Hi there, Stephanie! Welcome to planDisney. You are in for a real treat! No tricks here. I absolutely LOVE when we get to the “-ber” months because it’s my favorite time to visit the parks. I’d love to share with you some of my non-Oogie Boogie Bash favorites during this
spooky time of the year.
My first recommendation is to seek out the
seasonal foods you’ll encounter! Between the new bites and fave returners, I always seek out tasty treats. While we may be a little early for the holiday season and gingerbread, the dessert cart at the Grand Californian inside their lobby sells a spooktacular version of the holiday favorite. If you’re a Mickey gingerbread fan, these are sure to bring a smile to your face, just as they did to mine. I even purchased one for my coworker because of how well they’re packaged with cellophane, ribbon, and a cardboard backing for extra sturdiness.
If you’re looking to book a
character dining reservation, some restaurants have a fall twist on its menu. We’ve previously dined at Goofy’s Kitchen during an October visit, and it was so fun to see Goofy and his pals dressed in their Halloween best as they interacted with Guests. The best part about dining at Goofy’s Kitchen, aside from the fun towel-twirling dance parties, is the PhotoPass photo you take with your reservation!
One of my must-dos during Halloween time is Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland. I absolutely love seeing how Jack Skellington and his friends from The Nightmare Before Christmas put their own spooky spin on this classic attraction.
Over at California Adventure, don't miss Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land. As someone with a little Cars fan in my family, this is one of my favorite pit stops. Radiator Springs gets a spooky makeover, and you may even spot some of your favorite Cars characters dressed up for the occasion. Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween are also seasonal versions of the attractions, so be sure to add them to your list!
While you’re at California Adventure, I’d make time for
Plaza de la Familia. This area inspired by the movie Coco is such a beautiful way to experience Día de los Muertos, with colorful décor, music, food, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the importance of family. I love that it feels different from the traditional Halloween offerings throughout the parks, so it’s a wonderful addition to your itinerary.
And, of course, don’t forget to take some time to simply soak in all the Halloween décor throughout the parks! From the giant Mickey pumpkin on Main Street, U.S.A., to the spooky touches around Cars Land and the festive details throughout the hotels, there are so many little details that make Halloween time feel extra special. Even without an Oogie Boogie Bash ticket, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spooky season and make some magical memories!
Stephanie, thank you so much for visiting planDisney! I hope this gives you some fun ideas for your very first Disneyland visit. With Halloween Time, delicious seasonal treats, festive entertainment, and plenty of spooky magic waiting for you, I think you picked a practically perfect time for your first trip! Have a boo-tiful vacation, and if you have any more questions as you continue planning, planDisney is here for you!
With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust,
Bev