Being close to Disneyland is a nice perk while attending UCI, but one of the main problems is the cost of being able to go. Of course, I feel that annual passes are a great deal, but it depends on your personal choices and financial capabilities. Now, one of my favorite times to go to Disneyland is during Halloween time, which runs from mid-September until Oct. 31. Halloween Time at Disney has now expanded to both parks, and it’s a fun addition to the holiday festivities. Special menus have appeared in both parks, as well as cool new character costumes that are unique to each character! You don’t need a different ticket to experience Halloween Time, so enjoy the cute decorations, treats and new pop-ups that appear in both parks!
PC: https://twitter.com/disneyland/status/908731231390617600
There is a separate event that causes early closures during this time, and that’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, a special event that requires a separate park ticket.
If you’re an Annual Pass holder, you get a discounted price for tickets. This year it is between $89-$120 depending on which day you go! If you don’t have an annual pass, tickets start at $95 and go up to $120. These tickets are only for select days and select times, normally between 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. or 7 p.m. to midnight.
I personally don’t think the prices this year are that great. I paid $72 last year and I was able to stay in the park for a longer amount of time. I was inside the park by 5 p.m. to midnight, so that has changed. This year the tickets are for both parks, so that does justify the price a little, since this is the first time California Adventure will have Halloween decorations and special sections.
PC: https://twitter.com/disneylandap/status/912421465299066881
If you do decide to go, don’t miss the Parade at Disneyland! It’s definitely spooky and you’ll get to see villains that don’t really come out during the rest of the year at Disneyland! The fireworks are also another must. If you can get a spot in front of the castle, there are projections on there that go along with the fireworks.
Another fun thing that Disney does is trick or treating. One piece of advice, bring an empty or bag, because the bags they provide are quite small. They have your typical candy: chocolate, hard candy and gummies, but they also provide alternatives such as apple slices, goldfish, marshmallows, and graham crackers. If you’re allergic to something, they’ll find something appropriate for you, and they accommodate your needs. Just let a cast member know. Oh, and you can go through the lines as many times as you want! Find a line that gives you a handful of candy. Those will probably be further inside the park because people tend to stop in the front of the parks when they see the candy. Trust me, go deeper inside the park by Toon Town or by Matterhorn. Those lines tend to be shorter and have more candy. The treats and snacks around the park have been getting better and better as time goes on! Pictured below is the fruit salad with Tajin and Chamoy, and a Tres Leches Parfait!
PC: https://twitter.com/disneylandap/status/909144870597558273
Be patient, the lines are long for trick or treating and for meeting characters, but you’ll see that they move pretty quickly! Beware for strollers, parents aren’t afraid to use them to cut in front!
Lines for rides will be generally shorter, but for roller coasters, you’ll find yourself in line for typically the same time, if the parade or fireworks don’t interest you, those times are the best times to get on the busy rides! Guardians of the Galaxy has a special After Dark ride, and it’s very thrilling. Make that a ride to go on.
PC: https://twitter.com/disneylandap/status/910628390859878400
Again, since this is a special event, there will be special merchandise pertaining to the Halloween Party, and if you’re an AP, they tend to have a special treat for you. Previous years it’s been cupcakes, rice krispy treats, and my favorite, a bigger bag for candy!