Halloween time pops up at Disneyland in early September. I never need an excuse to get into the Halloween spirit, but there is something so inspiring about Disneyland at Halloween that I come back ready to decorate and celebrate. First things firs; the most common question I get asked when I post on my Instagram stories is- which is better Disneyland during Halloween or Christmas? No matter how many times I go back and forth on this, I can’t decide! They both have such unique charm to them. Lucky for us we have September and December birthdays we celebrate- usually at Disneyland so we can take in both (the kids get to choose between a birthday party or Disney trip). Here are some things you will want to check out during the Halloween season (through October 31st).
Fireworks
On weekend nights (weather permitting) Jack Skellington and a crew of Disney Villains take over the skies over Sleeping Beauty’s castle for “Halloween Screams” – a light projection and fireworks show. Spoiler alert- My favorite part is Zero flying around the castle. The fireworks show started at 9pm and people started saving their spots as early at 8pm. If your trip is scheduled during the week you can still check out “Halloween Screams” as they do a modified light and special effects projection on all other nights (without fireworks).
Themed Rides and Locations
Some rides have been transformed for spooky season! You don’t want to miss these changes
- The Haunted Mansion turns into the Haunted Mansion Holiday thanks to the help of Jack Skellington and friends (inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” ). This ride will remain this way through the holiday season as well. This year marks the 20th season of the Holiday transformation- grab your special Jack popcorn bucket- it lights up and changes colors! (Disneyland Park)
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree transformed into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, where you whirl around to Haul-o-ween hits like “Monster Truck Smash” (a play on Monster Mash) (Disney California Adventure)
- Luigi’s Rolickin’ Roadsters will change into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. The music is Halloween-themed like Mater’s JamBooRee. Also don’t forget to swing by Cars Land at night to see it all lit up. It’s gorgeous! (Disney California Adventure)
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms at night (actually at 3pm) into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. The mission has changed- your goal is to save Groot from the monsters. The facade of the ride changes at night and from what cast members say- there are more drops than during Mission:BREAKOUT. (Disney California Adventure)
Don’t miss Plaza de la Familia in Disney California Adventure park (this celebration is available until Nov. 2). This space is inspired by the tradition of Dia de los Muertos. This was a great break from rides where the kids were able to do crafts and listen to a live mariachi band. There is a fun street show called “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” that the kids enjoyed, check the Disneyland app for showtimes throughout the day.
Photo Opportunities
The Mickey Pumpkin is unique to Disneyland during Halloween time and the line to take a picture may look intimidating but it goes quickly. There are photopass photographers on both sides to take pictures. If you prefer the smiling Mickey, that side faces the train station, the winking Mickey side faces the castle. If you have a preference as to which side you snap a picture, ask the photo pass attendant.
Classic Disney characters are dressed in their Halloween costumes in both parks. You can see them by the Town Square train station in Disneyland and Buena Vista Street in California Adventure. They are in their classic clothes in Toon Town. The character experiences are currently being social distanced and you cannot get too close. They will pose behind you from a distance for a photo!
There are two additional Halloween photo opportunities at California Adventure- the 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman on Buena Vista Street and the spooktacular sign at Cars Land. The characters from Cars Land are also dressed up in their Halloween costumes. My kids always get a kick out of that.
Oogie Boogie Bash
We have been going to the Oogie Boogie Bash since 2014 (back then it was called Mickey’s Halloween Party and it was held at the Disneyland park). It is a special ticketed event that is sold out for 2021. If you are staying on one of the hotels at the Disneyland property, check with the front desk as sometimes they have tickets to see to guests of the hotel. There are immersive trails, event-only parade, special villain character sightings and trick or treating through the park. The reason we love going to the bash so much is that it is one of the few times that adults are allowed (and encouraged) to dress in costume. One of our favorite things to do is come up with a family costume theme. There are specific rules for costumes so check those as they change through the years. Check the Disneyland app for Oogie Boogie Bash special food offerings. We missed this and so sad we didn’t try some of the event-only sweet and savory treats.
Merchandise and Treats
The seasonal treats and merchandise is always so fun during Halloween time. This year is no exception. Here are a few of my favorites from both parks:
- Halloween Grey Stuff – tastes like the traditional Grey Stuff dish decorated with a cookie tombstone that says “Dig In”
- Mickey Bat Cookie is a shortbread cookie with a chocolate vampire face.
- Mickey Mummy Macaron has a delicious cream filling and is almost too cute to eat.
- Do not pass up the delicious Mexican food at Paradise Garden Grill. The Tacos with Estilo Callejero were my favorite!
- Garb a family-size Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough at Pacific Wharf Café
- The kids liked the Orange Cream Fanta-sy – Orange and Vanilla flavored Fanta with whipped cream and Halloween infused sprinkles
- I crave Clarabelle’s ice cream bars weeks after we are home. The Halloween Ice Cream Bar was adorable with the little Minnie Witch hat and was delicious!
Check out all the food offerings here.
As a seasoned mug collector I was so excited to see the cute Mickey pumpkin themed mug and votive holder. We also purchased the huge candy bowl. You can purchase many of these items online at shopDisney here.
Thank you Disney Parks Blog for gifting us the Loungefly backpack, plaid ears, hat and popcorn bucket!
If you are headed to the parks this fall- hope you have a spooktacular time!
With love,
Shahla
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