It’s not every day two theme park giants throw down on the exact same date—but that’s exactly what happened this week.
On July 29, Disney and Universal made a splash with big Halloween announcements. Coincidence? Not likely. This was a straight-up fall vacation showdown, and you’re the prize. These parks are going all-in to win your attention, your loyalty, and—let’s be honest—your wallet.
Whether you’re into light-hearted costumes or heart-stopping haunts, both parks are determined to be your fall getaway.
Disney’s Sweet Approach
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns starting August 15, running on select nights through October 31. It’s everything families love: costumes, treats, and spooky—but not scary—fun.
Disney’s throwing in some new flair this year to keep things fresh:
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Zom-Beatz Bash in Tomorrowland brings the energy of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires with music and characters.
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Storybook Circus Halloween now features costumed characters, DJs, and trick-or-treat stations.
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Fan-favorite entertainment like Boo-to-You, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and Jack Skellington’s fireworks are all back in action.
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Don’t forget the exclusive merch: from spirit jerseys to glow-in-the-dark Haunted Mansion gear, Disney fans are already swooping up limited items.
Party guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m., even though the event officially kicks off later. That’s a solid eight hours of festive fun if you time it right.
Universal Goes for the Jugular
While Disney’s tossing candy into pumpkins, Universal is chasing you down dark corridors.
Halloween Horror Nights begins August 29 and runs through November 2. This year’s headliners are straight from your nightmares:
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Five Nights at Freddy’s comes to life in an abandoned pizzeria filled with animatronic horrors.
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The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks is a nod to WWE’s Bray Wyatt and his twisted creations.
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Terrifier features Art the Clown in what might be Universal’s most graphic house yet.
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Other houses include themes like Fallout, Jason Universe, and creepy originals like Gálkn and Dolls: Let’s Play Dead.
That’s 10 haunted houses total—the most ever for HHN. Add in scare zones, terrifying shows, and access to major rides, and it’s a full-throttle horror fest.
They’ve also brought back the Premium Scream Night on August 28, which gives early access and a break from the long lines.
Why Now?
Dropping these announcements on the same day wasn’t just a scheduling quirk. Disney and Universal are clearly squaring off for your fall budget.
Each is catering to a different audience: Disney’s banking on families and nostalgia, while Universal is chasing thrill-seekers and horror fans. But one thing’s for sure—neither side is holding back.
So… Who Wins?
That’s up to you:
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Families with kids? Disney’s your safest bet.
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Looking for adrenaline? Universal’s going to give you all the chills.
Or, if you’re feeling bold (and have PTO to burn), you could always hit both.
No matter what you choose, this Halloween season isn’t creeping in quietly. It’s kicking the door down—and both parks want you to answer.
