Halloween Time at Disneyland in 2025 starts August 22nd. 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. Watch this video to prepare for your Halloween trip!
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. 
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
There’s lots of Halloween entertainment throughout the parks including the Dapper Dans 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 22 to October 31, 2025. The experience is $89 per guests. For more information and to book this experience go to the Disneyland website.
Normally during the Halloween season there is not a daily parade. But this year you get to see Paint the Night parade every night at Disneyland. This is part of the Disneyland 70th celebration. If you’re wanting a Halloween parade the only way to watch the Frightfully Fun Parade is during Oogie Boogie in Disney California Adventure if you have a party ticket. Also in Disneyland they have a Halloween Cavalcade which is a short 2 minute parade daily at 1:30 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 Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour Pin
- A Halloween-themed treat
I have been on this tour and 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 SO MANY new items and some fan favorites are returning like my favorite drink the Green Apple Lemonade Oogie Boogie drink found at Smokejumpers Grill. It’s sweet and delicious. 10/10
Here are just a few of the NEW items that caught my eye. You’ll want to print the FOOD GUIDE below so you don’t miss anything!
- Spell Bar – a Batter-fried SNICKERS bar on a stick with chocolate drizzle, whipped topping, and roasted peanuts from Award Weiners!
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog - Witches Hat Sundae from Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
- Pumpkin Pie Churro from Cozy Cone #1
- Jalapeño-Cream Cheese Bread from outdoor vending carts in DCA
- Doberge Cake: Layers of pumpkin spice sponge, chocolate whipped ganache, and salted caramel buttercream from Blue Bayou
- Fresh-baked Pumpkin Cookies from Harbour Galley
- Mango-Strawberry Lemonade from Little Red Wagon
- German Chocolate Pie fronn Plaza Inn
- The MONSTER Funnel Cake from Stage Door Cafe
- The Bride Sundae from Golden Horseshoe
You’ll find these items and lots of new Halloween offerings on the complete HALLOWEEN FOODIE GUIDE below. There is a checklist for each park this year with so many food offerings. Click here to print your Halloween food guide!
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.
Don’t miss any of the hidden gems found during Halloween time. Enjoy this video with not to miss Halloween stuff!
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.
During Halloween guests get to watch 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.
Over in Paradise Gardens Park by Goofy’s Sky School you can watch The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco! This musical show has fantastic costumes and songs from fan favorite movie Coco, such as “Remember Me,” and “The World Es Mi Familia.” There are several performances throughout the day, check the Disneyland app.
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 22 – November 2, 2025 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 2025 are as follows….
- Aug. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
- Sept. 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- Oct. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 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 watch my Ultimate Oogie Boogie Bash Guide!
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 22 to October 31, 2024.
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 29 – October 31. 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
- Pioneer Mercantile
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
- Disney Storybook Boutique
- 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 Magical Tour Guide sent you for the best deals! And I hope to see you in the parks during Halloween time!
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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.