It may be blazing hot outside, but Walt Disney World is already thinking about Halloween.
Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week received an unexpected surprise when the resort’s first Halloween merchandise item of 2026 appeared on store shelves. While most visitors are currently focused on summer vacations, Fourth of July celebrations, and staying cool in the Florida heat, Disney has quietly introduced its first piece of spooky season merchandise months before Halloween arrives.
The collectible features Minnie Mouse dressed as a witch and serves as the earliest sign yet that Disney’s fall celebrations are beginning to take shape.
For many Disney fans, spotting the first Halloween merchandise of the year has become something of a tradition. It signals that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party isn’t as far away as it seems and that Disney’s seasonal merchandise rollout is officially underway.
The new collectible is part of Disney’s Signature Collectibles line and sells for $39.99. The figure shows Minnie dressed in a purple witch costume accented with orange details. She carries a jack-o’-lantern candy bucket while standing beside a Main Street, U.S.A.-style lamp post decorated with autumn touches and a Mickey-shaped pumpkin.
The combination of pumpkins, fall decorations, and Halloween colors creates a scene that feels straight out of October, despite arriving in the middle of June.
Guests discovered the figure inside Riverside Depot at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
While a single merchandise item may not seem like major news, Disney fans know these early releases rarely remain alone for long. Historically, once Disney introduces the first Halloween product, additional collections often follow throughout the summer.
That means apparel, home décor, collectibles, kitchen items, and party merchandise could begin appearing across Walt Disney World in the coming weeks.
The timing is what makes this release particularly interesting.
Halloween merchandise used to arrive much closer to fall. Today, Disney often begins introducing seasonal products months ahead of the actual holiday. The strategy allows collectors to purchase limited items before they sell out and gives frequent visitors something new to hunt for during repeat trips.
It also keeps excitement building for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, one of Walt Disney World’s most popular annual events.
The party has grown significantly over the years, attracting guests from around the world who want to experience exclusive entertainment, special character appearances, themed food offerings, and Halloween-exclusive merchandise.
For many fans, the arrival of this Witch Minnie figure marks the unofficial start of that countdown.
Even though summer has barely reached its halfway point, Disney is already giving guests a reason to think about pumpkins, costumes, and trick-or-treating.
If this first release is any indication, much more Halloween merchandise could be arriving sooner than many visitors expected.
One thing is certain: Disney’s spooky season has officially begun, and it’s still June.
