Fall is one of the most fun times of year to visit the Disneyland Resort. Pumpkins line Main Street, favorite rides get spooky makeovers, and Disney California Adventure celebrates Día de los Muertos with music, color, and treats you can only find this time of year.
If you're planning a fall trip, here's what's happening this season and how to make the most of it.
When is Halloween Time at Disneyland in 2026?
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs from August 21 through October 31, 2026. Plaza de la Familia, the Día de los Muertos celebration at Disney California Adventure, starts the same day and runs a little longer, through November 2.
That means there's still time to catch the season, and even a couple of extra days to see Plaza de la Familia after Halloween ends.
What's at Disneyland Park for Halloween?
The biggest draw is Haunted Mansion Holiday, a seasonal makeover of the Haunted Mansion inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack Skellington takes over the mansion, and it's one of the most popular rides of the season, so plan to visit early or later in the evening.
Walking down Main Street is part of the fun, too. The fall decorations go up all over the park, and it's one of the best spots for family photos this time of year.
What's happening at Disney California Adventure?
Disney California Adventure goes all in for the season.
Cars Land becomes Radiator Screams. The residents of Radiator Springs dress up in their best "car-stumes," and two rides get Halloween versions: Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween.
The evening "Sha-BOO" moment. Each night, the neon lights of Cars Land flicker on with a spooky twist. It's worth timing your visit for after dark.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. A Halloween version of the ride for anyone looking for a little more thrill.
What is Plaza de la Familia?
Inspired by Pixar's Coco, Plaza de la Familia honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos at Disney California Adventure. Expect colorful décor, a Memory Wall, mariachis, and "The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!", where a traveling troupe brings songs like "Remember Me" to life.
There are limited-time treats as well, and it's one of the most meaningful parts of fall at the resort. Since it runs through November 2, it's a great reason to visit right after Halloween too.
Tips for visiting during Halloween Time
- Save Cars Land for the evening. The "Sha-BOO" lighting is the highlight, and it only happens after dark.
- Visit Haunted Mansion Holiday early or late. Lines tend to be longest midday.
- Take a midday break. Fall days can still be warm in Anaheim. Staying close by means you can head back to the hotel, relax by the pool, and return refreshed for the evening.
- Don't skip Downtown Disney. Seasonal treats and shopping make it a fun stop, even on days you're not in the parks.
Where to stay for Halloween Time
Desert Palms Hotel & Suites is about a 10-minute walk from the Disneyland Resort, close enough to walk over in the morning, take a break in the afternoon, and head back for the evening festivities. Start your day with free breakfast, unwind by the pool, and spread out in our spacious rooms and suites after a full day in the parks.
Halloween Time ends October 31, so there's still time to plan your visit.