Halloween Time at Disneyland in 2022 starts September 2nd. 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 a free printable (further down in this post) of all the food offered for your trip. (2022 version coming soon!)
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.
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?
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
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-Mon. Then on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the show will have projections, music and special effects, no fireworks those nights. The show is at 8:30 p.m. on those nights. 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.
Catch your favorite villains at the Disney Villains Dance Party on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights over in Tomorrowland. Characters will be out dancing the night away from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Disneyland Halloween treats and food
Halloween treats and other exclusive food is found all over the parks. There are special Halloween churros, treats in the bakeries and seasonal drinks. I tried many of the seasonal offerings last year and my favorite meal was the Toasted Salsa Roja sandwich with Tortilla soup from Jolly Holiday.
There are plenty of pumpkin flavored items. I hope they bring back the pumpkin spice flavored beignets. We will create a new Halloween printable with all the food offerings once Disney shares the 2022 food options. To give you an idea click here to see what they offered last year.
Over in Frontierland they are all decked out for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) September 2nd – 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 will 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 from 6-11 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.
Also shown daily, the cutest show with Miguel, A Musical Celebration of Coco. Watch Miguel and friends retell the story of Coco with music and beautiful dancing. This show over in Paradise Gardens Park by Goofy’s Sky School.
The show is one of the things happening during the Plaza de la Familia event in Disney California Adventure. Head over to the Paradise Gardens Park area from September 2 – November 2 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.
Disney California Adventure Halloween treats and food
Don’t miss Halloween treats and other exclusive food found in Disney California Adventure as well. I loved the Minnie Mouse Mint Chocolate Cookie shake from Schmoozies. And the almost too cute to eat Cozy Cone macaron found in Carsland! 
Oogie Boogie Bash
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.
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! 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. The event is SOLD OUT for 2022.
Downtown Disney during Halloween
No ticket is required to visit Downtown Disney. For more information about Downtown, tips, parking and more read here. This year Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is returning, starting September 9th through October 31st. Look for and find the pumpkins hidden around Downtown Disney. 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 (as seen in the photo below on the right) 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.
Ready to book your trip, purchase tickets or find a hotel, 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!
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.