The Top Reasons to Plan a Fall Visit to Disneyland

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The Disneyland Resort is always an extremely popular destination for families and for Disney enthusiasts all year-round.  As summer fades, fall brings with it Halloweentime!  This offers a unique charm to the park with special events, fall decorations and Halloween specific activities.   Let’s look at the top reasons to plan a Fall visit to Disneyland.

Disneyland at Halloweentime

Oogie Boogie Bash

At the top of everyone’s Halloween list is  Oogie Boogie Bash.  This separately ticketed special event is held on select nights during Halloweentime at Disney California Adventure Park.   The extremely popular event is inspired by the Disney animated feature, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”  Party goers have the opportunity to experience the park’s attractions, explore Disney villainous trick-or-treat trails as well as meet unique Disney characters.  Some spooky entertainment options including the Frightfully Fun Parade and Villain’s Grove are also offered.

reasons to visit Disneyland
Oogie Boogie hosting the Oogie Boogie Bash

Attraction Halloween Overlays

A few attractions in both parks receive holiday overlays during the fall season.  

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Two holidays collide on the classic Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay for Haunted Mansion Holiday.   Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero bring an added dimension to a fan favorite (this overlay extends through the Christmas season as well).  You don’t want to miss this one!  It’s extremely popular, so queue up early or use the Genie+ paid add on feature to select a return time!

reasons to visit Disneyland
Haunted Mansion Holiday

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout

Each day in later afternoon, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout turns into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.  Picking up from where the original attractions leaves us, we find that Groot has been left behind in the frenzy to break out the Guardians.  Oh, and Rocket accidentally has let loose several monsters in the fortress.  Time to save Groot in this even more chaotic and creepier scenario!

reasons to visit Disneyland
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark

Halloween Decor

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure transform into Halloween wonderlands during the fall season.  A Giant Mickey Pumpkin is the anchor for Disneyland guests while the Headless Horseman is the main feature at Disney California Adventure.  Both parks are decorated with other pumpkins, fall foliage, and other Halloween-themed decorations.  There is also special nighttime lighting in both parks!

reasons to visit Disneyland
The Headless Horseman at Disney California Adventure

Disney Characters

An extremely popular past time in the parks is meeting Disney characters.  During the fall, you’ll find many in their Halloween costumes.  Characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale along with Clarabelle are dressed as vampires, witches, bats, devils and spiders!

Meeting Mickey Mouse in his Halloween costume

You’ll also have a chance to meet Jack Skellington and Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas!

reasons to visit Disneyland
Jack Skellington and Sally strike a Halloween pose

Fall Merchandise

Shops at The Disneyland Resort feature a wide range of fall merchandise.  Halloween-themed clothing, accessories, toys, plush and of course an assortment of Ears to add to your fall are available to add to you collection.

Let’s go shopping!

Seasonally Themed Fall Food Items

Throughout both parks limited time Halloween food selections are offered.  Pumpkin flavors are abound!  Themed rice cereal treats, cupcakes, macarons and ice cream novelties are also available.

reasons to visit Disneyland
I’ll take all the Halloween treats!


Some dining venues at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney also offer seasonally themed menu offerings.

Keep in mind that the specific activities and events may vary from year to year.  So, it’s always important to check with your travel counselor at The Magic For Less Travel for the most updated information.  If you’re not working with a travel professional, you can request a Disneyland vacation quote here!  Be sure to ask about the top reasons are to visit Disneyland any time of year!

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