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Credit: DisneyMickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of Disney World’s most anticipated events every year, drawing thousands of fans who want to experience spooky decorations, special parades, rare character meet-and-greets, and exclusive entertainment. Families often plan months in advance, paying premium prices for the hard-ticket event that promises a night of Halloween magic.
But this year, one particular party night went completely off course—and Disney was left with no choice but to give refunds to those who pushed hardest for compensation.
Rain Dampens the Magic
Florida weather is always unpredictable, and on this particular evening, rainstorms rolled in just as the party was hitting its stride. While a light drizzle is something Disney can usually manage, heavier downpours forced multiple attractions to close. Guests who had counted on riding favorites like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion were left disappointed. Losing access to these rides during a limited-time event immediately soured the experience for many.
Boo to You Parade Disaster
The Boo to You parade is often considered the crown jewel of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Fans line Main Street hours in advance to see the Headless Horseman ride, followed by floats packed with Disney villains, pirates, and other beloved characters in their Halloween best.
But the night unraveled quickly. The first parade struggled with delays and clear performance issues, leaving many guests frustrated. Still, most assumed the second parade would be worth the wait. Instead, it was cancelled outright. Guests who had camped out for hours to secure their parade viewing spots were left stunned. For many, the parade is one of the biggest reasons to purchase a ticket—and it simply didn’t happen.
Refunds, But Only After Long Lines
Once the parade was cancelled and attractions stayed closed, upset guests flooded Guest Relations. Typically, Disney offers partial compensation, like complimentary tickets or small credits, when weather interrupts special events. But this time, those who were willing to wait it out in a massive two-hour Guest Relations line walked away with something much more significant: a full refund.
Reports from attendees say that Cast Members were apologetic but firm—refunds weren’t being automatically granted to everyone. Guests had to stand in the lengthy line and make their case directly to Guest Relations. For those who waited, however, Disney processed full refunds, recognizing just how badly the night had gone.
A Rare Misstep for Disney
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is usually a shining example of Disney’s ability to deliver seasonal magic, but this night proved even Disney isn’t immune to the chaos of Florida weather combined with operational hiccups. The combination of closed rides and a cancelled parade turned what should have been a dream evening into a nightmare for many.
Though Disney’s decision to offer refunds softened the blow, the fact that guests had to endure another two hours in line to receive them added an extra layer of frustration. This incident may change expectations going forward, as fans will now look to Disney for stronger guarantees or quicker remedies when pricey hard-ticket events fall apart.
In the end, the night will be remembered less for its trick-or-treat trails and festive overlays and more for the long Guest Relations line that became the last stop for hundreds of disappointed partygoers.