Hi there, Jaimie, and greetings from all of us at planDisney!
Thanks for coming to us with your question! Congratulations on your first trip to the Disneyland Resort! We look forward to having you here after such a long journey and it would be my pleasure to answer your question.
That is a great piece of advice you were given, Jaimie. It's always nice to be able to find a seat to enjoy the Disneyland Resort's nighttime spectaculars. However, as the Resort moves into the off season, entertainment options become a little less plentiful. Over your visit, World of Color will be closed for refurbishment and there are no Parades scheduled outside the separately ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash, so I won't go over Disney California Adventure Park.
In Disneyland Park, Halloween Screams is the nighttime spectacular shown every night with fireworks only taking place on the weekends. Fantasmic! is one of my favorite shows and if your visit extends all the way to the weekend, I would highly recommend seeing it! Let me go over some options for you:
- Halloween Screams: Grabbing a seat for dinner at the Plaza Inn will give you a mildly obstructed view of the projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle. On fireworks nights, I would suggest the Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace, where you can sit and enjoy a meal and the fireworks from a secluded second floor location above Tomorrowland (you won't be able to see the projections from here). If you're like me and really love Halloween, you might consider Disney's Happiest Haunts Guided Tour. It's a two hour tour going over the history of Halloween and Halloween tales specific to Disney experiences. You'll get reserved viewing of Halloween Screams that night as well!
- Fantasmic!: I would recommend booking a Fantasmic! Dining Package. Only the Premium Package from River Belle Terrace lets you watch from the comfort of your table. Otherwise, you'll be able to watch from a reserved viewing area later that night after your meal. Dining reservations are released 60 days in advance, so it might be a little tough finding open spots, but I encourage you to keep checking back because Guests cancel their reservations all the time as plans change.
Unfortunately, there are no nighttime Parades during your visit. The Mickey and Friends Halloween Cavalcade takes place is Disneyland Park twice during the day but it isn't big enough that I would plan a meal around it.
I'm really excited for you to see Walt's original Park, Jaimie! You're also visiting over my favorite time of year. Disney Eats posted a Halloween Foodie Guide so you can see what delectably spooky dishes you'll be able to try when you get there!
Jaimie, I wish you the most magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! Please write us again if you have any more questions because we'd be happy to help! We'll see ya real soon!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al