guests may wear certain masks, but those masks cannot completely cover their faces, and their eyes must remain visible at all times.

Costumes also need to meet Disney's broader guidelines for appropriate attire. If you're planning an elaborate outfit, it's worth reviewing the restrictions before you head out — a costume that works perfectly at home may not meet Disney's requirements for entry into Magic Kingdom.

Rule 3: Realistic Prop Weapons Are Not Allowed

Guests incorporating props into their costumes need to be especially careful about anything that resembles a weapon. Disney prohibits firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind from its theme parks. Costume accessories also cannot closely resemble or easily be mistaken for real weapons — even if the item is clearly intended as part of a costume.

That distinction could affect costumes involving realistic-looking guns, swords, blasters, knives, or similar props. Disney security ultimately has to consider how realistic an item appears inside a crowded theme park. When in doubt, it's safer to leave a questionable prop at home rather than risk a problem at the security checkpoint.

Rule 4: Exclusive Character Meet-and-Greets Require a Wristband

Getting inside Magic Kingdom doesn't automatically grant access to every experience happening that evening. Party-exclusive character meet-and-greets are reserved for guests with valid Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party admission — and guests cannot simply join a line for an exclusive meet-and-greet without the appropriate party wristband, even during the hours before the event officially begins.

Wristbands allow Cast Members to confirm who has purchased admission to the separately ticketed event. As 7 p.m. approaches, those wristbands become increasingly important throughout Magic Kingdom.

Rule 5: Exclusive Merchandise and Food Also Require a Wristband

The wristband requirement extends beyond character experiences. Guests need a valid party wristband to purchase party-exclusive merchandise and food items. A regular daytime visitor cannot simply remain in Magic Kingdom during the transition and buy items reserved for the separately ticketed event.

Guests attending the party should make sure they receive their wristband after entering Magic Kingdom, or at one of Disney's designated distribution locations if they're already inside the park on daytime admission.

Be Prepared Before You Arrive

Magic Kingdom will operate differently once Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins on August 7, and knowing Disney's rules ahead of time can prevent surprises once you're there. Party-only admission doesn't allow entry before 4 p.m., the event itself starts at 7 p.m., and Disney restricts both costume masks and realistic weapon props. Once inside, your party wristband is the key to exclusive character experiences and special purchases.

The most important thing to keep in mind: being physically inside Magic Kingdom doesn't mean you have access to everything happening around you. Disney separates regular park admission from party access, and Cast Members will enforce those distinctions as the park transitions from its daytime schedule into the evening event.