It's the most wonderfully spooky time of the year at the Disneyland [1] Resort in Anaheim, CA. Both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure have had magical makeovers for the Halloween season [2] with plenty of limited-edition treats [3], haunting rides, and some of the best seasonal merchandise [4] we've ever seen! If you're making your way out for a one-day trip and are trying to cram as much Halloween [5] goodness into one day, don't fret. You and the family can definitely soak up all the spookiness in a short amount of time if you plan accordingly. Keep reading for everything you need to do, see, and eat (just plan on being there a full day!) for a quick (but still very magical) trip to Disney. Happy haunting!
Get a Park-Hopper With MaxPass, and Grab a Halloween Time Guide
There's too much fun stuff to see, do, and eat in each of the parks, so you'll get the most out of the day if you can hop between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. The MaxPass will be essential for getting all your photos (seriously, such a steal), including ones in front of iconic Disneyland Halloween [6] landmarks. You'll also ensure that you can get onto both the Haunted Mansion and Guardians of the Galaxy holiday-inspired rides via FastPass.
As you enter the parks, make sure you get a "Halloween Time" guide. Located at ticket booths and Disney hotel lobbies, this treasure-hunt of a map will be your go-to guide for all things Halloween at Disney. It'll help you choose which treats you want to taste this year and where to find each one!
Head to Disneyland, and Get Yourself Some Halloween Ears
This year's lineup is absolutely stellar, with adorable candy corn Minnie bows [7], Coco-inspired Dia de los Muertos ears [8], ornate Maleficant ears with horns, Haunted Mansion styles adorned with gargoyles [9], and all things Nightmare Before Christmas, pumpkin, and more! It's the closest you can come to wearing a costume in the parks outside of Mickey's Halloween [10] Party.
Get Your Mickey Pumpkin Photos
Arrive at Disneyland early, and catch that early morning glow in front of the pumpkin for your professional shots (you get to download the hi-res photos immediately with MaxPass!). Tip: each side of this giant jack-o'-lantern has a different face!
Eat All the Treats
While you're at Disneyland, we strongly suggest you try a pumpkin spice or candy corn churro (located outside the Haunted Mansion and Golden Horseshoe, respectively), as well as a sweet potato hand pie and/or mummy Mickey macaron from Jolly Holiday Bakery. While you're at it, grab the frozen Abuelita Horchata [11], too! There are dozens of delectable seasonal treats — Disney went big this year. Consult your Halloween [12] Time map for a full list.
Go on the Haunted Mansion (at LEAST Once!)
The most iconic Halloween and holiday season experience [13] you can have at Disneyland is the Haunted Mansion ride. This year's makeover does not disappoint, and the new gingerbread house is so adorable (in a spooky, creepy way).
Go on Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
The Haunted Mansion isn't the only ride that gets a Halloween makeover [14]! Visit Tomorrowland, and get on Space Mountain for a haunting (and thrilling) experience. You'll also get a hi-res, Halloween-themed ride photo to download with your MaxPass.
Snap a Pic of the Oogie Boogie Man
On your way out of Disneyland and into DCA, you'll notice major decorations above the entrance — a massive, delightfully creepy motif of Nightmare Before Christmas' ultimate villain, the Oogie Boogie Man! Totally Instagram-worthy.
Head to Radiator Screams
Radiator Springs in Disney's California Adventure (also known as Cars Land) is all decked out with the cutest, most clever decorations we've ever seen. Radiator "spiders" crawling on buildings, jack-o'-lantern traffic cones, and of course, the delicious pumpkin shake at Flo's V8 Cafe [15] all make for one of those experiences in which you remember how incredible Disney is with its attention to detail.
Get Spooked at Guardians of the Galaxy "After Dark" Ride
As if dropping from extreme heights in a steel lift wasn't terrifying enough, the monsters break out of their cages after dark in a nighttime-only version of the Guardians of the Galaxy ride [16]. The ride switches over to the scary stuff at roughly 5 p.m. each day, so if you've got little ones in tow, you can take them beforehand. That said, despite warning signs that say the ride may be frightening for children, we noticed a few kids in our group who were loving it — so proceed with caution, and go based on your child's personality. You'll get a hi-res photo from this ride with your MaxPass!
Take a Little Disney Halloween Home With You
If the photos from MaxPass aren't enough, there are seriously SO many cute goodies to take home, from candleholders and candy buckets for trick-or-treating to mugs, tees, hand towels, and more. You can keep the joy and festivities going, even when you're miles away from the memories.