Halloween Time at Disneyland Sept 3 – Oct 31, 2021! The return of the Oogie Boogie Bash, Halloween Screams plus so much more! The parks are decorated with all the pumpkins, 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 a free printable (further down in this post) of all the food offered for your trip.
Disneyland Halloween Must Do’s
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.
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? 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?
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.
And new to me this year the Haunted Mansion Holiday has a 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. The night we saw it the lights turned on at 7:18 p.m. You can ask a cast member, but I was told it happens whenever the ghosts decide it’s time.
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 9:00 pm in Disneyland WITH fireworks on select nights Fri-Sun. Then Mon-Thurs the show will have projections, music and special effects, no fireworks those nights. For all my fireworks viewing tips, exit strategies and more head over here.
Also at night next to the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland look for the Halloween Tree. Back in 2007 the dedicated oak tree officially became part of the Halloween decor. It looks so cool all lit up at night.
Halloween treats and other exclusive food will be found all over the parks. More about those treats and food coming soon. Plus I will be in the parks opening weekend. I’ll report back on my must try Halloween food items soon after in another blog post. And here’s another Halloween printable with all the food offerings in one spot. Click here to print! Updated 9/29/21!
Over in Frontierland they are all decked out for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) September 3rd – 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.
Disney California Adventure Halloween Must-do’s
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!
Another 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.
Plus on Buena Vista St. Mickey Mouse and friends will be throwing it back with old-fashioned Halloween costumes.
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 from 6-11 p.m.
Find the Headless Horseman on Buena Vista St. and pay close attention to the horse, it’s especially spooky at night!
Another event that is happening simultaneously in DCA is Plaza de la Familia over in Paradise Gardens Park Sept. 3 – Nov. 2. This celebration is inspired by the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, with exciting live entertainment, festive foods, crafts and interactive experiences. Plus you won’t want to miss the cutest show with Miguel, A Musical Celebration of Coco!
Halloween treats and other exclusive food will be found all over the parks Print the list above that includes all the Halloween offerings in Disney California Adventure.
No matter what date you plan to go check the Oogie Boogie party dates below. Avoid going to DCA on those dates if you can because they kick you out at 6 pm and it’s for guests with party tickets only. More about that below!
Return of Oogie Boogie Bash
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a separate-ticket, after park-hours event located inside Disney California Adventure. If you’re going to this event read everything you need to know! Your ticket includes trick-or-treating through the park in your favorite Halloween costumes, characters both spooky and fantastic. Plus fun immersive treat trails, “Frightfully Fun Parade,” Villain’s Grove at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, “Mickey’s Trick & Treat” show, plus new villains this year and more. The party is from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm but guests can arrive as early as 3:00 pm with access into Disney California Adventure park. Parking is not included. Tickets start at $114 per ticket and go up to $169 depending on the night. The event is SOLD OUT. Here are the party dates and prices below.
- Thurs, Sept 9, 2021 $124
- Sat, Sept 11, 2021 $169
- Sun, Sept 12, 2021 $134
- Tues, Sept 14, 2021 $114
- Thurs, Sept 16, 2021$124
- Sun, Sept 19, 2021 $134
- Tues, Sept 21, 2021 $114
- Thurs, Sept 23, 2021 $124
- Sun, Sept 26, 2021 $134
- Tues, Sept 28, 2021 $114
- Thurs, Sept 30, 2021 $124
- Sun, Oct 3, 2021 $149
- Tues, Oct 5, 2021 $124
- Thurs, Oct 7, 2021 $134
- Sun, Oct 10, 2021 $149
- Tues, Oct 12, 2021 $124
- Thurs, Oct 14, 2021 $134
- Sun, Oct 17, 2021 $149
- Tues, Oct 19, 2021 $124
- Thurs, Oct 21, 2021 $134
- Sun, Oct 24, 2021 $149
- Tues, Oct 26, 2021 $149
- Thurs, Oct 28, 2021 $149
- Sat, Oct 30, 2021 $169
- Sun, Oct 31, 2021 $169
FAQ’s about Oogie Boogie Bash and answers found here.
Downtown Disney at Halloween
No ticket is required to visit Downtown Disney. For more information about Downtown, tips, parking and more read here. All new this year Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. Starting September 9th through October 31st find the pumpkins hidden around DTD. This fun game includes a game board for purchase at World of Disney, Pin Traders, Disney Home, Disney Dress Shop and WonderGround Gallery. Find the hidden pumpkins and place stickers on your game board. Whether you choose to play or not return your game board to a redemption location at World of Disney or Pin Traders for a fun Halloween prize as shown below. Cost $9.99.
Ready to book your trip, purchase tickets or find a hotel then reach out to my travel partner Get Away Today for all your travel needs. And I hope to see you in the parks during Halloween time!
Be sure to pin this to your Disney trip board!
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.