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Guests Warned: Magic Kingdom to Close Completely in Coming Days

Why the Closure and What’s Going On?

Mickey’s Halloween Party has some bad news for thousands of fans.

mickey's not so scary halloween party 2023 sold out tickets family cinderella castle magic kingdom disney world halloween costumes
Credit: Disney

Mickey’s Halloween Party Has Bad News for a Lot People

The sun is still blazing over Cinderella Castle, the air heavy with August heat, but Main Street, U.S.A. is already glowing orange. Guests in full costumes—pirates, villains, princesses, and even ghostly hitchhikers—spill into the park long before sunset. It’s not Halloween yet, but at Walt Disney World, the spooky season has already begun.

And for anyone hoping to attend opening night this year… it’s too late. The very first evening of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has officially sold out, joining a growing list of nights disappearing from the calendar well before fall even arrives. But there’s still a way to get in if you know the timing tricks Disney fans swear by.

mickey's not so scary halloween party mickey mouse pluto donald goofy minnie mouse
Credit: Disney

Which Dates Are Already Gone—and Why Opening Night Went First

Halloween night sold out first (as it always does) back in late May, followed by two of the most affordable nights in July. Now, August 15—this year’s kickoff night—has been snapped up as well.

Why the rush? Opening night has a reputation. It’s when media crews, vloggers, influencers, and die-hard locals flood the park to be the first to document new shows, merchandise, and snacks. Disney also quietly prices it higher, tacking on what fans jokingly call the “blogger tax”—in this case, $30 more than nearby August nights.

Even with prices now climbing as high as $229 per adult, every single date is expected to sell out before the end of the season.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Credit: Disney

How to Secure Your Spot Before the Rest Sell Out

If you missed opening night, you still have options—just don’t wait too long.

  • Target August & Early September — These are still the best-value tickets and generally less crowded.

  • Leverage Passholder Savings — Select nights knock $10 off for Annual Passholders.

  • Book in Advance, Not Day-Of — Same-day tickets are a gamble and usually gone before 4 p.m.

  • Skip a Full-Day Ticket — Your party admission lets you in at 4 p.m., so save money by skipping a morning park visit.

Mickey halloween
Credit: Disney

Local-Approved Tips for Making the Most of Party Night

Veteran partygoers have a few tricks for getting the full experience without wasting time in lines:

  • Hit Character Meets Early — Exclusive meet-and-greets like Jack & Sally or the Seven Dwarfs build long waits before the party even starts.

  • Catch the Parade in Frontierland — It starts here, meaning you’ll get back to rides while Main Street is still waiting.

  • Delay Candy Hunting — Trick-or-treat trails are fastest late in the night.

  • Ride Big Attractions During Parades — Wait times for Space, Splash, and Big Thunder drop sharply during both parade runs.

Vehicles line up to enter the Magic Kingdom theme park during one of the busiest times of the year: Halloween during Mickey's Halloween Party.
Credit: Disney Dining

Why Fans Are So Loyal to This Event

For many, the appeal isn’t just in the candy—it’s in the tradition. The party brings rare character sightings, exclusive snacks, and unique merchandise that you won’t see any other time of year. Opening night in particular is electric, buzzing with excitement and social media coverage that sets the tone for the entire season.

But whether you choose to brave the sold-out frenzy of opening night or enjoy the slightly calmer vibe of September, one thing’s clear—Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party remains one of Disney’s most in-demand experiences.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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