Heading to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park? Before you put together your costume, it's worth knowing that Walt Disney World Resort has a specific set of rules for the event — and they differ significantly from the standard Disney dress code. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of the only times guests 14 and older can dress as their favorite characters at the Central Florida Disney parks, but there are still strict guidelines everyone must follow.
Walt Disney World Resort's 9 Costume Rules for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
1. No Acting or Posing
While guests are welcome to dress as their favorite character, they are not permitted to pose for photos with other guests or sign autographs. As Disney states:
"All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests."
2. Appropriate Costumes Only
Any costume that could be considered inappropriate or offensive is off the table. Disney's official guidelines are clear:
"Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent."
3. No Prop Weapons
Costume accessories that resemble — or could be mistaken for — a real weapon are not allowed. Per Disney:
"Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon."
4. No Dangerous Objects
Even if a prop doesn't look like a weapon, it can still run afoul of the rules if it poses a physical risk to other guests or cast members. The official guidelines state:
"Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest."
5. Avoid Layers
Walt Disney World Resort doesn't outright ban layered costumes, but it does strongly discourage them — intricate, layered outfits may trigger security scanners and require additional screening. Disney notes:
"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
For safety reasons, costumes must not drag along or reach the ground. Disney gives a helpful example in its own guidelines:
"Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)"
7. Short Capes Only
Capes are permitted, but they must stay above the waist — the same safety logic that applies to ground-length fabric applies here too. Disney writes:
"Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist."
8. No Costume Masks
Face masks worn for medical purposes are still permitted at Walt Disney World Resort, but costume masks of any kind are not allowed at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney's rule is straightforward:
"Costume masks of any kind may not be worn."
9. No Headwear Covering the Face
The good news: themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, hats, transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, toy swords, and tutus are all acceptable. Costume headwear is also allowed — with one important caveat. As Disney explains:
"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.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
If you're planning to dress up, a good rule of thumb is this: if you're unsure whether something would be allowed, it's safer to choose something else. Policy enforcement is ultimately left to individual security cast members, and outfits that toe the line might pass 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. Keep these nine rules handy as you plan your costume, and you'll be all set for a spooktacular night!

