As the Disneyland Resort continues to reopen and expand offerings, fans have been waiting with baited breath to hear about this year’s Halloween lineup. Finally, we know what to expect, with this year’s season running from September 3 to October 31. Let’s see what’s coming.
OOGIE BOOGIE BASH RETURNS
Source: Disneyland Resort
This year, California Adventure will once again host the halloween party: Oogie Boogie Bash. This after-hours, separately ticketed event gives visitors a chance to trick-or-treat, meet characters, and hop on rides with smaller crowds – all in costume!
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 25 nights go on sale Tuesday (July 13). For more information about party offerings, tickets, and costume rules, visit the event page here.
A HALLOWEEN SPIN ON CLASSIC ATTRACTIONS
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!)
Note: I don’t see any mention of Ghost Galaxy on Disneyland’s Halloween page. If this offering shows up on the schedule, I’ll add it to the post – but for now, it seems like Space Mountain won’t get an overlay this year.
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.
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.
SPECIAL HALLOWEEN ENTERTAINMENT
Source: Disneyland Resort
It wouldn’t be Halloween at Disneyland without some special seasonal offerings! All of these are also available for regular park guests – no Oogie Boogie Bash ticket required.
- Dia de los Muertos & Plaza de la Familia – In Frontierland, don’t miss a beautiful display honoring Mexico’s day of the dead. And over in Paradise Gardens Park, join the cast of Coco in celebrating family and their spirits.
- Halloween Screams – Don’t miss the special fireworks spectacular, complete with spooky music and projections on the castle.
- 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.
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.
- Try the treats! The bakeries in both parks and in Downtown Disney serve up amazing Halloween themed snacks, desserts, and drinks you can only get this time of year.
Source: Disneyland Resort
Is there trick or treating available in Disneyland on Halloween day/night?
Only during the Halloween parties (a.k.a. Oogie Boogie Bash), which take place in California Adventure.