Halloween Time at Disneyland 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular times of year to visit the parks, and 2026 is shaping up to be a great fall season. Whether you are planning your first October trip or are a returning guest who looks forward to this every year, this guide covers the dates, attractions, entertainment, dining, and tips you need to plan your visit.
What Is Halloween Time at Disneyland?
Halloween Time is the resort-wide fall seasonal celebration that transforms both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, along with Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels. You will find seasonal decorations, Halloween-themed attraction overlays, special entertainment, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, limited-time food and merchandise, and more throughout the entire resort.
The best part for many guests: virtually everything included in Halloween Time is covered by your regular park admission. There is no extra ticket required to experience the seasonal decorations, attraction overlays, or the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular. The only separately ticketed event during this season is Oogie Boogie Bash (more on that below).
2026 Halloween Time Dates
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs August 21 – October 31, 2026. This is the third consecutive year the season has launched in the August off-season, which was historically a big shift from the traditional start after Labor Day. Plaza de la Familia, the resort’s Día de los Muertos celebration at Disney California Adventure, begins the same day and runs slightly longer, through November 2, 2026.
Pre-Season Entertainment in Mid-August
If you visit right before Halloween Time begins, you can still catch some 70th Celebration favorites. The “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” continue at Disneyland Park August 10 – August 20, 2026. World of Color Happiness will have its final show on August 9, 2026 and World of Color – ONE returns to Disney California Adventure beginning August 10 and runs through the Halloween season.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
What Is Included with Regular Park Admission
Disneyland Park
Main Street Pumpkin Festival
One of the first things you will notice when you arrive at Disneyland Park is the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins line Main Street, U.S.A., many shaped like Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. The giant Mickey jack-o-lantern near the park entrance is one of the most photographed spots of the season. Throughout the park, you will also find land-specific character jack-o-lanterns surrounding the Partners statue in the Central Plaza.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Haunted Mansion Holiday is one of the most beloved experiences of the entire Halloween Time season and one you can only find at Disneyland Park. The classic Haunted Mansion attraction transforms into a mash-up of Halloween and Christmas featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogie, and other characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The overlay is detailed and different enough from the original that it genuinely feels like a separate experience. Keep an eye out for the gingerbread house in the ballroom scene, and if you are in the area between 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM, watch for the mansion to light up as the Ghost Host makes a special appearance.
Haunted Mansion typically closes for a few weeks in August to install the overlay before reopening for the season. Specific closure and reopening dates for 2026 have not been announced yet. We will update this article when that information is confirmed.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Halloween Screams
Halloween Screams is Disneyland’s seasonal nighttime spectacular and runs on select nights throughout the Halloween Time season. The show combines projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle with special effects, flames, and rising ghosts, with Jack Skellington serving as the host. Villains including Ursula, Maleficent, and others appear throughout the show. Fireworks are included on select nights, typically weekends and holidays. The show is available to all guests with standard park admission for Disneyland Park.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other Fab Five characters meet guests throughout Disneyland Park in their Halloween costumes. For 2026, the new outfits feature harlequin motifs and swirling confection details in shades of orange, yellow, and black. Mickey and friends can typically be found in Town Square throughout the day in their seasonal attire. Jack Skellington and Sally also make appearances near Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. If you prefer to meet Mickey and Minnie in their classic looks rather than Halloween costumes, head to Mickey’s Toontown, which does not participate in seasonal theming.
Seasonal Food and Merchandise
Halloween Time brings a full rotation of limited-time food and treats throughout Disneyland Park. Seasonal beignets at the Mint Julep Bar and Halloween churros are perennial favorites. New seasonal items for 2026 include the Oogie Boogie Lemonade at Smokejumpers Grill and the Heatwave Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet. The full rundown of seasonal sweets and treats hasn’t been released yet, but once it is, you’ll find it in our Disneyland Halloween foodie guide.
Disney California Adventure Park
Radiator Screams in Cars Land
Cars Land goes all in on Halloween Time. The entire area transforms into Radiator Screams, with Haul-O-Ween decor, character “car-stumes,” and seasonal overlays on two attractions. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree with a new Halloween soundtrack, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. Both are fun and worth experiencing, particularly for families with young kids who love the Cars characters.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark
Starting each afternoon and running through the rest of the day, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout transforms into Monsters After Dark at Disney California Adventure. The seasonal overlay changes the ride’s soundtrack and story to a mission rescuing Baby Groot from creatures overrunning the Collector’s fortress. This is one of the more elaborate Halloween overlays at the resort and is exclusive to this time of year.
Mickey’s Trick and Treat
Mickey’s Trick and Treat returns as a daytime show at Disney California Adventure, where Mickey and friends dress up to celebrate the season. It is included with regular park admission and perfect for little kids. As a bonus, everyone gets a small treat after the show!
Buena Vista Street and Park Entrance Decor
Disney California Adventure gets an extensive Halloween makeover along Buena Vista Street. Look for a 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman at Carthay Circle, black bats swarming the theater’s bell tower, and Oogie Boogie’s oversized silhouette marking the park entrance.
Plaza de la Familia
Running August 21 – November 2, 2026, Plaza de la Familia is the resort’s celebration of Día de los Muertos in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure. Several times daily, “The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!” features live Folklórico dancers and Mariachi singers and musicians retelling the story from Disney and Pixar’s Coco. You can also meet Miguel, add a note to the Memory Wall, and explore the Árbol de la Vida. Paradise Garden Grill features a special menu with Mexican cuisine during this time. Plaza de la Familia is a genuinely special experience that is easy to overlook during a busy park day. It is worth making time for, especially for families with kids who love Coco.
For 2026, Disneyland Park also honors Día de los Muertos with a vibrant installation in Frontierland near Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. Look for catrinas and calacas (traditional skeleton figurines), colorful marigolds, and ofrenda displays.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Downtown Disney and the Hotels
Halloween decor extends into Downtown Disney District, and shops throughout the area carry seasonal Halloween and Día de los Muertos merchandise. Beginning in September, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit returns as a family-friendly scavenger hunt. You purchase an activity map and search for Disney character-themed pumpkins hidden around Downtown Disney, then redeem your completed board for a keepsake prize.
Disney has confirmed the 2026 hotel offerings, and each of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort gets its own seasonal touches:
- Pixar Place Hotel features new decor inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”
- The Disneyland Hotel adds Haunted Mansion-inspired touches, Halloween cocktails at Broken Spell Lounge, and seasonal confectionery displays.
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa offers seasonal confectionery displays, themed bites at the Great Hall Cart in the lobby, and Halloween-inspired treatments and salon services at Tenaya Stone Spa.
- Overnight guests at all three hotels can enjoy trick-or-treat trails on select afternoons.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween
One of the best dining experiences of the entire fall season is Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween at the Disneyland Hotel. This is the seasonal version of the popular character dining experience where Goofy and friends appear in Halloween costumes alongside a special Halloween-themed buffet with enhanced menu offerings for brunch and dinner. The experience also includes Disney PhotoPass digital downloads and a Halloween-themed button.
Disney has confirmed that Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween returns for 2026 at the Disneyland Hotel. Specific dates have not been released yet, but reservations will be available on Disneyland.com later this summer. Use MouseDining.com to set up a free alert so you are notified the moment reservations become available, or to find last-minute openings if you missed the initial release.
Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa also returns with two seasonal character dining experiences for 2026: Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Breakfast Buffet and Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner. Reservations will be available on Disneyland.com later this summer. Use MouseDining.com to set a free alert so you are notified the moment reservations open.
Oogie Boogie Bash: The Separately Ticketed Halloween Party
If you want to take Halloween Time to the next level, Oogie Boogie Bash is the event to know about. It is a separately ticketed, after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure featuring immersive Trick-or-Treat Trails, Villains Grove at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, rare character meet-and-greets exclusive to the event, shorter attraction wait times, and the ability for guests of all ages to wear costumes in the park.
The party runs on select nights August 18 – October 31, 2026, which means it actually begins a few days before the main Halloween Time season opens. Tickets are sold separately from park admission and are not available at the gate.
2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Ticket On-Sale Dates
Disney has confirmed when tickets go on sale for the 2026 party. These nights sell out, so set a reminder if you plan to attend.
- Inspire Magic Key holder pre-sale: June 16, 2026
- All Magic Key holder pre-sale: June 17, 2026
- General public on-sale: June 18, 2026, no earlier than 9:00 AM PT
New for 2026, the party adds “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party,” hosted by Madame Leota herself. For the full breakdown of dates, dining packages, and tips for the night, check out our complete Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 guide.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Dining Tips for Halloween Time
Halloween Time is one of the busiest periods at Disneyland Resort, and dining reservations fill up fast. A few things to keep in mind:
- Table-service restaurants inside the parks and at the hotels book up weeks in advance during peak fall dates. If you want a sit-down meal at a specific restaurant during October, plan ahead.
- Seasonal dining experiences like Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween are among the hardest reservations to get during this season. Set up an alert on MouseDining.com to be notified when spots open up.
- Counter-service options throughout both parks are always available, and mobile ordering through the Disneyland app can save significant time during busy meal periods.
- Plaza de la Familia at Paradise Garden Grill offers a special seasonal menu with Mexican cuisine during the Día de los Muertos celebration, so don’t miss it.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland During Halloween Time
- Halloween Time is one of the most popular periods of the year. October dates, especially those close to Halloween, tend to draw the largest crowds. If you have flexibility, visiting in late August or early September on a weekday is a good strategy for shorter waits.
- If you are visiting on an Oogie Boogie Bash night, non-party guests are asked to leave Disney California Adventure before the party begins at 6:00 PM. Planning to spend that evening in Disneyland Park, where Halloween Screams is available, is a smart alternative.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday is a must-do but can build significant wait times, especially on weekends and in October. Visiting early in the morning or using Lightning Lane can help.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark is only available starting in the afternoon, so plan your schedule around that if it is a priority.
- Both parks are beautifully decorated from the moment you enter. Build some time into your plan just to walk around and take in the atmosphere, especially in Cars Land and along Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.
- Seasonal food items sell out. If a specific treat or limited-time menu item is on your must-try list, track it down earlier rather than later in the day.
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halloween Time included with regular Disneyland tickets?
Yes. All Halloween Time decorations, entertainment, and attraction overlays are included with your regular park admission. The only exception is Oogie Boogie Bash, which requires a separately purchased event ticket.
Do I need a Park Hopper to enjoy both parks during Halloween Time?
You do not need a Park Hopper to enjoy Halloween Time, but having one is useful if you want to spend time in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day. If you plan to attend Oogie Boogie Bash, the event ticket covers your Disney California Adventure admission for that evening starting at 3:00 PM.
When does Plaza de la Familia start and end in 2026?
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure runs August 21 – November 2, 2026, slightly outlasting the rest of Halloween Time, which closes on October 31.
Is Halloween Time appropriate for young children?
Yes. Halloween Time is generally family-friendly and not designed to be frightening. The Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay has a spooky atmosphere but is not a scare attraction. Villains Grove (at Oogie Boogie Bash) is atmospheric but similarly not a horror experience.
When should I make dining reservations for Halloween Time?
You can make dining reservations at most Disneyland Resort restaurants up to 60 days in advance. For popular experiences like Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween, book as early as the 60-day window allows. If you miss the initial release, MouseDining.com can alert you to cancellations and last-minute availability.
What is Haunted Mansion Holiday?
Haunted Mansion Holiday is a seasonal overlay that transforms the classic Haunted Mansion attraction into a Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed experience. It is only available at Disneyland (not Walt Disney World), making it a distinctive draw for Halloween Time visitors. It is scheduled to return August 21, 2026.
Halloween Time is genuinely one of the best times of year to visit the Disneyland Resort. The seasonal overlays, nightly entertainment, decorations, and limited-time food and experiences feel distinct from any other time of year. Planning ahead, especially for dining, makes a significant difference. Head to MouseDining.com to set up alerts for the reservations you want so you do not miss your window.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog






























































































































































































































































































