If Fall at Disneyland is your favorite place to be, then you are in the right place! I am right there with you bestie! I am obsessed with Fall at Disneyland! The holiday season at Disneyland feels EVEN MORE magical than normal. All the extra decor, character changes, fun Holiday overlays and treats get me every time!
As the summer heat begins to wane and leaves turn golden, Disneyland Resort transforms into a magical wonderland for the fall season. From enchanting decorations to special events and seasonal treats, there’s something to delight every visitor during autumn at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fan or planning your first visit, here’s your ultimate guide to the top 15 things to experience at Disneyland this fall. Get ready to immerse yourself in festive charm, thrilling attractions, and unforgettable moments that only Disneyland can offer during this magical time of year.
If you’re about to start planning your most magical day at Disneyland, start here!
- The Haunted Mansion Holiday Returns with Virtual Queue Prepare to meet Santa Jack once more, just in time for the fall season! Jack Skellington and his Halloween Town friends have enchanted the spooky mansion with a festive makeover inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” As the reimagined queue experience unfolds, Haunted Mansion Holiday will be accessible exclusively through a virtual queue when it reopens.
How the virtual Queue will work:
On the day of your visit, you may have the opportunity to join the virtual queue at daily distribution times, which are subject to change or cancellation as availability allows. Distribution schedules will be available in the Disneyland app.
Follow these steps to join the virtual queue:
- Step 1 – Check Availability: Log in to the Disneyland app at one of the distribution times. Select “Virtual Queues” on the home screen to view the current status and next steps for joining a virtual queue. The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time, or if a backup group is available.
- Step 2 – Enroll Your Group: As long as your Disney account is linked to your group’s park tickets, and everyone has valid admission and park reservations for the park you will visit, you can enroll everyone in the virtual queue at the same time (subject to availability).
- Step 3 – Enjoy the Experience: If your boarding group is called to return, you’ll receive a notification via the Disneyland app. Then, head over to the entrance of the experience within your designated return window.
2. Mickey Mouse and Friends Showcase Fresh Fall Styles Catch the opportunity to capture a photo at Disneyland park with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals sporting new seasonal outfits, featuring skeleton motifs and vibrant patchwork designs.
Mickey Mouse and his friends, including Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto, often debut special Halloween-themed outfits at Disneyland during the fall season. These outfits are designed to reflect the festive spirit of Halloween while incorporating Disney’s iconic characters into the seasonal celebrations.
These outfits are not only a fun way for the characters to celebrate Halloween but also add to the festive atmosphere of Disneyland during this time of year. Guests visiting the park during Halloween season can enjoy meeting these beloved characters in their special costumes and capturing memorable photos with them.
3. Mickey’s Trick and Treat’ Show Delivers Family-Friendly Fun This season marks the debut of the interactive “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, now offered daily at Disney California Adventure park.
Younger guests are invited to join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse for a lively sing-along and dance-along at the Disney Theater. Complete with vibrant projections and a cheerful host in a mad scientist costume, it promises a delightful and memorable Halloween experience for all!
The Disney Theater, located in Hollywood Land within Disney California Adventure, is a versatile venue known for hosting a variety of shows and entertainment experiences throughout the year.
It features themed performances that often include interactive elements, inviting guests to participate in sing-alongs and dance-alongs with beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
The theater offers ample seating for a large audience and enhances the park’s atmosphere with its immersive decor and seasonal shows, making it a popular destination for guests seeking live entertainment and magical experiences during their visit to Disneyland Resort.
4. ‘Halloween Screams’ Returns to Disneyland Park Every evening, prepare for a delightfully chilling experience with “Halloween Screams,” a nighttime spectacular featuring eerie projections and ghostly special effects. Enjoy the show from vantage points in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the “it’s a small world” facade, Rivers of America, and along Main Street, U.S.A. In addition, on select nights, “Halloween Screams” will illuminate the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle with a bewitching fireworks display, adding extra seasonal enchantment to the park.
5. Seasonal Decorations Enliven Disneyland Resort At Disneyland park, the Main Street Pumpkin Festival returns with the iconic Mickey Pumpkin at its center. As you wander this charming street, you’ll encounter beautifully carved pumpkins adorning doorways, porches, and windows.
Over at Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure park, Halloween decorations enhance the atmosphere. Each evening, the Headless Horseman rides forth, casting an eerie glow with his jack-o’-lantern head.
The autumnal theme extends to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney District, where festive touches await guests, ensuring a seasonal ambiance throughout the resort.
Along Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland California, especially during the fall season for events like the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, you’ll find a delightful array of intricately carved pumpkins that add to the festive atmosphere of the park. Here are some highlights:
Mickey Pumpkin: The iconic centerpiece of the Main Street Pumpkin Festival is the large pumpkin carved to resemble Mickey Mouse. This pumpkin is prominently displayed and serves as a popular photo spot for guests.
Themed Pumpkins: Throughout Main Street, you’ll discover numerous pumpkins creatively carved with various Disney characters and themed designs. These pumpkins are often placed near storefronts, on porches, and in windows, adding a whimsical touch to the street’s nostalgic charm.
Hidden Elvis Pumpkin: One of the hidden gems among the pumpkins along Main Street is the “Hidden Elvis Pumpkin.” This pumpkin is usually tucked away in a less conspicuous spot, challenging guests to find it amidst the other decorations. It’s a fun Easter egg for Elvis Presley fans and adds an element of scavenger hunt excitement to exploring Main Street during the pumpkin festival.
Atmosphere and Decor: Beyond pumpkins, Main Street is adorned with fall-themed decorations such as autumn leaves, bunting, and other seasonal embellishments. The overall ambiance is cozy and celebratory, capturing the spirit of autumn and Halloween.
Visiting Main Street during the fall season at Disneyland California offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney’s festive decorations, with the pumpkins playing a central role in creating a memorable and enchanting experience.
6. Explore Radiator Screams in Disney California Adventure In Cars Land, the lively residents have revved up their Haul-O-Ween outfits, turning Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams with spooky decorations and the transformation of two beloved attractions.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters have revamped their soundtracks with a haunting groove, becoming Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween for the season.
7. Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark Delivers Thrills As twilight descends, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! undergoes a chilling transformation into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. Sinister monsters and roaming fiends are set loose amidst the exhilarating drops of this thrilling experience.
After the Guardians escape the Collector’s Fortress, they inadvertently leave Groot behind. Rocket now seeks your assistance to distract the unleashed creatures so he can rescue Groot in this electrifying seasonal overlay.
8. Scary delicious Seasonal Sips & Bites Await Indulge in a variety of delicious, themed treats at dining spots across the Disneyland Resort. From new creations to returning favorites, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Details on Disney Eats’ full fall lineup will be unveiled closer to the season, but here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store. Returning for 2024, delight in the Halloween funnel cake at Stage Door Café in Disneyland park, and savor the al pastor tacos inspired by “Coco” at Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure park!
9. Scary cute Merchandise for the Season Embrace the spirit of the season with the newest Disneyland Resort Halloween merchandise, featuring apparel, accessories, headwear, and more. Available this fall at Disneyland Resort locations and on DisneyStore.com.
Celebrate with styles inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco,” perfect for Plaza de la Familia festivities this year. Also, be sure to check out the exclusive Oogie Boogie Bash merchandise that will be on offer.
10. Plaza de la Familia Celebrates Día de los Muertos Inspired by the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos, Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure park brings together music, vibrant decorations, festive cuisine, and thrilling live entertainment until November 2, 2024.
Don’t miss the iconic “Árbol de la Vida” (Tree of Life) photo spot and memory wall.
At the heart of Plaza de la Familia is a musical celebration of Pixar’s “Coco,” highlighting the enduring bonds of family. This year, the heartfelt show features a new name, storyline, and freshly designed costumes, with multiple performances daily.
11. Festive Dining Experiences at Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe Experience the joy of fall and dining with beloved Disney characters at Goofy’s Kitchen, now with a Halloween twist! Goofy and friends will don seasonal outfits for a unique dining adventure at Disneyland Hotel.
Over at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Storytellers Cafe presents a brand-new autumn-inspired breakfast and brunch. Enjoy seasonal decorations and meet characters in their festive new attire.
12. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Offers Spooktacular Family Fun Starting in September, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit invites the whole family to join in the excitement. Embark on a quest to find Disney character-themed pumpkins hidden across Downtown Disney District and, for the first time ever, Disneyland Park and/or Disney California Adventure Park.
Purchase an activity map at Downtown Disney District, Disneyland, or Disney California Adventure to guide your adventure and receive a special collectible keepsake.
13. Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash THESE SELL OUT FAST! – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park, featuring iconic seasonal delights, sounds, and scares. This limited-capacity, after-hours event invites guests of all ages to enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the park in their best Halloween attire.
Experience exclusive offerings such as the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” Villains Grove at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail presented by Citizen, and immersive treat trails featuring beloved villains — including exciting new additions!
Admission to the event includes early access to Disney California Adventure park three hours before the party starts and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads during the bash.
