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It’s only May, but before you know it, the spookiest season of the year at Disney Parks will be upon us, and tickets for two of Disney’s most popular events of that season go on sale this week!
Guests don costumes during Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash/Credit: Becky Burkett
Disney Parks Know How to Celebrate!
Disney Parks have quite a reputation when it comes to over-the-top celebrations, especially at the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
Celebrations take place in the theme parks at both U.S. Disney resorts all year long, beginning with exciting fireworks spectaculars to welcome in the new year every New Year’s Eve. Then it’s on to the exciting runDisney events that take place in January and February.
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Disneyland Resort celebrates the Valentine’s Day season with a special series of nighttime events that are perfect for guests of all ages–no sweetheart required (though having one can’t hurt).
In the spring, the Walt Disney World Resort celebrates Easter with a beautiful exhibit of larger-than-life Easter eggs, each on display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Over the summer, the parks celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks show that is unmatched by any other theme park in the country.
Credit: Disney Parks
Disney’s Fall & Winter Celebrations Take the Cake
Later in the fall, Disney World and Disneyland welcome guests to celebrate the Thanksgiving season, and beginning in mid-November, the parks begin to usher in the Christmas season with dazzling lights, elegant decorations throughout the parks, the tallest Christmas trees you’ve ever seen, more wreaths than you can count, and so many boughs of holly, you can’t help but be jolly!
Credit: Becky Burkett
Disney World’s EPCOT hosts its own special event, which begins at the end of November and runs through the end of December each year. The International Festival of the Holidays celebrates the late fall/early winter holiday season and incorporates the celebrations held by people all over the globe.
Christmas is a huge part of the festivities, as guests can see Father Christmas, Pere Noel, and Santa Claus around the World Showcase at EPCOT. The festival’s signature event, the annual Candlelight Processional, centers around the birth of Jesus, read by a celebrity narrator from the second chapter of Luke in the Bible.
Credit: Disney Parks
The Spookiest Season of the Year
But you might have noticed that we skipped one of the most popular seasons for guests at the four theme parks at Walt Disney World and the two theme parks at Disneyland Resort.
Though the summers can be brutal at both resorts, many guests find solace in August, as–believe it or not–Halloween decorations begin to pop up across the parks. Yes, in August! (Perhaps it’s a reminder to guests that soon, things will be a little cooler, and the spooky fun is just around the corner!)
Pumpkins at Magic Kingdom in August/Credit: Becky Burkett
Disney Parks celebrates Halloween in a big way. At Magic Kingdom at Disney World, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a guest favorite, and at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland, the Oogie Boogie Bash, inspired by Disney’s and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a hit with guests.
Ticket Sales Begin This Week
On Monday, Disney Parks announced the dates for both spooky celebrations. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will offer select dates between August 9 and October 31. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. local time and runs through midnight.
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Disney World invites guests to “delight in a spooky atmosphere and frightful fun at this spirited celebration” at Magic Kingdom. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can purchase tickets for the event beginning Tuesday, May 8. All other guests will be able to purchase tickets beginning May 15, 2024.
At Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort, the Oogie Boogie Bash will be held on select evenings in August, September, and October. Per Disneyland Resort:
The spell’s been cast! Disney California Adventure Park will host a separately ticketed Halloween party with Oogie Boogie—select nights in August, September and October 2024. This family-friendly event includes after-hours park access to treat trails, photo opportunities, entertainment, attractions, frightfully fun decor and more.
Magic Key holders, stay tuned for additional details on a special offering during event nights.
Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park/Credit: Becky Burkett
Stay tuned for more information about these spooky celebrations and other exciting events at Disney Parks!
