Disneyland is magical, regardless of the time of year.  But when the leaves change and the weather gets cool, Disneyland undergoes a spooky transition. On September 17th, Halloween Time returns to the Disneyland Resort.  We were at the park last week and saw some of the transformation.

Some of this year’s Halloween Time highlights include Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (which I have actually never experienced) and Haunted Mansion Holiday (which is always a spectacular take on Halloween meets Christmas).  You’ll also find the Disney Villains and your favorite Disney characters perusing the park in “whimsical” Halloween costumes.

And, Mickey’s Halloween Party, which I told you about last week, will now be held at Disneyland (as opposed to California Adventure) for 10 nights throughout October. If you’re looking for a unique (and safe) trick or treat experience, be sure to book early (the event typcially sells out).  For information about the event, see my previous post here.

Don’t forget that Halloween Time is actually going to be at both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park.  Here is a quick overview of events happening at both parks.

Disneyland:

• Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland will be transformed for the Pumpkin Festival.  Check out the display of over 300 unique pumpkins in shop windows.
• Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will find ranch animals, pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters, all presided over by Sheriff Woody.
• Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in spooky attire greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.
• Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland will honor Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with traditional skeleton figures on display Sept. 19 through Nov. 2.
• Special Halloween treats will be available in Disneyland, including menu items such as Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash, served in a dog dish in honor of Zero.

Disney’s California Adventure Park:

• Be sure to make time for the new, nighttime water spectacular “World of Color,” which will perform nightly
• For spine-tingling fun, drop in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure park, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.

I’m heading to the park again this week (we have annual passes) to check out the “spooky” festivities so come back for a first-hand look!