9 Tips for Halloween Time at Disneyland

This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Michelle McKinley

INSIDER TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT

Each Halloween Disneyland is transformed to a trick-or-treater's dream. Whether it's your first time at the park, or first time during Halloween Time at Disneyland, you won't want to miss out on all the extra experiences to be had this Fall. With so many treats to try, attractions to ride and photos to take, conquering the parks can seem impossible.

Never fear, Search Princess is here to help you satisfy your sweet tooth, snap the perfect pic and get in all your thrills. We ran around Disneyland and California Adventure to help you conquer Halloween at the parks. Here are our tips for Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.

TIP #1: BUY ANY MUST-HAVE SPECIALTY ITEMS FIRST

The first issue we encountered was scoring all the specialty items. The Disney Parks Blog announced that the parks would be offering some special items to celebrate Halloween Time at Disneyland, including a Hitchhiking Ghost Tiki Mug sold at Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Resort. We made the trek to Trader Sam's but no mugs. Apparently the 2,500 mugs that were in stock were already sold out by 9/9. The Sally mousse coffin cake sold exclusively at the French Market was sold out by evening. If your heart is set on scoring one of the specialty items, make sure to visit the location earlier rather than later in the day.

TIP #2: WHEN TAKING A PICTURE WITH PUMPKIN MICKEY, OPT FOR THE LINE FACING THE TRAIN STATION

The most iconic image of Halloween Time at Disneyland is the Pumpkin Mickey. Standing at the head of Main Street U.S.A. this glorious glowing jack-o-lantern is the perfect setting for a family or couple photo. It's location and popularity with visitors means long wait times for guests. There are two lines for this photo opp, as the pumpkin has two faces, but guests often miss the second line. Visitors often head for the first line, because of it's proximity to the park entrance, completely missing the fact that there are two lines. Walk around the pumpkin and get in line on Main Street. This line is often shorter and provides the exact same photo.

TIP #3: GO TO THE CANDY PALACE ON MAIN STREET U.S.A

While the Disney Parks Blog and Disneyland website will send you to the Jolly Holiday Bakery for baked goods and desserts, the best location for Halloween Time treats is at the Candy Palace located inside the Penny Arcade on Main Street. Here is where you can find the Wicked Queen candy apple, Jack Skellington cake pops, and all the other Halloween inspired treats. Our favorite treats from the Candy Palace was the candy apple and the Jack Skellington marshmallow stick. Annual Passholders and Disney cast members get a discount here, so have your card ready.

TIP #4: AVOID HIGH TRAFFIC TIMES TO RIDE THE HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY

The Haunted Mansion Holiday is the biggest attraction during the Halloween celebration. While the Haunted Mansion ride typically has a wait time between 15 and 30 minutes on most park days, during Halloween and Christmas this ride sees wait times around 85 minutes. To skip the long lines get a fast pass as soon as you enter the park. There are a limited number of fast passes, so it's best to get yours as soon as possible. If fast passes are out by the time you make your way to the New Orleans section of the park, you can avoid long wait times by going during parades or off times when most people are dining. The lines tend to be shorter during the day, as most guests want to ride the attraction after dark when the lights come on. Use the Disneyland Park App to keep track of wait times.

TIP #5: DON'T MISS SALLY & CHECK OUT THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE

This year Disney imagineers added a Sally figure to the Haunted Mansion Holidayattraction. She's adorable, and very life-like. The ride moves quickly, so it's hard to take in the full scene. Sally appears on the left side of the graveyard scene, and appears once you turn the corner where Jack Skellington appears. Each year Disney creates a new gingerbread house for the attraction. Check out this year's during your ride.

TIP #6: SKIP CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE IF YOU'RE LIMITED ON TIME OR BUDGET

Ever since California Adventure Park went through it's massive re-haul, it stopped decorating for Halloween. You can find some exclusive Halloween food offerings like the Karl Strauss Oktoberfest Beer at Bayside Brews, and the anti-vampire chicken pizza at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, but most of what you can get at California Adventure can also be found at Disneyland.

TIP #7: TRY AN POISON APPLE TINI

There are a couple places to find this delicious cocktail. Visit Carthay Circle restaurant in California Adventure Park or Steakhouse 55 inside the Disneyland Hotel for this villainous concoction.

TIP #8: MAKE SURE THE PARK DOESN'T CLOSE EARLY

Mickey's Halloween Party runs from September 23rd through October 31st. During select nights the park will close early for the event. Event nights include Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you plan on visiting the park on one of these weekdays during October, check the event calendar to avoid early park closures. During these days the park will close at 6 p.m. You can also check the Disneyland monthly event schedule here to help plan for your visit.

TIP #9: WHERE TO FIND ZERO

This year there's an adorable Zero popcorn holder. The ghostly pup is featured in a spooky dog house. He's glow in the dark and his nose lights up. Finish your popcorn, and then use the holder as part of your Halloween decor. While the majority of popcorn stands at the park sell the Vampire Mickey holder, you can find zero at the popcorn stand located to the side of the Haunted Mansion next to the French Market.

Written by:

Michelle McKinley
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Michelle McKinley is a Pepperdine University graduate with her degree in Journalism & Communications. She has been writing for the web since 2007. Her content has been published on several websites and web properties including AOL, Livestrong and eHow. She has written for a variety of industries including retail, entertainment, medical, financial, celebrity, charity, etc. Her focus is in SEO and content marketing.
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