The Complete Guide to Disneyland at Halloween 2023

The Complete Guide to Disneyland at Halloween 2023

The Complete Guide to Disneyland at Halloween 2023

This article is your complete guide to Disneyland at Halloween in 2023! It’s never too early to start planning your tricks or your treats. Disneyland at Halloween is our favorite spell-ebration at the Disneyland Resort in California and this article will tell you why! Disneyland during Halloween is such a magical time for all Disney fans, especially those who love to live in those spooky feels all year round. There’s a ton to know before you go (or even start planning!).

There are countless ways to celebrate 2023 Halloween time at Disneyland! From the special food offerings and character meet and greets, to a spook-tacular firework display hosted by the one and only Jack Skellington! Our
team at The Park Prodigy has been attending Halloween at Disneyland since 2019 and it’s one of our favorite
events to attend! We will be covering everything you can do in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

We 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. Here at the Park Prodigy, our goal is always to help you save time and money on
your next Disney or Universal vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disneyland
tickets!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disneyland during Halloween time 2023 be sure to check out our Disneyland crowd calendar! 

 Disneyland Crowd Calendar

Disneyland Halloween Guide 2023

When talking about Disneyland Halloween, the Mickey’s Halloween Party At Disneyland may ring a bell. Unfortunately in 2019, Mr. Oogie Boogie crash landed in Disney California Adventure and invited all of his villain friends for one EPIC Halloween take over. The Oogie Boogie Bash is a spooktacular night of Halloween thrills, chills, and fun is great for guests of all ages. This after hours event specifically takes place at the Disney California Adventure Park unlike it’s predecessor, Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park. 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.

But fear not! Disneyland at Halloween time is spookier than ever and this article is filled with everything there is to do at Disneyland at Halloween. We are going to cover all of the exclusive food offerings, costumed character meet and greets, a treasure hunt, haunting ride overlays, and a halloween firework show hosted by the one and only Bone Daddy himself, Jack Skellington. Below is everything you need to know about Disneyland Halloween 2023!

Related post: Guide to Disneyland Christmas Decorations

Disneyland Resort Halloween 2023 Dates

Halloween is officially scheduled to fully return for 2023, and we cannot wait for Halloween time Disneyland. Dates have officially been announced and confirmed by Disney Parks and as we anticipated, they are relatively similar to the 2021 dates.

What are the Disneyland Halloween dates for 2023?

Disneyland at Halloween will begin:

• September 2nd – October 31st, 2023

And if you’re wondering when does Disneyland decorate for Halloween or when does Halloween start at Disneyland, the Disneyland Resort typically begins displaying the iconic Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkins around mid-August. Unlike the Halloween events in Florida, Disneyland hosts two separate Halloween Parties! You can start celebrating 2023 Halloween time at Disneyland Park and at Disney California Adventure September 2nd until October 31st.

Related post: Complete Guide to The Cheapest Time to go to Disneyland 

Celebrating Halloween at the Disneyland Resort 2023

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 2023 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 look out this year as Disneyland Halloween 2023 gives the Fab 5 brand new Halloween costumes!

What 2023 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 2023?

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 2023, 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.

What are the 2023 Disneyland Halloween Special Events?

Both parks on the Disneyland Resort are filled with specialty events to participate in! The main one being the 2023 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 take over 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 September 2nd – November 2nd, 2023.

What Rides Have a Halloween Theme at Disneyland 2023?

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 2023.

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 2023?

• 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?

2023 Disneyland Halloween Themed Food

When experiencing Halloween at Disneyland 2023, there is no short supply or food or merchandise!

What are the Best Food Options for Halloween at Disneyland 2023?

Be sure to save some room for both special entrees and desserts! But beware, the menus that Disney tends to offer up 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

Where Can I Buy the Newest 2023 Halloween Themed Merchandise?

There is are no limits to the imagination of the Halloween at Disneyland 2023 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 2023

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 2023 season! 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 2023?

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 2023 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 2023

No Disneyland Halloween tickets? No Problem! The Downtown Disney District has its own spell-ebrations to participate in. Most notably 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 2023 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 September 2nd and continues through October 31st, 2023.

Q: Will Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Return to Disneyland in 2023?

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 August 12th – October 31st, 2023.

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 2023 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 2023 Oogie Boogie Bash event. If you’re planning a drip 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 almost the entire fall season! The official last day of Halloween at Disneyland 2023 is of course Halloween, October 31st, 2023. 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 2023?

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.