Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>

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We attended our second Halloween party at Disneyland and loved it both times with all our Halloween-loving selves!  I’m a HUGE Halloween fan- in fact, it is very closely tied with Christmas being my favorite holiday.  For some years, I have enjoyed Halloween more.  I think I feel less pressure than Christmas to fulfill some pre-set expectations of a holiday.  Anything I do at Halloween just seems like an extra bonus in the fun-mom account.

I think this party is still not hugely advertised and is a lot of word of mouth.  However, it is growing!  I noticed this year, they started the parties in mid-September, and it seems all are sold out.  Halloween decorations were officially in place by September 7th, which surprised me a little bit.

Halloween Party: My Overview

My favorite part of the party is, of course, a reason to dress up.  I’ve been a big fan of costumes for a long time.  See this gem from when Lucy was just a wee babe.  In fact, this may have been the first time we left her with a sitter.  We attended a friend’s Titanic party and won for best costumes in some categories.

The party at Disneyland was really, really fun, and I’m so glad I had a friend to tell me about it (thanks, Darcy!).  They limit the number of tickets, which is the biggest benefit.  Crowds start rolling out when the party starts, but they don’t officially kick you out.  You could be in the park and probably just sit and people watch.  However, once the party time has started, you can’t go on any rides or enter certain areas without a wristband (and they do check it multiple times).  This means the rides are really light and easy!  Splash Mountain was so sparse we got to ride twice and could have gone a third time without even getting in line again.  Indiana Jones was 5 minutes.  Any Disney-goer will recognize this as simply amazing.  It is a great time to get on those rides you may not have done yet or have been wishing for.

The Trick-or-Treating itself is also enjoyable.  They have various “stations” set up around the park, out of the way of the main walkways, which all serve the same treats/snacks/candy.  They are really generous and you could easily go through twice.  You get small treat bags at the front, but they won’t hold enough for long if you are serious about the candy.  So bring your own or support Disney further by buying one at the shops.

You’ll see tons of the villain characters.  We saw Jafar, Gaston, the villain from Princess and the Frog (Dr. Facilier), Cinderella’s step-mom and step-sisters, Ursula and Cruella DeVille, just to name a few.  There is a fun villain parade, which we saw last year.  This year, they also added fireworks to the party, which is a fun touch!  At this time of year (in September), the fireworks only happen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Many families dress up, and you’ll see some fun themes (maybe high-five a few brave fellow costumed parents like us).  It’s Halloween magic on an epic level- Disneyland and Halloween collided.

Attractions To Visit During Halloween

Disneyland during Halloween transforms into a spooky, magical wonderland, with special attractions you won’t want to miss! Here are the top attractions to prioritize with your family:

Haunted Mansion Holiday

The Haunted Mansion gets a festive Halloween and Christmas makeover with The Nightmare Before Christmas theme. The eerie mix of Jack Skellington and holiday cheer makes this a must-do for Halloween fans of all ages!

Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark

Over at Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout transforms at night into Monsters After Dark! It’s a high-energy, spooky thrill ride that’s perfect for older kids and brave parents.

Oogie Boogie Bash (California Adventure)

If you have tickets to this separate-ticket event, you’re in for a treat. From immersive trick-or-treat trails, special villain encounters, and the famous “Frightfully Fun Parade,” this is the ultimate Halloween party for the family.

Main Street Pumpkin Festival

Wander down Main Street, U.S.A., to see hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins on display, including the giant Mickey pumpkin. This spot is great for photos and setting the mood for your spooky Disney adventure.

Halloween Screams

Don’t miss the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular! This fireworks show (on select nights) is hosted by Jack Skellington and features spooky projections and special effects, a highlight for the whole family.

Halloween Food To Try

Okay, let’s talk about the yummy stuff! Disney goes all out with their Halloween-themed treats, and trust me, you don’t want to miss them. From pumpkin-spiced churros to ghostly cupcakes, there’s something for every sweet tooth. My personal favorite? The Oogie Boogie-shaped rice crispy treat – it’s spooky and delicious!

Don’t forget to try the special Halloween drinks too. They have both kid-friendly options and some fun “potion” mocktails that the little ones will love. And if you’re a fan of the famous Disneyland corn dogs, keep an eye out for their Halloween version – it’s usually dipped in orange-colored batter!

Pro tip: Use the Disneyland app to mobile order your food. It’ll save you precious party time, and you can spend more energy trick-or-treating instead of waiting in food lines!

Where To Stay

Finding the right place to stay can make or break your Disney Halloween experience. Here are a few options I recommend:

1. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: If you want to splurge, this is the way to go. It’s literally steps away from the park and has that magical Disney touch.
2. Disneyland Hotel: Another great Disney property option, with fun themed rooms and a short walk to the parks.
3. Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel: This is a great budget-friendly option that’s still close to the parks. Plus, it has a water playground that the kids will love!
4. Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim: This hotel is super close to the parks and has spacious rooms perfect for families.

Remember, staying close to the park means you can easily pop back to the hotel for a mid-day nap or costume change. Trust me, with all the excitement, you might need it!

What To Pack For Halloween Adventure In Disneyland

Packing for a Disney Halloween adventure requires a bit of extra thought. Here’s my must-pack list:

• Costumes: Of course! But remember, Disneyland has some costume guidelines, so check those out before you pack.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
• Layers: It can get chilly at night, even in California.
• Trick-or-treat bags: The ones provided are small, so bring your own if you’re serious about candy collecting.
• Portable charger: You’ll be taking lots of photos, and you don’t want to miss that perfect shot because of a dead battery.
• Water bottles: Stay hydrated while you’re having fun!
• Snacks or Candies: While there’s plenty of food available, having some familiar snacks or extra candies can be a lifesaver with kids.
• Glow sticks or light-up accessories: These are fun for the kids and help you keep track of them in the dark.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Always a good idea when you’re out and about with kids.
• A good backpack to carry your kids stuff!

12 Family Tips For Halloween Times

1. Get your tickets as soon as they go on sale, usually about three months before the event. They sell out fast!
2. If possible, plan your trip for late September. The bulk of the Halloween crowds turn out in October, making it much busier.
3. You can enter the park 3 hours before the event starts. I recommend being at Disney California Adventure’s door 4 hours before the event to be at the front of the lines.
4. Use the Disneyland app, it’s a lifesaver for wait times, mobile food ordering, and navigating the park.
5. Make a list of must-do activities. You probably won’t be able to do everything, so focus on what’s most important to your family.
6. Don’t miss Oogie Boogie Bash. If you’re visiting during Halloween, this is a must-do event. It sells out every year, so get tickets early! Focus on the characters and entertainment, but also take advantage of shorter ride lines.
7. On nights when Oogie Boogie Bash is happening at California Adventure, expect increased crowds at Disneyland and Downtown Disney after 6 PM. Make dinner reservations in advance!
8. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the excitement. Schedule in some downtime, even if it’s just sitting and people-watching for a while.
9. If you can handle it, stay until the park closes (often 12 AM during peak Halloween season). The parks start to empty out around 10:30 PM, and you might walk onto rides that had long waits earlier.
10. This is one of the few times you can meet many Disney villains, so take advantage if your kids are interested.
11. The Mickey pumpkin at the beginning of Main Street, U.S.A. always has a long line. Plan when you want to wait for this photo op – evening can be nice when it’s lit up!
12. Don’t miss the special shows, the villain parade and Halloween fireworks are spectacular and really add to the magical atmosphere.

Halloween at Disneyland is truly a magical experience. With a little planning and the right attitude, it can be an unforgettable family adventure. So put on those costumes, grab your trick-or-treat bags, and get ready for some spooktacular fun!

Have Fun!

Leslie

Additional Reading

Our Review Of All Disney Parks In The World

The Stark Reality of Disney: Is It Worth It?

19 Essential Tips for Your First Disney Trip: Everything You Need To Know As A Beginner!