Halloween Has Arrived in the Parks!

Today’s Guest Author is listener Nicole Bamberger, who you have likely heard on the Mousetalgia Podcast, providing “Ears to the Ground” updates!  

Hey Mousetalgia listeners! (Or, in this case– readers!) Nicole Bamberger here, occasional Ears to the Ground Correspondent, lover of Disney, and overall Halloween junkie. I’m psyched for the opportunity to blog here today, and look forward to sharing some Disney updates and overall thoughts with fellow fans such as yourself.

First up– Halloween has arrived!

I know, it’s only September– and yet the fall festivities are alive and well in the Disney Parks! The characters are in costume, vibrant splashes of orange foliage can be spotted throughout the parks, and pumpkins peek out at guests from their perches both high and low. Here are just a few highlights of some of the fun things you can catch in Disneyland Park this spooktacular season.

The Swag

In terms of merchandise, my personal faves are these oversized Snow White poison apple steins, which can be found in multiple locations throughout both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Also popular this year are the sparkly orange Minnie Mouse ears, complete with a black bow with orange polka dots. Lastly, I can’t forget to mention the awesome “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Oogie Boogie popcorn buckets, which have been drawing long lines of guests.

Speaking of popcorn buckets…

The Treats

…there are way too many cute options from which to choose! Disneyland Annual Passholders can purchase a villains-themed popcorn bucket (pictured on the right) for $15.00, with the option of obtaining refills for $1.00 between now and October 31st.

Other tasty treats appear throughout the parks, from a “Spider Parfait” to pumpkin-flavored pastries, candy corn cotton candy to a “Bat Wing Raspberry Sundae” (the latter two located in DCA). Of course, the caramel apples remain perhaps the most impressive. Of note are the versions of Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty” and the Wicked Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, pictured here in the back row.

The Attractions

Jack Skellington and his nightmarish pals from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” have once again taken over the Haunted Mansion, officially marking the start of this holiday season. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in Disneyland during Halloween time, and I’d somehow managed to forget how simply amazing and enchanting this overlay is (such detail!). Head’s up: the line has been long, so definitely consider getting a FASTPASS for this one.

Also in New Orleans Square, Sally and Jack are available for a cute and festive photo opportunity in the open space between the Le Bat en Rouge and Pieces of Eight. Meanwhile, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald can be seen rocking their Halloween costumes on Main Street, USA (as well as in Carthay Circle in DCA).

The Decor

One of the absolute highlights of fall in the parks is seeing the beautiful orange leaves, vibrant autumnal hues, and pumpkins that adorn Main Street, USA. Personally, I love the shop windows– make sure to take some time to slow down and savor all there is to see.

You can also catch some beautiful decor over in Frontierland at Zocalo Park (located next to Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante), where delightful skeletons, ornate altars, and bright pops of color celebrate the upcoming Día de los Muertos holiday.

Keeping it mostly short and sweet (and seasonal!) for this first post. Stay tuned for an upcoming recap of Mickey’s Halloween Party! Carpe Kingdom!

Will you be heading to the parks this Halloween season? If so, what are you most looking forward to? Comment Below!