Every year, as the summer sun begins to wane and the autumn breezes start to chill, Disneyland transforms into a spellbinding realm of Halloween festivities. The year 2017 was no exception, with the park gearing up for its annual Halloween Time celebrations, a period when the magic of Disney intertwines with the spooky spirit of the season. This blog post will delve into when and how Disneyland was decorated for Halloween in 2017, offering an insight into the enchantment that awaited guests during that time.
Announcement of Halloween Dates
The anticipation for Halloween Time at Disneyland usually begins with the announcement of dates. In 2017, Disneyland Resort announced that Halloween Time would run from September 15th through October 31st. This period was selected to maximize the time visitors could experience the park in its Halloween glory, overlapping with the full moon, which added an extra layer of mystique to the celebrations.
The Early Transformations
Although the official start of Halloween Time was on September 15th, preparations begin well in advance. Here are some key transformations:
- Park Entrances and Main Street, U.S.A.: Guests would have noticed eerie bunting, pumpkin decorations, and spooky window displays appearing as early as the beginning of September. These subtle touches set the stage for what was to come.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday: One of the most beloved seasonal attractions, the Haunted Mansion was transformed into Haunted Mansion Holiday, themed around Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. This overhaul would have started weeks before the official Halloween season to ensure everything was in place for guests to enjoy.
Full Halloween Decor
By mid-September, Disneyland was fully decked out for Halloween:
- Main Street, U.S.A.: Visitors would stroll under a canopy of orange, green, and black decorations, with witches, ghosts, and skeletons adorning the shop windows and lanterns casting an eerie glow.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle: The centerpiece of Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle, was adorned with huge black and purple spiderwebs, fearsome bats, and glittering pumpkins, creating a magical yet spooky transformation.
- Critter Country and Frontierland: These areas were transformed with hay bales, pumpkins, and corn stalks, giving them a rustic, fall festival vibe.
🏰 Note: The castle's decorations were weather-resistant, ensuring they remained in place for the duration of Halloween Time, regardless of the California weather.
Special Attractions and Decor
Beyond the main attractions, here were some other notable transformations:
- Mickey’s Halloween Party: Known as the Oogie Boogie Bash in 2017, this after-hours event featured unique decorations, special character meet-and-greets, and a Halloween-themed parade, all exclusive to ticketed guests.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Though not officially part of the Halloween festivities, the attraction’s theme naturally lends itself to the eerie atmosphere with its dark waters and spectral beings.
- Plaza Inn and Carnation Café: These restaurants joined in the fun with themed menu items like pumpkin pancakes and “Hocus Pocus” pizza.
Parades and Shows
Disneyland’s Halloween festivities are incomplete without:
- Frightfully Fun Parade: Featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney characters in their Halloween costumes, this parade was a visual spectacle of floats and costumes.
- Halloween Screams: A nighttime spectacular where projections, fireworks, and spooky music transformed the park, with the iconic image of the Headless Horseman leading the way.
The whirlwind of Halloween activities at Disneyland in 2017 created a seasonal magic that left guests with unforgettable memories. The blend of Disney's timeless appeal with the Halloween theme resulted in an enchanting experience for all who ventured through the park's gates during this period.
When does Disneyland start decorating for Halloween?
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Disneyland typically begins its Halloween preparations at the start of September, with full decorations in place by mid-September for the official Halloween Time celebrations.
How long does Halloween Time last at Disneyland?
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In 2017, Halloween Time at Disneyland lasted from September 15th through to October 31st.
Are there special events during Halloween Time?
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Yes, events like Mickey’s Halloween Party, known as the Oogie Boogie Bash in 2017, feature exclusive activities, including character meet-and-greets, unique decorations, and themed shows.
