This is Halloween! at Disneyland!
Ahh, don’t we love the first few days of September? Everyone’s back in school, the leaves begin to fall, Pumpkin Spice Lattes make their annual appearance at coffee shops, and Halloween Time begins at the Disneyland Resort. It’s never too early to celebrate the spookiest season of the year, right? Let’s take a look at what’s happening around the resort.
‘Pumpkins up’ at Disneyland Park
Nothing’s quite like a good ol’ fashioned Mickey pumpkin to greet you as you’re walking down Main Street, U.S.A.
Mickey Mouse Pumpkin | © Adriana Ortiz
The abundance of leaves, pumpkins, and orange banners all seem to scream Halloween time, even though we know the holiday is two months away.
Looking gorgeous, Rancho del Zocalo!
The Pumpkin King has graced us with his presence once more, leaving an overlay of The Nightmare Before Christmas during Haunted Mansion Holiday.
The line to ride this holiday favorite was super long, so be sure to plan ahead and utilize FastPass or MaxPass on your cell phone!
Each year, Haunted Mansion Holiday celebrates the season with a gingerbread house in the ballroom scene of the attraction. The amazing aroma radiating from the gingerbread house is enough to get guests riding this attraction over and over each season. This year, the gingerbread house is paying homage to the classic Haunted Mansion attraction, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Gingerbread House inside Haunted Mansion Holiday | © Disney Parks Blog
Pumpkin Mickey popcorn buckets? Check. Poison apple mug? Check. Halloween mug and sipper? Check and check.
What a frightfully fun adventure! Let’s hop on over to the esplanade to see what spooky décor is in store!
We’re Esplanadin’ It
Oogie Boogie In DCA
Oh no! It seems Oogie Boogie has taken over Disney California Adventure! What has he left in his wake?
It looks like Buena Vista Street is in shambles… Oogie Boogie left purple banners, large black bats, a menacing headless horseman, and a diabolical soundtrack that plays on a loop. How could he have done this?!
Maybe Cars Land is spared. Let’s take a look real quick.
Oh no…
It’s worse than we could have imagined:
This was only a sample of the photos I could capture. The rest were entirely too frightening…
Getting back to the Disneyland Resort: did you know Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate has these cute little Halloween-themed bags? Fill them up with your favorite chocolate and you’ve got the sweetest treat in the resort!
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Halloween Bags | © Adriana Ortiz
Día de los Muertos at Disney California Adventure
Día de los Muertos is not “Mexican Halloween,” but a multi-day holiday that remembers, celebrates, prays for, and honors those that have passed. It’s amazing to see this representation at the Disneyland Resort.
Be sure to visit La Plaza de la Familia by Paradise Gardens in DCA to learn a bit more about this sacred holiday, enjoy some traditional Mexican cuisine, and see live performances inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Coco! It’s sure to be a good time for the entire family!
Disneyland's Instagram posted a lovely and festive video showcasing La Plaza de la familia.
About Día de los Muertos | © Adriana Ortiz
Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” Photo Backdrop | © Adriana Ortiz
What’s happening at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort?
Each year, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa hosts a massive cake of the big bad himself, Oogie Boogie. Each year the design, which is entirely edible, is spooky and sinister and this year’s is no exception.
Oogie Boogie Cake at The Grand | © Adriana Ortiz
Just by simply walking through The Grand Californian’s lobby, the sweet intoxicating smell of cake and sweets takes over. Remember: you don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit the lobby!
Next to this ghoulish cake display is a small bakery that sells the cutest Halloween treats we ever saw! (No Halloween jokes or puns, these treats are simply too cute!)
Probably the most popular item is the chocolate chip cookie shot glass, pictured above. These can be taken with a shot of Grand Marnier, Bailey’s, Rumchata (please drink responsibly!), chocolate milk, 2% milk, or cotton candy milk. I don’t normally list the prices on these articles (it’s a lot to keep track of, okay?!), but the prices for these cookie shots range from $6-$14. Use that information wisely, friends.
To enjoy more Halloween-themed sweet treats throughout the resort, be sure to check out Disneyland’s Foodie Guide, and Halloween food & beverage options.
Wow, what a day! I’m tired and my feet hurt. How are y’all holding up? The night is just about over, but we can’t forget the nighttime fireworks spectacular: Halloween Screams.
On select nights, guests are invited to watch the night light up in fireworks, fire, and projections, all while singing and dancing to the scariest Halloween-inspired songs.
Halloween Screams Fireworks Show | © Disneyland Resort
That wraps up our coverage of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Which are you most looking forward to this Halloween season?