If you follow me on instagram you know that we go to Disneyland a lot! If there’s something else you know about me is that I love Halloween almost more than any other holiday. Halloween time at Disneyland is one of my favorites and I have been counting down since our visit last year to go back to Mickey’s not so scary Halloween party. The good news is that tickets are on sale and they will sell out, don’t wait! I waited last year and after one day three different dates sold out. The event ranges from $69-$84. You might think it’s crazy but it’s really worth it! If you don’t have an annual passport you can arrive at the park three hours before the event’s start time and it includes parking. This year we are making a weekend out of the event by staying at The Disneyland Hotel to celebrate Brayden’s 4th Birthday. Here are a few reason’s why you’ll love the special event:
1. Treats. I mean seriously, the treats are freaking insane. I would say that you could probably skip going trick-or-treating on Halloween and just go for the fun treats at Disneyland. We are a family of four and we skipped a few trick-or-treat stations and we still had way too many treats. When you go through the main gates they will give you a treat bag for each guest. My suggestion is to bring larger bags to dump the treats into. This year my goal is to go mainly for the healthy treats because our kids love the dried apples (and the frozen apple juice next to Casey Junior, it’s a must for every visit!) and it’s one treat I always stock-up on when we go to the park anyway. They also make for great snacks to send to school as a special treat!
2. Costumes. I could go and sit on a bench and just people watch. I have been brainstorming our family costumes since last year and I can tell you it’s already August and I have no clue. It’s amazing to see the adults get so into the fun. Some costumes are mediocre and some are so extraordinary that you might confuse a guest as a cast member. Tip: When you’re dressing your little ones add some glow sticks to the mix. Last year Payton went as one of 1,000 Elsa’s. She wore Twinkle Toes which added some icey flair and we could always see where she was because of her lights. The park is super dark and it’s crowded so add something to identify your child quickly. If you have a Tinker Bell, add glow sticks into the skirt or make the wings light up.
Eerie fog rolling in at dusk over Tom Sawyer island. The kids loved this!
3. Special Shows & Attractions. I love Disney Villans but sadly we don’t see them throughout the year. You’ll see Jack Skellington, Cruella Deville, Ursula and many others scattered around the park. You will also see your favorite characters dressed up as well. You won’t want to miss the Haunted Mansion or Space Mountain’s ghostly surprises. You’ll love the Villain fireworks show, I was seriously blown away and loved every second because all the evilest Disney characters make a bootiful appearance. Our kids had fallen asleep about an hour before close so we could really take in all that the party had to offer. I must say my favorite part was watching all the Villains saying goodnight and going away into the Disneyland Railroad.
Big Thunder Ranch is always a secret gem. It’s back away from the crowds and there’s always a lot of characters rotating through. There’s also cookie decorating, dancing and more fun. Overall, it’s a good place to take a break.
4. Value. I know value and Disney don’t seem like they would go together in the same sentence but if you truly plan a trip you can save. Last year we went and only had to pay for three vs. four and we went on a Wednesday which was less than Friday or closer dates to Halloween. Since we went after we picked the kids up from preschool we stopped on the way up for dinner and only had a snack at the park. You’re also saving on parking because your party ticket includes parking. If you utilize the healthy treats from the treat stations you can really make it work for an evening with minimal spending. The biggest value for us last year and even this upcoming is that we stayed on property. Last year we did the Grand Californian and this year we are staying at The Disneyland Hotel per the almost four-year-old’s request. It is crazy how tired you are stumbling back to your room with sleeping kids in tow! It was really worth it because we weren’t trying to change them in the car or making the hour plus drive home.
5. The Photo Opportunities. Halloween is my favorite time at Disneyland, well that and Christmas but there’s just something so amazing about the Mickey pumpkin as you walk-in. I have loved taking our photo there ever since my nieces and nephew were babies.
Have you gone to Mickey’s Halloween Party? If so, what’s your favorite thing? If not, what would you want to see? xo.
Nice to meet you the other day! Your kids are so adorable and it’s great that you can enjoy Disneyland together! Hubs and I have only visited Disneyland in May and December. Halloween is a fun time to check out theme parks because they change their looks completely! Good tips on the Halloween costumes.