By Tinker Belle Diva
Are you as excited as me that Halloween Time is back at the Disneyland Resort! This year, you can enjoy the festivities from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023, at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure (DCA) park. It’s going to be FABULOUS and this is what you can expect.
The graveyard scene is transformed at Halloween Time!
The Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas overlay – Halloween Town has taken over the Haunted Mansion! Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie, Sally and the rest of the characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas are all in this makeover. From the exterior of the grounds, to the pre-show inside the elevator and all throughout the ride, you’ll be serenaded by these silly characters from the movie. DIVA TIP – the line is LOOONG for this version of the ride. If you aren’t purchasing Genie+, to cut down on your ride time, head to this ride early in the morning before the queue is too long. Each year there is a new gingerbread cake at the center of the table in the dining room/ballroom scene. Look for it and take in a big sniff – you’ll smell the gingerbread! You will only find this overlay at Disneyland, not at Walt Disney World, so be sure to check this one out! The good news is that it continues through Holiday Time too!
Dapper Dans get into the Halloween spirit
Halloween Costumed Characters – Speaking of the crew from The Nightmare Before Christmas, you can meet Jack and Sally during Halloween Time. They do walk around New Orleans Square, but you can also wait for them in the character area between the two shops, Pieces of Eight and Port Royal Curios and Curiosities near the exit to the Pirates of the Caribbean. Your other favorites, like the Fab 5, are also dressed up for the season. Be sure to check the Disneyland App to find when each character will be available.
You can probably guess this is my favorite pumpkin
The Decor – Everywhere you turn, there will be something else to notice at Halloween Time. Up and down Main Street, U.S.A. and Buena Vista Street, you will find pumpkins, banners, and shop windows decorated in Halloween themes. Stop near the end of Main Streets to find your favorite character carved into a pumpkin. At night, be sure to view the Halloween Tree in Frontierland near Bonanza Outfitters. It is gorgeous!
Nighttime Fun – This season, Disneyland will have a nighttime show and fireworks on select night called Halloween Screams every night of the week! There will be projections on the Castle as well as on the building along Main Street. Then on weekend nights, this show will be enhanced with fireworks! Check the Entertainment Schedule for times.
Tours! This year you can join a Disneyland Cast Member guide on Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour! During this 2-hour walking tour, you will learn the history of Halloween and Halloween tales specific to Disney experiences, have expedited access to Pirates of the Caribbean, enjoy a reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams, have a a photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts Audio-Animatronics from Haunted Mansion, and end the tour with a Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour Pin and a Halloween-themed treat. Yum!
FOOD!! – I had to give this one capitals and exclamation marks. I love seasonal treats at Disneyland from pumpkin beignets to Halloween popcorn buckets. Look for Halloween desserts, such as Mickey Bat Cookies, at the Market House and Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland and Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure. One of my favorite treats, the churro, will also be themed so look for the new Trick or Treat Sweets Churro rolled in shortbread sugar, drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces, and topped with TWIX cookie bar pieces at the cart near the Haunted Mansion.
HALLOWEEN PARTY!!! The Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is back again for select night starting September 5th through October 31st. This is a separate-ticket event where you can trick-or-treat throughout DCA in your Halloween costume, and you can enjoy special characters encounters, such as The Evil Queen, Maleficent, and Oogie Boogie himself. The parties will run from 6pm to 11pm with early entry allowed beginning at 3pm. These tickets sold out in just hours and are no longer available, but if you have one here is my TIP: If you wish to spend the entire day at DCA, you will need to purchase a regular ticket in addition to the event ticket AND get a reservation for DCA. Those without an event ticket will be escorted out at 6 pm. Since the Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are for a specific date, you do not need a separate Park Reservation in addition to the ticket. TIP: if you don’t have a ticket, since you must leave DCA at 6 pm, there will be a rush to for guests to return to Disneyland Park for the night. Beat the rush and head back to Disneyland earlier.
Cars Land transforms to Radiator Screams
Plaza de Familia at Memory Wall
At Disney California Adventure Park Radiator Springs will become Radiator Screams with a fun Halloween makeover. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rolickin’ Roadsters will change into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. The façade of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform at night into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. In this version, you will still have the crazy drops to a Halloween theme complete with creepy creatures. Returning again is Plaza de la Familia, which continues through Nov. 2nd. This area in Paradise Gardens is inspired by the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, and includes live entertainment, festive foods, crafts and interactive experiences.
Are you ready to plan your Halloween trip? If so, be sure to contact Patricia at All For Dreams Travel for a free vacation quote.
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