Disneyland vs Walt Disney World: Which Does Halloween the Best?

As Disneyland releases full details for its 2023 Halloween celebrations, we discuss which Disney resort is the best when it comes to Halloween. Is Halloween better at Walt Disney World or Disneyland? This story, plus Disney's real-life Soarin' adventure is back.

Disneyland Resort Announces Return of Halloween Time and Plaza de la Familia Sept. 1, Plus 2023 Oogie Boogie Bash Dates

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort

Halloween Time runs at Disneyland Resort from September 1 through October 31, 2023.

Seasonal décor and characters in their Halloween best will appear in both parks, along with the Main Street Pumpkin Festival in Disneyland park and Radiator Screams in Disney California Adventure park.

At Disneyland park, Jack Skellington and the crew from The Nightmare Before Christmas will once again appear in the Haunted Mansion. A themed gingerbread house will be displayed in the spooky attraction’s ballroom though Sandy Claws has kept this year’s design a secret.

Every night through October 31, the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular will summon supernatural projections, special effects and music on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America and in front of it’s a small world. Fireworks join in on select nights, usually weekends. As a result, Wondrous Journeys is scheduled to make its final performance of the year on August 31.

At Disney California Adventure park, three attractions will undergo seasonal transformations with Halloween spins – and drops. The family-friendly Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters opt for happily hair-raising soundtracks to become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. For the first time, resident “car-acter” Guido will sport a ghoulish “car-stume” as he welcomes guests to the Casa Della Tires.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, a scream-worthy adventure to save Groot from creatures running amok in The Collector’s Fortress.

From September 8 through November 1, Disney character-themed pumpkins will be hidden around the Downtown Disney District for Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit; with the purchase of a map from participating locations and you can commemorate your search with a collectible keepsake. Downtown Disney District will also feature fall décor, entertainment and special offerings from select locations.

Plaza de la Familia and Tributes to Día de los Muertos

Honoring the Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the vibrant Plaza de la Familia cultural experience will bring brilliant marigolds, entertainment and family crafts to Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure park from September 1 to November 2. At Paradise Garden Grill, you can feast on menu items inspired by Mexican cuisine.

Several times per day, A Musical Celebration of Coco will present a talented company of Folklórico dancers, plus Mariachi singers and musicians, that recount Miguel’s adventure to the Land of the Dead. You can also meet Miguel, dance along to Mariachi music, add remembrance notes to the Memory Wall, and more.

Over in Cars Land, Ramone will honor Día de los Muertos at his detailing shop with an “ofrenda” celebrating the town’s good friend, Doc Hudson.

Disneyland park will pay tribute to Día de los Muertos with its traditional, vibrant display in Frontierland, adorned with marigolds and banners of papel picado.

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will take over Disney California Adventure park for more nights than ever before, bringing rare characters, villains and spellbinding experiences on 25 select evenings between September 5 and October 31, 2023. Kids and trick-or-treaters of all ages are invited to wear Halloween costumes for a wickedly fun evening of attractions (some of which have shorter wait times), themed food and beverages, and more. Admission to the after-hours event also includes entrance to Disney California Adventure park three hours before the party begins and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party.

Partygoers can also enjoy special offerings, such as “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, the “Frightfully Fun Parade” led by the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, and the immersive Villains Grove.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 29 (no earlier than 9:00 a.m. PT). On June 27 (no earlier than 9:00 a.m. PT), a limited amount of Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders at Disneyland.com/OogieBoogieBash.

Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash are limited so don't delay if you want to go. Here are all 25 nights of the Oogie Boogie Bash: