Just in case your Facebook / Twitter / Instagram feed hadn’t already told you that Halloween has arrived at Disneyland – I’m here to make sure you know exactly why you should visit the Disneyland Resort during this fall-festive time of year!

1. Pumpkins & Decorations Galore –

Honestly decor is always near the top of the list for me because it just makes everything extra festive and extra special, as if Disneyland itself wasn’t already amazing, adding that huge Mickey Pumpkin as your grand entrance to the “Main Street Pumpkin Festival” (hundreds of one of a kind jack-o-lanterns adorning Main Street) and all of the great decor throughout the rest of the parks just takes it over the top. Plus even though you’re in the midst of sunny SoCal, the decor definitely will give you that fallish feel that you are looking for this time of year.

2. Haunted Mansion Holiday –

If you haven’t heard about this yet, then where have you been?! For the last 15 years, the Haunted Mansion gets taken over every September-December by Jack Skellington and his “Nightmare Before Christmas” pals, and yet it’s still a super big hit every year when the Pumpkin King shows up. As you  pass through the ballroom make sure to spot (and smell) the unique Sally-themed ginger bread house created for 2016 only!

3. Characters in Costume –

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy have all dressed up in their Halloween finest to meet you at Disneyland – and they are so darn cute in their costumes. You can also meet Jack and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in New Orleans Square, Disneyland during this season only.

4. Dia de Los Muertos –

Learn about and celebrate the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead – you can enjoy cultural displays, musicians, Calavaras style face painting, and traditional treats like Pumpkin Flan. You can find the festivities next to Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland.

5. Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy –

As if Space Mountain wasn’t thrilling enough, during Halloween Time it adds in a really creepy space ghost, some very loud and unnerving sound effects, and somehow makes the ride even spookier darker than it already is – and there you have it. (Disclaimer, as a grown up I can say that it is fun, but seriously my kids are terrified to even walk by Space Mountain when it’s Ghost Galaxy.)

6. “Late Checkout” at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror –

Take a ride on this classic attraction with a twist – after nightfall, you can ride in TOTAL DARKNESS! 

7. Limited-Time Trinkets –

Tee-shirts, trading pins, Mickey ears, home decor, and every other kind of Disney-Halloween themed item you can think of is for purchase now only. And if you are a “Nightmare Before Christmas” fan, then this is your chance to stock up on every  bit of “Nightmare” merchandise your heart desires.

8. Happiest Haunts Tour –

If you are a big Haunted Mansion fan, as a special treat to yourself, take this 2-hour guided walking tour of Disneyland Park which ends at the Haunted Mansion and let’s you in on many behind-the-scenes stories about the attractions design, construction, and opening day in 1969. The tour is $85 per person, you can make reservations up to 30 days in advance, and it comes with a baked goodie, exclusive tour pin and button, and a Haunted Mansion FastPass.

9. Tasty Treats –

FOOD! Food is just about the best part of any special event and Halloween Time at Disneyland is no exception! Maybe I’m just a total sucker for limited time  new food options, but I’m not sorry about it. Among the long list of seasonal cuisine offerings are butterscotch Mickey beignets, apple pie funnel cake, maple creme brulee, pumpkin twist / flat / muffin / cheesecake / etc., and the list…goes…on. See the full version over at Disney Parks Blog.

10. Mickey’s Halloween Party –

This is the ultimate Disneyland at Halloween Time celebration and also one exclusive party. With your Mickey’s Halloween Party entry you get into Disneyland up to 3 hours before party time, and then get your costume on for party time because late into the night you can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the park, Halloween-themed attractions, a special Frightfully Fun Parade and Halloween Screams fireworks show, plus meet all of your favorite Disney Villains.  Tickets start at $79 per person. (Update: This event is already sold out. Be sure to check back in July when we post the dates for ticket sales!)