Disneyland is incredible no matter what time of year you visit, but the holidays are really something special. It starts with Halloween, which, at the Disneyland Resort kicks off September 16, 2011 (and runs through Halloween night). Halloween is too much fun to celebrate it on just one night. Disney gets it.


In addition to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) being decked out for the fall holiday (including a Nightmare Before Christmas update to The Haunted Mansion) you can also attend the after-hours fun of Mickey’s Halloween Party. Mickey’s party is a separate-ticket event ($49 – $64 per person, priced by date). It’s a great opportunity for kids of all ages to dress up and trick or treat with their favorite Disney characters (they dress up, too!).


Tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

  • The special opportunity to play in Disneyland for three hours before the party starts
  • Trick or Treating – candy and healthy treats ­- in the ultimate Disney neighborhood
  • The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of  Mickey’s Halloween Party)
  • “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade, performed twice nightly
  • Character photo locations featuring favorite Disney and Pixar pals.
  • An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costumes
  • Specially themed dance parties
  • Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions

If you arrive early you may want to get something non-candyish in the bellies of your friends and family. Carrots are a great base to trick or treat upon.  There are tons of restaurants, from fast to fine-dining, throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Also, I highly recommend staying on property (the picture below is from a previous Halloween stay at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa) so when the sugar coma hits it doesn’t have far to go.

My family has attended the event twice in previous years, but both times it was held in DCA. We’re really looking forward to experiencing the fun of Halloween in Disneyland. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know how it goes!

Photos: W. Honea