Tips for Attending Mickeys Halloween Party at Disneyland
Tips for AP’s and Non AP’s for this years Halloween Party at The Disneyland Resort
Depending on if you are an annual pass holder or just visit the park from time to time, I have some tips on getting the most from your time during the Mickeys Halloween Party. What difference does it make you ask? TONS!
Enjoy limited time frights, fun and food when Halloween Time returns to the Disneyland resort select nights September 19 through October 31, 2018. Your ticket to Mickey's Halloween party lets you enjoy both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park for up to 3 hours before the Mickey’s Halloween Party begins. Trust me the night will fly by so I suggest you have some sort of plan in mind.
When the sun sets, the real magic of this party begins! The entire mood of the park starts to change and new surprises emerge for you to experience. One of the highlights for me is seeing the Cadaver Dans in the misty waters singing A Cappella. This is exclusive to the Halloween Party nights and I highly recommend looking out for them as they seam to appear out of nowhere in the waters of the Rivers of America. Show times: 7,8,9 ,10 & 10:45.
Disneyland Passholders Tips. Check in at Startraders for your wristband and exclusive AP goodies. Here you will get a button, card and a head start on trick or treating too. So you are an AP but this might be your first Halloween party, here are my tips.
Be sure to get your AP goodies
Check the app for character meet and greets and hit them. You can come back and do rides other visits. I do recommend doing the rides that offer Halloween Overlay though like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. But remember as an AP you can always come back and experience these attractions another time. Halloween at the DLR runs from September 7- October 31.
Fireworks can be viewed from 3 different locations, top being in front of the castle, second in front of It’s a Small World side followed by Rivers of America.
Second Parade is always easier to find a spot that 1st. If you are planning on leaving directly after ask a CM where it will be queueing up. If it’s on Main Street, you will be able to leave the park immediately and easily right after it finishes.
Don’t worry about lining up too quickly for Trick or Treat stations, they are everywhere and will calm down as the party progresses. Option: Hit them during the 1st parade. I would do the more popular meet and greets at this time so you need to decide whats more important.
Party fun at Disneyland
Headless Horseman Rides Again : Keep your eyes peeled for this haunted herald as he gallops down Main Street, U.S.A., leading the Frightfully Fun Parade presented exclusively during Mickey’s Halloween Party. 8:50 & 10:20
Halloween Screams Fireworks : Become spellbound by a supernatural display presented exclusively during Mickey’s Halloween Party (weather permitting). 9:35pm
Trick-or-Treat Stations : Collect candy and healthy goodies at selection locations throughout the park (guide maps available at park entrance).
Character Greetings : Seize your chance to meet, greet and pose with some dastardly Disney Villains and popular Disney Pals decked out in Halloween costumes.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Ride Overlay
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy Ride Overlay
Main Street Pumpkin Festival: Feast your eyes upon hundreds of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns in this dreadfully delightful annual display.
Villain's Square at Mickey’s Halloween Party: On select nights in September and October, pose for photos alongside Disney’s most beloved baddies—if you dare. Main St. USA
Character Greetings, Times vary per location check with a cm or the official Disneyland App.
Character Guide: Disney Pirate Pals Located at Pirate Wars (Frontierland Dock) Include Jack Sparro, Red, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wends and Mr. Smee.
Disney Princesses: Fantasy Faire
Disney Villains: Town Square Man Street U.S.A maleficent, Evil Queen, Hades, Wicked Step Sisters, Queen of Hearts, Jafar, Cruella de Vil, Lady Tremain.
Jack Skellington & Sally: New Orleans Square
Friends of the Jungle: Adventureland: Jane Power, Twerk, King Louie & Baloo
Mickey & Minnie: Ranch Del Zocalo Wearing Disneyland Hong Kong Costumes
Star Wars: Tomorrowland Launch Bay
French Market/New Orleans Square: Tightrope Girl and Constance Hatchaway
Winnie the Pooh & Friends: Critter Corner
Party dates and hours this year are:
September Dates: Wed, Sept 19, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Fri, Sept 21, 2018 7:00 PM to midnight Mon, Sept 24, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Wed, Sept 26, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Fri, Sept 28, 2018 7:00 PM to midnight
October Dates: Tues, Oct 2, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Fri, Oct 5, 2018 7:00 PM to midnight , Tues, Oct 9, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Fri, Oct 12, 2018 7:00 PM to midnight , Tues, Oct 16, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Fri, Oct 19, 2018 7:00 PM to midnight , Tues, Oct 23, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM , Fri, Oct 26, 2018 7:00 PM to midnight , Mon, Oct 29, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Wed, Oct 31, 2018 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM.
Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure is part of the party again this year. Though there is no trick or treating, DCA does offer ride over lays, spooky decorations and has several character meet and greets. Cars Land gets an entire themed transformation and has some clever decorations with the use of car parts. It all looks great in the day but nighttime really is when you need to see it all! AP’s I suggest you bypass DCA all together as you can visit again in the night on another day to experience all the fun.
Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree Ride Overlay
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark Ride Overlay
Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween Ride Overlay
Route 66 in Cars Land bumper-to-bumper Haul-O-Ween style
Black bats coiling ‘round Carthay Circle Theatre’s bell tower
Headless Horseman statue comes alive!
Photo Pass Photo magic with Oogie Boogie
Know before you go!
A ticket is required for all Guests 3 and over. Space is limited and tickets are available only while supplies last. Subject to capacity and other restrictions.
Tickets are valid for admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party and to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park (subject to Park operating hours) beginning 3 hours prior to the start of the party. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.
Parking is Not included. This is a NON smoking event
My tip on getting the Most BOO out of your visit If your are a NOT an AP. First off decide what is more important to experience. This party offers special character meet and greets, some that are not normally offered in the park, features a special fireworks show as well as a short parade with villains and ghosts. I for one would limit trick or treating to a minimum. Why? If candy is that important, just go out and buy some. I find if you get wrapped up in searching for every trail you miss out on fun characters and rides and the overall experience.
Take advantage of early entry and head to DCA first and enjoy the decorations, photo ops and food and a few rides you really want to experience!
Switch over to Disneyland so you won't miss the parade (2nd showing less crowded) and the fireworks!
Bring your own Trick Or Treat bag, they give out tons of treats!
Be sure to follow the costume guidelines so you won't have to modify your costume.
During the first parade, take advantage of shorter ride lines or meet and greets.
Don't rush to line up for trick or treating, lines are long early on.
Trick Or Treat lines split into 2 and have several within one treat stop.
Looking for less crowds, pick a date in September and on a weekday except Friday. Those will also be the least expensive dates to attend.
Toon Town has Pre Party Trick or Treating. There are only 2 trails there and if you don’t line up early before it opens the lines will be very long. I suggest skipping this. It will be open for a few hours after the party starts so you can head back later if you want to with less lines.
Try to eat before getting to the park and do quick service meal in the evening or bring snacks you can eat walking around.
Costumes are welcomed for both children and adults BUT there are some guidelines you will need to follow get more info HERE
We have been attending this event for several years now and I always recommend it. Since it's a private event it is less crowded, offers exclusive entertainment and is a great excuse for the entire family to get into the Halloween spirit and dress up! Tickets are completely sold out for this years event and normally go on sale mid June if you are looking to attend next year.