Halloween has come and gone, but it seems fitting to share my Halloween adventures on Friday the 13th. I’d cue the spooky music, but my Halloween wasn’t spooky at all.
For as long as I can remember Halloween has been one of my favorite holidays. I’m not one for dressing up, and parties aren’t my thing, but Halloween has always solidified the change of summer to fall and fall is my favorite season.
It’s also no secret around here that I’m a big Disneyland fan, and ever since I ran my first half marathon through the park a few Septembers ago I knew I had to get back during October. It just so happened that Disney recently had a birthday too.
Happy big 6-0 Disney. ❤
I’ve seen the park decked out in pumpkins, but the one ride I had never experienced was the tricked out Haunted Mansion. Each year the ride shuts down during September to prepare for a Nightmare Before Christmas theme.
This year I decided to go ON Halloween to get the full experience.
The mansion was total sensory overload. I loved it.
The sun was hot (bizarre sensation at the end of October, my PNW brain couldn’t quite compute), but the only long line was the first ride we went on.
The only mountains I conquered while in California.
This post is nothing more than an excuse to share my photos, my excitement, and the joy that comes with the magic of Disney. Even the bathroom signs are fun.
You risk long lines when going on a holiday, but this year I was able to check another adventure off my bucket list, which made it all worth it.
Next adventure: Mickeys Halloween Party, costume and all!
Q: Have you been to Disneyland around the holidays?
Blissfulbritt 
48 thoughts on “All Hallows’ Disney”
B
I’ve never been to Disney, ever, but I don’t have the huge need/desire. I’d probably want to go around this time of the year though for the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff!
Angie
Yes, I went on New Year 2000 and New Year 2015. It was so crowded, but still SO much fun! Love Disneyland.
Amy
For four straight years, the only time I visited Disneyland was in December when it was all decked out for Christmas! My high school marching band would do a parade down Main Street as part of our December trip, so… I almost forgot what Disneyland was like on a normal day until I finally went back during the summer in college. It was weird not seeing the humongous tree right when you enter and the regular Haunted Mansion! 😉 And now I’m TOTALLY craving another trip there… It’s going to happen. It just has to!
Brittany
I think it’s so cool you got to go with your band, every time you mention that I imagine how much fun it would be!
Amy
I wish you could’ve experienced Disneyland like that — SO fun running around with all of the Christmas decorations with your best friends and getting class credit for it! 😉
kathy at more coffee, less talky
i’ve been to disney world 3 times and i love it! we always go in the fall and they start decorating early but i’d love to go around christmas!
Jade
I was so happy when I found out they’d be decorating for Halloween before i get there in September. I love going during the holidays. It’s already magical and then they make it more magical 😀
Bradley on the Run
Haunted Mansion has always been my favourite! I visited Disney World when I was a kid…and finally visited Tokyo Disneyland 20 years later – what a trip! Someday I’ll do one of the Disney runs…
Brittany
I am so happy I chose a Disney race as my first “big race.” It was so magical. Only the first three miles though (the ones through the park) the next nine were painfully hot and somewhat ugly. Running through the baseball stadium and back through the park at then end made up for it though. I’d love to do another one!
danaelizabethx
I have only been to Disneyland 1x and it was when I was little so I don’t really remember it- I’ve been to Disney world a few times- never around a holiday though! I imagine it would be nuts! 🙂 haunted mansion is an awesome ride, but pirates is my all time fave! 🙂
Kayse
Ahhhhh the Nightmare Before Christmas decor!!! That would be so cool to see!
Ellie
I am so jealous of all your adventures!! I have been to Disney World once and all we really did was Blizzard Beach (I was in FL for a vball tourney) It is on my bucket list to go back!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I’ve never been to Disney during any holiday, but this looks awesome. Those dipped apples though! You and GiGi are too freakin cute! Glad you had a good time! And I love photo dumps 🙂
Luv What You Do
Looks so fun! I’ve never been to Disneyland only Disney world and the last time I was there I had a perm : )
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Yay for the decked out Haunted Mansion! I got super lucky when I was there two years ago, and they literally opened the mansion back up the last night we were there. The lineup was insane, but it was so worth the wait. Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favourite movies of all time, so I was major fan-girling.
literaturemistress
I’ve never been to Disneyland so far. It looks like there are way too many awesome things to look at around to take it all in in one day. Also, if I ever was to go to Disneyland, I’m more likely to end up in Disneyland Paris – it’s just so much closer.
Brittany
Oh how I would LOVE to go to Disneyland Paris!
allisonfiorini
I don’t love Halloween but like you, I love what it signifies. I love fall so much! However, as someone who doesn’t love Halloween or Disney (geez, I sound heartless), Disneyland looks like a really fun place to visit at that time of year and I would totally go! Great pictures and great review, thanks for sharing!
Brittany
Would you feel less heartless if I told you I didn’t care for puppies or babies? Yea….
allisonfiorini
Nope, because neither do I! I don’t want kids and don’t like most dogs. I always feel like there must be something wrong with me. I feel less alone now, haha!
Brittany
HAHA we are soulmates.
allisonfiorini
Absolutely!
Rebecca
I’ve been to both Disneyland and Disney World at Christmas time. So pretty!
I went to Disneyland twice this year – so much fun. I haven’t been to California Adventure in awhile – BUT speaking of Christmas at DL – it got so busy a few years ago that they said they would give us a park hopper pass if we stayed out of DL until 3pm and go to California Adventure until then…..amazing!
fionajarrett
Wow, it’s just like being a kid again. Brilliant. Enjoy 😀
Nicola
I went Disneyland for the first time in Tokyo when I was 21. Even tho I was travelling solo and ‘all grown up’ it was awesome! I think my fondest memory was the spinning tea cups. Total big little kid moment.
stateeats
OMG looks so fun!! I too am big Halloween fan! I wonder if they do the same in FL? Have only been to Disney during Christmas and it is beaut. -Kat
Brittany
Oh yes, they most definitely jazz up the parks in FL too! I would love to see those!
Sarah
I’ve never been to Disney…ever! I’m convinced that I’m a deprived child that needs to change this as soon as possible..haha! Actually, their half marathon is on my bucket list of half marathons to run. It looks like a blast!
Diane @ Life of Di.
I have never been to Disneyland but I’ve been to Disney World many times. I would love to go at Halloween or Christmastime. I went to Disney World when the castle was decorated as a giant pink cake (some anniversary? Maybe fiftieth?) I’m not sure if I’ll ever make it for Halloween (Marty can’t take time off unless it’s during the summer since he is a teacher – boo.) I wish we could go in January or February because I know that’s the ‘slow’ season in Florida. Maybe one day…
Brittany
I’m confident you’ll make it one time on a holiday!! Even if that means I meet you there for a girls day. 😉
An Unrefined Vegan
I’m not much of a Disney fan (I know, sacrilege!!), but these photos make even me want to go there for Halloween! And may I just say, you are the Queen of Awesome Facial Expressions! I am not worthy!
Melanie
Oh I LOVE Halloween and I LOVE Disney so much! What a fun time to go to Disneyland! That’s so great you and Gigi got to go together too. 😉 I love the Haunted Mansion!! Those caramel apples look divine too!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I have never been to Disney, but you make me want to go. You’ve really captured it here, and I’m blown away by all the details, including the bathroom signs.
Maybe one day, you and I can take the tomato here when they’re old enough and bring our own bananas.
Brittany
I typically pack ALLTHEFOOD with me when I do Disney, but this time I failed. We must take the tomato…
Brittany
Also I am reminded why I love you so much, you notice the details. 😉
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
It looks like you had an amazing time, and you have made me want to go back to Disney. I have only ever been during summer, but I would love to go for Halloween or Christmas.
Kat
DIsneyland is the BEST at holiday time. The Haunted Mansion is definetly the most transformed of the rides, but I love the overall feel at the entire park. All the food there is too cute come holiday time too!
Jessica
I never have been to Disney around the holidays but MAN it looks so much fun. 🙂
Hayley
This is super cool. I actually have never been a huge fan of Halloween for the things you said you don’t like either, but I do love the change of seasons. And I love Disney. Also, you always have the best most vibrant pictures!!!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
I’m having major FOMO right now…Disneyland is one of my favorite places on earth. “Joy” is the perfect word to describe that place. It looks so cool for Halloween!! I always forget they go all out for it. Lol to your face in the photos of you and Gigi.
The Vegan 8
My daughter wants to go to Disneyworld so bad, constantly talks about it! Love all of these amazing pics!
Christina Does It All
Eeee love all of these photos! Especially the one of you cross eyed at the Haunted Mansion. You’re wonderful 😀
whostardis
i missed the halloween decorations but got to see the holiday its a small world…its MAGIC you have to go and see it. i really enjoyed the holiday version of the haunted mansion but you are totally right its sensory overload! so much to see!!!
Brittany
So THAT’s why Small World was closed when I went. It all makes sense now. I did see it all decked out a few Decembers ago, but definitely need to see it again!
whostardis
yes you need to go back. my mind was BLOWN when I saw it. I thought they just did the outside but everything inside was changed too!
Rach @ This Italian Family
How cool! I’ve never thought about how much Disneyland decorates for Halloween! I always forget there are other holidays to decorate for besides Christmas. 😉
Jess @hellotofit
You guys are so cute. I’ve been to Disney World, but not Disney Land. It’s magical.
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