Welcome to planDisney, Lisa! And happy early birthday to your grandson (what a fun way to celebrate such a special milestone). I’d be happy to help you plan for a not-so-spooky day at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Based on the current schedule, the
Haunted Mansion is expected to be open on August 30, 2026. However, it will be featuring its seasonal transformation into
Haunted Mansion Holiday beginning around August 21. That means Jack Skellington and friends from Halloween Town will have taken over, blending Halloween and Christmas into one delightfully eerie experience. You can expect festive décor, themed overlays, and a slightly more playful (but still “grim, grinning”) atmosphere.
Since your visit falls right at the start of
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, you’ll be stepping into a park filled with autumn touches and seasonal fun. Over in Cars Land, attractions like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters usually receive their playful Halloween overlays (
Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and
Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween), which can be especially fun for younger Guests. It’s a great area to let little ones enjoy the festive atmosphere without anything too intense.
Now, for the ultimate treat (no tricks here!) If you want to sprinkle even more pumpkin-spiced pixie dust on your visit, I highly recommend
Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights in August, September, and October. This after-hours Halloween party is packed with ghoulish goodies, including immersive treat trails, wickedly wonderful entertainment, villain sightings galore, and spellbinding surprises hiding around every cobwebbed corner. My wife and I have made it a not-so-scary annual tradition, and we cackle with glee every time we attend. There’s nothing quite like strolling through Disney California Adventure while mischievous villains are out for a spooky selfie or two. Tickets will go on sale later this year, so be sure to keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog. You wouldn’t want to miss out and end up on Oogie Boogie’s naughty list!
Lisa, I hope this helps you feel ready to celebrate your grandson’s special day. It sounds like a visit filled with festive sights, playful spooks, and sweet family moments. If you have any other questions, just summon us here at planDisney again. We love helping fellow fans scare up some fun.
Wishing you a birthday celebration that’s equal parts cozy and delightfully spooky,
David