Looking for the latest news about seasonal happenings at Disneyland in Los Angeles, California? We know first-hand the fun and magical experiences a visit to Disneyland offers families, so we're sharing our tips and tricks to make the most of your next visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.
HALLOWEEN TIME 2024 AT DISNEYLAND RESORT
Fall is one of our favorite times to visit Disney parks. The weather is cooler (hopefully), Main Street is adorned with fall-themed decorations and the characters are dressed in their spiffiest fall and Halloween outfits. Here's what to look forward to at your Disneyland visit this fall.
Costumed Characters: Be on the lookout for Mickey Mouse and Friends roaming around the park with all-new Halloween- and Fall-inspired attire. Their new costumes are so fun and festive! We had a blast taking photos with Chip and Dale, Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy and the whole crew.
Disney Sweets and Spooky Treats: If your family likes a tasty-themed treat, you are sure to get your fill and then some. In addition to everyone's favorite Mickey Bat Cookie, we're talking Goody-Goody Mini Apple Cider Donuts (Cafe Daisy), Caramel Apple Cold Brew Coffee (Cafe Daisy), Fantasyland Garlic Cheesy Brat (Edelweiss Snacks), Iced Mexican "Hot" Chocolate (Rancho del Zocalo), Pumpkin Spice Fritters (Royal Street Veranda), Poison Apple Cake (Plaza Inn) and so much more. Our OG favorite spot for a sweet-themed treat is Main Street's Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen.
Halloween Screams Fireworks Show: Join host Jack Skellington for this spooky spectacle with appearances by an array of Disney villains like Ursula the Sea Witch, Maleficent and Oogie Boogie. *Fireworks run on select nights so be sure to check the schedule on the Disneyland app. In some instances when the fireworks can't run, you will still be able to see the projection portion of the show on the castle and Main Street.
Haunted Mansion Holiday: This is a fan favorite any time of year, but it's especially fun during the holidays with special guest appearances like Oogie Boogie, Zero, Jack Skellington and others. Guests can enjoy The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay now through the end of the holiday season.
Halloween Merchandise: The new Halloween-themed merchandise is out in full force with all things autumn and spooky. Some of the popular items available this season include Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Treat Buckets, Mickey Mouse Candy Corn Starbucks Tumbler, Mickey Skeleton attire, Mickey and Pluto Halloween 2024 Snow Globe and Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Ear Headband.
LESSER KNOWN FAVORITES
MAIN STREET
History buffs will enjoy listening to President Lincoln's most iconic speeches from the man himself in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The first audio-animatronic version of Lincoln debuted in 1964 at the New York World's Fair and it remains a Disneyland icon to this day.
Main Street Cinema. Enjoy Walt Disney's classic 1928 cartoon with Mickey Mouse as Steamboat Willie. Many credit the 8-minute black-and-white film with launching Mickey's career as the gold standard of animation.
The Disneyland Railroad. Embark on a full-circle tour of the park or hop on and off along the way. During the journey, you'll travel back to prehistoric times and catch a glimpse of dinosaurs and ancient creatures along the way. There are several train stations around the park but we aware that the wait times to board are often longer than they seem.
ADVENTURELAND
No Disneyland visit is complete without a stop at the Enchanted Tiki Room. What's not to love about talking birds and singing flowers? After the show, head over to The Tropical Hideaway next door for a tasty Dole Whip (available in multiple flavors) or savory snack. We recommend snagging a table by the water for the best views of the Jungle Cruise boats.
Feeling extra adventurous? Hop aboard the world-famous Jungle Cruise for an exciting expedition through treacherous rivers and jungles. But be prepared for a heavy dose of Dad jokes throughout your journey!
The reimagined Adventureland Treehouse is now open. Kids enjoy exploring the giant treehouse inspired by Walt Disney's 1960 hit film "Swiss Family Robinson."
FRONTIERLAND
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. Extra adventurous guests (not us) will enjoy paddling a 20-passenger canoe past Native American villages and serene wildlife on the Rivers of America. Be aware, you may get wet so this is a great ride to do on a hot day or early enough that you have time to dry off before dark.
All aboard! Follow the same path as the canoes but with a different perspective from the steam-powered Mark Twain Riverboat or Sailing Ship Columbia, an 18th-century replica of a three-masted sailing ship. Keep an eye out for a character or two who may join you on your journey. We've been lucky enough to get photos with Princess Tiana who joined us for the ride!
Take a two-minute river raft ride over to Tom Sawyer Island and let the kids blow off some steam while visiting Pirate’s Lair. Caves and forts beckon to be explored. You never know what treasure you'll discover!
FANTASYLAND
Need a break from the heat and the crowds? The Tale of the Lion King at Fantasyland Theater tells Simba's story through live music and dance inspired by the cultural roots of the beloved film. Kids will enjoy familiar tunes like "Hakuna Matata" and favorite characters like Timone, Pumba and Rafiki.
Looking for a fun souvenir or gift for a friend? The Mad Hatter hat shop, tucked away behind the Mad Tea Party (teacups) ride has an amazing selection of whimsical hats and Mickey ears. This is also a great spot to window shop if you're on a budget.
One of our favorites (and a little off the beaten path) is Casey Jr. Circus Train. This ride is a great alternative to the Disneyland Railroad train as it often has little to no wait and is smaller to accommodate younger kids. Guests of all ages will be amazed by the recreation of landmarks from classic Disney films, all in miniature form.
For tickets and park reservations visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com.
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Adrienne Sigeti is a native San Diegan and lifelong Disney enthusiast who loves wandering around the parks with a snack or two and no particular plan. Her favorite Disneyland ride is either Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean and her favorite Disney snack is a cream cheese stuffed pretzel.
Updated: September 2024
