Halloween has arrived at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, transforming the parks into a spooky, family-friendly celebration of pumpkins, costumes, and festive fun. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney parks fan or planning your first trip during the fall, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Halloween seasons yet.
From early start dates to after-hours parties, from seasonal snacks to limited-edition merchandise, here’s your complete guide to celebrating Halloween 2025 at Disney.
Halloween Season Dates for 2025
- Disneyland Resort: Halloween Time runs August 22 – October 31, 2025 at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
- Walt Disney World Resort: Halloween decorations and events begin August 15 – October 31, 2025, with Magic Kingdom typically debuting its fall décor in early August.
Both resorts are starting earlier than ever, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy spooky festivities before October 31.
Disneyland Resort: Halloween Time Highlights
Disneyland goes all out for Halloween Time, decorating Main Street, U.S.A. with autumn garlands and the famous giant Mickey pumpkin. Each park has unique offerings, but Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure both embrace the season in immersive ways.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
A fan-favorite overlay transforms the Haunted Mansion into a mash-up of The Nightmare Before Christmas and classic Haunted Mansion spooks. Jack Skellington, Zero, and friends take over with holiday décor, eerie music, and new surprises each year.
The mansion typically closes around August 11 for the transformation and reopens with its seasonal overlay when Halloween Time begins.
Halloween Screams Fireworks
Select nights bring the “Halloween Screams” nighttime spectacular to Disneyland Park. Hosted by Jack Skellington, this show combines projections, pyrotechnics, and Disney villain cameos in a festive display perfect for families.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party
Over at Disney California Adventure, the separate-ticket Oogie Boogie Bash returns for 2025.
- Dates: August 17 – October 31, 2025 (select nights)
- Activities: Trick-or-treat trails, rare character meet-and-greets, immersive villain photo ops, the Frightfully Fun Parade, and shorter wait times for rides.
- Costumes are encouraged for all ages, making this one of the most photogenic events of the year.
Halloween Dining Experiences
Disneyland Resort offers seasonal dining options during Halloween Time:
- Goofy’s Kitchen Halloween Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner – Costumed characters, themed menu items, and seasonal backdrops.
- Storytellers Café Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Brunch Buffet – A cozy fall-inspired brunch running through mid-November.
- Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner – Available through October 31 with festive desserts and themed beverages.
Walt Disney World Resort: Fall Fun in Florida
Halloween season at Walt Disney World centers on Magic Kingdom, but the entire resort joins in with seasonal treats, entertainment, and decorations.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)
The signature after-hours event at Magic Kingdom is a must-do for many Disney fans.
- Dates: August 15 – October 31, 2025 (select nights)
- Hours: 7:00 PM to midnight, with early entry at 4:00 PM for ticketholders.
- Highlights:
- Trick-or-treat trails throughout the park.
- Rare character meet-and-greets, including Jack Skellington and Sally.
- Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, led by the Headless Horseman.
- Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington.
Ticket prices have increased for 2025, with peak nights up to $229, but Passholder and Disney Vacation Club discounts are available.
Character Makeovers at Both Parks
For 2025, Jack Skellington has debuted a new, more movie-accurate face sculpt at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. This updated design makes his expressions more lifelike and closer to The Nightmare Before Christmasfilm version. Fans have praised the change across social media, calling it a “huge upgrade” for meet-and-greets and stage shows.
Sally has also received a refreshed costume and styling, adding even more detail and authenticity to her look. Guests can meet Jack and Sally at:
- Disneyland – Typically in New Orleans Square or during Haunted Mansion Holiday season.
- Walt Disney World – During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.
These updated costumes make photo ops even more special for fans visiting during Halloween 2025.
Special Events and Entertainment
Both resorts offer a mix of free-with-admission events and separately ticketed parties. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Event | Location | Dates | Ticket Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haunted Mansion Holiday | Disneyland Park | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | No |
| Oogie Boogie Bash | Disney California Adventure | Aug 17 – Oct 31 | Yes |
| Halloween Screams | Disneyland Park | Select Nights | No |
| Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Magic Kingdom | Aug 15 – Oct 31 | Yes |
| Plaza de la Familia (Coco Celebration) | Disney California Adventure | Aug 22 – Nov 2 | No |
Halloween Food and Beverages
Disney parks are known for seasonal snacks, and Halloween 2025 is no exception.
Disneyland Resort
Expect themed churros, pumpkin spice beignets, and villain-inspired desserts across both parks. Dining locations often offer collectible popcorn buckets shaped like pumpkins, cauldrons, or popular Disney villains.
Downtown Disney also joins in with bakeries and coffee shops offering limited-time pastries and drinks.
Walt Disney World Resort
Halloween treats pop up in every park and at Disney Springs. A few early highlights for 2025 include:
- Alien Invader Sliders at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
- Phantom Dumplings in themed black wrappers.
- Pumpkin mousse domes, candy corn milkshakes, and other colorful, Instagram-ready options.
Full foodie guides for each resort are typically released in early August, so visitors can plan their snack strategy.
Halloween Merchandise
Both coasts release exclusive merchandise collections for the season, usually including:
- Spirit Jerseys with Halloween patterns.
- Loungefly backpacks in spooky designs.
- Limited-edition pins and MagicBands.
- Plush characters in Halloween costumes.
Merchandise tends to sell out quickly, especially event-exclusive items only available at Oogie Boogie Bash or MNSSHP.
Tips for Visiting During Halloween Season
- Buy After-Hours Tickets Early – Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party often sell out before October.
- Arrive Early for Photos – Popular backdrops like the Mickey pumpkin or villain treat trails can have long lines.
- Dress in Costume (Smartly) – Disney allows costumes for all ages during these events, but follow the official guidelines to avoid being turned away.
- Plan Dining Ahead – Halloween dining experiences book quickly; reservations open 60 days in advance.
- Budget for Snacks and Merch – Seasonal offerings are tempting and limited-time, so leave room in your budget.
Why You Should Experience Disney’s Halloween in 2025
Disney’s Halloween celebrations are more than just decorations—they’re immersive seasonal overlays that bring beloved characters, rides, and stories into the spooky spirit.
For nerds, collectors, and fans of themed entertainment, Halloween at Disneyland and Walt Disney World offers:
- Exclusive experiences you can’t get any other time of year.
- Photo opportunities for costumes and seasonal backdrops.
- Limited-edition collectibles for your Disney collection.
- Themed entertainment blending nostalgia with fresh surprises.
Whether you prefer the villain-filled trails of Oogie Boogie Bash or the magic of Boo-To-You Parade, 2025 is packed with reasons to grab your Mickey ears and pumpkin-spiced latte for a trip to the parks.
Final Thoughts
From August through October, both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World transform into Halloween wonderlands. With after-hours parties, seasonal ride overlays, special merchandise, and mouth-watering snacks, there’s something for every Disney fan—whether you’re a first-timer or a Halloween season regular.
If you’re planning a trip, mark your calendar for those early start dates, secure your event tickets, and get ready to experience the happiest haunts on Earth.
No! Too early! Wait until after Labor Day