2018 Mickey’s Christmas & Halloween Party Tickets Now on Sale!
2018 tickets went on sale today for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween & Very Merry Christmas Parties in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Naturally, prices are up across the board, and tickets are only available by calling right now.
We tried to do that to find out prices but were met with a multi-hour wait, so hard pass on that. Not a single party date will sell out today, tomorrow, or even within the next few weeks. If you value your time and sanity–no matter how badly you want to lock-in your party dates–just hold off until the phone lines are not so jammed.
With party pricing, the past is the best predictor of the future. Expect the parties closest to both Christmas and Halloween to be the most expensive. Halloween night is likely to hit a new record high price (it was $115 per adult and $110 per child last year). With Halloween night selling out every year and ticket resellers routinely selling them for ~$200/night, don’t expect this trend to change anytime soon.
2018 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $75 (likely for August and early September dates), which is actually not much of an increase over last year ($1 more on the low end). Children’s tickets will likely set you back ~$70 to $100. So, still not exactly cheap.
Party dates are as follows: August 17, 24, 28, 31; September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, and 31. It’s actually a bit surprising to see more dates added in August, as many of last year’s parties before October were not exactly crowded. (It turns out most people don’t want to celebrate Halloween in late summer?!)
If you’re going to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and have flexibility on which date you can attend, read our Best and Worst MNSSHP Dates post to help choose the potentially least-crowded party.
If you’re still on the fence, debating whether the party will be worth the money, we can help you answer that question in our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tips & Review post. That post offers party strategy (including an approach to rare characters), and also analysis as to the value for money.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are also now available, with prices starting at $95 for adults, which is up $6 from last year’s low. Expect prices for most Christmas Party dates to be above $100, as these prices have steadily increased the last several years and it hasn’t had a noticeable impact on attendance.
Party dates for MVMCP are November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. To our recollection, almost every MVMCP sold out last year, and even the “slow” parties were not nearly as slow as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It probably doesn’t hurt that almost no one is thinking about Halloween in August, whereas Christmas is on the minds of many guests by mid-November. (Sorry, “turkey before tree” crowd.)
We likewise have a post detailing the Best and Worst MVMCP Dates, so check that out if you want to avoid crowds. (Spoiler alert: stay away from that last week. Not just for Christmas Party crowds, but crowds in general.)
As for whether the Christmas Party is worth the money, read our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips & Review post for insight into that. In addition to a review, that post offers comprehensive tips on everything from the best free cookies during the party to strategy for the parade and fireworks. (Note: none of these resources have been fully-updated for 2018, but they will be soon.)
Overall, we cannot say we’re too surprised by party ticket prices. Even with the lack of Halloween Party popularity for some dates last year, the dates aren’t surprising, either. These parties are incredibly lucrative for Walt Disney World, and with an increased focus on up-charge offerings and hard ticket events, the safe money is always on “more dates” rather than fewer for any special event. While we happen to love both of these events–and have every intention of doing them again this year–these prices are a bit difficult to stomach when we recall paying less than half of these amounts not too long ago.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Will you be attending the 2018 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? If not, are the latest round of price increases keeping you away, or would you not tend regardless? Any thoughts on this year’s special events for the Halloween and Christmas seasons? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
I called about the week after Thanksgiving and MWMCP is $105.44/adult on 11/25, 27 & 29
Is the party too late for a 4 and 5 year old ? I’m just concerned that they will wear out – and it’s out first trip to WDW. Budget is an issue – so I’m not sure if it is worth the extra money . But we could do a late breakfast and sleep in that day ?
We are going December 7 to dec 13th
Not sure. We went to the Christmas party last year, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (so one of the low-crowd ones) and my 2,3, and 7 year old were kinda ‘meh’ about it. We mainly did it for the characters, particularly the princess pairings. We met TWO CHARACTERS! The lines were insane and the characters took 30 minute breaks while people were in line! We were 3rd in line for Ariel and Eric when they went on break and my 3 year old ending up falling asleep on the ground waiting for them. None of the character locations are listed so you have to wander to find them. Her big wish was to meet Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder but it became really obvious that we’d have to jump in the first line if we wanted to meet anyone. Very few rides were going and it was just overall too crowded with everyone being funneled to few too many attractions for it to have been worth it , in my opinion. The snowfall parade was great, as were the fireworks, but by then the lines, etc had beat them and the kids were asleep in their strollers. I would wait until they were older for the ticketed parties but we live in driving distance so we’ll go again – if this was my only time, I guess you’d have to weigh what it is you hope to do to see if it’s worth it, especially at these prices.
Tom,
I honestly find your comments about pricing for the parties somewhat disingenuous. “This year—these prices are a bit difficult to stomach when we recall paying less than half of these amounts not too long ago.” Really? Last year’s prices were very similar and you still paid them. They too, would have been more than double your aforementioned “not too long ago” prices. You know Disney will continue to go up on prices each year (name one year it didn’t happen), based on demand, yet you still go to the parks and so will most of your readers. So stop lamenting the obvious economics of making these trips and be glad you have a lifestyle that allows you to do it as a vocation!
Of course, I say all of this with jealousy and admiration for what you do. Thank you for your blog and the many contributions to to our collective Disney knowledge base.
We went to the Christmas party last year and were really disappointed. Not many rides open on the night we were there and the park was very busy. The shows at the castle were right on top of each other which meant that people were fighting to get out of the crowd that was coming for the next show and the crowds that were waiting for the parade. It was a total shambles, very unusual for Disney. The problem is that they are selling too many tickets for each night which in my opinion are starting to be overpriced and last year has really put me off going again, which is a shame because I love Christmas at Disney.
Just called down. No DVC discounts or Xmas Party beyond December 13. December 20 pricing $122 for adults, $118.00 for kids 3+. December 21 pricing: $133 for adults and $130 for kids. Wow! For my family of 4, $526! I am CDN so i am looking at $680 with exchange. WTH!
Seriously. We priced out the Halloween party last year and concluded in theory we let the kids buy as much candy as they can carry at the grocer at a significantly more reasonable rate.
No kidding! This will be a once in a lifetime thingy as we usually go in summer months. But still. Going to Disney is now like Torontonians trying to go to a Leaf’s hockey game. Out of touch for the average fan and family.
Just booked party tickets for December 4th, price for 2 adults is $210! We are going November 29th- December 6th. I chose this date because all the blog websites said early December was a good time to go and didn’t say anything about this pop warner thing. Hopefully it won’t be too bad :/
What resort are you staying at? I will say if you are staying at a value resort, the Pop Warner competitions will very much affect you. We were there that same week the last two years and the last coupes days of our stay when the kids started to arrive, were terrible. Last year was exceptionally bad. The cheerleaders were very well supervised and well behaved. The football players, well that’s a different story. They took over the pools and had no regard for anyone else. Parents and coaches included. At one point myself and two other families were crammed into one corner of our pool at All Star Movies, while the football players played tackle ball in the pool. The little kids who were huddled in the corner were getting hit in the head with balls, accidentally tackled and hearing some pretty horrific language. When I say horrific I am no prude and drop an s word here and there. I mean racial slurs and a whole lot worse. The parents and coaches literally said nothing. They sat and drank cocktails and hooped it up. A coach as a mater of fact jumped on my 5 year old diving for a ball. No apology, nothing. After that my child wouldn’t go near the pool if and I quote “the scary big kids” were in the pool. We went to the arcade and they had stollen the basketballs from inside the basketball games and were bouncing them all over the resort. They physically climbed in and took the balls out. They sat with their hotel doors propped open, parents had lawn chairs set up between rooms on the walkways and they were drinking and smoking. When I threw a giant fit at the front desk and there were many other people who did as well, we were told there was nothing they could do except call security, when a problem is pointed out. Oh and the refillable mugs that are in the dining room for purchase, there were none out. A women in line in front of me asked if they were out because she needed one. The cast member serving her got one from under the counter and told her the kids were steeling them, so they had to put them behind the registers.
We were there for a total of 10 days that trip and the last two days were stressful, if we attempted to enjoy the resort at all. We always like to go the week after Thanksgiving and we will again this year. We will however stay at a moderate resort the days that the Pop stuff is going on. The parks were not affected as far as I could tell, it was just the resort. We have gone twice a year for the last 4 years and that was by far the worst experience we’ve had. All due to unruly kids and parents/chaperones who thought they were there just to party.
We’re staying at all star movies of course but we don’t plan on being there except to sleep for the most part. Not too worried about the pools so that’s a good thing! We went the week before thanksgiving last year and it was wonderful but I’m a pastry chef so it crammed a lot of last minute work into my schedule the week of thanksgiving not being prepped enough for thanksgiving orders so that’s why we decided to go afterwards this year! I’m
Going with my mom so at least we won’t have any little kids to worry about I suppose. Guess we’ll have to make the most of it!
Did you call to get your tickets? I don’t see anything on their web site? Thanks
Yes I called!
We purchased our tickets for MNSSHP for Halloween Night! Tickets were $133 for adult, and $127 for child (with tax). Very Expensive. But we have two little preschools who I know will love it so… When in Rome/Disney…
For 2 adults and a child on Tuesday Nov 27 it was $330
April 17th you will be able to purchase them online
Shara: Regarding Pop Warner. It is Dec 1-8th this year. Unless this has changed, they stay at the Value resorts and Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach. I heard the package are not offered at Deluxe resorts or Art of Animation. One year we were staying at the Boardwalk and there were football players tossing a ball around loudly outside on the grassy area until at least 2AM. It was early December so I wonder if some parents choose to book outside of the offered packages anyway.
Lizze: That’s disheartening! My husband and I are taking our toddler on a family “first trip to WDW” trip that week and we’re supposed to be at one of the All-Star Resorts. Maybe I’ll scare any wayward football players with my “Mom Voice”? LOL
See my above coment about the Pop Warner competitions. I will never again stay at a resort that the teams are staying at, during those competitions.
We did December 21 last year. It was crowded – and the crowds brought out the worst in our fellow guests I am sorry to say (one lady screamed at my 6 year old for stepping on her foot–it was walk to work wall people). The best part of the day was we also had park tickets for that day so went to MK early and the park was EMPTY before the party guests arrived. Main Street was a ghost town for the festival of fantasy parade–even after it had started, I counted at most 20 families in the town square area and the line for seven dwarves was 20 minutes!!!! Next time I will skip the Christmas party and just go to MK on a park day and leave at 6pm for dinner at a resort.
I do want to try the Halloween party though! The shows and parade look like more fun.
I booked our family’s first MNSSHP, so exciting!!! I’ve been waiting for those dates to come up for a long time. Waiting time when I called to buy the tickets was 15 mins.
Just booked Halloween night…15min wait on the phone. Not bad at all!!
We are waiting on the Disneyland dates — do they usually follow soon after the WDW dates?
We just booked for 8/22-25. We will attend the party of 8/24. Hope it isn’t 95 degrees when the party starts like last year.
How was the rain at the end of August last year when you went? We usually go in spring but I’m planning on going the last week of August this summer. And what did you think of MNSSHP? I was hoping to go while we were there.
Hi Tara
MNSSHP party is awesome! Probably the best parade at WDW. The heat was pretty bad when we were there last year but the rain was not. We missed the big hurricane by about 10 days. The only rain we got was on our Halloween Party night. It started right as the second parade stepped off so we left.
We are going to Disneyworld in Nov./2018..we have not booked any dining & want to know how expensive meals are without buying the dining plan.. we really don’t want to waste alot of time waiting in line & having sit down meals all the time. What are prices roughly for a simple neat & potatoes & veggies meal. Nothing fancy.
You can find a lot of Disney menus online that display prices. Would be good to look at a few of those to see what restaurants you’d like and how much it will cost. Have fun on your trip!
We find most “basic” meals around $15-25 with drink usually extra. We have 3 littles (2 being princess-loving girls) so we’re still in the character meal world, making the plan work well for us. Keep in mind that most meat-potatoes-veggie meals are at sit-down restaurants – walk-up quick serves are usually more burgers &fries / pizza type of places. We always plan where we hope to eat and look at the menu’s (or google it) to find a rough average per meal, then decide if it is more cost effective to do cash or plan. For us, the plan always wins out but we do the whole Pooh / Cinderella’s / Akershus / Minnie’s Harvest thing. Also, when we do walk-up, we usually find the wait plus eating is longer than if we had booked a sit-down.
Booked the MNSSHP for September 21st and it was $78.81 per person after taxes ($74.00 base cost). We are Annual Passholders and there was an AP discount offered for that night according to the Cast Member I was speaking with.
Did you try to make dining reservations for the party night? I have been wondering when those will open.
Our stay is from September 18 – 25 so our 180 Advanced Dining Reservation window doesn’t open until March 22nd. Based on that I wasn’t able to attempt making a dining reservation for the night of our MNSSHP. I would think that the normal rules for Advanced Dining Reservations would apply in that they’re not available to book until 180 days out unless you’re staying at a Disney owned and operated resort. In that case, as long as your party date is within the 180 day + 10 day window, you should be able to book your dining.
We went to the Christmas party this past year and dining wasn’t available for during and just before the party until closer to the date – they opened up special “holiday party” reservations. It was very frustrating so be prepared, they may do that again. We just booked a big late lunch /early dinner at Liberty Tree around 4 so that, plus snacks at the party, would hold us over.
I called yesterday and they have no information yet on when the dining reservations will be opened for the night of my party. Guess I begin the waiting and checking obsessively game.
Oof, I’m feeling overloaded at trying to figure out when to go for MVMCP this year… A Thursday party followed by a weekend stay is our current plan, but there are so many factors around the holidays that I can’t pick…
Weekend of Dec 1… too close to Thanksgiving still?
Weekend of Dec 7… right in the middle of Pop Warner? Free dining potential?
Weekend of Dec 15… too close to Christmas? Free dining potential?
Anyone want to give me their two cents? Thanks!
we are going to Disney dec 8-15. please tell me that’s not the week of pop warner! do you know the exact dates?
It’s not!!! They leave when you get there! I am going the 9th to the 13th and booked it because I was stuck with that group this past year and it was horrible. YEA for us.
Thank goodness!!
The Dance and Cheer thing is November 30 — December 8, 2018:
https://www.espnwwos.com/sports/cheer/
I agree with Linda, you should be OK!
Oh good grief, any idea what resort the Pop Warner crowd will be at during their November/December stay?
The dates for Pop Warner this year are Dec 1-8th according to the Pop Warner website.
The Christmas party is a lot of fun. We use this as our “ sleep in morning “ on a several day trip. Then do a late breakfast at 10:30-11:00 am at whispering canyon in Wilderness Lodge or a monorail hotel. Then check out Christmas decorations at the hotels. Going into the party at 4 pm. A few rides , quick service meal or snack and in line at 5:15 for favorite character photo before the party begins. Tom you have great trip reports on how to get the most out of your party night
Just wondering how come it’s not up on the Disney web site? You use to be able to buy them on line.
Good question. I bought them online a couple years ago. Any idea when they become available on the main site?
I am hoping they go on sale online soon. I prefer that to having to wait on the phone.