Welcome back to planDisney, Hadley! I’m so glad you stopped by with this question.
Paint the Night is also my favorite Disney parade, and I never miss a chance to see it. Having watched it many times since its return, I’ve found a few favorite viewing strategies, and I’m happy to share them with you.
The good news is that your idea is right on target. If you’re near the Toy Shop and grass area by “it’s a small world,” you’ll be perfectly positioned to catch
Tapestry of Happiness at 8:00 p.m. and then stay right there for Paint the Night at 8:30 p.m. Small World Plaza is one of my top choices for nighttime entertainment because it allows you to enjoy multiple shows back-to-back without needing to move. To make the evening even more magical, stick around for “
Halloween Screams,” the nighttime spectacular hosted by Jack Skellington. At “it’s a small world,” you’ll get a great view of the show’s projections, which means you won’t have to leave your spot to enjoy the full experience.
If you’re in the mood for more Halloween fun, Disneyland offers plenty of seasonal magic. Main Street glows with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins, each one with its own whimsical personality. Haunted Mansion Holiday is another must-do, where Jack Skellington and friends from Halloween Town bring a frightfully festive twist to the classic attraction. If you pass by at twilight, linger a bit. You might just catch Jack’s special lighting moment as evening settles in, a hidden treat that always makes me smile.
And don’t forget, the Halloween spirit stretches across the Esplanade into Disney California Adventure. Radiator Springs becomes Radiator Screams, with Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween adding playful overlays to two beloved attractions. At sunset, the “Sh-Boom” neon ceremony lights up the street in Cars Land, and during Halloween Time, it glows with a seasonal flair that makes the moment even more magical. Buena Vista Street, with its vintage decorations, is picture-perfect for capturing memories, while thrill-seekers won’t want to miss Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, a limited-time adventure that’s equal parts spooky and exhilarating.
I hope this helps you plan the perfect viewing strategy, Hadley. If any more questions come up as your trip gets closer, please stop by planDisney again. We love helping Guests make the most of their Disney days.
Wishing you a magical evening filled with lights, pumpkins, and plenty of Disney fun,
David