Read Between the Lines: Disney World's Guest Satisfaction Decline Evident

Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is set to make its spirited return to Magic Kingdom this year, running from August 15 through October 31. As ever, the special after-hours event promises entertainment, treats, and rare character appearances you won’t find during regular park hours.

While the party officially begins at 7 p.m., ticket holders are welcome to enter the park as early as 4 p.m., giving them a head start on the night’s festivities. Tickets for the 2025 season follow a familiar trend of creeping upward, with early-season nights starting at $119 and peak Halloween week prices climbing as high as $229.

Disney’s broader pricing approach—demand-based ticketing, paid Lightning Lane upgrades, and premium event add-ons—continues to generate results. Attendance may have dipped, but spending per guest has climbed sharply, contributing to a staggering $9 billion revenue reported by Disney Experiences in Q3 2025 alone.

Despite the increase, initial demand remained fierce, with dates such as August 15, 17, 19, 22, 29, September 12, and the coveted October 31 already sold out, seemingly echoing last year’s pattern of all party nights being gone by late September.

That said, it seems that the inflated ticket costs versus last year have finally hit home. Reading between the lines, it’s clear that Disney World guests are staving off purchasing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets until later on in the season–if at all.

Per a report from WDW Magic, and taking into account a new sellout date of October 10, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is down 100% in sales versus 2024. So far, this year, seven of the party event dates have sold out, but last year, 14 dates had sold out by August 14.

As stated earlier, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket prices range from $119 to $229, depending on the date. August starts at the lowest price point of $119 on August 17 and 19, with other dates ranging from $129 to $149 for opening night on August 15.

September climbs from $139 in early dates to $179 by the end of the month. October sees the steepest increases, starting at $179 on October 2 and peaking at $229 on October 30 and Halloween night. Mid-month October dates often fall between $189 and $209, reflecting the event’s higher demand closer to the holiday.

Taking the October 30 and 31 price, Disney has increased the event cost by $30, or 15%.

For those who do secure tickets, the event lineup delivers the kind of Halloween magic fans have come to expect: the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade with its dancing ghouls, fan-favorite characters, and the Headless Horseman; the high-energy Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular on the Cinderella Castle stage; and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, a fireworks and projection show hosted by Jack Skellington.

This year also sees the return of Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas in new screen-inspired costumes, alongside rare meet-and-greets with characters like the Seven Dwarfs. Disney recently released the opening night schedule for the party, including showtimes for the Boo-To-You Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, the Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, Rusty Cutlass Pirate Band, and the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet.

Disney PhotoPass photographers will be stationed throughout the park with seasonal props and Magic Shots, capturing moments with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and other favorites dressed in their own Halloween outfits. Costumes are encouraged for all ages—provided they meet Disney’s guidelines—adding to the immersive atmosphere.

Annual Passholders can take advantage of a modest $10 discount on select nights in August and September, a small but welcome saving for families or larger groups.

Do you think the slowdown of ticket sales is a sign that Disney World guests have had enough with rising prices at the resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!