Halloween Time at Disneyland in 2024 starts August 23rd. Don’t miss Halloween Screams, the giant Mickey pumpkin, villains and so much more! The parks are decorated for fall, characters can be seen in their Halloween costumes, the Haunted Mansion changes to Haunted Mansion Holiday plus we’ll get some new SPOOKY treats to eat! I love the parks during this season and there’s so much to explore. In this post I will share all of the must do Halloween stuff at the resort inside Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Plus I’ve created a free printable Halloween Foodie Guide found at the end of this article. And I’ll share all the Halloween dining experiences available and information about the Happiest Haunts tour.
Disneyland Halloween Guide
As you enter the Disneyland Park you will spot lots of characters in Halloween costumes. Mickey and friends will be on Main Street in Town Square all dressed up. Plus don’t miss rare characters like Jack Skellington, Sally and many of our favorite villains will be throughout the park. Use the Disneyland app to locate all characters.
Next you must get a photo in front of the iconic giant Mickey pumpkin on Main Street! Did you know that one side is winking Mickey and the other is not as seen below!? Then as you stroll down Main Street look up at all the fun pumpkin decor all over. And can you smell sweet vanilla scent Disney pumps into the air?
Disneyland Halloween attraction
There are 4 rides that change to a Halloween overlay one inside Disneyland and the other 3 over at DCA (I’ll share about those further down) … Haunted Mansion Holiday is always a fan favorite when two holidays collide. This year a virtual queue will be in place in order to ride this attraction. You will need to join from the Disneyland app on the day you arrive. Watch this video for how to join the virtual queue.
Have you seen the Haunted Mansion Holiday lighting ceremony. No exact time is posted but it’s between 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. nightly. The ghosts gather to light the way for Sandy Claus. You’re invited to join and scream along as the mansion is lit. You can ask a cast member for the exact time, but I was told it happens whenever the ghosts decide it’s time.
Disneyland Halloween entertainment
So excited to have the Dapper Dans return in their Halloween best and singing Grim Grinning Ghosts Come out to Socialize. They perform several times per day. Check the Disneyland app for exact times.
“Halloween Screams” a nightly show with projections and special effects at 9:30 pm in Disneyland WITH fireworks on select nights Fri-Sun. Then on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the show will have projections, music and special effects, no fireworks those nights (except Labor Day there are fireworks). Be sure to check the app under entertainment, times are subject to change. For all my fireworks viewing tips, exit strategies and more head over here. And I share my favorite last minute spot to see fireworks on that post!
There is one dining package offered to view Halloween Screams. Skyline Terrace on select nights from August 23 to October 31, 2024. The experience is $70 per guests. For more information and to book this experience go to the Disneyland website.
During the Halloween season there is not a daily parade. You can watch the Frightfully Fun Parade during Oogie Boogie in Disney California Adventure if you have a party ticket. But in Disneyland they have a Halloween Cavalcade which is a short 2 minute parade daily at 1:45 and 2:45 p.m. No need to line up early just show up to watch. It has several characters and the Fab 5 in their Halloween outfits.
Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour returns
Disney announced the return of this guided tour around Disneyland Park to enjoy chilling stories and thrilling experiences. Plus watch Halloween Screams, a nighttime spectacular, from a special viewing area! The guided tour includes…
- A 2-hour walking tour across Disneyland Park
- A history of Halloween and Halloween tales specific to Disney experiences
- Lightning Lane entry to a select attraction
- Enjoy a reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams, a nighttime spectacular
- A photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts—Audio-Animatronics from Haunted Mansion
- A Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour Pin
- A Halloween-themed treat
I went on this tour last year. I filmed a complete review including when I’d book this tour and when I would not! Also if you’re thinking about taking kids, watch the video first. And lastly I explain the fireworks views and tips for this added perk to your tour.
You can book this guided tour through the Disneyland app or on the website. The cost is $120 plus tax. There is no Magic Key discount, but there is a Disney Visa Card 15% discount available. For other guided tours I’ve done check out this review on the holiday guided tour and Walt’s Main Street Story tour.
Disneyland Halloween treats and food
Halloween treats and other exclusive food are found all over the parks. There are special Halloween churros, treats in the bakeries, seasonal drinks, food and more. There are lots of new items and some fan favorites are returning like this Pumpkin Bundt Cake from the Cappuccino Cart. 10/10 
Another favorite drink the Green Apple Lemonade Oogie Boogie drink found at Smokejumpers Grill. It’s sweet and delicious. 10/10
My favorite treat this year is from Royal Street Veranda. I loved the pumpkin spice fritters with cream cheese dipping sauce. 
You’ll find these items and lots of new Halloween offerings on the complete HALLOWEEN FOODIE GUIDE below. The guide also includes Plaza de la Familia food offerings. Click here to print your Halloween guide including food, entertainment and more!
Over in Frontierland they are all decked out for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) September 1st – November 2nd. Find this colorful display and skeleton figurines next to Rancho del Zocalo. And read further down more celebrations for Dia de los Muertos in Disney California Adventure.
One last thing to check out during Halloween time in Disneyland is the Halloween Tree. It’s located next to the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland. Back in 2007 the dedicated oak tree officially became part of the Halloween decor. It looks so cool all lit up at night.
Disney California Adventure Halloween Guide
As you enter this park on Buena Vista Street look for the Headless Horseman. Pay close attention to the horse, it’s especially spooky at night! Plus Mickey Mouse and friends are near the fountain and around Buena Vista Street in their Halloween costumes.
Carsland is by far my favorite land to visit at Halloween time. I can’t get enough of Radiator SCREAMS! It’s SPOOKtacular especially at night time! Visit during the day but at night too! Also your favorite Cars characters come out in Halloween CARstumes!
Look for the BRAKES motel while in Carsland in the Cozy Cone Motel lobby. So you know about the Bates motel in the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie Psycho. Disney cleverly shares with guests a small replica but this time you’re looking for the play on car words, the BRAKES motel.
Disney California Adventure Halloween attractions
Also in DCA there are 3 rides that change to a Halloween overlay. Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Guardians changes daily to Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark from 3-10 p.m. Then on Oogie Boogie party nights day guests can enjoy it from 3-6 p.m. and party guests can ride until 11 p.m.
Disney California Adventure Halloween entertainment
Here’s information about a fun Halloween twist on a favorite thing of mine in Carsland. Every night no matter what time of year they turn on all the neon signs along Route 66 at sunset. The time varies, just google sunset in Anaheim for the exact time. Arrive a few minutes before that and get ready to listen for the song “Life Could Be a Dream.” Except during Halloween time a few seconds into the song it stops and you hear Doc Hudson welcome you to Radiator Screams. The song changes to “I Put a Spell on You!” Don’t miss this fun Halloween time option that takes place every night. Here’s a sneak peak in this video what it looks like.
NEW in 2024, guests will now get to see Mickey’s Trick and Treat fun at the Disney Jr. theatre in Hollywood land. In the past this show has only been available during the Oogie Boogie Bash party. Join Mickey Mouse and pals for a costume party where trick-or-treaters laugh, dance and enjoy a spooky-but-fun story. This is a really cute show for the kids! Here are the show times daily at 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
A new show is coming this year to Plaza de la Familia starting August 30th. The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco! will incorporate musical moments from fan favorite movie Coco, such as “Remember Me,” and “The World Es Mi Familia.” This show takes place over in Paradise Gardens Park by Goofy’s Sky School.
This show is just one of the things going on during the Plaza de la Familia event in Disney California Adventure. Head over to the Paradise Gardens Park area from August 23 – November 2, 2024 for a celebration inspired by the tradition of Dia de los Muertos. You can meet Miguel, listen to live Mariachi bands, eat festive foods, make crafts and leave a message on the Memory Wall for a loved one.
Over in Carsland you can find this very detailed and themed Ofrenda for Doc Hudson. An ofrenda is part of the traditional Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Find it inside Ramone’s House of Body Art.
Disney California Adventure Halloween treats and food
Don’t miss Halloween treats and other exclusive food found in Disney California Adventure as well like the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese cone from Cozy Cone #3. The complete list of seasonal offerings is found above on the Halloween Foodie Guide to print.
Oogie Boogie Bash
No matter what date you plan to go check the Oogie Boogie party dates below. Avoid going to Disney California Adventure on those dates if you can because they kick you out at 6 pm. Only guests with party tickets can be in the park. You can hop over to Disneyland if you have a park hopper. Party dates in 2024 are as follows….
- August 25, 27 and 29
- September 3, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29
- October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31
The Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a separate-ticket, after park-hours event located inside Disney California Adventure. Guests who don’t have tickets to the party will be asked to leave the park. FAQ’s about Oogie Boogie Bash and answers found here. If you’re going to this event read everything you need to know! 
Goofy’s Kitchen Halloween
Book a meal at Goofy’s Kitchen to celebrate Halloween—and dine with Goofy and some of his friends in their Halloween costumes! Everyday from August 23rd to October 31, 2024. Reservations available starting August 15th.
Treat you and your ghouls to an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal with a Halloween twist featuring Goofy and friends for a frightfully fun experience.
Magic Key Holder discounts apply. To book this experience go to the Disneyland website.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
This year Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit (a fun Halloween scavenger hunt activity) is available in both parks and in Downtown Disney. In years past it’s only been available in Downtown Disney, but this year you can also search in the parks for pumpkins! Guests look for and find the pumpkins hidden around using a map that can be purchased for $9.99 plus tax. Ask for applicable discounts. This activity runs August 30 – November 1, 2024. Find the hidden pumpkins (as seen in the photo below) and place stickers on your game board. Whether you choose to play or not return your game board to a redemption locations for a fun Halloween prize. 
Purchase maps to play at the following locations.
Disneyland Park
- Disney Showcase
- Disneyana
- Emporium
- EngineEar Souvenirs
- Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets
- “it’s a small world” Toy Shop
- The Star Trader
- Westward Ho Trading Company
Disney California Adventure Park
- Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
- Elias & Co.
- Gone Hollywood
- Ramone’s House of Body Art
- Rushin’ River Outfitters
- Seaside Souvenirs
- Trolley Treats
Downtown Disney District and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
- Acorns Gifts & Goods
- Disney Home
- Disney’s Pin Traders
- The Disney Dress Shop
- Disney’s Fantasia Shop
- STOR-E
- WonderGround Gallery
- World of Disney
If you’re planning a trip you can save money on discounted tickets and hotel rooms. Looking for a hotel in Anaheim and there’s so many to choose from. Let me help you find a hotel. For any Disney travel reach out to my travel partner Get Away Today at 855-GET-AWAY and tell them the Disneyland Tour Guide sent you for the best deals! And I hope to see you in the parks during Halloween time!
To prepare for your Halloween visit watch my 8 Disneyland Halloween tips you should know before you go video!
Learn more about my #1 tip rope drop.
Need help budgeting for your Disneyland trip, watch here.
Hi. Thank you for the information. Do you know how reservations work for Lamplight Lounge for those attending Oogie Boogie Bash? Do they take reservations that night of walk up only? Thank you
I am not sure you will need to call Disney to find out.
Hi!!
I’m an avid follower of yours and appreciate all the help you’ve provided over the years!
I have not gone on the actual day of a holiday and I am going on October 31st, 2021. How busy do you anticipate the parks being that day?
We do not have tickets to Oogie Boogie’s Bash so we are starting our day at DCA.
Any info or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Halloween is on the weekend this year which could mean the park will be busy that day and night. And all guests who don’t have a party ticket will hop to Disneyland if they have a park hopper ticket. So keep that in mind.