Halloween Time at Disneyland
The most spooktacular time of year at Disneyland its Halloween time and it’s my favorite time of the year at Disneyland. I know this can be a hot debate between which time is better at Disneyland, Halloween or Christmas, but for me, I find Halloween the most magical time of year in the parks.
Let's dive into Halloween at Disneyland and let me tell you everything you need to know about Halloween time in the parks, so you can plan the most magical trip to the happiest place on earth.
First off, there is no such thing as planning too early when planning a trip to Disneyland during the Halloween season. Halloween time has become so popular that crowds now rival the crowds at Christmas time in the parks. And it’s easy to see why this time has become a favorite. I know many people might disagree with me, but I find the decorations at Halloween time the best all year and better than the Holiday decorations. There’s nothing quite like Halloween in Disneyland.
Let's dive into Halloween at Disneyland and let me tell you everything you need to know about Halloween time in the parks, so you can plan the most magical trip to the happiest place on earth.
First off, there is no such thing as planning too early when planning a trip to Disneyland during the Halloween season. Halloween time has become so popular that crowds now rival the crowds at Christmas time in the parks. And it’s easy to see why this time has become a favorite. I know many people might disagree with me, but I find the decorations at Halloween time the best all year and better than the Holiday decorations. There’s nothing quite like Halloween in Disneyland.
Decorations
The first thing to know about Disneyland at Halloween time is all about the decorations, because it’s what makes this time of year unrivaled, in my opinion. Disneyland is literally transformed overnight into a festive landscape of pumpkins, fall leaves, orange and yellow banners, and autumn colored lights. From the moment you arrive at the gates of Disneyland, you will be greeted by a giant Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck made out of pumpkins, instantly setting the tone for the Halloween spirit. And at the gates of California Adventure, you will be greeted by none other than Oogie Boogie himself. I can’t explain the excitement I start to feel as soon as I walk into the main entry plaza. And when those gates are lit up at night, the spooky glow ushers you into this magical place.
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Once inside the gates, you will see the beautiful floral Mickey in front of you. Here’s tip…don’t stop! You will see everyone stopping to take photos, but keep moving, especially if you are there to rope drop. Come back and take pictures later, the crowds will have died down a bit, and you can get better photos, along with not wasting time that could be used for riding the rides.
As you enter Main Street, this is where Disneyland can take your breath away. You will see the whole street lined with decorations and right at the center is Giant Mickey. This is probably one of the most, if not the most popular spot to stop and take photos. There is also a photographer stationed their to take photo pass pics. Again, you could waste valuable time waiting in this line. So if you aren’t first in line, keep moving, and come back later. And even more jaw dropping is Main Street at night. And don’t forget to check Giant Mickey winking at you as you are on your way out of the park.
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Throughout the parks, you will find some things decorated more than others. For instance, Cars Land is completely decked out and transformed into Radiator Screams. It’s my favorite land in both parks during this time of the year. At night right at dusk, is when Cars Land's neon lights flicker on and the land comes completely alive. This happens every night, but at Halloween time, it’s just extra special. During other times in the year, the song, “Life Could Be a Dream,” plays. But at Halloween, it’s “I’ll Put a Spell on You.” And boy does this time of night put a spell on me. It can’t be missed! And make sure to ride Radiators Springs Racers during the day and night for two different experiences.
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Also in DCA, you have to check out the Headless Horseman on Buena Vista Street. It makes for a great photo op and there’s usually a photographer nearby.
The characters are also in special festive outfits that change each year, including the cars in Cars Land! Also, during this time of year, you will see more of the villains out and about in the park than other times of the year.
And in Disneyland, do not forget to check out the Halloween Tree located in Frontierland near the Golden Horsehoe Saloon. This tree is honor of Rad Bradbury, the author of Fareheit 451 and also Walt Disney collaborator on several projects such as Spaceship Earth in Epcot.
The characters are also in special festive outfits that change each year, including the cars in Cars Land! Also, during this time of year, you will see more of the villains out and about in the park than other times of the year.
And in Disneyland, do not forget to check out the Halloween Tree located in Frontierland near the Golden Horsehoe Saloon. This tree is honor of Rad Bradbury, the author of Fareheit 451 and also Walt Disney collaborator on several projects such as Spaceship Earth in Epcot.
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Rides Transformed
Besides the decorations, there are complete rides and attractions that are transformed for this time of year. The biggest one is the Haunted Mansion. This will typically shut down in August to get ready for the long haul from the start of Halloween in the parks until after the holiday time is over. It is completely rethemed for The Nightmare Before Christmas. Make sure to take in a nice big deep breath to take in the smell when you come across the dining scene and appreciate the giant gingerbread house. This gingerbread house is real and a new design is placed in this spot each year.
This ride can get extremely busy during this time of year, so Genie Plus can always put you at an advantage. You will want to be careful rope dropping this attraction and make sure that it’s open first thing. A few years ago, we planned to rope drop it to make sure we didn’t have to wait in a super long line, and unfortunately it was closed. So we wasted valuable time that we could have used for rope dropping other attractions.
Other rides that also have Halloween overlays or changes are Luigi’s Rollickin' Roadsters which turns into Luigi’s Honkin Haul-a-ween, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree turns into Mater’s Graveyard Jam-Boo-Ree. They play great Halloween themed music while these rides run, adding to the spirit of the season. Guardians of the Galaxy transforms in the evenings only from 3-10 p.m. to Monsters After Dark. Always check the app for hours, because these are always subject to change.
This ride can get extremely busy during this time of year, so Genie Plus can always put you at an advantage. You will want to be careful rope dropping this attraction and make sure that it’s open first thing. A few years ago, we planned to rope drop it to make sure we didn’t have to wait in a super long line, and unfortunately it was closed. So we wasted valuable time that we could have used for rope dropping other attractions.
Other rides that also have Halloween overlays or changes are Luigi’s Rollickin' Roadsters which turns into Luigi’s Honkin Haul-a-ween, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree turns into Mater’s Graveyard Jam-Boo-Ree. They play great Halloween themed music while these rides run, adding to the spirit of the season. Guardians of the Galaxy transforms in the evenings only from 3-10 p.m. to Monsters After Dark. Always check the app for hours, because these are always subject to change.
Special events
During this time of year there are other special events that take place like Halloween Screams, a projection show, special fireworks on select nights, parades twice daily, and again always check the app to see when these are taking place, and then there is Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights. Oogie Boogie Bash is already sold out for this year, and is a separately ticketed event. The Oogie Boogie Bash takes place on select nights in DCA. On nights this is happening, it’s important to note that DCA will close down early and you will only be able to stay in the park if you have a ticket to Oogie Boogie Bash. Without that ticket, you will have to leave the park. So, if you don’t have a park hopper option, you will want to make sure to reserve Disneyland on those days so you have more time in the park.
Also found in DCA is where the movie Coco comes to life in the Plaza de la Familia. There you will find activities for kids, such as coloring a mask, and performances throughout the day. in Disneyland, in Frontierland near the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant, you will find a tribute to Dia De Los Muertos.
Another feature of Halloween time at Disneyland are special food and drink items. The Grey Stuff at Red Rose Tavern in Disneyland is there all year, but gets a fun Halloween makeover. Each year new food items are released along with classics from the past.
Also found in DCA is where the movie Coco comes to life in the Plaza de la Familia. There you will find activities for kids, such as coloring a mask, and performances throughout the day. in Disneyland, in Frontierland near the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant, you will find a tribute to Dia De Los Muertos.
Another feature of Halloween time at Disneyland are special food and drink items. The Grey Stuff at Red Rose Tavern in Disneyland is there all year, but gets a fun Halloween makeover. Each year new food items are released along with classics from the past.
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The whole Disneyland resort area gets into the spirit, with hotels decorating their lobbies and Downtown Disney decked out in pumpkins galore.
This is such a popular time of year that most rides are up and running except for those unplanned closures that seem to be more and more frequent nowadays. But, if you come at the end of October, be prepared for Small World to be closed down because it will be getting ready for its Christmas overlay.
If you've never been to Disneyland or have never gone at Halloween time, this is the most perfect time to go. I will warn you though, it's absolutely magical and you will want to come back year after year to celebrate this time of year in a way that only Disney knows how to celebrate.
This is such a popular time of year that most rides are up and running except for those unplanned closures that seem to be more and more frequent nowadays. But, if you come at the end of October, be prepared for Small World to be closed down because it will be getting ready for its Christmas overlay.
If you've never been to Disneyland or have never gone at Halloween time, this is the most perfect time to go. I will warn you though, it's absolutely magical and you will want to come back year after year to celebrate this time of year in a way that only Disney knows how to celebrate.