Prior to transferring to Biola University last year and owning an annual pass to Disneyland, I had no idea how big a deal Halloween was at the Happiest Place on Earth. Last year, upon entering the theme parks at this time, I could not help but stare at the flurry of activity surrounding me for a few minutes!
Starting from the last week in September, both Disneyland and California Adventure are decked-out with Halloween decorations and fun family attractions and events.
In Disneyland …
• Halloween decorations galore: From the larger-than-life Mickey pumpkin located at the entrance of Main Street to jack-o-lanterns, scarecrows and autumn leaves adorning lampposts and buildings, Disneyland seems completely transformed to a non-scary, Halloween playground! Even your favorite Disney characters will be dressed up in their Halloween outfits as they stroll throughout the park.
• Holiday Haunted Mansion: While Jack Skellington and his ghostly crew usually have a ball during Christmas, the Haunted Mansion becomes a clash of Halloween-meets-Christmas to match the season. If you have already experienced the Haunted Mansion during other seasons, try again during Halloween … you’re in for a surprise.
• Woody’s Halloween Roundup: Although this event is more child-centered, you could still drop by just to check out Woody and the “Toy Story 2” gang. Located in Frontierland at the back of Big Thunder Mountain, Woody’s Halloween Roundup provides a Halloween show and Halloween arts and crafts the entire family will enjoy.
• Tons of Halloween merchandise: Countless Halloween goodies will be sold throughout the park. From Halloween costumes to seasonal souvenirs, you are bound to find something cute to purchase to remember your adventure during Disneyland’s Halloween Time. If you love caramel-dipped apples or candy corn, the snack shops on Main Street are musts.
In California Adventure …
• Candy corn California: Instead of the normal “California Adventure” sign that precedes the park, the letters have been transformed into giant pieces of candy corn. The entire walk-through area between Disneyland and California has a candy corn theme as you hop from one park to another.
• Golden Screams: Glorious entertainment awaits you at the Golden Dreams Theater. Special movies featuring Disney villains and their unique screams play inside the theater, and show times are scheduled during the park’s open hours.
• Villainous appearances: Various villains from Disney movies, including Cruella de Vil, the Evil Queen and Maleficent, strut their stuff right outside of the Golden Dreams Theater. Even though they are not known for their good works, they never cease to draw a crowd.
• Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party: This special event is held in California Adventure during after-park hours and is considered to be the grandest Halloween celebration at Disneyland Resort. Kids and adults are invited to participate in the celebration. Special activities during this event include treat-or-treating, arts and crafts stations, games, dance parties, and Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat on the Street Cavalcade Parade. It has been a popular event since 2004, so you had better purchase your tickets quickly before they sell out! To find the dates and times for this year’s Halloween party, visit http://www.family-vacation-getaways-at-los-angeles-theme-parks.com/Disney-California-Adventure-Hours.html.
