Halloween Time is coming back to Disneyland in 2023! Just as summer is ending, Disneyland Resort will hang their Halloween décor and begin celebrations on September 1, 2023. Lasting until October 31, 2023 visitors to Disneyland Resort will notice themed changes at the parks, resort hotels, and in Downtown Disney. Beyond the fall décor and pumpkins that will line Main Street U.S.A., here is everything you can expect to encounter during Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.
Character Costumes
While Mickey and Pals debuted new Halloween costumes in 2022, Disneyland promises that Mickey and “some” of his friends have changed their Halloween costumes again this year! What do you think Mickey will be dressed as this year? In the past we have seen Mickey disguised as a pumpkin, a magician, and even a scarecrow!
Attraction Overlays
One of the biggest draws to Disneyland during Halloween is the transformation of Haunted Mansion. Jack Skellington and friends from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas take over creating Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland, decorating the outside of the attraction in Christmas lights and décor and displaying a custom gingerbread house in the mansion’s ballroom. Sandy Clause has not yet unveiled the design of the gingerbread house, so stay tuned to DVCShop blog for additional updates!
At Disney California Adventure, head to Cars Land for a Halloween makeover. Radiator Springs transforms to Radiator Screams with its décor and total town transformation as everyone prepares to celebrate “Haul-o-ween.” Also, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree while Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters converts to Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. These dance parties will feature original creepy tunes and stories like “Monster Truck Smash” and “Terror-antella.” And be on the look out for Guido at Casa Della Tires who will sport his first-ever car-stume!
Also at Disney California Adventure, a crowd-favorite attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT, will become Guardains of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark! Each evening during Halloween Time, hop on board a special operation to rescue Groot who was mistakeingly left behind with strange creatures running wild in the Collector’s Fortress.
Halloween Screams Nighttime Spectacular
The nightly fireworks at Disneyland will also change in honor of Halloween Time. Replacing “Wondrous Journeys” will be “Halloween Screams,” scheduled to run from September 1 until October 31, 2023. With projections down Main Street U.S.A. and on the front of “it’s a small world,” Rivers of America, and Sleeping Beauty Castle, viewers will be frightfully entertained with the special effects and musical accompaniment.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
Amidst the special decorations and Halloween offerings of many Downtown Disney tenants, Pluto will once again hide pumpkins throughout Downtown Disney this Halloween. Beginning September 8, visitors may purchase a map from select locations and once the pumpkins are found, redeem the completed activity for a special keepsake while supplies last.
Plaza de la Familia
Paying tribute to Mexican culture and the Dia de los Muertos holiday, Plaza de la Familia cultural experience can be found in Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure park from September 1 to November 2, 2023. “A Musical Celebration of Coco” will present several times each day featuring Folklórico dancers as well as Mariachi singers and musicians. They will tell the story of Miguel, from the award-winning film Coco, who traveled to the Land of the Dead. Miguel will also greet guests throughout the day as visitors enjoy the sites, sounds, and food of the Mexican culture. At Disneyland, guests will find a Dia de los Muertos display featuring blooming marigolds, ofrendas, or alters, and hanging papel picado in honor of the fiesta.
Halloween Merchandise and Treats
Once Halloween officially begins on September 1, 2023, there will be no shortage of Halloween themed treats, apparel, and souvenirs at Disneyland Resort Hotels and Parks and Downtown Disney. Whether you’re looking to try a new beverage, find a new favorite fall spirit jersey, or add seasonal décor at home, you will find it at Disneyland Resort!
In addition to these daily offerings during normal operational hours, the Oogie Boogie Bash will be held on 25 select nights after hours at Disney California Adventure where guests can experience even more Halloween-themed events, entertainment, treats, and characters. Will you make plans to visit Disneyland Resort during Halloween Time this year? What are you most looking forward to seeing or doing? Tell us in the comments below.
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
