Halloween at The Disneyland Resort is something that I look forward to every year. Oogie Boogie Bash is a special ticketed event that takes place on select nights in September and October in Disney California Adventure Park. Each year the bash sells out within days but there is still plenty of Halloween fun to be had throughout the Disneyland Resort. This guide is for Halloween at Disneyland 2023.
There are so many Halloween activities and treats and photo ops at The Disneyland Resort that it can feel overwhelming to try and do everything. I hope this guide helps you decide what you want to prioritize so that you can get the most out of your visit. I will share things that regular ticket holders can do in each park and what even nonticket holders can do at Downtown Disney.
When does Halloween time at The Disneyland Resort Begin? In 2023, it officially began on 9/1 with Oogie Boogie starting on 9/5. However, some of the Halloween decor, including the Pumpkin Mickey on Main Street was up as early as the last Monday in August. If you are planning a trip during this time and don’t have tickets for Oogie Boogie be aware that DCA will close early on select nights so plan accordingly.
Halloween at Disneyland Park
As you approach the gates to Disneyland Park guests are greeted with Disney characters made out of pumpkins above the main entrance. In Town Square, the gigantic Mickey head pumpkin is one of the most popular photo ops in the park. Keep an eye out for the character pumpkins by the Walt and Mickey statue in the hub area by the castle.
Disney Halloween Characters
Town Square is also the best place to find classic Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. For 2023 the characters in Halloween costumes are Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip & Dale, Donald, Daisy, and Clarabelle. Be sure to keep an eye out for villains as well.
Jack Skellington and Sally will be doing meet and greets over by the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
For Halloween and Christmas, there is a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at the Haunted Mansion. Jack Skellington decorates the attraction making it incredibly festive. One of the things that guests love looking for is the gingerbread house in the attraction which changes every year. Every night they have a lighting ceremony that takes place between 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm nightly.
Halloween Tree
The Halloween Tree is based on the Halloween Tree novel by Ray Bradbury. You can find this gorgeously decorated tree in Frontierland.
Dia de los Muertos
In Frontierland, you can find a traditional Día de los Muertos skeleton display in Rancho del Zocalo Park near Big Thunder Mountain. If you’re lucky you might get to meet Miguel from Coco.
Villains Dance Party
At Tommorowland Terrace guests can participate in the Villians Dance Party. It is taking place from 7 pm to 11 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights in September. In October this usually takes place every night. You can always check availability in the Disneyland app.
Halloween Screams
One of the best parts about the Halloween party moving to DCA is that park guests can now enjoy the Halloween Screams Fireworks. Some of the things that make this show fun and unique are that Zero flies instead of Tinkerbelle and that there are plenty of Villain projections and music. I love watching this show. Be sure to check the Disneyland app to see if the fireworks will be taking place during your visit.
If you want seats for Halloween Screams you can purchase the Halloween Screams Plaza Inn dining package. However, keep in mind that the viewing area will be from Plaza Inn where they have bushes and hedges so the view is not that great for seeing the projections. The package includes sweet and savory villain-themed treats, a specialty beverage, a lanyard and credential, and a reserved space to enjoy the show.
There is a second fireworks dining package at Skyline Terrace in Tomorrowland. This dining experience includes one entree with a side, one dessert, unlimited soft drinks, bottled water or hot chocolate, a commemorative beverage novelty, a themed credential with lanyard, a themed coaster, and one specialty non-alcoholic drink with a glow cube.
Happiest Haunts Tour
I am disappointed to share that this guided tour experience no longer includes riding the Haunted Mansion Holiday. The 2-hour walking tour includes Disney Halloween tales, expedited access to Pirates of the Caribbean, a reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams, a special photo op with Hitchhiking Ghosts – audio-animatronics from Haunted Mansion, a guided tour pin, and a Halloween treat. You can purchase your tickets here.
Halloween Food at Disneyland
- Alien Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland
Vampire Alien Macaroon
- Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square
Chocolate-Ginger-Blueberry Mousse
- Carnation Cafe on Main Street
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland
Darth by Chocolate Parfait
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour on Main Street
Rest In Chocolate Sundae
- The Golden Horsehoe in Frontierland
Pecan Pie Sundae
- Hungry Bear Restaurant
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
Red Pepper Cheese Onion Rings
Red Pepper Cheese Fries
Pumpkin Churro Funnel Cake
Chai-spiced Pumpkin Iced Tea
Huckleberry Lemonade with blueberry garnish
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Poison Apple Macaron
Pumpkin Chai Cream Puff
Pecan Caramel Trifle
Halloween Macaroon
Mickey Bat Cookie
- Market House
Mickey Bat Cookie
- Plaza Inn
Monster Cake
Black Forest Bundt Cake
- Red Rose Tavern
Grave Stuff
Mickey Bat Cookie
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cold Brew
- Refreshment Corner
Spicy Chili Dog
- Royal Street Veranda
Potato Leek Soup
- Stage Door Cafe
Graveyard Banana Funnel Cake
- Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace
Wicked Stepsisters Crispy Pork Bowl
Pot Roast SmeeWich
Curry Royale
Maleficent Brownie
Royal Raspberry Delight
Blood Orange Slush
Pineapple & Jalapeño Limeade
- The Tropical Hideaway
Blood Orange Agua Float
- Churro Carts
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Dipping Sauce in Small World
Trick or Treat Sweets Churros (shortbread sugar, Twix pieces, caramel, and chocolate sauce) in Critter Country and New Orleans Square
Maleficent Churro (regular churro rolled in chocolate cookie crumbles) and peanut Butter Dipping Sauce at the churro cart by Sleeping Beauty Castle and Town Square.
Orange Citrus Churro (citrus-flavored churro with a citrus dipping sauce) in Tomorrowland
Halloween at Disney California Adventure Park
The Headless Horseman is located at the end of Buena Vista Street on the left. This is a great Halloween photo op in the park. Keep an eye out for classic characters like Minnie and Mickey in Halloween costumes on Buena Vista Street. Be sure to check to see if there is an Oogie Boogie party taking place. Guests without an Oogie Boogie ticket will have to leave the park when the party starts.
Guardians of the Galaxy Monsters After Dark Overlay
One thing I love about this overlay is that it only starts at 3 pm each day. For anyone wanting to enjoy the regular attraction, you’ll want to ride before 2 pm. The attraction typically closes down for at least one hour to switch over to Monsters After Dark. In this version of the attraction, you’re tasked with saving Groot from crazy creatures running loose in the Collector’s Fortress.
Carsland
Halloween is Carsland is my favorite! They truly go all out in bringing Radiator Screams to life. There are so many fun decor details for guests to enjoy. Even the town lighting ceremony at dusk when the neon lights come on has a Halloween twist. Step inside Ramone’s House of Body Art to see the special ofrenda for Doc Hudson.
Enjoy Halloween Overlays with Luigi’s Hokin’ Haul-O-Ween and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree
A Musical Celebration of Coco
This beautiful show tells the story of Coco involving puppets, dancing, and singing. It is a short show that is very easy to add to a busy day at the park. It takes place in front of the entrance to Plaza de la Familia near Goofy’s Sky School.
Plaza de la Familia
At Plaza de la Familia guests can meet Miguel and see the family ofrenda. Guests are invited to write a memory of a loved one to hang in the area. There are several cute photo ops and lots of fun food.
Halloween Food at Disney California Adventure
- Award Wieners
Te Kā Dog
Poison Apple Funnel Cake Fries
- Cappuccino Cart
Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Pumpkin-flavored cake filled with dulce de leche and cream cheese frosting finished with chocolate stem and mousse leaf
- Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Created In The Lab Sundae
Pumpkin Ale Hard Float
Apple Strudel Hard Float
- Churros
Candy Corn Churro from Carsland
Coffee & Donut Churros near Redcreek Challenge Trail
Oogie Boogie Churro in Hollywoodland
- Cozy Cone Motel 3 – Chili Cone Queso
Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone
- Flo’s V8 Cafe
Spicy Chicken and Fries
- Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums
Monster Baby
- Lamplight Lounge
Ghost Pepper Nachos
Butterscotch-Apple Mule
- Lamplight Lounge
Pumpkin-spiced Donuts
Butterscotch-Apple Mule
- Schmoozies!
Ursula Shake
Mummy Shake
- Smokejumpers Grill
Ghostly Double Cheeseburger
Haunted Forest Ice Cream Parfait
Oogie Boogie Apple Lemonade
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Oktoberfest
Ghoulish Fizz
- Wine Country Trattoria
Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
Halloween Cocktail
Oogie Boogie Bash:
One of the main differences between Mickey’s Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash is that OBB is all about the villains. This year attendees can look forward to seeing Agatha from Wandavision, Cruella from the 2021 movie, and Sid from Toy Story. The Halloween parties are a big deal for Disney fans since this gives adults the chance to wear a costume to the parks, something that normally is not allowed.
Treat bags are handed out as you enter the park but I recommend bringing bags of your own too. My friend and her boyfriend left with 22.4 pounds of candy. You will have two opportunities to see the parade, be sure to arrive at the parade around 15 minutes before it starts so that you don’t miss the headless horseman. It is recommended to go to the second parade as that one is less crowded.
So many people have said that the Villains Grove, at the Redcreek Challenge Trail, is their favorite part of the event. This is a family-friendly event that provides the opportunity to experience the park in a different way. It is pricey but all of my friends that have gone have said that it is worth it.
Downtown Disney & Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disneyland Hotel
Goofy’s Kitchen
Goofy’s Kitchen will celebrate Halloween from 9/21-10/31. Goofy and his pals will be in Halloween costumes. Guests will get a Halloween-themed button, a photo pass digital download, Halloween-themed food, decor & music.
10/28-10/31 Hotel guests at 3 three Disneyland Resort hotels can go trick-or-treating. On 10/31 all hotel guests are invited to participate in a costume contest and movie night at the Disneyland Hotel.
The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Everyone is invited to the lobby of the Grand to see a Coco-themed cake with Miguel and Dante. They will have sweet treats available for sale. You can also go to the Craftsman Grill to get an Oogie Boogie donut.
Downtown Disney
Listen out for the SCAREolers, a frightfully fun a cappella group. They will sing songs like “I Put a Spell on You”. They perform in the evenings Friday through Sunday.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
This scavenger hunt is available to those who purchase the map. Anyone can look for the pumpkins but only those will the map will get the prize. Maps can usually be purchased outside of World of Disney and Pin Traders. Guests look for pumpkins decorated like Disney Characters throughout Downtown Disney. This year the prize is a pumpkin sipper with a Disney character pumpkin on it. Maps are $9.99.
