For years, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been one of those can’t-miss Disney traditions—filled with spellbinding shows, buckets of candy, and rare character appearances that made it a hit with families. The Magic Kingdom transforms into a Halloween haven, and fans usually rush to snag tickets the minute they drop.
But this year? Something’s different.
Despite an impressive entertainment lineup and plenty of Disney magic, a noticeable number of families are quietly choosing not to attend. It’s not that the party is lacking in fun—it’s that the fun is starting to come with a serious price tag.
What’s Still Included in the 2025 Event?
Let’s be clear: Disney didn’t skimp on entertainment this year. Guests can still count on the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the energetic Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the breathtaking fireworks show hosted by Jack Skellington. There are trick-or-treat stations across the park, spooky ride overlays, and the Cadaver Dans serenading guests with ghoulish harmonies.
New for 2025, Mickey and Minnie are sporting fresh Halloween costumes in their meet-and-greet, and Jack and Sally have been updated with all-new looks. Plus, there’s a Zombies dance party inspired by the Disney Channel movie series.
So, yeah—Disney’s brought the goods.
The Party Dates in 2025
The event runs on select nights between August 15 and October 31. Unsurprisingly, Halloween night sold out fast. But here’s the thing: many other nights that normally disappear quickly still have availability. That’s the first clue something might be off.
Here’s the full list of party dates:
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August: 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
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September: 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30
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October: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31
So…Why Are People Saying No?
Let’s cut to the chase. It’s not about the party being boring. It’s not about the characters or the fireworks. It’s about the wallet.
Ticket prices have jumped—again. Base tickets are holding at $199, but if you want to go on a busier date? That’ll be $229 per person. That’s up $30 from last year’s highest price point.
When you start doing the math, especially as a family of four or five, it gets wild fast. And if you’ve already shelled out for daytime park tickets, you could be flirting with $1,000 just to add the party on top. That doesn’t even include food, souvenirs, or transportation.
And yes, you do technically get 7-8 hours in the park (entrance starts at 4 p.m., the party kicks off officially at 7). But families with younger kids probably aren’t staying out until midnight. And the fact that it’s an add-on ticket—rather than a regular day in the park—has more guests wondering if it’s really worth it.
What This Means for Your Fall Trip
If you’re headed to Disney World this fall and trying to maximize your experience without busting the budget, skipping the party might be the right move.
That could mean spending the same amount for another full park day, booking a character meal instead, or investing in a special souvenir your family will cherish.
That said, if you’re a Halloween mega-fan or this is your one big Disney trip for the year, the party can still deliver. Just be strategic: get there early, map out your must-dos, and don’t waste time on things you can catch during normal park hours.
But for many families, the party has shifted from being a “must-do” to a “maybe next year.” The cost is just too high for what feels like a shortened experience—especially when Magic Kingdom is already decked out with spooky decorations during the day for regular guests.
At the end of the day, Disney still brings the Halloween vibes in a big way. But more and more guests are realizing they don’t need the extra wristband to enjoy the season.
