Are you looking for a special way to celebrate Halloween? Consider heading to either Disney World in Orlando, Florida, or to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Both of these theme park meccas are offering a full slate of activities to commemorate the spooky holiday. Perfect for all ages, you will find something for everyone at one of the Disney parks this fall.
Here is what you can expect all around the Disney family of theme parks.
The Halloween festivities at Disneyland kick off on September 3 and continue through October 31. Throughout your visit at the parks, you will notice all of your favorite Disney characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes.
One of the highlights of Halloween in the Disney parks is the Haunted Mansion holiday overlay, featuring Pumpkin King Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This popular attraction is located in New Orleans Square.
For something a little less scary, be sure to check out the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, boasting amazing displays of carved pumpkins. Do not miss taking a picture in front of the giant Mickey pumpkin. While taking in the pumpkins, be sure to grab a festive treat to enjoy along the way. Good seasonal options at Disneyland Park include pumpkin beignets or festive caramel apples.
Finish your day at the park with a viewing of the Halloween Screams fireworks celebration. The show includes scary projections of ghosts, traditional Disney villains such as Ursula the Sea Witch, and more. All of this fun is set to a medley of Halloween-themed songs. You may be singing along by the time the show is over.
Disney’s California Adventure Park
The fun does not stop at Disneyland Park. A short walk across the esplanade, you will find Disney’s California Adventure Park. You may have experienced the thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy attraction before, but you have not seen the Monsters After Dark version. During this special Halloween adventure, you will be sent on an exhilarating adventure to rescue Groot.
Be sure to head to Cars Land Radiator Screams so that you can take a spin on the Halloween-themed Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree. This land is definitely the place to be this fall when the sun goes down.
Oogie Boogie Bash
The hottest ticket in Southern California is the Oogie Boogie Bash. Offered on select nights in September and October, this exclusive after-hours event gives you the opportunity to dress up and collect candy along moonlit trails, ride your favorite attractions, meander the haunts at the Villains Grove in Grizzly Peak, and enjoy a front-row seat to the Frightfully Fun Parade.
Disney World Haunted Happenings
If you are in Florida, you owe it to yourself to check out the haunted happenings at Walt Disney World. Like Disneyland, Disney World comes alive during the fall season. Enjoy festive decor throughout all four main theme parks as well as at all of the resorts on property.
Be sure to make a list of Halloween-inspired treats to indulge in while visiting the parks. Popular options include the Scar cupcake at Animal Kingdom, specialty Halloween drinks outfitted with scary glow cubes, and more.
All of the parks also offer a variety of themed merchandise that you will not be able to find at any other time of the year.
Disney After Hours Boo Bash
This festive party is offered on select nights from August 10 through October 31. You can enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 7 pm on the night of the party, giving you plenty of time to check out the fall decorations and spooky haunts before the after-hours party really gets started. Because attendance is limited during this event, guests enjoy wait times that are typically much shorter than usual. Guests are also encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes.
Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine
Character meals are always a popular option at Disney World. The special Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine takes the classic character meal and puts a unique seasonal spin on it. All of the Fab Five characters are dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes, providing perfect photo opportunities for your group. The food is served family-style at your table so that you can relax and enjoy this special time with your loved ones.
