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  • Get Ready for Spooky Season! Disneyland Resort Reveals Halloween and Fall Plans for 2026

    It’s official! Disneyland Resort has pulled back the curtain on its Halloween and fall celebrations for 2026, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a single ghostly detail. From thrilling ride overlays to new character outfits, the magic of the spooky season arrives early, starting in late August!

    Pumpkin spice treats, spellbinding transformations, and exclusive merchandise? Yes, please! Let’s dive into everything coming your way.

    Halloween Time Arrives at Disneyland Resort

    Get ready for those autumn vibes, because the fall festivities kick off early, running from August 21 through October 31, 2026. Disneyland Resort transforms with new character outfits and delightfully devious decor. This is truly the most frightful (and fun!) time of year.

    Before the spooky season fully takes over, you can still catch some fan favorites. The “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” will run in Disneyland park from August 10 to 20, 2026. And over at Disney California Adventure park, “World of Color – ONE” returns from August 10 and will continue enchanting guests right through the Halloween season.

    Fall Favorites 2026 at Disneyland Resort

    New Looks, Pumpkins, and Spooky Fun in Disneyland Park

    Mickey, Minnie, and their friends debut new seasonal outfits in Town Square. Think harlequin patterns, frilled collars, and swirling details in classic orange, yellow, and black. They’re ready for their Halloween close-ups!

    Of course, Jack Skellington once again takes over the Haunted Mansion, transforming it into Haunted Mansion Holiday. Keep an eye out for a brand-new gingerbread house design in the ballroom – the smell alone is enough to get you in the holiday spirit! You’ll also encounter Sally, Zero, and even Oogie Boogie himself from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

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

    Capture that perfect fall photo in front of the legendary Halloween Tree in Frontierland. Or search for uniquely carved gourds at the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, all centered around the massive, iconic Mickey Mouse pumpkin. This year, keep an eye out for a new pumpkin around the Partners Statue, celebrating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with carvings of Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon!

    Nighttime Halloween Entertainment at Disneyland

    As night falls, villains take command during the “Halloween Screams” nighttime spectacular. Colorful projections transform Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America. Maleficent, Ursula, and other beloved baddies cackle to a macabre musical medley. On select nights, prepare for a fireworks display that truly possesses the sky!

    Want a deeper dive into the spooky side? The Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour offers a unique walk through eerie tales across both Disneyland and California Adventure. This special experience costs extra and requires valid theme park admission, but it’s a fantastic way to uncover some of the parks’ haunted secrets.

    Halloween Decor at Disney California Adventure Park

    Spooky Rides and Family Fun at California Adventure

    Disney California Adventure park also gets a festive, chilling makeover. Look for Oogie Boogie silhouetted by a full moon, “bats” bursting from Carthay Circle Restaurant’s tower, and the Headless Horseman statue greeting you on Buena Vista Street.

    Lightning McQueen in Cars Land

    Cars Land transforms into the “fa-boo-lous” Radiator Screams! Expect “car-achnids”, a “pump-kin” patch, and the residents in their best “car-stumes”. Take a spooky spin on Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-ween.

    Every evening, supernatural spirits take over Cars Land for a haunting “Sha-BOO” moment as the neon lights flicker on, illuminating the roads in a ghostly glow. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!

    Each late afternoon, Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark takes over the Collector’s Fortress in Avengers Campus. You’ll join Rocket on a mission to distract menacing monsters and save Groot. But fair warning: prepare for some unexpected ups and downs!

    Mickey's Trick and Treat - California Adventure

    For the younger guests, “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land is a must-do. Starting August 18, kids can dance to Halloween tunes, play with bubbles, and meet Mickey Mouse and his pals!

    Halloween Food, Merch, and More Mischief Across the Resort

    The wickedly wonderful fun extends to tempting treats, “boo-tiful” merchandise, and autumnal touches everywhere: Disneyland Park, California Adventure, and beyond!

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

    Remember those delicious sneak peeks during Halfway to Halloween in April? Get ready for the return of fan favorites like the Oogie Boogie Lemonade from Smokejumpers Grill and the Heatwave Pizza from Alien Pizza Planet. More monstrously good eats are coming!

    Keep an eye out for the complete Disney Eats Foodie Guide as we get closer to the season. You can expect an incredible assortment of pumpkin treats and other delights!

    Halloween and Fall Merchandise

    Whether you prefer playfully scary or ghostly cute, the resort will offer plenty of merchandise for every Halloween style. Look for hockey jerseys featuring a festive Mickey pumpkin and new autumnal-inspired ear headbands. It’s the perfect chance to find some early outfit inspiration!

    Goofy's Kitchen Halloween 2026

    Hotel Decor, Character Dining, and Resort Activities

    The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also embrace the spooky spirit with ghastly ornamentation. Expect all-new decor inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. at Pixar Place Hotel, and Haunted Mansion-inspired touches at Disneyland Hotel. The culinary teams are even crafting stunning confection displays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel.

    Characters at Storytellers Cafe Halloween 2026

    Don’t miss the seasonal character dining options! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious meal and meet your favorite characters. Keep an eye out for reservation availability later this summer.

    Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian hosts Mickey’s Autumn Adventures for breakfast and brunch, plus Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner in the evenings. At Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween will offer fun-filled dining throughout the day.

    And for adults aged 21 and over, the Broken Spell Lounge at Disneyland Hotel will feature a special Halloween-themed cocktail menu. Spooky sips await!

    At Tenaya Stone Spa in Disney’s Grand Californian, a talented team of Disney stylists can create a custom Halloween look for you with hair, makeup, or nails inspired by beloved Disney characters. You can also indulge in seasonal services like the “Wicked to the Core” foot treatment. This is an additional cost and service, perfect for a little self-care magic.

    Downtown Disney Halloween Decor

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

    The Downtown Disney District also gets into the spirit with autumnal decor, themed eats, and seasonal shopping. The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn will host movie nights on select evenings, showing beloved fall films. You might also catch a live musical performance!

    Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

    Ready for a scavenger hunt? Take part in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit! Search for pumpkins with unique Disney designs across Disneyland Park, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. Grab a special activity map from retail locations throughout the resort to help you on your quest, then redeem it for a special keepsake prize.

    Remember, a separate park admission is required to participate in this fun family activity within the parks.

    Plaza de la Familia - California Adventure 2026

    Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park

    Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos and the everlasting bonds of family during Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure park. This beautiful event, inspired by Pixar’s Coco, runs from August 21 through November 2, 2026.

    Día de los Muertos Inspired Entertainment

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

    Stroll through Paradise Gardens Park and admire the vibrant marigold arch, striking calaca (skeleton) statues, and a memory wall. Here, you can add your own note of remembrance for loved ones – a truly touching tradition.

    Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta at Paradise Garden Grill

    Delicious Mexican Flavors and Coco Merchandise

    Paradise Garden Grill brings back its specialty menu items for the season, including the popular Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta. This savory dish features red chilaquiles, refried beans, avocado spread, queso fresco, pickled red onions, and a fried egg, all served with chips. Get ready for the complete Disney Eats Foodie Guide soon!

    Don’t forget to check out the Coco-inspired merchandise collection. It features a hoodie, t-shirt, and mug, all bursting with the film’s vivid colors and iconic motifs.

    Día de los Muertos Decor in Disneyland Park

    Over in Disneyland Park, near Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, you’ll find a vibrant Día de los Muertos installation. It showcases beautiful skeleton figurines (catrinas and calacas), colorful marigolds, and other traditional elements you’d see on ofrendas.

    Oogie Boogie at Oogie Boogie Bash 2026

    Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

    For even more spellbinding fun, get ready for 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 itself runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Your admission also grants you entry to California Adventure three hours before the official start, plus unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event. It’s a fantastic value for a night of spooky fun!

    Disneyland Resort will share more details soon, including specific dates, pricing, and the full costume policy for the event. Keep an eye out!

    Haunted Mansion Portrait Float

    A New Street Party, Rare Characters, and Treat Trails!

    Get ready for a brand-new experience: “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party!” This spectacular event brings iconic moments from the Haunted Mansion right to the streets of California Adventure. Madame Leota herself hosts a spirited séance and a swinging wake, packed with happy haunts, ghostly dancing, and ghoulish delight. All 999 ghosts are invited, and so are you!

    For an extra treat, you can also purchase the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party. Details for this special experience will be shared soon.

    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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