The Complete Guide to Disneyland at Halloween 2024

The Complete Guide to Disneyland at Halloween 2024

The Complete Guide to Disneyland at Halloween 2024

Prepare for a spellbinding Disneyland at Halloween in 2024 with this comprehensive guide! Celebrated as our top spell-ebration at the Disneyland Resort in California, it’s arguably the most magical time for all Disney enthusiasts but especially for those who relish the spooky season! There are endless activities to experience during this time of year at Disneyland Park. From unique food offerings and character meet and greets to a spook-tacular fireworks display led by Jack Skellington. Our team at The Park Prodigy has been attending Halloween at Disneyland since 2019. That’s why we have put together this complete guide to help you discover everything spooky at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Our goal is to make sure you’re well-prepared for a Disneyland Halloween filled with tricks, treats, and enchanting moments!

We really hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disneyland be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Disneyland vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disneyland check out our Disneyland Crowd Calendar!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disneyland during Halloween time 2024 be sure to check out our Disneyland crowd calendar! 

 Disneyland Crowd Calendar

Disneyland Halloween Guide 2024

Welcome to the best Disneyland Halloween Guide for 2024! As summer fun turns to fall, Disneyland transforms into a bewitching wonderland that offers some of our favorite seasonal festivities! In 2024, guests can look forward to the return of fan-favorite events like the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park. A spectacular celebration featuring Disney villains, exclusive after-hours access to rides, and spooktacular entertainment suitable for all ages. This guide however provides insider tips on must-see attractions, special Halloween treats and merchandise, and advice on how to make the most of your Halloween at Disneyland Park experience! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney guest, this guide will help you navigate the enchanting seasonal offerings we love the most! We hope this guide makes your Disneyland Halloween adventure even more memorable and magical. And if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it is a great option for celebrating the Halloween Season while getting on a lot of rides.

When is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland for Halloween?

• September 16th – October 11th

Determining the best time to visit Disneyland at Halloween time depends on what you’re seeking from your spooky experience. In 2024, the Halloween season at Disneyland starts August 23rd – October 31st, 2024. For those looking to avoid larger crowds while still soaking in the Disneyland at Halloween atmosphere, visiting on weekdays in mid-September or mid-October is ideal. However, if you’re eager to experience the full glory of Halloween festivities, including special events like the Oogie Boogie Bash, weekends in October are perfect. But they will be busier!

Related Post: Guide to Disneyland Christmas Decorations

Disneyland Resort Halloween 2024 Dates

For the first time in forever, Disneyland Resort announced the dates for all of their events for 2024! Halloween is officially scheduled to fully return August 23rd – October 31st, 2024 and we cannot wait for Halloween time at Disneyland 2024! This offers guests a little more than two months to enjoy the Halloween Disneyland festivities. To experience specific events like the popular Oogie Boogie Bash, it’s crucial to note the select nights it occurs. We’d recommend skipping the first 2 weeks, and the last 3 weeks of the season. Planning your visit around these dates ensures that you can not only fully immerse yourself in the Halloween experience that Disneyland Resort has but also the lowest crowds!

What are the Disneyland Halloween dates for 2024?

Disneyland at Halloween will begin:

• August 23rd – October 31st, 2024

If you’re curious about when Disneyland starts to get into the Halloween spirit with decorations, the iconic Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins and festive adornments will most likely start to appear around the beginning of August. Unlike the Halloween events in Florida, Disneyland hosts two separate Halloween Parties!

Related Post: Complete Guide to The Cheapest Time to Go to Disneyland 

Celebrating Halloween at the Disneyland Resort 2024

You can find frightfully fun activities to do in both parks at the Disneyland Resort. But in our opinion, Disneyland Park is the best place to celebrate Halloween at Disneyland 2024 outside of the special ticketed Halloween party Oogie Boogie Bash. It is here you will find the iconic Mickey-shaped pumpkins almost everywhere! Along with characters dressed in Halloween costumes, you’ll be able to take in the Halloween theme at Disneyland every turn you take. Be sure to be on the lookout this year as there will most likely be new Disneyland Halloween 2024 Fab 5 Halloween costumes!

What 2024 Disneyland Halloween Characters can you meet?

Between Disneyland Park and Disney California adventure, you will be able to meet:

• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Donald Duck
• Daisy Duck
• Goofy
• Pluto
• Chip & Dale
• Maleficent
• Evil Queen
• Lightning McQueen & Mater

What Specialty Characters are Available at Disneyland Halloween 2024?

Closer to Halloween, the Halloween theme at Disneyland gets even more immersive! You will be able to see more villains turning out for an appearance around the Disneyland Main Street Train Station or in Town Square.

In the past we have spotted:

• Cruella De Ville
• Captain Hook
• Governor Ratcliffe
• Claude Frollo
• Jack Skellington
• Sally

During Halloween at Disneyland 2024, most of the characters listed above can be found in Town Square at Disneyland Park and Buena Vista Street at DCA. Jack and Sally however can be found in New Orleans Square near The Haunted Mansion. Lightning McQueen and Mater can be found driving around Cars Land.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Disney World Characters

What are the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Special Events?

Both parks on the Disneyland Resort are filled with specialty events to participate in! The main one is the 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure.

Disneyland Park:

• Main Street Pumpkin Festival – Peruse down Main Street USA and take in a plethora of uniquely hand-carved pumpkins.
• Halloween-themed Character Cavalcade – Enjoy cavalcades of your favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best down Main Street USA at random times throughout the day.
• “Halloween Screams” Firework Show – Surround yourself with villainous visions and haunting tunes for this Halloween Nighttime Spook-tacular.
• Ray Bradbury’s Halloween Tree – Located in Frontierland, this tree is molded after author Ray Bradbury’s 1972 novel, The Halloween Tree. 
• Dia De Los Muertos – Also located in Frontierland, enjoy this spirited celebration filled with food, art, and cultural displays.

Disney California Adventure Park:

• Oogie Boogie Bash – DCA’s special ticketed event where you can hang out with Oogie Boogie and his band of baddies.
• “Haul-O-Ween”  – A full Disneyland Halloween takeover of Cars Land with lights, decor, and specialty character interactions.
• Plaza De La Familia – Located at Paradise Gardens, the music of Disney Pixar’s Coco comes to life with live performances, arts & crafts, face painting, and so much more! You can enjoy this limited-time celebration inspired by Dia de los Muertos from September 2nd – November 2nd, 2023.

What Rides Have a Halloween Theme at Disneyland 2024?

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a laid-back Halloween ride experience or a thrilling one. Both needs will be satisfied when visiting Disneyland at Halloween in 2024.

Disneyland Park:

• Haunted Mansion Holiday – Experience thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town as they take over The Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square.

Disney California Adventure:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark – Join Rocket in a thrilling race to rescue Groot during a daring Halloween adventure in Avengers Campus.
• Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween – Celebrate Luigi’s favorite holiday at the honkin’-est dance party in Radiator Screams
• Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree – Get ready to go tractor-treatin’ with Mater and his pals at this Haul-O-Ween hoedown in Cars Land.

Of these rides, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree are operated at all times of the day for you to experience the full Halloween theme at Disneyland. Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark however has its own daily ride overlay schedule.

When does Guardians of the Galaxy change to Monsters After Dark at DCA 2024?

• 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
• 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Closed for overlay switch over
• 3 p.m. – Park close – Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark (on select nights, the park closes at 6 p.m. for the Oogie Boogie Bash)

Related Post: How Many Days Should You Spend at Disneyland?

2024 Disneyland Halloween Themed Food

When experiencing Halloween at Disneyland 2024, there is no short supply of food or merchandise!

What are the Best Food Options for Halloween at Disneyland 2024?

Be sure to save some room for both special entrees and desserts! But beware, the menus that Disney tends to offer change every year. So in this section, we will use our knowledge of years past to offer up some of our favorite spots to grab Disneyland Halloween time treats.

Disneyland Park:

• Red Rose Taverne – Fantasyland
• French Market Restaurant – New Orleans Square
• Hungry Bear Restaurant – Critter Country
• Rancho Del Zocalo – Frontierland
• Candy Palace – Main Street U.S.A.
• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe – Main Street U.S.A.
• Tomorrowland Churro Cart – Tomorrowland

Disney California Adventure:

• Award Weiners – Hollywood
• Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream – Buena Vista Street
• Cozy Cone Motel – Cars Land
• Flo’s V8 Cafe – Cars Land
• Lamplight Lounge – Pixar Pier
• Plaza de Familia – Paradise Garden Grill
• Studio Catering Truck – Hollywood
• Trolley Treats – Buena Vista Street
•  Grizzly Peak Churro Cart – Grizzly Peak

Downtown Disney District:

• Marceline’s Confectionary – Downtown Disney District
• Ballast Point Brewing Co. – Downtown Disney District
• Sprinkles Cupcakes – Downtown Disney District
• GCH Craftsman Grill – Grand Californian Hotel

Related Post: Halloween events in Florida

Where Can I Buy the Newest 2024 Halloween-Themed Merchandise?

There are no limits to the imagination of the Halloween at Disneyland 2024 merchandise. At these locations, you can find the newest Spirit Jersey, Minnie Mouse headband, or the latest sipper or popcorn bucket.

Disneyland Park:

• Disneyland Emporium – Main Street U.S.A.
• Disney Showcase – Main Street U.S.A.
• Pioneer Mercantile – Frontierland
• Pooh Corner – Critter Country

Disney California Adventure:

• Elias & Co. – Buena Vista Street
• Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff – Pixar Pier

Downtown Disney District:

• World of Disney – Downtown Disney District
• The Disney Dress Shop – Downtown Disney District
• Disney Home – Downtown Disney District

The Halloween theme at Disneyland is in no short supply when it comes to food or merchandise. Almost every location that sells them will have some kind of specialty item to offer. The locations listed above are just our favorite locations that always have the best options in our opinion. Always check back for an updated list as new options become available!

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Disney Genie

Trick-or-Treating at the Disneyland Resort 2024

One thing that goes hand in hand with Halloween is Trick-or-Treating and Disneyland doesn’t forget that either! While you can not Trick-or-Treat inside the park, even on Halloween, guests are encouraged to still dress up and enjoy the Halloween at Disneyland 2024season! Some places you can Trick-Or-Treat are:

• Oogie Boogie Bash Event
• Overnight Guests at the Grand Californian
• Overnight Guests at the Disneyland Hotel

If you plan on dressing up to experience Halloween at Disneyland outside of approved Trick-or-Treating events, Disneyland invites all attendees to dress in costume. However, you will still need to follow Disneyland’s costume guidelines. The Disneyland Oogie Boogie Halloween Bash is one of the rare events where you’re allowed to dress up as your favorite Disney character! But be warned, posing for pictures or sign autographs for other guests may result in removal from the party. So be sure to leave those activities up to the professionals.

What are the Disneyland Halloween costume guidelines for 2024?

The costume guidelines vary by age, so make sure you read the full list of what is or isn’t acceptable on the Disneyland website.

• Costumes MAY: be family-friendly
• Costumes MAY NOT: be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent; contain any items that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon; contain sharp/pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another visitor; be layered or include props that surround the entire body; and reach or drag on the ground.

Guests who do not adhere to the Halloween at Disneyland Resort 2024 guidelines can be refused entry or removed from the event. Unless the costume can be modified to meet the guidelines. Disneyland takes this very seriously, and these costume guidelines only apply during event hours—standard theme park attire rules apply during all other times.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland

Things to do at Downtown Disney During Halloween in 2024

No Disneyland Halloween tickets? No Problem! The Downtown Disney District has its own spell-ebrations to participate in. Most notable is Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. Similar to the Easter time Egg-stravaganza event held in the Disneyland Resort, this decorated pumpkin hunt fits right into the Halloween theme at Disneyland. Beginning September 9th until October 31st, you can purchase a game board and stickers from various merchandise locations for $9.99. After you’ve hunted for Disney-character-themed pumpkins around Downtown Disney and placed the correlating stickers on the map, you can redeem your map for a Halloween at Disneyland themed prize!

Also be sure not to miss the haunting acapella group, the SCAREolers returning on weekends to Downtown Disney this Halloween season.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Disneyland vs Disney World 

Disneyland Halloween 2024 FAQ

Q: When Does the Halloween Theme Start at Disneyland?

A: As a general rule of thumb, Disneyland decorates for Halloween starting in mid-August. So guests may be delighted to enjoy some Halloween decor before the celebration officially begins on August 23rd – October 31st, 2024.

Q: Will Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Return to Disneyland in 2024?

A: While Disneyland Park used to host the annual Disneyland at Halloween event, Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park, it was officially replaced with DCA’s Oogie Boogie Bash in 2019. However, Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party will officially be returning to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park from August 23rd – October 31st, 2024.

Q: When Does the Plaza de Familia Start at Disney California Adventure?

A: The Plaza de Familia celebration begins with the rest of the Halloween at Disneyland 2024 celebration on September 2nd. One extra special thing about this lively celebration of Dia de los Muertos is that it sticks around 2 extra days! You can enjoy this part of the Disneyland Halloween event until November 2nd, 2023.

Q: Why Does California Adventure Close Early?

A: Not every night, but on select nights, Disney California Adventure closes early for the 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash event. If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland at Halloween, try to keep in mind in previous years the Oogie Boogie Bash event has taken place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday for a total of 25 event evenings during Halloween time at Disneyland Resort.

Q: What Time Does the Oogie Boogie Bash Event Start?

A: The Oogie Boogie Bash officially starts at 6 p.m. on event nights. Guests with a valid event admission can also enter the Oogie Boogie Bash event starting at 3 p.m. to enjoy rides and attractions before the event starts.

Q: When Does Halloween End at Disneyland?

A: Guests can enjoy the Halloween theme at Disneyland for almost the entire fall season! The official last day of Halloween at Disneyland 2024 is of course Halloween, October 31st, 2024. Guests can still celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure through November 2nd.

Q: Can You Dress Up For Halloween at Disneyland?

A: It is a known rule that dressing up at Disney is a no-go. However when celebrating Halloween time at Disneyland, especially if you’re attending the Halloween event, Oogie Boogie Bash. Disney encourages guests to dress up and enjoy the Halloween season! But beware, Disney has set strict guidelines for guests in costume. So double-check Disney’s Halloween Costume Guidelines to make sure you or your little ones aren’t turned away at the gate.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disneyland 2024?

Our Disneyland Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disneyland based on specific times of the year and special events.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!