Last Updated on February 1, 2023

11 Reasons To Visit Disneyland In The Fall

As the warmer months come to an end in Southern California and temperatures start cooling down, holiday celebrations take over Anaheim. The Fall season, which extends from mid-September to December, is an excellent time to visit Disneyland.

Families with kids will have a great time at Disneyland’s Halloween Celebration! With favorite characters donning new looks, spooky ride overlays, and fewer people in the park (depending on when you visit), it’ll be a vacation to remember. If you visit during the less busy September days, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the fun and festive decorations without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. The decorations are more festive and fun than spooky at Disneyland in the Fall.

Cooler Weather

You won’t have to worry about the heat if you’re coming to Anaheim from out of state in the Fall! The average temperature is a mild low-80s for highs and mid-60s for lows. You might need a jacket for early morning or evening rides, though.

Although it might sound strange, heat waves actually bring summer-like temperatures during Fall. For example, we went during a heatwave in September 2022 and the weather felt like that of a typical California summer!

Traveling with children and elderly family members during milder weather in the Fall is easier on everyone because there’s less chance of feeling overheated from all the sunshine. Plus, it’s more fun to explore when temperatures are cooler.

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Villains Come Out To Play

Fall at Disneyland is especially fun because of all the villains that come out to play during Halloween Time. You can find some of your favorite characters you love to hate roaming around the parks! You might see some of them at other times during the year, but they seem to come out more during Halloween. Enjoy sightings of everyone from the Queen of Hearts to Jafar!

Smaller Crowds

The parks are fuller during summer and winter break since children are out of school, but you’ll see fewer people in the fall when school starts up again. Although there may still be some crowds, it won’t compare to the craziness of peak periods. Although the crowds are more manageable, Friday nights and weekends tend to draw in more locals to the park.

Halloween Layovers On Rides

Disneyland is extra magical during the holidays. For example, Halloween decorations take over the Haunted Mansion attraction and you can find Jack Skellington and his crew dominating the attraction.

The Cars characters are in for a spooky makeover just in time for Halloween! Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. All of Radiator Springs is getting into the spirit by transforming into Radiator “Screams.”

The Guardians of the Galaxy ride is not only active during the day, but also at night. Once nighttime falls, the ride changes into “Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark” mode and Rocket Raccoon becomes guests’ main focus as he tries to save Groot from peril.

Day Of The Dead Celebrations

This holiday season, we can all celebrate Miguel’s (Coco) love for his family! You can find Miguel in the Paradise Garden, post notes to your relatives on the Memory Wall, make arts and crafts, view the Tree of Life, appreciate the mural “Recuérdame” (named after a song from the movie),   and listen to the Mariachi band play music from Coco.

One of the coolest sights is to see the seasoned puppeteers make their life-size marionettes appear to dance effortlessly throughout the celebration.

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Festive Decor

You can find all your favorite Halloween decorations at Disneyland this year! The pumpkin-shaped Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto sit on top of the park’s entrance. The banners and jack-o-lanterns give the park an extra touch of Halloween spirit during the day, while at night they create a spooky and mystical atmosphere, especially down Main Street.

The Mickey pumpkin is always a popular photo spot during Halloween time in Disneyland! Main Street USA would not be complete without it. In years past, guests would queue up to take turns posing in front of either the smiling pumpkin or the winking pumpkin. This year, however, there is only one line. When you reach the front, a cast member will ask which side you prefer.

Seasonal Vibes

Disneyland doesn’t have any fear-inducing Halloween rides, however, Guardians Of The Galaxy – Monsters After Dark and Haunted Mansion are eerier during Fall.

Not to mention, you can also snag some pretty sweet Halloween-themed merchandise. There are some great Disney Halloween movies that really deserve the proper homage by visiting Disneyland in the Fall.

Oogie Boogie Bash

On select nights in autumn, come to the Oogie Boogie Bash for a Halloween party like none other! With character meet and greets, special shows, fireworks, and a high-energy dance floor with great DJs through the night, you won’t want to miss out on this year’s festivities.

If you love all things Halloween, then the Oogie Boogie Bash is definitely the event for you!

Extra Halloween Fun

Though the Oogie Boogie Bash provides a great Halloween experience, Disneyland is still decorated for the holiday with pumpkins, special food items, and more. You don’t need to attend the event to enjoy Fall at the park. No one is too old for Halloween! Even Mickey Mouse and his friends enjoy dressing up in costumes for the holiday.

You May Find Some Good Deals

You can save money on your travel and accommodation costs by visiting Disneyland while school is in session. This way, you’ll have more money to spend on things like tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash, or even an extra day in the park!

The Christmas Season Begins At Disneyland In The Fall

Disneyland goes all out for Christmas, starting in November when they replace Halloween decorations with festive ones. Since December is less crowded than later in the month, it’s the perfect time to travel before holiday madness sets in.

Not only will you see beautiful Christmas lights and are tempted by delightful holiday shows, but you’ll also get to go on special Christmas-themed rides. A well-known holiday favorite is “It’s A Small World”, which shows children from all across the world celebrating the unique holiday customs of their nations, as well as the incredible holiday lighting of the facade. The “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade is especially memorable. Come see your favorite Disney Characters joining Santa in the happiest, most cheerful musical procession in town.!

Although Disneyland is a great place to visit any time of year, there is something extra magical about visiting during the Fall season. From the decorations to the special events, there is just something special in the air. If you have the chance, definitely add a trip to Disneyland during Fall to your list!

 

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