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  • Get Ready for Spooky Season: Disneyland Resort Announces Halloween & Fall 2026!

    Get ready for spooky fun, because Halloween is returning to Disneyland Resort in 2026! As a huge fan, I’m thrilled to share all the details for this ghoulishly good season, packed with treats, ride transformations, and fantastic merchandise.

    It’s truly an « eerie-sistible » time of year, and I can’t wait for the pumpkin spice, the ride overlays, and all the themed goodies. Let’s dive into what you can expect to enjoy!

    Mark your calendars! Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort runs from August 21 to October 31, 2026. Over at Disney California Adventure Park, Plaza de la Familia celebrates from August 21 to November 2, 2026. And don’t forget the Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, happening on select nights from August 18 to October 31, 2026.

    Halloween Decor at Disneyland Resort

    Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

    If you’re like me and can’t wait for that crisp autumn air and ghostly good times, you’ll be thrilled! Fall festivities kick off in late August. Disneyland Resort will transform from August 21 to October 31, 2026, bringing new outfits for beloved characters and wickedly delightful decor.

    Even before the main spooky season, you can catch some special treats. “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” return to Disneyland Park for a limited run from August 10-20, 2026. And over at Disney California Adventure Park, “World of Color – ONE” also returns for a limited time, starting August 10 and continuing through the Halloween season.

    Fall Favorites 2026 at Disneyland Resort

    Character Outfits, Pumpkin Decor, and Halloween Fun at Disneyland Park

    Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will greet you in Town Square wearing brand-new seasonal outfits! Think harlequin patterns, frilled collars, and swirling confection details in classic orange, yellow, and black hues. They look absolutely adorable!

    And who could forget the king of Halloween? Jack Skellington once again takes over the Haunted Mansion, turning it into the fantastic Haunted Mansion Holiday. Get ready to see a brand-new gingerbread house design in the ballroom – yes, you can actually smell it! Plus, keep an eye out for Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

    Halloween Decor on Main Street USA - Disneyland
    Halloween Pumpkins at Disneyland

    Don’t forget to grab that perfect fall photo! Head to Frontierland for the legendary Halloween Tree, or wander through the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Here, the iconic giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin reigns supreme, surrounded by gourds carved with Disney magic.

    Keep an eye out for a cool new detail: a pumpkin near the Partners Statue pays homage to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, featuring carvings of Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon. So much attention to detail, it’s fantastic!

    Nighttime Halloween Entertainment at Disneyland

    As night falls, prepare for “Halloween Screams,” a spectacular show that lights up Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America with vibrant projections. Maleficent, Ursula, and other beloved villains cackle and dance across the sky to a macabre musical medley. On select nights, you’ll even see fireworks light up the heavens!

    Want something extra? Consider Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour. This unique experience takes you on a ghostly stroll through eerie tales across both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. It’s a fantastic way to dive deeper into the spooky lore, and it’s available at an additional cost, with valid theme park admission required.

    Halloween Decor at Disney California Adventure Park

    Halloween Rides and Family-Friendly Entertainment at California Adventure

    Over at Disney California Adventure Park, you’ll feel that festive chill as soon as you step in. Imagine Oogie Boogie silhouetted against a full moon, a cloud of “bats” pouring from Carthay Circle Restaurant’s tower, and the Headless Horseman himself greeting you on Buena Vista Street. The atmosphere is just incredible!

    Lightning McQueen in Cars Land

    Cars Land transforms into the “fa-boo-lous” Radiator Screams! Picture “car-achnids,” a “pump-kin” patch, and all your favorite residents in their best “car-stumes.” You absolutely must take a spin on Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-ween; they’re so much fun with their spooky overlays.

    Each evening, supernatural spirits take over Cars Land for a haunting “Sha-BOO” moment as the neon lights flicker and illuminate the roads. It’s a truly magical transformation!

    In Avengers Campus, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! gets a thrilling update each late afternoon, becoming Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. You’ll team up with Rocket, distracting menacing monsters to save Groot. Just be ready for some unexpected drops and surprises – it’s a blast!

    Mickey's Trick and Treat - California Adventure

    For the younger guests, or those young at heart, “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land is a must-see. Starting August 18, kids can dance to Halloween tunes, play with bubbles, and interact with Mickey Mouse and his friends. It’s pure, delightful Halloween fun!

    Halloween Food, Merch, and More Mischief Throughout Disneyland Resort

    The wickedly wonderful fun doesn’t stop in the parks! Get ready for tempting treats, “boo-tiful” merchandise, and autumn touches throughout Disneyland Park, California Adventure, and even the hotels and Downtown Disney.

    Green Apply Lemonade at Smokejumpers Grill
    Sweet and Spiced Four Meat Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet

    You might remember a sneak peek from “Halfway to Halloween” in April. Good news: some favorites are definitely returning this fall! Look forward to the Oogie Boogie Lemonade at Smokejumpers Grill and the Heatwave Pizza from Alien Pizza Planet.

    Disney Eats will reveal the full menu of spooky food, drinks, and novelties closer to the season. But trust me, expect an amazing assortment of pumpkin treats and monstrously good eats! My mouth is already watering.

    Halloween and Fall Merchandise

    Whether you prefer playfully scary or adorably ghostly, you’ll find tons of new merchandise all over the resort. Think festive Mickey pumpkin hockey jerseys and charming autumn-inspired ear headbands. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag some unique, limited-time items for your collection!

    Goofy's Kitchen Halloween 2026

    Halloween Decor, Character Dining, and Activities at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

    The Halloween spirit extends to all the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort with fantastic ornamentation. Get ready for all-new decor inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. at Pixar Place Hotel, and you’ll find elegant Haunted Mansion-inspired touches at the Disneyland Hotel. Even the culinary teams are crafting confounding confection displays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel!

    Characters at Storytellers Cafe Halloween 2026

    If you love character dining, you absolutely have to check out the seasonal options. These offer a unique chance to enjoy a meal and special interactions with characters. Keep an eye out for reservation availability later this summer.

    Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian will host “Mickey’s Autumn Adventures” for breakfast and brunch, and “Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner” in the evenings. At the Disneyland Hotel, “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween” will offer spooky fun dining all day long.

    For guests aged 21 and over, the Broken Spell Lounge at the Disneyland Hotel will feature a special Halloween-themed cocktail menu – perfect for a grown-up treat!

    And for something truly special, the talented stylists at Tenaya Stone Spa in Disney’s Grand Californian can give you a custom Halloween look. Think hair, makeup, or nails inspired by your favorite Disney characters. You can even try a seasonal service like the “Wicked to the Core” foot treatment, available at an additional cost.

    Downtown Disney Halloween Decor

    Halloween Movies, Music, and More in the Downtown Disney District

    The Downtown Disney District also gets into the spirit! Expect autumnal decorations, themed treats, and special seasonal shopping. The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn will host movie nights on select evenings, showing classic fall films. Or, you might catch a fantastic live musical performance on stage.

    Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

    Join Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit and hunt for pumpkins with unique Disney designs across Disneyland Park, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney! Just purchase a special activity map from retail locations throughout the resort. Once you complete your search, you can redeem the map for a keepsake prize. It’s a super fun activity for the whole family, but remember, separate park admission is required to participate in the parks.

    Plaza de la Familia - California Adventure 2026

    Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park

    Beyond the spooky fun, Disney California Adventure Park also celebrates the beautiful spirit of Día de los Muertos with Plaza de la Familia, running from August 21 to November 2, 2026. This heartwarming event celebrates the everlasting bonds of family, with lovely nods to Pixar’s Coco.

    Entertainment Inspired by Día de los Muertos

    Let the music move you with “The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!” This traveling troupe brings iconic songs like « Remember Me » and « The World Es Mi Familia » to life. You can also sing and dance along to fantastic live mariachi music at the Paradise Garden Bandstand.

    Stroll through Paradise Gardens Park and admire the vibrant marigold arch and striking calaca statues. Don’t miss the memory wall, a beautiful place to add a note of remembrance for your loved ones.

    Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta at Paradise Garden Grill

    Food and Beverage Featuring Mexican Flavors

    Paradise Garden Grill will feature a specialty menu for the season! Look forward to delicious items like the returning Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta – it comes with red chilaquiles, refried beans, avocado spread, queso fresco, pickled red onions, and a fried egg, all served with chips. We’ll get the full Disney Eats Foodie Guide soon!

    And of course, there’s a lovely Coco-inspired merchandise collection. You’ll find hoodies, t-shirts, and mugs, all bursting with the vivid colors and motifs from the film. They make perfect souvenirs!

    Dia de los Muertos Decor in Disneyland

    Even Disneyland Park will feature beautiful Día de los Muertos decor. Head near Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante to see a vibrant installation with catrinas and calacas (skeleton figurines), colorful marigolds, and other traditional ofrenda items. It’s a truly beautiful tribute.

    Oogie Boogie at Oogie Boogie Bash 2026

    Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

    For even more spellbinding fun, you absolutely cannot miss the Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party! This separately ticketed event returns on select nights from August 18 through October 31.

    This after-hours party is perfect for all ages. It’s your chance to wear an amazing costume, collect tons of candy, and enjoy access to select attractions, often with much shorter wait times. The party runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and your admission even includes entry to Disney California Adventure Park three hours before the party officially starts, plus unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event. It’s such great value!

    Full details about Oogie Boogie Bash, including specific dates, pricing, and the costume policy, will be available soon. Keep an eye out for updates, as tickets tend to sell out quickly!

    Haunted Mansion Portrait Float

    New Street Party, Rare Characters, and Trick-or-Treating

    Get ready for something brand new at the Oogie Boogie Bash: “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party!” This promises to bring beloved, iconic moments from the Haunted Mansion right to the streets of California Adventure. Expect multiple show-stopping moments as Madame Leota hosts her spirited séance and swinging wake, full of happy haunts, ghostly dancing, and ghoulish delight. It’s an invitation to a ghastly good time, beckoning all 999 ghosts!

    If you’re looking for an extra special experience, you can also purchase the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party for an exclusive viewing area for the parade and other perks. More details on this will be available.

    Max

    Max (aka Maxence P.) is the founder and director of "DLP Welcome," a media outlet where he also serves as manager and content creator. He brings over 15 years of expertise in the leisure industry—developed both professionally and personally—having visited more than 80 theme parks across three continents.
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