We are coming up on the most wonderful time of the year, and by that I mean spooky season and Halloween of course! And that means the return of one of the most popular times at the Disneyland Resort running from September 1 to October 31, 2023. This time of year in the parks is truly amazing, and there is so much to do and see!
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Now before we get into this, if you are hoping to experience Halloween Time in the parks, you need to book your trip now as this time of year fills up very quickly, and the best way to do that is with my friends at Get Away Today. You will always get the best prices when booking with them and their amazing customer service reps will help you plan the perfect trip and take all the hassle out of planning. You can book your trip here and use code RAMBLING10 or call them at 1-855-GET-AWAY and tell them I sent you to receive additional money off of your package!
Now we’ve got a lot to cover from characters to seasonal food offerings, ride overlays, entertainment options, and amazing decorations, so let’s get in to what you can expect from this amazing time of year in the parks.
Character Meet and Greets
Meeting characters at Disney is always one of the best parts of visiting the parks, but during Halloween Time that experience gets even better. Every year the characters throughout the parks whip up their best costumes for that years festivities! This year, Mickey and friends will have the most amazing bat inspired costumes! Here is the image that Disney released during their Halfway to Halloween celebration.
As well as the classic characters in their Halloween best and other traditional characters out and about, there are opportunities to meet various villains throughout the park like Jafar, Captain Hook, Maleficent, the Evil Queen, and more. You may seem some rare characters emerge throughout the park like Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas, Constance Hatchaway, and more, so keep an eye out on the app for when they’ll be out and you can always ask cast members when they will be greeting guests.
If you’re looking for Jack and Sally, you can find them in New Orleans Square next to the Pieces of Eight shop at the exit of Pirates, back it the walkway with the staircase. There’s even a fun Nightmare Before Christmas decorations set up as the backdrop for the meet and greets.
Halloween Decor
In true Disney fashion, the entire park is transformed to feel like you’ve stepped into the Halloween season and it is absolutely beautiful. As soon as you step into the esplanade, you are greeted with the most festive decor that represents the feeling of each park. Disneyland is more fall based decor while California Adventure is more centered on spooky season and Halloween and I love that each park has it’s own unique personality during this time of year.
Along with all the decorations scattered throughout the parks, there are a few main decor pieces you won’t want to miss:
Main Street Pumpkin Festival
As soon as you enter Town Square at the beginning of Main Street USA, you will see the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. At the heart of this of course is the giant Mickey Pumpkin in Town Square which is a can’t miss photo op and make sure to go around the back of the giant Mickey pumpkin to see Blinky as he has lovingly been nicknamed. As you walk up Main Street, you will see pumpkins everywhere leading you to the pumpkin statues at the end of Main Street. Surrounding the Partners Statue in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, you will find a pumpkin representing each of the lands in Disneyland which is a really fun touch. Don’t miss the chance to see all the pumpkins along Main Street at night when they’re all lit up for the full effect.
Buena Vista Street
In the main hub of Buena Vista street in from of Carthay Circle, during the day you will notice subtle touches of Halloween like the purple banners and bats coming out of Carthay Circle’s windows. But at night, everything is lit up with purple lights, a headless horseman statue, bats, and more! It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in all the parks during this time of the year.
Halloween Tree
The Halloween Tree is one of the most iconic Halloween decor pieces in the parks. This tree stands alone in Frontierland right next to the Golden Horseshoe across from Big Thunder Mountain and during the day it may seem like just some tree, but at night it is lit up with beautiful orange lights and is decorated with jack-o-lanterns. Based on the Ray Bradbury story “The Halloween Tree” it symbolizes the true meaning of Halloween.
Radiator Screams
The most detailed part of the parks is Radiator Springs. The entire land is transformed to become Radiator Screams with so many fun details. From big decor pieces like the Cozy Cone and Flo’s V8 decor to the little details like the tire pumpkins, gas can pumpkin patch, and more, there is so much to see in Cars Land during Halloween Time. And make sure you are in the area around sunset as the neon in the land will come to life just like in the movie.
Dia de los Muertos
If you head over to Frontierland, you can find this special celebration outside of Rancho del Zocalo near Big Thunder Mountain. This is a celebration to honor those who have passed away complete with beautiful bright flowers, a trio of skeleton mariachi musicians, and other traditional decorations used on ofrendas on the Day of the Dead. Don’t miss the beautiful walkway leading from Frontierland and the Fantasy Faire area right outside the entrance to Rancho del Zocalo.
Plaza de la Familia
Found in California Adventure in the Paradise Gardens area near Goofy’s Sky School, Plaza de la Familia brings to life Coco and everything it represents. You can enjoy music from the beloved film, meet Miguel, and post messages to love ones on the Memory Wall. There are lots of fun crafts, delicious Mexican food, and mariachi performances.
Seasonal food and drinks
Halloween Time offers some of the best food and beverage options of any time in the parks. From Halloween themed sweets to spooky snacks, there is so much to try in the parks during Halloween! Below I have a 3 page printable foodie guide for you to use in Disneyland, California Adventure, as well as Downtown Disney so you can pick and choose your must try items for your visit!
Along with seasonal food offerings, the parks also offer novelty items like sippers, glow cubes, popcorn buckets, and more. Here’s everything they are offering in 2023 and where to find them:
Novelties Available Throughout Disneyland Resort (Available starting Sept. 1)
- Glow in the Dark Donald Candy Corn Sipper: Includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: The Golden Horseshoe, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, and Stage Door Café
- At Disney California Adventure park: Award Wieners, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Mortimers Market, Paradise Garden Grill, Smokejumpers Grill, and Studio Catering Co.
- Halloween Alien Straw Clip: Available with purchase of beverage (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Lemonade near Tomorrowland Expo Center, and Pretzels at near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- At Disney California Adventure park: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining, Lamplight Lounge, Mortimers Market, Señor Buzz Churros, and Smokejumpers Grill
- Halloween Popcorn Bucket (New) (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; no discounts apply); Available at various popcorn carts at Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park.
- Halloween Travel Tumbler: Includes beverage; specialty beverage for an additional charge at select locations (New) (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Most quick-service restaurants and select outdoor vending carts
- At Disney California Adventure park: Most quick-service restaurants and select outdoor vending carts
- At Disneyland Hotel: The Coffee House
- At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill
- Iridescent Black Poison Apple Mug: Includes choice of Coca-Cola bottled beverage at time of purchase (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train, Hungry Bear Restaurant (Available with specialty beverage for an additional charge), Main Street Fruit Cart, Plaza Inn, Tropical Imports, and Tomorrowland Fruit Cart
- At Disney California Adventure park: Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Also available with ice cream float for an additional cost), Fairfax Market, Mortimers Market, and Schmoozies! (Includes coffee at time of purchase or specialty coffee for an additional charge)
- Lock, Shock and Barrel Straw Clip with purchase of beverage (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Cafe Orleans, Churros & Lemonade in Critter Country, Harbour Galley, and Royal Street Veranda
- At Disney California Adventure park: Hollywood Lounge, Mortimers Market, Smokejumpers Grill, and Studio Catering Co.
- Maleficent Bottle Topper with purchase of beverage (New)(Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train, Churros at small world Promenade, Churros near Haunted Mansion, Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Churros near Town Square, Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pretzels at small world Promenade, Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, and Maurice’s Treats
- At Disney California Adventure park: Willie’s Churros, Churros near Goofy’s Sky School, Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Fairfax Market, Churros at Hollywood Land, Mortimers Market, and Outdoor Vending
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Pumpkin Glow Cube: Available with purchase of beverage (New)(Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Café Daisy, The Golden Horseshoe, Galactic Grill, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Little Red Wagon, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, and Stage Door Café
- At Disney California Adventure park: Award Wieners, Bayside Brews, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Carthay Circle Restaurant, Corn Dog Castle, Outdoor Vending, Smokejumpers Grill, and Paradise Garden Grill
- At Disneyland Hotel: Goofy’s Kitchen
- Mickey Mouse Skeleton Bucket (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply); Available at various popcorn carts throughout Disneyland park.
- Mike Wazowski Pumpkin Bottle Topper with purchase of beverage (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Churros and Lemonade in Critter Country, Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train, Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Churros at small world Promenade, Churros near Haunted Mansion, Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Churros near Town Square, Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pretzels at small world Promenade, Pretzels near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, and Ship to Shore Marketplace
- At Disney California Adventure park: Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Willie’s Churros, Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Fairfax Market, Churros at Hollywood Land, Mortimers Market, and Outdoor Vending
- Minnie Mouse: Hocus Pocus Halloween Dress-up Sipper (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last starting Sept. 5); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Galactic Grill, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Little Red Wagon, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Refreshment Corner, and Stage Door Café
- At Disney California Adventure park: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Fairfax Market, Mortimers Market, Paradise Garden Grill, Smokejumpers Grill, and Studio Catering Co.
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Mayor’s Car Bucket (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last) Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Popcorn cart near Haunted Mansion and New Orleans Square Outdoor Vending Cart
- At Disney California Adventure park: Popcorn near Carthay Circle Restaurant, Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield, Popcorn at Pixar Pier, and Outdoor Vending
- Vampire Tow Mater Straw Clip: Available with purchase of beverage (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations at Disney California Adventure park:
- Fillmore’s Taste-In, Flo’s V8 Cafe, and Cozy Cone Motel
- Worm’s Wort Potion Bottle Glow Cube: Available with purchase of beverage (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following location:
- At Disney California Adventure park: Hollywood Lounge
- At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Hearthstone Lounge
- Zero 30th Anniversary Bucket (New) (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Popcorn near Haunted Mansion
- At Disney California Adventure park: Popcorn near Carthay Circle Restaurant, Popcorn at Pixar Pier, Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and Outdoor Vending
- Coco’s Dante Straw Clip: Available with purchase of beverage (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; available while supplies last starting Sept. 1); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, and Ship to Shore Marketplace
- At Disney California Adventure park: Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Paradise Garden Grill, and Outdoor Vending Carts
- Coco Skull Sipper: Includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase or a specialty beverage for an additional charge (New)(Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply; available while supplies last starting Sept. 15); Available at the following locations:
- At Disneyland park: Rancho del Zocalo RestauranteAt Disney California Adventure park: Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Mortimers Market, Paradise Garden Grill, and Outdoor Vending CartsAt Disneyland Hotel: The Coffee House
- At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill
- Coco Souvenir Sipper: Includes choice of Coca-Cola bottled beverages at time of purchase (Limit 10 per person, per transaction; available while supplies last starting Sept. 15); Available at the following locations:
- Disney California Adventure park: Paradise Garden Grill and Outdoor Vending Carts
Attraction Overlays
Haunted Mansion Holiday
One of the most highly anticipated parts of Halloween Time at Disneyland is the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay of the Haunted Mansion. Jack Skellington has been up to some mischief transforming the mansion for the holidays. This version is a Nightmare Before Christmas makeover that any NBC fan will absolutely love. You will notice changes outside the mansion as well as throughout the attraction, and my personal favorite touch is in the ballroom scene where a gingerbread house is created each year. Each year is a new design, but it is always spectacular and the room smells of freshly baked gingerbread which is heavenly.
If you visit Haunted Mansion Holiday at the right time you may get to see the lighting ceremony that takes place each evening. You will hear the traditional Haunted Mansion monologue begin which then begins talking about Sandy Claws as the lights come on around the mansion and music begins playing. There isn’t a specific time posted for this event, so you just want to be there between 7 and 7:30 as that’s usually when it happens.
Guardians of the Galaxy- Monsters After Dark
Every night, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! becomes Monsters After Dark in a thrilling new overlay as Rocket and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy work to rescue Groot with guests help to distract all the creatures and monsters that have been set loose.
Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin Haul-O-Ween
Both attractions in Cars Land get a healthy dose of Halloween spirit as they begin to play spooky Halloween songs and get an overlay fit for the season with cute spooky additions, spooky lighting, and more!
Entertainment
Halloween Screams
Every night during Halloween Time, guests can experience Halloween Screams along Main Street USA, the Rivers of America, and on the façade of “it’s a small world.” This show is a mix of projections and special effects, with fireworks added on the weekends.
Oogie Boogie Bash
Oogie Boogie Bash has quickly become one of the best after hours parties Disney has ever done. This is a separate ticket, after hours event held in California Adventure on select nights throughout Halloween Time. It’s basically a giant Halloween party with limited capacity where you can dress up, do treat trails, meet rare characters, see the Frightfully Fun Parade, experience the highly popular Villains Grove, and indulge in special treats and beverages. For more information about Oogie Boogie Bash, check out this post.
If you are not planning to attend this event, I would recommend getting a park hopper pass for the days this event is happening so you don’t miss out on time in the parks or make your reservations for Disneyland that day so you get your money’s worth for your tickets.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip, find a hotel, or purchase tickets here and see all these amazing things for yourself! Or if you would like to speak to a Get Away Today travel agent directly you can call them at (855) 438-2929 and tell them The Rambling Introvert sent you to save additional money off of your package!
[…] Before we get into all the details about Oogie Boogie Bash, if you’re hoping to visit the parks you need to book your trip with my travel partner Get Away Today. They will always get you the best prices possible on tickets and hotels as well as the best customer service to make sure your trip is absolute perfect. You can book your ticket/hotel package, purchase tickets, or find low rates on hotels at Get Away Today’s website or by calling 1-855-GET-AWAY. And to make it even better, tell them that I sent you or use code INTROVERT for additional money off of your Disneyland package! You can find more information about visiting Disneyland during Halloween Time here. […]