{Consideration provided by The Disneyland Resort}
Disney’s Halloween Party began with a little subterfuge on my part. My kids were immediately skeptical when we sat down at the computer together. We don’t generally use devices during the school week, so when I told them that I simply wanted them to pick out Halloween costumes, in September mind you, they started to squirm with excitement. Mickey’s Halloween Party! my son exclaimed, my daughter’s eyes now wide with wonder. Within a few minutes of browsing the options at The Disney Store, I had a little Stormtrooper and Princess Elena of Avalor, perfect for an evening of trick-or-treating with our favorite Disney characters.
The Mickey’s Halloween Party Build Up
The entire week leading up to our magical visit was filled with “must-rides,” which characters they were hoping to see, and whether or not they could top last year’s candy haul. This special-ticket event is a unique, immersive way to experience Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, but you’ll have to act fast because tickets always sell out. In fact, my best tip is to purchase tickets in July when they go on sale in order to have the most options when it comes to date selection.
Mickey’s Halloween Party
Everything about Mickey’s Halloween Party feels special, with much attention to detail. The cost is less than a 1-day ticket and includes experiences unique to the event.
Arrive Early
This special event begins at 6 or 7 pm, but you can enter Disneyland Park up to 3 hours before Mickey’s Halloween Party in order to enjoy Halloween Time attractions such as Haunted Mansion Holiday and Ghost Galaxy. Also allow sufficient time to park and enter Disneyland. My recommendation is to park at Toy Story since Mickey & Friends tends to fill to capacity quickly.
Dress to a T
Before you attend Mickey’s Halloween Party, be sure to review the resort’s costume guidelines. Generally speaking, the costumes must be family-friendly and not contain props that could be deemed dangerous.
Pick up a Special Event Map and a Bag
Trick-or-treating throughout Disneyland is a magical experience and every year we’ve come home with enough sweet and healthy treats to give to friends and family. Your map is your guide to these locations including a special treat trail in the Main Street Opera House for annual passholders. Inside, annual passholders can watch Halloween shorts and pick up a gift tote bag.
Snap a Photo with Your Favorite Villain
One of my favorite experiences during Mickey’s Halloween Party are the unique photo opportunities that are set up. I love to capture memories of my kids and these photo stations remind me to do just that. Visit Town Square towards the front of the park to meet your Cruella Deville, Queen of Hearts and more. You can also see characters dressed up in their special Halloween attire roaming throughout the park.
Find a Spot for the Parade and the Fireworks Close to Sleeping Beauty Castle
New this year to Mickey’s Halloween Party is the Frightfully Fun Parade, beginning with a special appearance by the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. This spooktacular experience features a black stallion walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with a headless rider at the reins. The parade begins with Jack Skellington leading a team of spooky spirits including ghosts from the Haunted Mansion, Dr. Facilier, Hades, the Evil Queen, Jafar, Cruella Deville and more.
Halloween Screams is Disneyland’s exclusive fireworks show during Mickey’s Halloween Party. Jack Skellington and Zero launch the spooktacular display which features spirited music, soaring flames, ghostly projections across Sleeping Beauty Castle and a scream-a-long. My best tip is to try to see the fireworks show right before or after the parade. Look for a spot close to Sleeping Beauty Castle to enjoy the projections.
Don’t Miss the Special Entertainment
There is so much to see and do during Mickey’s Halloween Party, that you’ll want to try to do it all. My recommendation is to prioritize those shows and attractions that can only be experienced during Mickey’s Halloween Party and then return during the season to enjoy Halloween Time. Throughout the night, you can listen to the Cadaver Dans perform their haunted tunes on the Rivers of America. And if you have a an aspiring Jedi Knight, consider signing up for Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple during the party. Sign-ups begin at 5:00 pm outside of Star Wars Launch Bay for the evening performances. Be sure to look at the entertainment schedule for specific times.
Download the Disneyland Mobile App
This is the most up-to-date guide for ride information and closures, entertainment schedules and more. Make the most of your time at Mickey’s Halloween Party with this spooktacular app.
Enjoy a Frightfully Delightful Meal
During Mickey’s Halloween Party, guests can now enjoy a 3-course, prix-fixe meal at Blue Bayou Restaurant. The meal includes your choice of a starter, an entrée and a dessert. Special dishes for this dinner include the Cryptic Crab Cake and the Grin Grinning Short Rib. After dinner, enjoy preferred viewing of the Frightfully Fun Parade which is included in this package.
Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park is just one of the many Halloween Time experiences at the resort. If you are planning to stay at one of the hotels on-site, be sure to inquire about special Halloween In-Room Celebrations including Mickey’s Spooktacular Halloween Celebration. This particular celebration includes a light-up Mickey pumpkin sash over your door, a welcome letter from Mickey and a plush, a keepsake character bin with treats, a festive blanket, a creepy candelabra, luminaries, cobwebs, hidden messages and more. For additional information or Disney Halloween gifts, visit Disney Floral & Gifts online.
And for additional information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland resort and Mickey’s Halloween Party, visit Disneyland.com/HalloweenTime.
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Shannon Gurnee says
I can’t believe how big the kids are getting! You look great girl!
Caryn Bailey says
Aw thank you so much Shannon! Miss you all!