Planning a trip to Disneyland this fall? Find out all the spooky Disneyland Halloween festivities for 2023!
This Disneyland Halloween post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My family had such a blast experiencing Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, and now, I’ll blog about all the new and exciting changes in their Disneyland Halloween festivities!
A few years ago, I partnered with Disneyland on this post about Disneyland Halloween activities, fall treats, rides, and more! I will update it as they release new information about 2024.
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When Is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort?
For 2024, Halloween time at the Disneyland Resort is celebrated from September 6 through October 31, 2024. That means there are more days than in previous years for spooky family fun!
And, if you go closer to Halloween, Disneyland will also be transitioning to its Holiday decor. What better way to get the best of both worlds?
Disneyland Halloween Food
Last year, I was really excited about the treats at Disneyland at Halloween time. I’m really excited to enjoy their signature Disney treats, plus the new ones they are unveiling.
I missed out on their Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn a few years ago, and I’m hoping they bring it back. I mean, doesn’t that sound incredible?
And that’s just one of the many Halloween-themed food and beverage items. There were also cake pops, flavored churros, Bat Wing raspberry sundaes at Clarabelles Hand Scooped Ice Cream, and Mickey-shaped pumpkin spice (!) beignets at the Mint Julep Bar.
But, it’s not all just sweet stuff. There are also some savory items. You can grab specialty soups and sandwiches, including the Haunted Firehouse chicken sandwich at Carnation Cafe.
This year, I will pick up the Mickey Bread with Fangs at Pacific Wharf Cafe to bring home!
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Disneyland Dia de los Muertos
The Disneyland Halloween festivities I looked forward to experiencing last year all revolved around Dia de los Muertos.
From the bright colors to the powerful reminder of cherishing loved ones who have passed on, Disneyland did a great job highlighting this tradition!
We headed over to Frontierland in Disneyland for a Day of the Dead exhibit that featured a trio of skeleton musicians, colorful flowers, and other Dia de los Muertos decorative items.
Remember to take your time at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park. At Ramone’s House of Body Art, there is an ofrenda for Doc Hudson. That part of the movie always makes me teary-eyed, and I admit I was emotional to see it in person.
There was actually a lot of Coco-related stuff at Plaza de la Familia in Disney California Adventure Park, including a photo op at the Tree of Life. We loved taking a family photo there!
And don’t miss A Musical Celebration of Coco, a heartwarming tale by the entertaining Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia that celebrates popular songs from the film Coco—yep, that includes “Remember Me.”
Because the Day of the Dead occurs right after Halloween, these festivities are available through November 2, 2024.
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Cars Land at Halloween
If you’ve read any of my other Disneyland posts, you know that I think Cars Land is one of the most magical places at Disneyland Resort.
It’s also a major reason we’re visiting Disneyland at Halloween time. Radiator Springs transforms into Radiator Screams with a “Haul-O-Ween” makeover! Be on the lookout for all the details on the buildings and around town!
Not only do they go all out with the Halloween decorations in Radiator Springs, but the characters also dress up! We can’t wait to take photos will Lightening McQueen, Mater, Cruz Ramirez, Red, and DJ in their “car-stumes!”
Plus, the attractions in Cars Land also get a Halloween makeover. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and (our favorite) Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters gets a festive twist as it transforms into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.
Finally, don’t forget to come back at night for a completely different experience! Radiator Springs really comes to life with its neon glow, and the additional Halloween lights make it a whole new experience!
Disneyland Rides for Halloween
One thing that I love about Disney is that when they do something, they go all out! Not only do they decorate key areas of the Parks, but they also change up the attractions!
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – MONSTERS AFTER DARK
My husband was really excited to experience this nightly transformation of Guardians of the Galaxy– Mission: BREAKOUT!
According to Disney, “As the sun sets, the attraction’s exterior goes dark and then suddenly powers back up with lighting effects, a signal that something has gone awry.
The Guardians have successfully escaped The Collector’s Fortress but have accidentally left Groot behind.
Guests help Rocket distract the released creatures so he can rescue Groot in this exciting seasonal overlay.
HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY
When I think of Halloween at Disneyland Resort, I always think about Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
I’ve heard this is the only time of year when guests can meet Jack Skellington in person!
Regardless, visitors can enjoy Halloween thrills when the Haunted Mansion transforms into a Haunted Mansion Holiday!
It’s a fun combination of Halloween and Christmas featuring Jack Skellington and his unusual take on the holidays.
SPACE MOUNTAIN GHOST GALAXY
This one sounds pretty scary for my little ones (and me, I admit!), but I bet it would be amazing for thrill-seekers!
Hop on speeding Space Mountain vehicles to explore a ghostly galaxy full of menacing spirits! If you like eerie screams, creepy music, and spine-chilling surprises, this will be right up your alley!
Halloween Screams
Celebrate Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort with a thrilling spectacle suitable for guests of all ages.
Revel in a night of spine-tingling visions and chilling melodies from September to October 31, 2023, during this 10-minute evening extravaganza.
The festivities begin with a bone-chilling introduction from your ‘Master of Scare-omonies,’ Jack Skellington, and his spectral dog Zero, iconic characters from Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
As Jack and Zero dissolve into the darkness, prepare for a heart-pounding symphony of sights and sounds.
Witness flickering flames, ghostly projections, and classic Disney villains like Maleficent and Ursula the Sea Witch, all synchronized to a compilation of Halloween-inspired melodies. Each moment is a chilling climax.
Don’t hold back during the grand finale – sing or even scream along! On certain nights, prepare to be mesmerized as a fireworks display takes over the sky.
Please note that fireworks occur only on specific nights, and Halloween Screams may be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances.
Oogie Boogie Bash–A Disney Halloween Party
Mickey’s Halloween Party was a separate event from the rest of the regular Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort festivities.
In 2019, Mickey’s Halloween Party transformed into the Oogie Boogie Bash–A Disney Halloween Party and it’s located at Disney California Adventure.
This family-friendly event includes after-hours access to Disney California Adventure Park, trick-or-treating, Disney character photo opportunities, spooky entertainment, attractions, and more.
Tickets for 2023 are sold out, so consider yourself lucky if you snagged one! We’re excited to be going back this fall because we’ve had a great time in previous years!
Here’s what you should know about the Oogie Boogie Bash for 2023:
SEPARATE TICKET
What’s cool about the Oogie Boogie Bash — A Disney Halloween Party is that you don’t need Disneyland tickets to attend.
So, if you are in the Los Angeles area, you can pop over just for the event without spending an entire day at Disneyland.
OOGIE BOOGIE BASH HACK
Your ticket for Oogie Boogie Bash–A Disney Halloween Party actually gives you admission to Disney California Adventure parks up to three hours prior to the party’s start time.
So, this is an awesome way to kick off a Disneyland vacation without paying for park tickets on your arrival day. Or, it makes a great “rest” day during your Disney vacation.
VILLAIN-THEMED REDWOOD CREEK CHALLENGE TRAIL
A transformed Redwood Creek Challenge Trail becomes a wondrous and ethereal world of Disney villains unlike anything seen before.
Redwood Creek will be completely transformed with lighting, projections, sounds, and special effects, creating a dreamlike environment.
This new experience unfolds in a series of scenes, each creating a hauntingly beautiful dream space of color, sound, light, and shadow as stories emerge from the darkest night to create an enchanting world.
IMMERSIVE TREAT TRAILS
New and wonderfully wicked, fully immersive treat trails throughout Disney California Adventure, where guests may enjoy trick-or-treating under the watchful eyes of iconic characters such as Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” or even Oogie Boogie himself.
Additional treat trails will feature oversized cauldrons full of treats for all guests at Oogie Boogie Bash.
MICKEY’S TRICK AND TREAT SHOW
The Mickey’s Trick and Treat show is perfect for young guests at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land.
This interactive stage production invites guests of all ages to join Mickey Mouse and his pals as they throw a one-of-a-kind Halloween party that includes dancing, not-so-frightening scary tales, and candy.
DISNEY VILLAINS
Are you always on the hunt for photo ops with Disney villains? Guests attending Mickey’s Halloween Party may also visit Villains Square for a chance to encounter and take photos with Disney villains.
CARTHAY CIRCLE
New Halloween magic appears on the façade of Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street.
Carthay Circle will be enchanted throughout the night as bats swarm, green energy pulses from within, and spellbinding moments transform the iconic tower structure.
PHOTOPASS DEAL
Attendees have access to unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads of photos taken during the event! That makes it easier than ever to capture memories during the Oogie Boogie Bash–A Disney Halloween Party.
With so many Disney characters dressed in Halloween attire throughout the park, you may have a ton of photos!
DISNEYLAND HALLOWEEN PARADE
Don’t miss the Frightfully Fun Parade at Disney California Adventure Park.
The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow arrives on his ghostly black steed just ahead of the parade itself, carrying his flickering jack-o-lantern.
He heralds the arrival of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse who lead the cavalcade of characters, including Jack Skellington and many mischievous Disney villains who are ready to stir up some trouble along the parade route.
ADULTS CAN WEAR COSTUMES
The really big thing, though, is that EVERYONE is encouraged to dress up in costumes! Normally, only kids can wear costumes at Disney Parks.
So, this is a unique opportunity for teens and adults to go all out in their Disney costumes.
Disney Family Costume Ideas
If you are attending the Oogie Boogie Bash–A Disney Halloween Party, you’ll definitely want to plan out your family’s costume.
Personally, I think the obvious choice is to pick a favorite Disney movie as your theme. But it could be really cute to dress up as Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse and add a costume!
COCO
I’m lobbying for this one in our family. Not only is it one of my favorite PIXAR movies, but it also fits perfectly with the Dia de los Muertos celebrations at Disneyland.
If you just want a little touch of Coco, pick up a pair of the coveted Coco Dia de los Muertos Minnie Ears at the Parks. They are a hot item, so grab one if you can!
Otherwise, you can easily Disneybound as Miguel with this red hoodie for adults or this one for kids!
THE INCREDIBLES
The Incredibles is another awesome choice. You can dress up as members of the family (including Baby Jack-Jack!) or choose another Super character.
I’m pretty obsessed with designer extraordinaire Edna Mode, so that would be my top pick. Plus, an Edna Disneybound would be pretty easy. You’d just need her iconic glasses and to wear a fabulous black outfit.
TOY STORY
There are so many cool Toy Story photo ops along Pixar Pier!
Poultry Palace and Senor Buzz Churros are just a few of the places that would be cute to pose in a costume!
What I love most about using Toy Story for a family costume is there are SO many characters to choose from!
And it’s easy to do a Toy Story Disneybound by adding a few cowboy/cowgirl elements like this Woody Hat or these fun cow print leggings.
STAR WARS
If you’re as bit of a fan of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as my family, this is another fun choice. Plus, your kids could pose with Star Wars characters throughout your trip!
My son is a HUGE Star Wars fan. Well, he’s only a fan of the bad guys. He loves to dress up as Kylo Ren and have the rest of us be his stormtroopers.
I’m going to buy Star Wars costumes for both of my boys regardless, because they have fun dressing up at home and using their imaginations!
Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour
Experience Halloween like never before with Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour at Disneyland Park! This is another paid experience that isn’t included in your ticket price.
Your expert guide will lead your group through the park, adorned with delightful and eerie Halloween decorations, sharing spooky tales specific to Disney.
Begin your adventure at the shadowy bayou for the exciting Pirates of the Caribbean experience, complete with expedited access. An incredible photo op awaits with the Hitchhiking Ghost from the Haunted Mansion.
This 2-hour walking tour not only narrates the history of Halloween but also includes a reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams, a spectacular nighttime show that’s sure to send chills down your spine!
Each guest will receive a Halloween-themed treat and a special Happiest Haunts Tour pin.
What to Bring to Disneyland During Halloween
GLOWSTICKS
I know I always recommend families bring glowsticks on their Disney vacations, but it’s even more fitting during Halloween! Pick up some bright orange glowsticks or these fun glowsticks with bats and spiders.
EXTRA CLOTHES
Bring extra clothes just in case your costumes don’t fit Disneyland’s dress code/guidelines. This is also helpful if you think your kids won’t want to be in their costumes all day long.
I think these Mickey Mouse Halloween jammies would be super cute to change kids into after dinner!
JACKETS
Yes, I know I just said to bring extra clothes, but this is for another purpose. October can get a little chilly, even in SoCal. So, pack a sweatshirt or jacket for everyone in your family.
TREAT BAGS
If you are attending the Oogie Boogie Bash–A Disney Halloween Party AND you are very motivated to take advantage of all the treats available, you might want to bring your own empty bag.
OR, you can fill your own Halloween-themed treat bags to give to your kids throughout the day at Disneyland Resort.
For mine, I’m thinking of packing this Mickey Halloween book and these Mickey Mouse Trick or Treat supplies.
Halloween at Disneyland FAQs
Typically, Disneyland starts decorating for Halloween in early September, but the exact date can vary each year.
Halloween at Disneyland often features special events like the Oogie Boogie Bash, Disney’s Happiest Haunts guided tour, themed parades, and unique nighttime shows like “Halloween Screams.” There are also seasonal ride overlays, such as the Haunted Mansion Holiday and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.
Yes, during special Halloween events like the Oogie Boogie Bash, guests of all ages are permitted to wear costumes, but they must adhere to specific guidelines outlined by Disneyland. Adults can’t wear costumes in the parks during normal hours.
Yes, during the Oogie Boogie Bash, there are numerous treat stations located throughout the park where guests can trick or treat.
Absolutely! Disneyland offers a variety of Halloween-themed foods and drinks, from spooky cupcakes to pumpkin-flavored treats.
Yes, the Oogie Boogie Bash requires a separate ticket, which typically includes access to the park for a few hours before the party starts. It’s sold out for 2023.
Most attractions remain open during Halloween events, but it’s always a good idea to check Disneyland’s official schedule for any changes or closures.
Disneyland Halloween Events Wrap-Up
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Disneyland in September or October. It’s one of our favorite times to visit!
But if Disneyland isn’t your thing and you would like to do something different for Halloween, check out some spooky Halloween hotels or Halloween vacations instead!
You can also just do one at home with these fun and easy Disney Halloween party ideas!
It does tend to have inclement weather, so be prepared to visit Disneyland in the rain!
This sounds like so much! We’re actually taking my son to Universal this fall so we may have to add on a day at Disney as well =)
Yes add a day! My husband and I hit up Universal several months ago and it’s amazing!
I’d love to go to Disneyland at Halloween. I’ve been to Walt Disney World during the Halloween season and it was a real blast, fun for the whole family.
Oh that’s awesome! Disney does such a great job decorating!
great tips for disneyland.. we visited it a couple of years ago during the christmas holidays, and am sure every holiday is a funtime
OOh! I’ve heard Christmas is pretty amazing there!
Those macaroons look amazing and so much fun! I love Halloween its our favorite time of year and these are some great ideas to make it all the better.
I loved Halloween as a kid, but my interest as an adult has been waning. Hoping this gets me back into the spirit!
My husband and I were there for our honeymoon right at the start of this last year. My favorite parts were the overlay on Cars Land and the spooky treats (I got a mummy marshmallow wand!).
Ooh! I want the marshmallow wand! Yum!
The fact that adults can wear costumes to Disney totally makes me want to go there for Hallowe’en this year!! Unfortunately, I’ve not yet been to any of the Disney Parks yet. 🙁
Wouldn’t that be fun? Oh, you MUST go!
This just made me SOOO excited for Halloween! It’s my favorite time of year 🙂
People love it or hate it! I like the cutesy stuff more than the creepy decor!
I love Disneyland and I love Halloween. This is a great combination. I wish I could go and experience this.
Doesn’t it sound incredible? We can’t wait!
Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to Disneyland. Loving the pictures so much.
Thanks! Disney takes great photos!
I’d love to go to Disneyland at Halloween. I am yet to visit Disney Land. I can’t wait to go.
Our family LOVES it there and I wish we could do more frequent trips!
Yaas Yaas Yaas to this post! I LOVE Disneyland during the Halloween season! The whole park transforms!
That’s what we keep hearing and is a big reason we had to go this year!
These are truly unique and fun pics, at least for me. With a Disney and Halloween mad kid at home, am sorely tempted to follow your trail 🙂
It’s kind of a last minute trip, so we’re extra excited!
Halloween is my favorite holiday. I can’t wait to experience a Disney Halloween. I think next year my littlest will (finally) be ready for a Disney trip.
I’m going to do a post about my Halloween tips and tricks when we get back!
I’ve always wanted to go for Halloween! Hopefully when our kids are older. It’s just a short drive away
You are so lucky it’s nearby!
Disneyland has always have something amazing. That’s a lot of things to do during Halloween in Disneyland. Very informative post. Thanks!
Yes, they really go above and beyond my expectations!
This actually made me so sad reading this post because I want to be in disneyland so bad! Hahaha Halloween is SO fun and the food is amazing. I’m glad you guys had a fun time!!!!
Oh I didn’t mean to make you feel sad! I hope you get to go soon!
I’ve visited Disneyland once but not during Halloween. There’re lots of fun activities in Halloween Party I assume. I would love to have a time there!
We’re looking forward to all the festivities!
I’ve never been to Disneyland, but it looks like Fall is the perfect time to go!
Yes, the weather is usually perfect!
There’s so much to love about spending Halloween at Disney! This is simply exciting and definitely something that the whole family will enjoy!
We can’t wait for next month!
Wow! There is so much when in comes to Halloween abroad. Wish we had this in India to experience.
Well, you have so many amazing holidays in India!
This looks amazing!!! Now I know the perfect time to visit with the fam! haha!
Right? It’s just so festive!