The Pumpkin King has received a long-awaited royal makeover. After more than a decade of sporting a somewhat “alien” appearance that left many fans unsettled, Jack Skellington’s meet-and-greet character at Walt Disney World now boasts a completely redesigned look that’s thrilling Nightmare Before Christmas enthusiasts.
Unveiled through Disney Parks’ social media on May 12, the 2025 costume update replaces the previous half-mask design—which awkwardly exposed the performer’s mouth—with a full-head mask featuring Jack’s signature wide, articulated grin and properly rounded skull shape. For the passionate fanbase that has been requesting a more film-accurate representation since at least 2009, this change represents Disney’s responsiveness to guest feedback.
If you’re planning to visit during the Halloween season, you’ll notice that Sally hasn’t been left behind in this refresh. Her character also received thoughtful updates to her makeup, removing the previously criticized blue circles around her eyes and adding darker lipstick with more pronounced stitching details. These subtle changes might seem minor, but they significantly enhance the authenticity of her appearance for devoted fans of the 1993 Tim Burton classic.
The timing of this upgrade corresponds perfectly with Disney World’s preparations for their annual Halloween festivities. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party—where Jack and Sally traditionally make their seasonal appearances—begins earlier than ever this year, with events running select nights from August 15 through October 31. The popular characters can be found at Town Square Theater starting at 4:30 PM during party nights.
Visitor reaction to the new designs has been overwhelmingly positive across social media platforms. Many longtime Disney enthusiasts have expressed relief that Jack “finally looks like himself” after years of criticism about the previous design looking more terrifying than the character should be. Night visibility for character photos has reportedly improved by removing the jarring contrast between the mask and the performer’s visible mouth.
For travelers hoping to meet the revamped Pumpkin King and his patchwork partner, planning ahead is essential. Tickets for the popular Halloween party go on sale May 22, and the event historically sells out quickly for October dates. The character meet-and-greet lines for Jack and Sally are consistently among the longest in the park, often exceeding 90-minute waits during peak Halloween season.
Families delighted by Jack Skellington’s film-accurate redesign must still navigate the reality that, as Disney prices soar, parents are unsure the Florida park is still worth it—though many Nightmare Before Christmas fans will likely consider the authentic character experience worth the premium.
Caught in the Halloween spirit? Disney encourages guests to arrive in costume for these special ticketed events, creating perfect photo opportunities with the newly redesigned characters. The update reflects Disney’s ongoing commitment to character authenticity—balancing technical performance requirements with the visual expectations of their guests.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney Halloween enthusiast, the refreshed appearances of these beloved characters provide a compelling reason to experience this year’s seasonal celebrations at Walt Disney World. After all, in Halloween Town, every day is Halloween—but at Disney World, you only have select nights to witness the Pumpkin King in his newly perfected glory.
