September at Disneyland means one thing: Halloween celebrations are here in full force. The parks are decked out with pumpkins and purple lights, special treats line the menus, and Oogie Boogie Bash brings after-hours magic to California Adventure. Even with the focus on spooky celebrations, September still snuck in a few updates – and a mishap. Let’s take a look back at this month across the resort.
NEW AMBASSADORS AND LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
Disney introduced its 2026–2027 Disney Ambassadors this month, and for Disneyland, they are: Michele Mary, Resort Parking and Transportation, and Oralia Neria Felix, Operations.
 Source: Disney Parks Blog
For the next two years, they will represent cast members across the resort at community programs, media events, and special celebrations. Walt created the ambassador program in 1965, and it remains one of the most visible honors for cast members today.
Additionally, this month the resort also honored five new Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients:
- Jim Campbell – Entertainment
- Steve Finley – Attractions host
- Carol Vincent – Merchandise hostess
- Alondra Chavez Castaneda – Main gate reception
- Hank Ameen – Firefighter
 Source: Disney Parks Blog
Fewer than one percent of cast members ever receive this recognition, which celebrates those who dream, create, and inspire in their daily work. Because peers and leaders nominate each recipient, the award stands as one of the most meaningful forms of recognition at Disneyland Resort. You can learn more about each recipient here.
PAINT THE NIGHT HAS A ROUGH NIGHT
Paint the Night is easily my favorite Disneyland parade ever, and most shows run seamlessly. That wasn’t the case on September 10, however.
Guests were tipped off that something wasn’t quite right when the parade stalled before the Little Mermaid Float arrived – something usually precisely timed during the parade. Then, the parade started emitting smoke, with a few eyewitnesses claiming to see flames as well. I had a really hard time finding a clear video of the smoke itself, but in this clip from Theme Park Steve you can see the float being evacuated by the fire crew after being extinguished and powered off.
Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident, and the parade continued running without the Little Mermaid portion.
NAPLES ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL EVENT
Downtown Disney’s Naples Ristorante is adding something new to the mix this October: Pumpkins & Pancakes.
This event, running each Sunday in October, offers guests a family-style breakfast with pumpkin decorating, photo opportunities, goodie bags, and bottomless mimosas for guests over 21. Tickets cost $75 for adults and $39 for children ages 3–10. For more information about the event, check out the official page here.
OTHER UPDATES
Disney finally agreed to a wage theft settlement this month, resolving claims stemming from a cast member lawsuit in 2019 alleging they were not properly compensated for certain hours worked. The agreement covers several years of back pay and impacts hundreds of employees across the resort.
And finally, we now have the details for this year’s holiday celebration across the resort. Festivities will run from November 14 through January 7, with many fan-favorite offerings returning. For the full lineup, check out my recap post here.
 Source: Disneyland Resort