Overview
- Friday’s opening night (Aug. 7) was sold out and produced large, visible crowds throughout Magic Kingdom, with long lines at check‑in and popular character meet‑and‑greets.
- Disney staged new party‑exclusive entertainment that is running as advertised, including Adventureland pirate shows led by Captain Jack Sparrow and a Tomorrowland Stitch masquerade dance party, plus the Not‑So‑Spooky Spectacular fireworks hosted by a life‑size Jack Skellington puppet at 10:00 p.m.
- Park operations were adjusted for party nights: ticket holders may enter as early as 4:00 p.m., regular day guests are asked to leave by 6:00 p.m., and 22 attractions remain available during the event with three receiving Halloween overlays — Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
- Disney debuted simplified, darker cast member costumes for the party that many guests and former cast members criticized for subdued colors and poor nighttime visibility, while some defended the changes as more comfortable in summer heat.
- Tickets for the Aug. 7–Oct. 31 run are priced between $119 and $229 (plus tax) and multiple dates have already sold out, increasing the need for advance planning around parade times, treat trails, and limited‑edition food and merchandise.