Hello. I’m trying to plan a trip next year around the opening of MNSSHP in August. Does anyone have inside info or solid knowledge of how Disney schedules the party dates? In 2021 & 2022 the party began on the 2nd Tuesday in August. In 2023 & 2024 it began on the 2nd Friday in August. Do you think it will continue with the 2nd Friday in August being the first party date? The reason I am looking at the opening date for the party is - A number of years ago I started taking my grandkids individually on a Disney trip 1:1 with their Nonnie (that’s me). Next year is my grandson’s turn and he wants to go the Halloween Party. Since we are also planning a large family trip in November 2025 (he will miss a few days of school) his mom won’t allow him to miss school before November. School will likely start the week of August 11, so that means we would have to make our trip sometime during the week of August 4-8. If the second Friday scheduling is followed again next year, that means the only party date we could attend is August 8. Does that make sense and sound like a likely scenario? Thank in advance for the input
It makes sense but there’s no way to be sure what Disney will do. They might add dates or not do it until the third week of August…
They’ll announce dates in late April / early May.
You can book a rooms / packages and if you need to cancel after dates are announced you could do so with no penalty. Any flights you book and cancel could be credited to your November trip.
Hope that’s somewhat helpful!
Thank you
Out of curiosity, is this party worth it? It seems pricey. Years ago we went to the Christmas one and although fun I did not find that one worth it.
It depends what you’re in it for. Rare character meet & greets, trick or treating throughout the park, and - frequently - lower crowds than during normal park operating hours, plus a special parade, stage show, and fireworks make it worth it for many people. Lots of people say they prefer the Halloween party over the Christmas party. I’ve been to both and enjoy going every now and again, but neither party is something I feel is a “must do” for my family
They definitely have become quite a bit more expensive over the years.
I’m a big fan, but it’s not for everyone. IMHO - you really need to be open to stay out past midnight or later.
The Boo To You parade is my all-time favorite! Plus, as an adult I can wear a Halloween costume in public. There are so many amazing costumes that people put together
For me, while the ride waits are very low the real benefits are the extra characters, photo ops and shows.
Personally, I’d probably not take any younger kids. I’ve seen so many, literally, lying down in the streets and on sidewalks trying to sleep. Either that or parents dragging the kids along and frustrated because it is so expensive and the kids are too tired.
Depends on the kids. My kids have been to the Halloween party twice and love it (first time when they were 7 and 5). When my kids were 8 and 6, my 6 year old stayed until 11:50 pm (and left with DW) after he achieved his goal of meeting Jack and Sally while my 9 year old insisting on staying to try to get 1 more ride on SM. We made it to the SM line at 11:59.
It is.
I think so, but it’s very hard to give an opinion on what is worth spending other people’s money. Some will find it worth it, some won’t … and ultimately …
This is 100% true! My DD23 still has a hard time staying up past 10pm - 11pm!!
I ran into the HM queue the same way!! I was running and yelling, “PLEASE!! PLEASE!! I love this ride!!” up to the entry!
We were thinking of going the same week as you but bumped it to the 11th-16th to ensure we could get the party on the 15th. Never been to Halloween event and look forward to the trip and will be following this thread - geez, only 192 days to go!
I’m going to follow this thread. I am planning on attending the 3rd week in August this year (2025). I’ve been to Disney World several times, but never attended a special event party. I’m pretty excited to try it out. My focus will be meeting Jack/Sally, Alice/Mad Hatter, Stitch as Elvis, as well as the Parade, Fireworks and Stage Show. From what I hear, it is manageable to do all those things as long as I’m not focused on trick or treating, snack finding and rides. If anyone has good strategy’s, I’m willing to listen.
@darkmite2, I saw your advice in another post about getting to the park around 2:30 PM to line up for the 4:00 PM entry, then book it to the Jack/Sally line. This is going to be our plan, as Jack/Sally is my daughter’s #1 priority.
If you don’t care about rides then it’s not hard to see all the shows. They are “timed” out so none of them are going at the same time!
Don’t forget to check out the Cadaver Dan’s! They often get overlooked and are so good!
I never had any waits getting candy. It’s just a nonstop moving line. Some stops had no people at times.