If you’ve felt let down by Disneyland and Disney World’s Halloween offerings recently, you’re certainly not alone. Despite the buzz around Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party—two of the most highly anticipated events of the year—many Disney guests are finding that the magic is wearing thin.
The price tag certainly doesn’t help. Oogie Boogie Bash tickets soared to $189 per person this year, while Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party topped out at $199, with even the cheapest option being $10 more expensive than 2023. This steep rise in cost has left many questioning whether the experience still justifies the investment.
We’re big fans of Halloween on both coasts, but even we have to admit that recent visits haven’t quite lived up to the magic of years past. The good news? It wouldn’t take much to bring the sparkle back. Here’s how we think Disney could elevate its Halloween celebrations moving forward.
Add More Entertainment
This critique is mostly aimed at Oogie Boogie Bash, which falls short in comparison to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Mickey’s bash at Magic Kingdom Park is packed with entertainment, from the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular to the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and Moonlight Melodies. Add in a wealth of character meet-and-greets, and it feels like you’re getting a lot for your money.
In contrast, Oogie Boogie Bash offers fewer entertainment options, with only the Frightfully Fun Parade, Villains Grove, and Treat Trails alongside some character appearances. The price gap between the two events isn’t huge, which makes the disparity in entertainment all the more noticeable. With California Adventure Park boasting multiple theaters, there’s room for Disney to expand Oogie Boogie Bash’s offerings—turning a good event into a great one.
Backup Entertainment for Rainy Nights
Entertainment at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party can be spectacular—when the weather cooperates. But let’s face it, Central Florida’s weather between August and October can be a nightmare of its own, with rainouts a frequent issue during hurricane season. When major performances get canceled due to weather, guests often feel shortchanged.
To their credit, Disney is good about offering refunds or alternative compensation when this happens, but for guests who’ve traveled from out of town, that doesn’t always make up for a lackluster evening.
While nothing can replace the thrill of seeing the Sanderson sisters on stage or the Headless Horseman’s eerie trot down Main Street, backup entertainment options could help fill the gap when bad weather strikes. Disney has perfected B-mode for its attractions—why not apply a similar concept to its entertainment offerings during these big events?
Expand Food Options
While ride lines tend to be shorter during these events, you might be shocked to find yourself waiting longer for food than for attractions, especially at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Sleepy Hollow, in particular, is notorious for its long lines, partially driven by the hype surrounding limited-edition treats. But the issue also stems from a lack of dining options.
We understand that lines are part of the Disney experience, but when time is so limited at these exclusive events, waiting around for food becomes a frustrating reality. Expanding the number of food vendors or even just better managing the current options could make a world of difference.
Introduce Fresh Elements Each Year
This is our biggest concern for both Halloween parties: the lack of variation year over year. We get it—completely revamping these events annually would be a logistical and financial challenge. But offering new elements, even on a small scale, would keep things exciting and fresh.
Without fresh updates, raising ticket prices every year starts to feel like a raw deal. Oogie Boogie Bash tickets sold out in record time in 2023, with scalpers reselling them for as much as $2,000, but by 2024, it took 11 days for tickets to sell out. The slowing demand may be an early warning that fans are ready for something new. Hopefully, this signals that we can look forward to some much-needed changes in 2025 and beyond.
How do you think Disney could improve Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
