Planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort this fall? We’ve got the full rundown on what’s happening at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, plus lots of tips to make the most of your visit in this Disneyland Fall Guide for 2025.
Autumn used to be the start of the “off-season” at Disneyland, but now there really is no slow time at the parks. With Halloween Time, the Oogie Boogie Bash, and lots of other fall happenings, Disneyland can often be even busier in the fall than in the summertime.
But not to worry! This guide to Disneyland in the fall – based on years of experience visiting the Disneyland Resort – will help you navigate the parks with ease, and get a clear picture of what to expect.
Disneyland Fall Weather
Let’s start with one of the things that will have the biggest impact on your visit – weather.
I’ve lived in Southern California almost my entire adult life, and its beautiful climate is one of the things I love most! Fall weather in Anaheim is generally warm and pleasant, especially in September and early October. Expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s, though heat waves can still push temperatures higher. By November, it cools down quite a bit, with highs in the 60s and cool evenings.
Unlike many other parts of the country, fall in Southern California usually stays dry, though light rain becomes a small possibility later in the season.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Dress in layers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt even if it’s warm during the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Fall weather makes it easier to walk the parks all day long, so take advantage!
- Stay hydrated. It’s not as hot as summer, but you still want to drink plenty of water. Bring a reusable water bottle – there are many water refill stations throughout the Disneyland Resort.
- Check the forecast for rain. Pack a poncho if it looks like rain. Umbrellas are permitted at the Disneyland Resort, but I don’t recommend them. (Umbrellas can be annoying and you don’t want to be that person!)
Crowd Levels
Fall offers a mixed bag when it comes to crowds. September, starting right after Labor Day, is one of the best-kept secrets at Disneyland. With kids back in school, this time of year has really low crowds, particularly midweek. However, as Halloween Time kicks off in August and runs through October 31, weekends tend to get very busy.
Expect heavier crowds on weekends and days when the Oogie Boogie Bash is scheduled – a separately ticketed Halloween party at Disney California Adventure.
Early November is quiet, but then crowd levels increase around Veterans Day weekend and again during the week of Thanksgiving, when many families travel.
The upside? Fall comes with gorgeous decorations, unique seasonal entertainment, and tasty fall treats.
Peak Busy Days in the Fall:
- Weekends in October
- Oogie Boogie Bash party nights
- Veterans Day weekend
- Thanksgiving week
- Fridays and Mondays
► Travel Insight
Check the calendar to find out what nights the Oogie Boogie Bash is scheduled to take place. Disney California Adventure tends to get more crowded earlier in the day on those dates, and in turn Disneyland Park gets packed in the evening once DCA closes to non-event guests.
Best Times to Visit:
- Mid to late September
- Weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) in early to mid-October
- First two weeks of November, before Thanksgiving crowds arrive
Halloween Time at Disneyland
As summer at Disneyland fades and autumn approaches, the Disneyland Resort undergoes a spooktacular transformation. It is our absolute favorite time of year to visit Disneyland. With seasonal attraction overlays, Halloween-themed food and décor, plus encounters with Disney villains, happy haunts seem to materialize around every corner!
For 2025, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort returns on August 22 and will run through October 31.
Running concurrently during Halloween Time is the Plaza de la Familia at DCA. Based on the Disney Pixar film Coco, the attraction celebrates the spirit of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the everlasting bonds of family. I love the colorful decorations in this area, and if you have kids they will love the free crafts.
Plaza de la Familia also kicks off on August 22 but will run a pinch longer than Halloween Time, wrapping up on November 2, 2025.
Located in Paradise Gardens Park inside DCA, the vibrant Plaza de la Familia cultural experience brings entertainment, festive foods, crafts, and interactive experiences.
Special Attractions and Entertainment
Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll find at the parks during Halloween Time.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday: This classic attraction gets a “The Nightmare Before Christmas” overlay, merging Halloween and Christmas in true Tim Burton style.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark: As night falls, this thrilling ride takes on a spookier theme with a special Halloween storyline.
- Cars Land Halloween Transformation: Radiator Springs becomes “Radiator Screams,” with the residents of Cars Land donning their “car-stumes.”
- Halloween Screams Fireworks: A villainous spectacular lights up the night sky (on select nights). On nights when there are no fireworks, you’ll still see the projection show.
- Mickey’s Trick-and-Treat Show: A not-so-spooky stage show perfect for kids.
Oogie Boogie Bash
The Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed event in Disney California Adventure featuring trick-or-treating, villain encounters, and immersive treat trails.
If you are planning to attend the Oogie Boogie Bash, book tickets early as they often sell out.
Disneyland Fall Food Options
One of the best parts of visiting Disneyland in the fall is the seasonal snacks and drinks! From pumpkin spice churros to ghost pepper nachos to Halloween-themed caramel apples, there’s no shortage of limited-time goodies.
Don’t miss the famous Halloween souvenir popcorn buckets, which often become collectors’ items.
70th Anniversary Celebration
Disneyland kicked off its 70th Anniversary Celebration on May 16, 2025, and it will run through 2026. The event honors seven decades of happiness and features special entertainment, new food and beverage offerings, 70th Anniversary merchandise, and colorful decor.
The entertainment lineup includes a new World of Color show at DCA and the return of Paint the Night Parade and Wondrous Journeys Nighttime show at Disneyland.
During the fall, Disney characters will wear unique new Halloween looks inspired by the joyful spirit of the 70th Celebration – a nice blending of the two events!
► Click here for everything you need to know about the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration.
Disney Festival of Holidays
Though technically considered part of Christmas at DCA and the Disneyland Resort, the Festival of Holidays kicks off mid-November, officially making it a fall Disneyland event. So I wanted to provide at least an overview here!
The Festival of Holidays takes place at Disney California Adventure, celebrating diverse cultural traditions and seasonal festivities from around the world. The event includes the Festive Foods Marketplace, special entertainment, costumes, characters, and more.
This year, Disney Festival of Holidays is scheduled to run from November 14, 2025 through January 7, 2026.
More Tips for Visiting Disneyland in the Fall
Fall is one of the most visually magical times of year to visit Disneyland. Here are some additional tips to help make the most of your visit.
1. Enjoy the Seasonal Decor & Attractions
As we’ve talked about, Disneyland transforms for Halloween Time. Expect pumpkins galore, characters in costume, and spooky overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. Both parks are decked out in festive decor, with Main Street, U.S.A. looking especially Instagram-worthy.
In November, Halloween decor shifts into winter holiday mode almost overnight, usually starting the weekend after Halloween.
2. Use the Disneyland App
This is a year-round essential. Use it to check ride wait times, mobile order food, track Lightning Lane return times, and view entertainment schedules.
Don’t forget a portable phone charger, especially if you are going to be using the app a lot and taking photos, too! These days, keeping your phone charged at Disneyland is a must!
3. Arrive Early
Early arrival is still the best way to beat the crowds, especially on party days when guests tend to arrive later in the day. Be inside the park at rope drop to maximize your morning on popular rides before lines get long.
Bonus: Morning weather in fall is cooler and much more comfortable than during summer!
4. Take Advantage of Midday Downtime
Crowds often swell mid-afternoon, even in the fall. That’s a great time to take a break:
- Head to your hotel for a nap or snack
- Explore Downtown Disney
- Enjoy indoor attractions like The Enchanted Tiki Room, Animation Academy, or Walt Disney – A Magical Life (the new audio-animatronic show playing at the Main Street Opera House inside Disneyland Park, which has temporarily replaced Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln)
If you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels walking distance to Disneyland, it’s easy to leave and return in the evening when the parks light up for nighttime magic.
5. Plan Around the Oogie Boogie Bash
This popular Halloween event takes place at Disney California Adventure on select nights in September and October. On party days, DCA closes early to non-ticketed guests – usually around 6 pm – so plan accordingly.
If you don’t have tickets to the Oogie Boogie Bash:
- Visit Disneyland Park in the evening instead
- Spend your morning at DCA and hop to Disneyland by late afternoon
- Avoid booking dining or Lightening Lane passes at DCA late in the day
If you do have party tickets, you’ll get early entry to DCA starting at 3 pm, with the party running from 6 to 11 p.m.
6. Purchase a Sip and Savor Pass
If you are planning to attend Disney Festival of Holidays at DCA during late fall, consider purchasing a Sip and Savor Pass.
Items at he Festive Foods Marketplace is served in small, shareable portions. Though you can purchase items a la carte, a Sip and Savor Pass allows you to choose eight dishes, desserts, or non-alcoholic drinks from any of the festival kiosks. We’ve attended the Festival of Holidays many times over the years and always have fun wandering from booth to booth and sharing bites!
7. Take Advantage of Lightning Lane
Even in fall, popular rides like Rise of the Resistance, Radiator Springs Racers, and Haunted Mansion Holiday can rack up long waits. Consider purchasing individual Lightning Lane access if you want to skip the standby lines and save time.
8. Dress for the Season
Mornings and evenings can get surprisingly cool—especially by late October and into November. Bring a cozy hoodie or light jacket, and consider wearing layers you can peel off mid-day.
9. Be Flexible with Your Plans
Weather changes, party nights, and seasonal crowd shifts make fall a bit unpredictable. Stay flexible. Have a general plan, but allow room for adjustments—especially if traveling with kids.
Final Thoughts: Disneyland Fall Tips
Fall is a fantastic time to visit Disneyland. With beautiful weather, festive decorations, and relatively lower crowds, it’s the perfect season to enjoy the magic at a slower pace.
While Halloween Time draws more guests in September and October, weekdays still offer pockets of calm. With a little planning and flexibility, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip—and maybe even find your new favorite season at the Happiest Place on Earth.
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Save These Fall Disneyland Tips for Later!
Planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this fall? Pin the image below for future reference.
