Halloween is a big deal at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. While both coasts offer after-hours events, festive food, and exclusive merchandise, there are some pretty distinct differences between the two Halloween events at the domestic Disney theme parks.
Whether you’ve already booked your fall Disney trip or you’re still waiting for a last-minute deal at one of the theme parks, you’ll want to keep reading. We’re sharing all of the details about Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s Halloween offerings this year, from extra-cost parties to things you can do without a park ticket.
Walt Disney World’s Halloween bash
There’s plenty of spooky fun to be had all around Walt Disney World this Halloween season, from the iconic Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom to fall fun at Disney Springs.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom on select nights beginning August 7, 2026 through October 31, 2026. The separately ticketed event features seasonal treats, festive character meet-and-greets, plus plenty of playfully spooky entertainment that the entire family can enjoy. I can’t wait to check out the new Lilo and Stitch-themed masquerade in Tomorrowland. And, of course, plenty of candy handed out to trick-or-treaters of all ages by Disney cast members throughout the park.
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know about Disney Genie and Genie+
Returning entertainment includes Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, the nighttime fireworks show Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, and everyone’s favorite Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. You can also experience special ride overlays on The Mad Tea Party, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Space Mountain, the latter of which you ride in complete darkness.
Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party range from $119 to $229 per guest ages 10 and up, and $99 to $189 per guest ages three to nine. Disney’s annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can save $10 per ticket for select party nights.
The party also encourages guests to dress in costume. While there are some specific guidelines to follow, I love the wide variety of costumes people wear. In the past, I’ve done everything from Disneybounding as a favorite character to a simple Halloween T-shirt, but there are definitely people in full costumes, too.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Halloween meal
If you’re looking for a character dining spot where all of your Disney pals are decked out in Halloween outfits, look no further than Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine. At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto will all be in their cute costumes and stop by your table while you enjoy a buffet-style meal.
Disney Springs gets a festive haunt
Over at Disney Springs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy some hauntingly festive vibes. The first spot on my list is always Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, which features a fun Halloween overlay. The restaurant is decked out in vintage spooky decor inside and out. Additionally, the menu has a fun Halloween twist with items like Alien Invasion sliders (Nashville hot chicken on delightful biscuits) and the Fright of the Espresso cocktail (a fun take on a pumpkin spice espresso martini).
Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort
Those heading to the Disneyland Resort are in for a real treat, because the parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney District all get in on the Halloween fun. This year, Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort starts August 21 and ends on October 31, 2026.
Frights and fun at Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park really goes all out for Halloween. Upon entering the park, you’ll be greeted by a giant Mickey-shaped pumpkin right in Town Square. This is one of my favorite spots for pictures. This area is also where you can see Mickey Mouse and his pals dressed in their Halloween best. Main Street, U.S.A. is also adorned with adorable pumpkins and fall decor.
MAKE MEMORIES: America’s best family vacation spots, vetted by real travelers and families: FamilyVacationist’s 2026 guide
Over in New Orleans Square, you can hop on Haunted Mansion Holiday, a frightfully fun version of the original attraction with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, complete with plenty of tricks and treats. I especially love seeing the massive gingerbread display inside the ballroom, all created by Disney’s talented pastry chefs.
As night falls over the park, you can catch the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular from the castle hub, Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America.
Halloween at Disney California Adventure
Across the Esplanade at Disney California Adventure, the park is set for big Halloween fun. It all starts on Buena Vista Street, where the headless horseman statue welcomes guests into the park, and bats emerge from the tower of Carthay Circle Restaurant. Then in Cars Land, two of the area’s cutest rides get a Halloween takeover, turning them into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.
BEST TRIP EVER: Where to go in 2026: From cruises to theme parks, experts pick the best family vacation ideas for the year ahead
If you’re looking for a real fright, head straight for Guardians of the Galaxy in Avengers Campus. Every afternoon, the ride shuts down for a brief period before reopening as Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. This is truly one of the scariest experiences at Disneyland, so you may want to utilize child swap if you think it may be too much for your littlest ghouls.
For kids of all ages, especially tiny tots who love Disney Jr., the Mickey’s Trick or Treat show inside the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land is a great spot for some spirited entertainment. The show features dancing, bubbles, and of course some fun surprises from Mickey and his friends.
There’s also a festive Día de los Muertos celebration from August 21 through November 2, 2026 at Plaza de Familia at the park. The daily activities include live mariachi music, a show highlighting the music of Disney and Pixar’s beloved film, Coco, and more.
More Halloween fun at the Disneyland Hotels and Downtown Disney District
All three Disneyland hotels get in on the Halloween festivities too. Over at Pixar Place, you can spot decor inspired by Monsters, Inc., while the Disneyland Hotel is adorned with a Haunted Mansion theme. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will feature a beautiful display, all made by the loving hands of the Disneyland culinary teams.
Of course, no visit to Disneyland is complete without enjoying a character meal, and there are quite a few Halloween versions to choose from. At the Grand Californian’s Storytellers Cafe, you can enjoy Mickey’s Autumn Adventures for breakfast and brunch, while Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner takes over in the evenings. Then, over at the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween is offered throughout the day.
SUN AND SAND: Escape to paradise at these 11 kid-friendly all-inclusive beach resorts around the world
If your Halloween adventures take you into the Downtown Disney District, there’s still plenty of spooky offerings. On select nights, families can catch a fall or Halloween movie at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disneyland Halloween Party once again takes place on select nights at Disney California Adventure, from August 18 through October 31, 2026. The separately ticketed event starts at $139 per guest. While the party technically starts at 6:00 p.m., guests can enter the park starting at 3:00 p.m. The event goes until 11:00 p.m. You also get unlimited photo downloads from the party included in the ticket.
BOO TO YOU: 5 Spooky Halloween Vacations for Families: Salem, Sleepy Hollow, and More
Oogie Boogie Bash includes rare and villainous character meet-and-greets (some paired with trick-or-treat trails), the fan-favorite Frightfully Fun Parade, plus the immersive Villains Grove at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. And new this year is Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party, a spirited Haunted Mansion-inspired mini-parade.
Editor’s note: This story contains reporting from Carly Neil.
