Halloween at Disneyland Resort: A Spooky and Spectacular Celebration
Halloween is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort, with a variety of seasonal activities, decorations, and special events designed to delight guests of all ages. This year’s celebration kicks off with a range of spooky-themed experiences that bring beloved Disney characters like Jack Skellington, Maleficent, and Ursula to life. From haunted attractions to festive food, there's something for everyone during this magical time of year.
Visitors have already begun flocking to the resort, eager to experience the enchantment of Halloween. The celebration will continue through October 31, coinciding with the resort’s ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations, making it an especially memorable time to visit.
Immersive Halloween Decorations
As soon as guests enter Disneyland Park, they are greeted by the vibrant fall décor. Main Street U.S.A. features a giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin perfect for family photos. Autumn-colored bunting adorns shop fronts, and a barber shop quartet often performs seasonal and spooky songs, adding to the atmosphere.
The Haunted Mansion is one of the highlights of the Halloween season. Inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the ride includes macabre decor and a seasonal overlay featuring Jack Skellington. This year, a 13-foot-tall gingerbread house has been added to the Grand Hall, created by a team of carpenters, pastry chefs, and storytellers. The scent of gingerbread fills the air, enhancing the immersive experience.
The mansion also boasts over 400 flickering candles and more than 100 jack-o-lanterns illuminated at night. Additional animated figures, man-eating wreaths, and vampire teddy bears add to the spooky charm.
Halloween Transformations in Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park also undergoes a Halloween transformation. Rides such as Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark offer thrilling new experiences. For younger guests, Mickey’s Trick and Treat show provides a fun, interactive event featuring music, stories, and treats.
The park also celebrates Dia de los Muertos with activities inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Coco. Guests can enjoy music, storytelling, crafts, and photo opportunities with a hand-carved Miguel figure.
Seasonal Food Offerings
No visit to Disneyland during the holidays would be complete without indulging in the special food on offer. In Disney California Adventure Park, Paradise Garden Grill serves up Mexican fare, including a new loaded chicken quesadilla. At Disneyland Park, guests can enjoy a range of sweet treats, from pumpkin spice breadsticks to caramel apple cheesecake.
Several restaurants feature seasonal menu items, such as the Haunted Heatwave Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet and pumpkin-spiced breadsticks served with a caramel cream cheese sauce. The Blue Bayou Restaurant offers a Doberge Cake made with layers of pumpkin spice sponge, chocolate whipped ganache, and salted caramel buttercream.
Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, including a sweet potato hummus dish at Cafe Orleans and a butternut squash flatbread at Red Rose Taverne.
Nighttime Spectaculars
As the sun sets, the Halloween festivities reach their peak with the “Halloween Screams” nighttime spectacular in Disneyland Park. The show begins with a larger-than-life appearance of Jack Skellington, accompanied by his dog Zero gliding across the sky. The performance features Halloween-themed music, ghostly images, and appearances from villains like Maleficent and Ursula the Sea Witch.
On select nights, the show includes fireworks, creating a truly unforgettable experience for guests. With its blend of spooky fun, immersive decorations, and seasonal treats, the Halloween celebration at Disneyland Resort is sure to be a highlight of the year.
