We’ve finally made it to Halloween week—even though we’ve been celebrating the spooky season since August! Unlike in previous years, Disneyland won’t be open until midnight on All Hallows Eve (and California Adventure will be closing early for Oogie Boogie’s final bash), but since October 31 lands on a Friday this year, you can still expect the parks to be teeming with ghosts and ghouls looking to max out on Halloween treats before the clock strikes 12 (or in this case, 11).
But just as Halloween wanes, the holidays are approaching fast, and we’ve got all the latest news about incoming festive decor and merch as well as the Disney Christmas special, which made its annual October appearance at Sleeping Beauty Castle last week.
So, let’s get into it…
This is Halloween! 🎃
We know it feels like we’ve been celebrating the spooky season forever (and we basically have), but the big day is finally nearly here! That means you only have five more days to celebrate Halloween Time at Disneyland before the holiday celebration begins to take over.
The final Halloween-themed movie night at Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and Lawn is on Wednesday, Oct. 29th at 7 p.m. Follow Downtown Disney on Instagram to find out which movie will be showing (last Wednesday, it was “Hocus Pocus 2“).
This week is also the last chance to dine with the Halloween-clad characters at Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner (guests are encouraged to dress up too). The buffet feast at Storyteller’s Cafe is served from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. through October 31st.
On Oct. 28th and 31st there will be pumpkin carving from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Disneyland Hotel and from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Grand Californian.
Last but not least, the final two Oogie Boogie Bash events for 2025 are Tuesday, Oct. 28th and Friday, Oct. 31st. If you’ve got tickets, check our event guide to make sure you make the most of the after-hours party; if not, don’t forget that California Adventure closes early on party nights, so plan your park time accordingly.
Check our complete Halloween Time Guide so you don’t miss anything this week:
Snow and Behold: The Holidays are Here!
Even though Disneyland’s holiday celebration doesn’t start until November 14th, snow has already appeared on Sleeping Beauty Castle, which likely has something to do with Disney’s holiday TV special as crews filmed segments at the park last Friday (and overnight into early Saturday morning).
In addition to the snow-capped castle turrets, we also spotted holiday lights installed on the Small World facade, though the attraction’s holiday makeover inside isn’t scheduled to start until this Thursday.
Hot Set… Literally!
The Disney Christmas special always films in October, and this year was no exception. On Friday, the area in front of the castle was decked out in snowy decor, even though temps in Anaheim were pushing 80.
Lucky D23 members who snagged spots for the overnight taping on Friday night saw performances by Gwen Stefani and Nicole Scherzinger. Gwen and Nicole performed again during a second early morning taping on Saturday.
Christmas Unwrapped
If there was any doubt that the holidays are comin’ in hot, a sleigh load of holiday merch arrived at Disneyland this morning, so be sure to check back a little later today for some of the new items you’ll want to put on your Christmas wish list.
Much like Jack Skellington, Disney is merging Halloween and Christmas with the figurative explosion of new holiday merchandise that landed at Disneyland today. The first wave of holiday merchandise appeared at the Disneyland Resort on October 6, but today’s arrivals dwarf it in comparison.
Check out the latest merchandise, both at Disneyland and online from the Disney Store, in MiceChat’s 2025 Holiday Merchandise Guide:
A Flurry of 2025 Holiday Merchandise Blows Into Disney Parks and Disney Store!
RELATED READING:
- WDW Holiday Foodie Guide 2025: Disney Jollywood Nights Menus & Festive Eats Revealed!
- UPDATED! Your 2025 WDW Holiday Guide
- Minnie Mouse Takes Manhattan: Disney x Macy’s Holiday Collaboration
I Heard A Rumor…
You may have seen rumors swirling on social media that some of the more villainous Disney characters will only be appearing in the parks during Halloween Time, but let’s not (pain and) panic just yet.
Disney knows people love the villains, but all characters regularly rotate in and out of the parks, which is why we’re always excited when we have rare character sightings. While it is likely that there is some budget crunching going on right now (park hours and cast member shifts have both been cut in recent weeks for example), there will always be characters… but headed out of Halloween and into Christmas, we’re going to see the types of characters, and their costumes, change for the season. Hopefully, we’ll get some new limited-time character experiences like the recent meet-and-greet with the Fantastic Four in Tomorrowland and Partysaurus Rex, who’s currently meeting and greeting in California Adventure.
We’re keeping a close eye on the availability of characters in general and will be sure to note any significant cutbacks right here in your Disneyland Update. But, for now, prepare for a major change in tone of what the resort offers as not-so-scary becomes very merry…
In Case You Missed It
Last Monday, we shared a bit of late-breaking news about the Soarin’ attraction in California Adventure (and Epcot). Debuting Summer 2026, our beloved Soarin’ attraction will be getting a limited-time makeover as Soarin’ Across America, which will showcase the sights (and scents) of more than a dozen U.S. landscapes and iconic cities.
The new version of the popular flying theater attraction is part of Disney Celebrates America, Disney’s company-wide celebration of America’s 250th birthday—our nation’s semiquincentennial—which will kick off on Veterans Day and culminate on July 4th weekend with a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast.
Disney Celebrates America will include:
- Good Morning America will continue its popular “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, highlighting places and people across the nation.
- National Geographic’s “America in Superlatives” series will feature National Geographic storytellers and photographers highlighting unique places and events from around the United States.
- ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment, “America’s Team,” a cross-country search to find out which team most embodies the country, plus special programming, including exclusive live coverage of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
- ABC News Studios will present a two-hour prime-time special in June 2026 to connect audiences to the people, places, histories, and traditions that make America unique.
- Disney Consumer Products has debuted a new special military-inspired merch collection, which is now available at select locations across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. In addition, debuting in May 2026, merchandise commemorating America’s milestone anniversary will be available at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyStore.com.
As part of Disney Celebrates America, the “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks show will play on all three nights of the July 4th holiday weekend at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park (July 3, 4, and 5).
Speaking of patriotism, some guests may have gotten a surprise sneak peek at what’s sure to be a key part of Disney’s Celebrate America campaign. When the Walt Disney animatronic malfunctioned in the Opera House this past week, Disney simply rotated the stage and presented Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln instead.
While the theater was designed to showcase both performances, it had been expected that only the Walt Disney – A Magical Life show would run during Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration.
So, while you’re unlikely to encounter the Lincoln show again until next summer’s patriotic season, it’s good to know that the attraction is ready for its return.
Disney’s official website currently notes:
“The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is temporarily unavailable while Walt Disney – A Magical Life, a new show that explores the life of Walt Disney, plays at the Main Street Opera House. The 2 shows will eventually be presented on a rotating basis.”
Constructionland
Currently, three major construction projects are going on across the resort.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
There’s no announced end date for the refurbishment at Thunder Mountain, but the attraction was powered on when we visited, and cast members were training on the loading platform. That’s a good sign that the beloved attraction will be returning soon.
In the distance, we noticed that the vulture figures were flapping their wings.
And the waterfall was turned on.
Casey Jr./Storybook Land
Progress continues for Casey Jr. and Storybookland’s long refurbishment and update.
Scrims are down around a now freshly painted Cinderella Castle.
The same goes for a shiny, deep blue Monstro.
And we’ll be enjoying a new Tangled scene when the ride finally reopens.
Avengers Campus Expansion
In California Adventure, work is happening fast at the site for the two new attraction additions to Avengers Campus. Soon, this mess of steel beams will house Avengers: Infinity Defense and the Stark Flight Lab.
If you look closely, you can see that the steel beam in the photo below was signed by cast members.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar (updated10/24/25)
The refurbishment calendar is holding steady for another week, with Mickey’s PhilharMagic wrapping up its refurb on Thursday, and Small World and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail prepping for their annual holiday makeovers.
One thing to note: While the refurbishment calendar does not list reopening dates for Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train, Disney did announce that the new “Tangled” addition to Storybook Land would be joining the attraction when it reopens “this winter.” So, hopefully, we’ll see those TBAs disappear soon.
Currently Under Refurbishment
- Storybook Land Canal Boats: July 28 – TBA
- Casey Jr. Circus Train: July 28 – TBA
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: September 2 – TBA
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic: October 4 – 30
Upcoming Refurbishments
- it’s a small world: Holiday Installation: October 30 – November 13
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Holiday Changeover: November 1 – 13
Walt’s Mansion Tours & Events
Don’t miss the rare opportunity to walk in Walt Disney’s footsteps inside his Hollywood Hills mansion… where he raised his family, launched an empire, and first started dreaming of Disneyland.
Halloween at Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Cabaret
October 31 · 8:30 PMEVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!
🦇 This Halloween night, step inside Walt Disney’s private storybook mansion for an evening inspired by one of his most haunting tales — The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
🌖 Perched high above Los Angeles, the mansion offers sweeping nighttime views of Los Angeles and an enchanting one-of-a-kind setting for this spirited celebration of Disney’s spookiest storytelling.
Walk in Walt Disney’s Footsteps at His 1930s Storybook Estate – Select Dates in November
The Halloween night event may be sold out, but there are still some fantastic opportunities to see Walt’s mansion. This isn’t just a tour. It’s a rare invitation to stand where Walt stood, imagine what he imagined, and feel the spark of creativity that still lingers in the air.
Tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, this enchanting estate is where Walt Disney lived during one of the most defining chapters of his life. Built in 1932, this storybook-style home was where Walt raised his daughters, hosted legendary parties, and dreamed up many of the films that would shape generations. Only on rare occasions can you go beyond the gates.
On this approximately 90-minute guided tour, you’ll explore the interior and exterior of Walt’s private home, including his personal screening room, where he previewed classics-in-the-making… and the tiny Seven Dwarfs Cottage, a backyard playhouse Walt gifted his daughters in 1937—straight out of a fairy tale.
- November tours are now available. You can secure your Disney Mansion History Tours HERE
- AND NOVEMBER 1st ONLY (Dia De Los Muertos) – One last day of GHOST TOURS HERE
This & That
Live @ 5
As a special pre-Halloween treat, Dusty took us all to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World! Join us as we get whisked away to Mickey’s magical Halloween realm, and let us know if you like WDW’s Halloween parade better or the one at DCA’s Oogie Boogie Bash:
Not So Fast!
Soon after Disneyland announced that Believe and Inspire Magic Keys would be available for purchase on November 4th, they switched things up… again.
Enchant and Imagine Keys have been on sale for months, so when it was announced that Believe and Inspire Keys would also go on sale next month, everyone (us included) thought all four keys would be available for purchase, but alas, that is not the case.
As of last week, Inspire, Believe, and Enchant keys are only offered as renewals and only the SoCal Imagine key is available for new purchases, so we’ll have to see what happens on November 4th. Stay tuned!
Frightfully Fun Make-A-Wish Halloween Party
For the first time ever Disney hosted the ultimate Halloween party at Disneyland Resort for 40 Make-A-Wish kids.
Each of the kids wished to meet their favorite content creator, who tailored special experiences just for them. After all the wishes were granted by the influencers (MrBeast, A for Adley, Mark Rober, Chef Amaury Guichon, Doctor Mike, Sam & Colby, and others), everyone gathered in California Adventure park for A Frightfully Fun Wish party.
Did You Know? Disney is the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day.
Sip & Sonder No Longer
After opening in Downtown Disney’s Parkside Market in January, the Sip & Sonder coffee house has been renamed to Parkside Market Coffee & Tea.
In addition to a selection of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks, the new quick service spot serves pastries, savory breakfast bites, and cinnamon rolls of various flavors.
Taco Tuesday (And Every Day)
Salt & Straw co-founder and chef Tyler Malek’s journey to creating a nationally available Tacolate has been nearly a decade-in-the-making— and after a viral collab with Taco Bell, the Tacolate is officially making its comeback as a permanent Salt & Straw menu item.
Each Salt & Straw x Taco Bell Tacolate features hand-pressed, extra crunchy waffle cones, filled with cinnamon ancho chili ice cream, dipped in single origin chocolate, and studded with toasted quinoa. All Tacolates are served with two custom Taco Bell-inspired sauce packets: Mango Jalapeno Sauce and Wildberry Cinnamon Sauce.
You can try one out in their Downtown Disney location. Let us know what you think.
Star Sightings
Mandy Moore (the voice of Rapunzel from “Tangled”) was seen celebrating Halloween in the parks last week with her family.
“Dancing With The Stars” host (and DWTS Season 19 winner) Alfonso Ribeiro posted on social media that he was also in the parks last week.
And look who else we spotted… Piglet! 🩷
MiceShots
And now, we have some parting shots from the Disneyland Resort in this final week of the spooky season.
And while Halloween Time may be ending on Friday, the Dia de los Muertos celebration continues through the weekend.
Want to learn more about Dia de los Muertos? Check out our guide:
Recuérdame: Celebrating Dia de los Muertos at the Disneyland Resort
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Let’s Hear From You!
Are you excited about celebrating Halloween in the parks this week or have you had your fill of the spooky season? And what’s with the holidays rolling in while it’s still 80 degrees in Southern California? Is it tough to think about spirit jerseys when it’s not even sweater weather yet or have you already started your holiday shopping? Let us know in the comments below!
