As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, the excitement for Halloween builds. Disney Parks, known for their enchanting transformations throughout the year, go all out to celebrate the spooky season. For those planning a visit in 2018, understanding when Disneyland and Walt Disney World are decorated for Halloween is key to making the most of the magic. Let's dive into the timeline, details, and the unique decor you can expect to see during the Halloween season at Disney Parks in 2018.
The Magic Begins
The transition from summer to Halloween at Disney Parks doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s when you can expect to see the first signs of the festive transformation:
- August:
Early signs of Halloween preparations start in mid-August, with decorations and merchandise slowly filtering into the parks. While not officially themed, you’ll see some pumpkins, spooky garlands, and other minor decor elements.
- September:
By late September, the parks become much more apparent in their Halloween decor. Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland and Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom get a whimsical overlay, with:
- Pumpkin sculptures lining the streets.
- Orange and black bunting adorning shop windows.
- Halloween-themed merchandise in stores.
- October:
Once October hits, the transformation is in full swing:
- By early October, the parks are almost entirely transformed. Haunted mansion Holiday at Disneyland Resort brings in elements from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” turning the ride into a jack-o’-lantern and gingerbread nightmare.
- Special Halloween events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure begin, pushing the thematic decor to its peak.
Notable Decorations
Disney goes to great lengths to make every corner of the parks festive:
- Main Street U.S.A.:
Expect:
- Pumpkin carvings of Disney characters.
- Halloween-themed window displays.
- Spooky lampposts with orange decorations.
- Themed Rides:
Some rides like:
- Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Resort.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets a spooky makeover.
- Mad Tea Party at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, with green lighting to create a ‘bewitched’ ambiance.
- Special Characters and Entertainment:
Characters are dressed in Halloween costumes, from Mickey and Minnie as Jack and Sally to Goofy as a scarecrow.
Performances like:
- The Headless Horseman at Magic Kingdom during the not-so-scary Halloween party.
- Live bands and dance parties with a Halloween twist.
💡 Note: Disneyland in California typically starts its Halloween season earlier and extends it later than Walt Disney World, which is more traditionally aligned with the calendar.
Events and Special Parties
Both parks host exclusive Halloween parties, which are part of the decor experience:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSHP):
At Magic Kingdom, this ticketed event takes place on select nights from late August through October 31:
- The park closes early to regular guests, and party guests experience a unique festive atmosphere.
- Parade floats, treat stations, and character meet-and-greets are specifically themed for Halloween.
- Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party:
New to Disney California Adventure in 2018, this event is held on select nights in September and October:
- It features immersive treats, villainous encounters, and a parade.
👻 Note: Although not all decor is exclusively for these events, the parties provide a unique setting where the Halloween spirit truly comes alive with exclusive decorations, entertainment, and trick-or-treating.
The Final Days
Halloween day marks the climax of the decorations and festivities:
On October 31st, both parks have a full-blown Halloween experience:
- Disneyland Resort wraps up its Halloween Time on Halloween day.
- Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World sees its decorations continue through the night, with the final party of the season concluding at 1 a.m. on November 1.
Summarizing, Disney Parks put on a spectacle of autumn magic during the Halloween season of 2018. From mid-August to the end of October, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of pumpkins, eerie lights, and spooky fun. Planning your visit to coincide with the peak times of transformation ensures you don't miss out on the full festive experience. Remember, while these dates give a general guide, each year can see slight shifts in schedules, so checking the official park calendars is always wise. Whether you're there for the day-to-day park experience or a special ticketed event, the Halloween decor at Disney is an enchanting addition to the regular Disney magic, making your visit memorable and delightful.
When does Halloween decor start at Disneyland in 2018?
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Halloween decor at Disneyland Resort typically begins in mid-August, with full transformations evident by late September.
Is it worth going to Disney World for Halloween?
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Yes, especially if you attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for a unique after-hours experience with special parades, shows, and trick-or-treating.
Do Disney characters wear costumes during Halloween?
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Indeed, characters are often dressed in Halloween-themed outfits, making meet-and-greets more festive and fun.
