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Disney Quietly Gives Character New Look, Fans Can’t Believe It

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back at Walt Disney World Resort for 2025, and with it comes an exciting transformation for one of Halloween’s most iconic Disney characters. This year, guests will notice a striking new look for Jack Skellington—one that brings the Pumpkin King even closer to his big-screen counterpart from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Hocus Pocus show at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party show
Credit: Disney

The updated appearance, which was revealed on the official Disney Parks Instagram account, has quickly become a talking point for fans. Gone is the mask-like face that some found off-putting in past years. In its place is a sleeker, more expressive design that closely resembles the Tim Burton-produced classic, directed by Henry Selick. The character, originally voiced by Chris Sarandon in the 1993 film, now boasts facial features that reflect the film’s beloved animation style. Fans reacted enthusiastically online, with comments such as “Awesome, he looks like himself now,” and “looks so much better.”

This highly anticipated character upgrade is expected to be a major draw for party guests hoping to snap photos with the film-accurate Jack. And there’ll be plenty of chances to do so—Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will run on select nights from August 15 through October 31, offering guests a uniquely festive way to celebrate the spooky season.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Jack and Sally
Credit: Disney

2025 Event Dates: August: 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; September: 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30; and October: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31

With early entry beginning at 4 p.m. for ticketholders and the party officially kicking off at 7 p.m., guests can expect a full evening of entertainment and delicious treats. One of the evening’s crown jewels remains Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show, which features castle projections and a thrilling sky display hosted by none other than Jack Skellington himself.

Jack Skellington with lights over his eyes in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Credit: Disney

Also lighting up Cinderella Castle is the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, where the Sanderson Sisters conjure up mischief alongside some of Disney’s most devilish villains. And no Halloween party at Magic Kingdom would be complete without the Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, a beloved tradition that includes the dramatic arrival of the Headless Horseman and appearances by characters in their Halloween best.

As always, park-goers will enjoy trick-or-treat trails with allergy-friendly options, overlays on select attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with characters in rarely seen costumes. Guests are even encouraged to join in the fun by wearing their own costumes—so long as they follow the park’s guidelines.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Halloween costumes for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Credit: Disney

Ticket prices range from $119 to $229 per guest, depending on the night. Special discounts are available to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members on select evenings. Tickets go on sale May 15 for Disney Resort hotel guests and May 22 for the general public.

Whether you’re a seasoned Halloween partygoer or experiencing the magic for the first time, this year’s celebration offers a fresh twist on a fan-favorite tradition, with the Pumpkin King himself leading the way.

How do you feel about the updates coming to Disney World’s Halloween event this year? Let us know in the comments down below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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