Inside the Magic of Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

in Disney, Merchandise, Theme Parks

By the time September rolls around, Mickey Mouse and his team have already been hard at work conjuring up fiendish fall fun for the season. “Nightmare Before Christmas” creatures Jack, Sally, and Oogie Boogie have returned to renovate the Haunted Mansion, transforming it into the Haunted Mansion Holiday. Halloween Time has arrived at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California!

Just as Halloween Time materializes, a spellbinding spooky soirée returns to Disneyland Park.  Mickey’s Halloween Party, the after hours, separately ticketed trick-or-treat event, emerges from September 19 through October 31.

While similar to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World in Florida, the California version, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom greets guests with its own spellbinding version of fall fun. Additionally, for an overview of the Halloween Celebrations at all of the Disney Parks around the world & Disney Cruise Line check out our companion article.

Happy Haunts – What to Expect

With event-specific creepy cool collectible merchandise, rare rendezvous with costumed characters, and boo-tifully themed attractions, Mickey knows how to throw a Halloween party! Exclusive, eerie entertainment, trick-or-treat opportunities, and creepy cool processionals add to the fiendishly fun evening. Although a nighttime experience, Mickey’s Halloween Party offers family-friendly entertainment with mild scares.

Spooktacular Shows

Mickey’s Halloween Party conjures up exciting, exclusive experiences reserved only for those foolish mortals attending this event.

Arrival of the Headless Horseman

As a wicked warm-up, Sleepy Hollow’s resident ghoul gallops across the streets of Disneyland.  This headless specter, mounted upon his midnight steed, is none other than Ichabod Crane’s worst nightmare: The Headless Horseman. His charge could mean he’s looking for or new noggin’ to chop, but more than likely its just a stunning start for the evening’s parade.

Frightfully Fun Parade

Disneyland is famous for parades, so Mickey and Minnie have an extra special spooky surprise for their Halloween guests. With none other than the Pumpkin King himself in the lead, the Frightfully Fun Parade steps off each evening. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and a mischievous mix of Disney Villains arrive alongside favorites from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” for the seasonal spectacle.

Halloween Screams

Later in the evening, Jack Skellington, along with Zero, returns to announce even more explosive entertainment. Halloween Screams, a fearsome yet fun fireworks show, bursts into the night sky.

“As Jack and Zero fade into the night leaving you to enjoy what’s to come, settle in and embrace the jump-worthy collision of sights and sounds—soaring flames, projections of rising ghosts and classic Disney villains like Maleficent and Ursula the Sea Witch—all set to a medley of Halloween-inspired songs… one showstopper after another.” – Disney

Cadaver Dans

Keep a watchful eye on the river. At certain times, when the weather is just right, spooky serenades sift through the fog as ghostly glee-meisters, the Cadaver Dans, emerge. These dearly departed dapper Dans deliver delightfully dark PUNishment during their mesmerizing musical paranormal performances.

Villains Square

Disney Villains are given permission to run amok during Mickey’s Halloween Party. However, there’s a catch — they must make time to pose for fearsomely fun photos and be available for autographs. This ghoulish gathering takes place at Town Square throughout the evening. Short of consulting Madame Leota and her crystal ball, using the official Disneyland app will reveal rendezvous times.

Trick-or-Treat Treasures

Mickey has thought of everything for his Halloween Party. Each guest is offered a souvenir trick-or-treat bag to fill with sweet surprises. When guided by either the provided map or park app, finding the cauldrons of candy at each station along the trick-or-treat trail is so simple it’s almost scary.

Cleverly Disguised

Trailblazing for treats traditionally involves dressing up in costume. While dress up for children is normally allowed for children under 14 years old, this restriction is relaxed for Mickey’s Halloween Party. For those same younger guests, costumes are still allowed along with masks as long as they are not full-face and the child’s eyes can be seen.

For this event, additional safety guidelines must be taken into consideration (according to the Disney website):

  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
  • Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses)

Not usually permitted during regular park hours, one perk to Mickey’s Halloween Party is that adults (anyone over 14 years old) ARE permitted to partake in the dress up fun.  Those costumes must adhere to the following safety guidelines:

  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
  • Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, toy swords, and tutus.
  • Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
  • Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes.
  • Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into and/or removed from the event unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

Disney

Mystifying Merchandise

As if by magic, creepy cool collectible and exclusive-to-the-event merchandise materializes during every eerie evening of Mickey’s Halloween Party. Tricked out tee shirts, Halloween party pins, and more provide perfect mementos

While similar to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween (Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World) version, Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland greets guests with its own spellbinding version of fall fun.  Attraction overlays like Space Mountain – Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday are exclusive to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Mickey’s Halloween Party descends on Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California select nights from September 19 through October 31. This party to die for takes place after normal park hours. A separate ticket is required to attend, but that same ticket allows prior entry to either Disneyland Resort theme park (up to three hours prior to actual event opening for the evening). Tickets ($95 – $130 each) and exact event dates are available on the Halloween Party webpage.

Not able to enjoy the party in California? All of Disney’s resorts, including the Disney Cruise Line, host Halloween celebrations.

Source and images: Mickey’s Halloween Party website, YouTube, ITM Archives

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