Visiting Disneyland In October-Everything You Need To Know For 2024

Are you planning on visiting Disneyland in October? Great! I’ve got all the information you need to make it a great trip! October is one of my favorite times to visit the Disneyland Resort. Halloween time is in full swing and the weather is just starting to cool off. There’s a lot going on during this month and it might just become your favorite time to visit too!

In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland in October. Halloween Time at Disneyland begins August 23rd and runs through October 31st 2024. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park go all out for Halloween! I’m always so impressed by the decorations, food, events, and attention to detail during Halloween Time at Disneyland. Because of the Halloween holiday and special events revolving around Halloween, October is an incredibly popular month to visit Disneyland. In this post, I’ll talk about crowds, what to expect, what to pack, Halloween time at Disneyland, the Oogie Boogie Bash, weather, and more!

Check out this short video about 5 things I want you to know if you’re visiting Disneyland in October! It’s got helpful tips and information.

Disneyland In October Deals

If you’re visiting Disneyland in October, it’s a great time to find deals! Hotels are anxious to fill rooms, so they often offer lower prices, especially if you travel midweek.

Please be aware, that Disney theme parks all require park tickets and reservations. Make sure you have both! Please don’t pay full price for your Disney tickets or hotel. My partners at Get Away Today have the very best deals on tickets and hotels. Their customer service is top-notch and they even have layaway plans. Click the link below or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Melissa from Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best deal! If you book a package with park tickets and a hotel room you can use my code MIX10 to save an extra $10. That’s more churro money, friends!

I have a bunch of hotel reviews that might be helpful for you if you’re still trying to decide where you’d like to stay. 

Not sure which type of park ticket is right for you? Check out this post on Disney park tickets to help you decide!

Make sure you check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! 

I have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer all of your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored just to you and your group!

Crowds At Disneyland In October

Let’s talk about crowds at Disneyland in October. Fall break is in full swing making it an ideal time for many families to visit. Also, Halloween time at Disneyland is becoming incredibly popular, so there are going to be higher crowds at Disneyland in October. Don’t let that deter you! Crowds are just a part of a Disney vacation.

You can still have a great time at Disneyland, even when it’s crowded. You can find more info about handling crowds at Disneyland with lots of tips and info here. If you’re trying to avoid the largest crowds, steer clear of weekends and holidays. The best days to visit for lower crowds will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I’ve created this Disneyland crowd calendar to give you an idea of what you can expect from crowds at Disneyland during October.

The park will be more crowded on days when the Oogie Boogie Bash(more on this in the special events section) is being held. Guests without tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash will need to leave Disney California Adventure Park when the party starts or hop on over to Disneyland. So, avoid Oogie Boogie Bash days for lower crowd levels. If you are going to be visiting on a party day, make sure you have a park hopper or are at Disneyland all day so you don’t miss out on valuable park time!

To really get a jump on crowds, I recommend rope-dropping. Rope dropping is my favorite way to beat the crowds at Disneyland because you literally beat them to the park and then enjoy as many rides as possible before it gets busy! I’ve got a full guide to rope dropping at Disneyland that will be helpful for you if you’re new to rope dropping.

If you’re really interested in skipping out on the longest lines, I recommend using Genie Plus and one of my downloadable touring plans that utilize Genie Plus. My touring plans are very strategic and designed to help you maximize your time, skip the longest lines and take the stress out of your Disneyland day!

Weather At Disneyland In October

The weather is just starting to cool off at Disneyland in October. The average high is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 61 degrees for the average low.

Make sure you bring a light jacket. The evenings in Southern California can be chilly. Of course, it can also get very hot on some days, so you’ll want to be prepared for the heat. You can find my guide for beating the heat at Disneyland here. Keep an eye on the weather leading up to your trip, so you can be prepared.

I have a full guide about what to wear to Disneyland in October that includes a packing list. You can find it here.

Events At Disneyland In October

There are lots of fun things going on at Disneyland in October! Keep an eye on this page. I’ll update it with a list of ride closures and events as soon as Disney releases that information.

Halloween Time At Disneyland

Halloween time at Disneyland begins August 23rd and runs through October 31. Disneyland in October is full of festive Halloween events! There’s really no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than a visit to Disneyland in October. Disneyland goes all out for the Halloween holiday which makes it the best time to visit!

There will be special Halloween-themed food(I have a foodie guide on my Halloween at Disneyland post) and amazing festive decor. Radiator Springs in Cars Land is transformed into Radiator Screams at Halloween time. It’s pretty impressive and might be my favorite area of the parks during October at Disneyland. There are plenty of great photo opportunities in this area! You must get a picture by the iconic giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin at the entrance to Disneyland. He’s pretty adorable.

Your favorite Disney characters will be wearing their Halloween costumes! What could be more fun than a picture with Mickey Mouse dressed as a vampire? Make sure you bring your autograph books if you’d like to get your favorite characters’ signatures.

You’ll be able to enjoy a few Halloween-themed attractions during the Halloween season. The Haunted Mansion will be transformed into the Haunted Mansion Holiday hosted by Jack Skellington. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree turns into Mater’s Graveyard Jambooree. Guardians of the Galaxy has a special Halloween overlay called Monsters After Dark, that only takes place in the evening.

There is so much to see and do during Halloween time at Disneyland! Don’t miss the Halloween Screams projection show with fireworks. It’s so much fun!

Many people wonder if Disneyland during Halloween time will be too scary for their kids. Disneyland works really hard to be family-friendly and that’s true during Halloween time too! All of the Halloween festivities and decorations are just fun and family-friendly. There’s nothing gory about Halloween Time at Disneyland. You won’t find any horror type of Halloween-theming. I think most kids won’t find Halloween time at Disneyland scary at all. You can feel really confident taking kids of any age to Disneyland during Halloween time.

I’ve got a full guide to Halloween time in the parks here. Make sure you check it out to find all the current info, printable foodie guides, and more for your visit to Disneyland in October.

Oogie Boogie Bash

The Oogie Boogie Bash is a separate after-hours Halloween party held at Disney California Adventure Park on select nights during September and October. It’s hosted by Oogie Boogie from the Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton. This Disney Halloween Party is incredibly popular and sells out quickly. Tickets usually go on sale for this event in July.

You can find more information about this spooktacular celebration including a foodie guide, event guide, and a recommended touring plan here. It’s a really fun addition to Halloween time and my favorite after-hours event!

If you don’t have a party ticket, you will need to leave California Adventure at 6pm on party nights. Check the link above to see which nights the Oogie Boogie Bash is happening so you’re not taken by surprise by an early park closer. If you are visiting on a party night, you can hop over to Disneyland if you have park hopper tickets or just call it a night a little bit early and use that time to enjoy Downtown Disney or the pool at your hotel.

What To Expect At Disneyland In October

Most rides will be up and running as this is a popular time of year, but I will update this section with a ride closure schedule and a list of events once Disneyland releases that information.

The most popular attraction during October is the Haunted Mansion which has a Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday overlay. I talk all about it on an episode of my podcast. Because this attraction is so popular, it will have long lines, especially as the day goes on. I suggest rope dropping this attraction for shorter wait times, or using Genie Plus Lightning Lane to ride. Either way, ride it earlier in the day to avoid the longest lines. Find more info on Genie Plus here.

Because crowds are a bit higher, the parks will have longer park hours. Use these to your advantage! Get there early for the lowest crowds, take a break at midday if it gets too crowded and come back in the evening for more Halloween fun!

What To Pack For Disneyland In October

I’ve got a free printable packing list so you don’t forget anything! Make sure you print it out before your vacation.

Be prepared for heat or cooler weather and pack accordingly. Make sure you check the weather leading up to your trip so you can be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. Don’t forget the sunscreen! You can find my full list of what I bring in my park bag here. You don’t want to be unprepared! I also buy lots of things on Amazon beforehand so I can save time and money. Disney will sell you anything you need, but it will cost more. You can find my Amazon list here.

You might want to consider bringing Halloween costumes for your kids. Especially if you’re going to the Oogie Boogie bash. Dressing up in costume for kids and adults at the bash is not only allowed but it’s also encouraged! There are some pretty incredible costumes at the party!

Disneyland Tips and Helpful Info

A trip to Disneyland is a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming with the crowds and long lines. Here are some insider tips and tricks for making the most out of your visit to the happiest place on earth:

1. Get there early: Arriving at the park before it opens can save you a lot of time waiting in line for popular rides. Plus, you can take advantage of the shorter lines for some of the more popular attractions before the crowds arrive. Check out this post for info on rope-dropping Disneyland. 
2.  Use Genie Plus: The Genie Plus system allows you to reserve a spot in line for popular rides, so you don’t have to wait in the regular line. Read this post for more information on Genie Plus at Disneyland. 
3.  Take advantage of single-rider lines: If you are okay with riding alone or being separated from your group, single-rider lines can be a great way to save time waiting in line. Check out this attractions guide for more info. 
4.  Pack snacks and water: Bringing your own snacks and water can save money and keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. Here’s info on what food you can bring into the park.
5.  Take advantage of the parades and shows: The parades and shows at Disneyland and California Adventure are not to be missed! Check the schedule for times and plan your day accordingly.
6.  Visit during off-peak times: Visit the park during off-peak times, such as weekdays or off-season. This can help you avoid crowds and save money on tickets and accommodations. Find my guide on when to visit Disneyland to help you pick a time to visit.
7.  Download the Disneyland app: The Disneyland app is an excellent tool for checking wait times, finding your way around the park, and even making dining reservations.
8. Make sure you have a well-packed park bag! You want to avoid paying extra for something at the Disney theme parks that you could easily bring from home! Here’s my guide to what to pack in your park bag. 
9. Don’t miss my top 10 Disneyland tips!
10. Bring a good attitude and go with the flow. Your attitude is part of having a great vacation at the Happiest place on earth! Make sure you’re family has a positive outlook, and you’ll have a great time.
11. Check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored to you and your group!

I hope my guide to visiting Disneyland in October has been helpful for you! Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth and visiting during Halloween time is the best! There’s something so special about Halloween time at Disneyland. I just know you’re going to have such a great time on your vacation! Please let me know if you have any questions about visiting Disneyland in October. I’m here to help!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram for more Disney tips and lots of Disney fun!