Disney and Universal Are Begging for Your Money This Halloween Season

If you thought spooky season crept in slowly, think again.

On July 29, both Disney and Universal pulled a bold move—they dropped major Halloween announcements on the exact same day. It wasn’t subtle. It wasn’t coincidental. It was a full-on theme park turf war for your fall vacation dollars.

Cinderella Castle at night — Credit: Inside the Magic

While Mickey is busy tossing candy in the air over at Magic Kingdom, Universal’s unleashing haunted house horror with the subtlety of a chainsaw. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice stroller or a full-throttle scream chaser, both parks are practically begging you to show up—and open your wallet.

Let’s break down what each side is offering.

Disney’s Family-Friendly Frenzy

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back from August 15 through October 31, with over 30 nights of costumed fun, trick-or-treating, and entertainment that leans more sweet than scary. But Disney didn’t just repackage last year’s party—they added new elements to sweeten the deal:

Zom-Beatz Bash: A brand-new Tomorrowland dance party inspired by Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires brings high-energy music and character surprises.
Storybook Circus Halloween Experience: With Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto donning Halloween best, plus DJs and treat spots, this area becomes its own mini event.
Returning Favorites: Boo-to-You Parade (8:15 p.m.), Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the Not-So-Spooky Fireworks Spectacular hosted by Jack Skellington are all coming back.
Exclusive Merch: Spirit Jerseys, glow-in-the-dark Haunted Mansion shirts, Loungefly backpacks, themed mugs, pins, and Halloween sippers are already catching fan attention.
Trick-or-Treat Trail Perks: Allergy-friendly options return, and treat bags are provided—so no need to BYOPB (Bring Your Own Pumpkin Bucket).

A group of Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes, including Mickey Mouse in a top hat and cape, Minnie Mouse in a witch outfit, Donald Duck in a pumpkin costume, Goofy in a skeleton costume, and Pluto with a festive collar, standing together at night. — Credit: Disney

On July 29, Disney announced several major merchandise offerings you can enjoy.

Tickets range depending on date, and they’re already selling fast. Guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m., giving up to 8 hours of party time. It’s all designed to be a safe, family-friendly event that offers just enough spook without making your kids cry—or your grandparents panic.

Universal’s Full-Blown Nightmare Festival

While Disney’s handing out candy, Universal is handing out trauma (the fun kind). Halloween Horror Nights kicks off August 29 and runs through November 2. Universal officially announced its final two haunted houses — Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks. This year’s lineup is a horror fan’s dream—and a nightmare come true.

Here’s what Universal looks like this year:

Five Nights at Freddy’s Haunted House: Yep, it’s real. Freddy, Chica, Bonnie, and Foxy will stalk you through an abandoned pizzeria in a terrifying house themed around the hit game and movie franchise.
The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks: WWE fans, brace yourselves. This haunted house features Bray Wyatt’s twisted creations—Uncle Howdy, Rambling Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, and more—brought to life in a disturbingly eerie arena.
Terrifier: Art the Clown is back, and this house is reportedly drenched in gore. Expect one of the bloodiest houses Universal has ever produced.
Fallout, Jason Universe, and More: There’s post-apocalyptic survival, Friday the 13th throwbacks, and original houses with gruesome themes like Gálkn: Monsters of the North and Dolls: Let’s Play Dead.
10 Haunted Houses Total: The biggest slate of houses in HHN history.
Scare Zones + Entertainment: Sinister zones and live shows round out the nightmare, plus rides like Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers are open throughout the night.

Universal Studios Florida archway during Halloween Horror Nights — Credit: Universal

There’s also a Premium Scream Night on August 28 for those who want early access with lower wait times and all-you-can-eat food. It’s selling fast, but there are still tickets available at the time of this writing.

Why Drop It All on the Same Day?

That’s the million-dollar question—or maybe, the multi-million-dollar one. Disney and Universal aren’t just hoping to make your fall plans—they’re battling to own them. And this synchronized Halloween PR drop feels like both companies trying to beat the other to the broomstick.

Universal has always leaned into the gore and terror, targeting thrill-seeking adults and horror superfans. Meanwhile, Disney wraps Halloween in a glittery bow, welcoming all ages for a night of candy, costumes, and castle projections.

But this year? Both companies went harder. New experiences. Limited merch. Exclusive parties. It’s not just about your attendance—it’s about your loyalty.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Halloween costumes for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort — Credit: Disney

Who Should You Choose?

That depends on what kind of Halloween traveler you are:

Got kids? Go Disney. The party is adorable, the entertainment is high-quality, and the candy is unlimited.
Looking to scream until your voice gives out? Universal. No question.
Want both? Start stocking up on PTO and prepping your credit card.

Either way, both resorts made one thing very clear on July 29: they want you this fall. And they’re throwing everything they’ve got at you to win the season.

So… where will you go when the leaves start falling? Disney’s pumpkin-lined Main Street? Or Freddy Fazbear’s nightmare shift?

Either way, Halloween is here. And the battle for your vacation plans is officially on.