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Why are so many Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties selling out?

Why are so many Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties selling out?


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As we edge closer to Halloween, more and more MNSSHP parties are selling out. We all know this is a wildly popular event, but why are more parties selling out this year than in years past?

Disney loves holidays, and MNSSHP is no exception. From trick-or-treating, rare character meets, and a not-so-spooky parade it is not surprising that MNSSHP has become a very desirable special event to attend. This year though is different because more dates have sold out than in recent years.

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For 2019, several dates have sold out:

  • September 22
  • September 27
  • September 29
  • October 1
  • October 8
  • October 10
  • October 11
  • October 14
  • October 17
  • October 24
  • October 25
  • October 31
  • November 1

This is already a drastic difference from last year which only sold out a handful of times throughout the entire season (mid-August to end of October). There are still 3 more weeks of parties after this week, and I imagine more of those dates will sell out too. So why are there are more parties selling out this year?

It could be for a number of reasons. There is not a definitive answer and these are my best guesses, but there are some new attractions and benefits for 2019. There is a new Party Pass (more on that below), fireworks show, Descendant Dance Party, dessert party, and an updated parade. Could it be that the parties are just more appealing?

Party Pass

The Party Pass allows guests to buy a single ticket for $299 and attend as many parties during the season (except for Halloween night, October 31). This is a great benefit for local guests or guests who want to attend several parties during their trip. Disney may have lowered the number of regular tickets being sold than in previous years in order to accommodate the influx of guests using this pass.

Peak Vacation Season

We are also entering peak vacation season as many schools across the country are on fall break. This is not new this year as Kenny’s crowd calendars have always reflected this information, but with many districts implementing longer breaks (2-3 weeks instead of 1), maybe more families are able to take a vacation during this time.

Strong economy

With a strong American economy, more guests have expendable income.  The guest figures that this is their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and they want to make the most of their time.  So, they purchase the ticket to meet unique characters, see special entertainment and enjoy a variety of limited snack options.

Additional advertising

Disney has really ramped up the advertising that guests see for the parties when they arrive at Walt Disney World.  They have signage and kiosks all over the place.  They have things at the resorts, things at the parks ticket booths, advertising on their app, everywhere you look you see glossy advertising wooing you into the party.

Remember that a guest using KtP’s Character Locator accomplish far more during a party than guests who do not.  You’ll know where every character is located, their full schedules, tips on arrival times, show times, snacks.  All the details are there!  And it’s less than $10 with his current code offer here on the blog.

Why do you think so many parties are selling out? I would love to hear other guesses so comment below or on Facebook.

-Monica S.

6 Tips for Enjoying a Crowded Halloween Party

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Jill

Tuesday 15th of October 2019

I have the party pass and have been to like 5 of them this season. Each of them very crowded. I am a local and have been going to these for the past 4 years. Without a doubt, it is the busiest year ever. I think the pass brings more people in since they can attend as many as they want without the extra cost.

Jill H

Tuesday 15th of October 2019

Does anyone know how many tickets were available in past years compared to now? And how it compares to regular attendance numbers?

kennythepirate

Tuesday 15th of October 2019

Disney does not release that information

Dennis

Sunday 13th of October 2019

Went to the Oct 8th (sold out) party ... wife and I agreed on the 4 character lines we would stand in and were done by 9 PM. Then we started collecting candy with no lines at Carousel, Monsters Inc, Philharmagic (showing Mr Toad!) and Country Bears. Also did the photo-ops behind the Christmas Shoppe - 3 in one spot! Then settled down for the Parade in Frontierland ... after the parade we did our real Trick or Treating - working our way from Splash Mountain thru Adventureland to Main Street - the final 30 minutes of Party time. We carried home 12 pounds of candy - yes I weighed in on the bathroom scale - surprised to see that it was all name brand stuff! Some shopping and the final photo op in front of the Mickey flower bed. Was it crowded - probably, but we made a plan and stuck to it - and also avoided the Hub as much as possible - that's where everybody is going to be - we had a good time.

Tammy C

Sunday 13th of October 2019

We went on a Friday and were prepared for large crowds, but it wasn't too bad. As DVC members, we got in at 2:00 and there were only maybe 2 dozen other DVC guests waiting to get in with us. We enjoyed our time there and didn't feel too rushed or crowded. We were pleasantly surprised to get a great view of the fireworks 15 minutes prior to them starting. We would definitely go again, especially if they continue to allow 2:00 entry :)

Karen Ench

Monday 14th of October 2019

I too am a DVC member and didn't know u could get in at 2?

Patricia

Sunday 13th of October 2019

Overcrowded..very disappointed..never going back..i was reading online for best time to visit MMNSH. Complete disaster.you cant believe what you read when it comes to visiting Disney World. This is second time i took advice about when to go..went Sept 10 2019. Terrible experience.. way tooo many people you cant enjoy yourself

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