It may be the middle of the summer for most of us, but in Disneyland, all eyes are already on the fall. Yep, Halloween Season 2019 is just around the corner. Here’s what to expect during this year’s Halloween celebration, which officially runs from September 6 – October 31.
OOGIE BOOGIE BASH
 Source: Disneyland Resort
Perhaps the biggest change to this year’s lineup is the annual Halloween Party. The 2019 version is not Mickey-themed. Instead, visitors will attend the Oogie Boogie Bash. The party will also take place over in California Adventure, instead of Disneyland.
The Oogie Boogie Bash is an after-hours ticketed event, separate from regular park tickets and passes. Only partygoers are allowed into the park during the event, which means shorter lines and exclusive character experiences and entertainment!
If you’ve never been to a Halloween party, I’ve got an in-depth post explaining the annual entertainment, trick-or-treating, and costume experiences here. Tickets for this year’s event are already on sale. For more information about the party specifics, or to buy tickets, visit the official event page here.
ATTRACTION OVERLAYS
Halloween experiences at the Disneyland Resort are not limited to after-hours events. In both parks, several attractions take on seasonal overlays, transforming into new experiences complete with special music, theming, and sometimes storylines.
DISNEYLAND
- Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas – This special overlay lasts from Halloween to Christmastime. Jack Skellington and friends take over the mansion, hosting a frighteningly fun holiday party. (This overlay actually runs until January!)
- Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy – As you fly through space, you might realize your ship accidentally flew into another dimension. Try to fly back down to Disneyland without being caught in the clutches of scary space ghosts.
 Source: Disneyland Resort
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
- Guardians of the Galaxy Monsters After Dark – Once the sun sets, the Guardians face a new challenge…rescuing Groot from the clutches of monsters that have taken over the Collector’s Fortress.
- Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween – Enjoy your favorite Cars Land dances, this time to some spooky tunes.
- Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree – Like Luigi, Mater’s moving to a brand new Halloween soundtrack.
 Source: Disneyland Resort
In addition to the overlays, you’ll also notice lots of Halloween décor across different lands. Main Street USA, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Buena Vista Street, and Cars Land are the best places to find festive décor and hidden details.
ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS
Overlays and décor aren’t the only special happenings during Halloween!
- Happiest Haunts Tour – Sign up for a special tour during park hours. This 2.5 hour tour covers the history of the Haunted Mansion, with added ghost stories and haunting tales from around the park.
- Main Street Pumpkin Festival – Take some time to walk Main Street and you’ll discover a massive collection of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns, from the giant Mickey in the plaza to smaller pumpkins in every store window.
- Halloween Merchandise & Treats – Stores all over the resorts offer limited-edition Halloween souvenirs, from clothing to bags to poison apple-tinis! Even if you’re not a shopper, take some time to browse – the Halloween merchandise is really cool.
 Source: Disneyland Resort
TIPS & TRICKS FOR HALLOWEEN TIME
- If you’re interested in attending the party but want to save a little money, consider skipping a day when you buy your tickets. Your Halloween party ticket gets you 8 hours in the park (but keep in mind that’s just in California Adventure). Anaheim is very warm in the fall, so you could easily spend the first half of the day at your hotel pool or in Downtown Disney, and then still get a lot of park time in without a regular ticket.
- Even though it’s Halloweentime, please keep in mind that costumes are only allowed (for guests over 14) during the after-hours party. Guests wearing costumes outside of party ticket hours, or in Disneyland at all, will not be allowed entry into the parks.
- Look for villains. During Halloween, you’ll see rare villains freely roaming, not just during the party. The villains are amazing performers and create unforgettable guest experiences – especially as the costumed partygoers start streaming into the park.
 Source: Disneyland Resort
For more information about the Disneyland Resort’s Halloween offerings, you can check out the official page here.