Things to Do at Disneyland – Halloween Edition
Take Pictures in front of Pumpkin Mickey and Winky Pumpkin Mickey
Yes, the lines can get long but the memories are worth it. After entering the park the giant Mickey pumpkin is the center of Main St. Plaza. Facing the entrance is smiling Mickey, but the other side facing the castle is Winky Mickey. Two great photo opps! If you’re lucky like we were, you’ll even get to listen to The Dapper Dans singing their spooky songs while in line.
It’s important to note that the Disney photographers own the giant pumpkin pictures (meaning you can’t just walk up and take photos), but if you wait in the designated line you’ll get your chance in front of them without a ton of random people in front, which is a treat. Now, you don’t get to choose which side you’re directed to but if you talk to the people in line with you, there’s a good possibility you can find a switch available.
PRO TIPS: Take a few of your own photos with your phone. The Disney cameras and photographers aren’t great. Ask for any “Magic Shots” they could take for you. They’ll pose you without telling you what will show up in your photos but you can see our caldron photo turned out pretty cute. It’s worth it! I get the photo package because I want the memories and the photos mean a lot to me. If you’re looking to save money, then tell the photographer you’d like to get some photos on your phone and they should oblige.
Each time we waited for this photo opportunity we had a pleasant experience and were never rushed, each time spending at least 5-10 minutes in front of the pumpkin getting as many shots as we wanted so have some poses in mind, try out a bunch, and have fun!
Take Pictures with Classic Characters in their Halloween Costumes
I still cannot believe we met Cat Minnie, Pumpkin Mickey. Spooky Tree Goofy, and Candy Corn Donald ALL in one morning! Thank you, Disneyland!
As I was getting ready for our Disneyland trip I saw tons of YouTube & TikTok videos with people getting magical pictures with the classic characters – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy – in their 2022 Halloween costumes. I put these on my MUST DO list. But how? First, you’ll need to make a reservation at Disneyland (even if you have Park Hopper tickets like we did) because we only saw the characters out in the morning, before the parades and shows start (and while the weather is still breathable). Then, you’ll want to hang out in the Main Street Plaza near giant Pumpkin Mickey. The characters come out and head to four different areas with four different lines. There aren’t any photographers, so have your phone or camera ready. They take photos for about 20-30 minutes at a time, then go for a 20-minute break. So, if you don’t see your favorite, wait a bit, or ask a cast member as they often have the schedules in their pocket. Keep your eyes peeled, pack some patience, and wear comfy shoes. I hope you get your shots too!
Spooky and Festival Things to See at Disneyland
The Halloween Tree
To most people at Disneyland’s Frontierland it’s just an orange-lit tree to walk past but for big book nerds like me, it’s so fun to see the real life Halloween Tree. The novel by Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451, anyone?) is a fun middle grade story that’s just creepy enough to enjoy as an adult too, I mean #disneyadult right? It’s magical at night with so many lights and I love the faces of the pumpkins. If you’re not able to make it to Disneyland this year for pumpkin time, the story is a shorter read and you’ve still got a week or so to enjoy it for the holiday season and feel a part of Disney in a small way. 🧡
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Great post.