Halloween, Oogie Boogie Bash Kevin Halloween, Oogie Boogie Bash Kevin

Visiting Disneyland in October

October is an immensely popular time of year to visit the Disneyland Resort. With the Halloween season and celebrations at their peak, October...

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

A cake of the Old Hag from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel.

October is an immensely popular time of year to visit the Disneyland Resort. With the Halloween season and celebrations at their peak, October offers guests the chance to try unique foods and experience attractions exclusive to the season, including the annual Oogie Boogie Bash event at DCA, spooky decor, and more.

When researching a potential month or time of year to visit the resort, many wonder if October is a good time to visit or if Disneyland is crowded in October. In this post, I aim to answer those questions, while providing context as to why. Additionally, I’ll explain what’s offered at the parks during October that you couldn’t experience otherwise. Let’s get into it.

Is Disneyland Crowded in October?

Hades during Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure.

Disneyland in October is notoriously busy. In terms of attendance, October (and the Halloween season, overall) often rivals the summer months, largely driven by the included Halloween-themed attractions and decor, as well as the uber popular Ooogie Boogie Bash - A Disney Halloween Party, at Disney California Adventure.

Another draw that’s been growing in popularity in recent years is the Plaza de la Familia celebration, also held in DCA, which adds additional interest and draws more guests. Additionally, DCA has become known as the “Halloween Park”, so-to-speak, with multiple attractions receiving holiday overlays and the wonderfully decorated Cars Land.

The aforementioned Oogie Boogie Bash is the seasonal wildcard as it pertains to crowds, as it’s a hard-ticketed event that causes Disney California Adventure to close early to normal guests, which often results in a massive guest migration across the esplanade into Disneyland park, spiking night-time attendance.

The entrance to Plaza de la Familia in Disney California Adventure.

However, since DCA has become increasingly popular during the Halloween season, crowd levels between the two parks have somewhat leveled. My wife and I visit the resort during every Halloween season and have noticed this (especially in the last couple years). In general, no one park appears to be any busier than the other.

That’s in stark contrast to prior years, especially back when Disneyland hosted Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween, the former Disneyland Halloween party, as Disneyland park often received the overwhelming majority of guests, while attendance at DCA lagged.

The downside to this is those who purchase the park hopper option on their tickets, or Magic Key holders, no longer have the “safe haven” park to head to when crowds get dense, as it’ll likely be the same. Even worse on Oogie Boogie nights, as there will be a noticeable spike in crowds Disneyland after 6pm and there is no option but to stay or leave the resort altogether.

Halloween-themed decor in Downtown Disney District in Anaheim.

If you’re not purchasing the park hopper option and your dates coincide with Oogie Boogie Bash nights (and they likely will), I recommend not making a reservation for DCA on those days, as you’ll be forced to leave the park early (6pm) and you’ll have nowhere to go.

To get the most bang for your buck, spend that day at Disneyland. Remember, the price of your ticket is the same regardless if DCA closes at 10pm or 6pm. Disneyland park remains open until midnight throughout October, so don’t waste a day of your ticket at DCA on an Oogie Boogie night.

However, if you do have the park hopper, I recommend starting your day at DCA and later head to Disneyland. One caveat to this is to make sure you do so before 3pm. I say this because at 3pm, those with Oogie Boogie tickets are let in, and those three hours where Oogie Boogie guests and normal day guests mix are notoriously dense.

Get out of DCA before 3pm and you’ll avoid the rush. If you decide to leave before 3pm, but head back to your hotel for a mid-day break instead (great choice, by the way), I suggest waiting until 6:45pm or later to return to Disneyland. At 6pm, there will be mass exodus from DCA and as a result, the lines to get into Disneyland are often chaotic. Give it 45-minutes or so and you’ll likely walk right in.

 

Weather at Disneyland in October

A scene from the Snow White attraction at Disneyland.

October is generally a good month, weather-wise, in Anaheim. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees and humidity remains low, on average. October is a transitional month of sorts, offering a break from the prior month’s high heat, but still not getting too chilly when the sun goes down.

People who aren’t familiar with the weather in Southern California often assume it’s nothing but warm weather all the time and while the area does see great weather, that cool ocean breeze at night catches many off guard. Due to this, I recommend packing a light jacket or hoodie.

As far as precipitation is concerned, you won’t have much to worry about there as October doesn’t see much rain. Anaheim’s infamous marine layer will be ever-present in the early mornings, especially for those partaking in the rope-drop hours. Its density will depend on temperatures on any given day and usually dissipates by noon, at the latest.

 

Disneyland Offerings in October

The entrance to Cars Land in Halloween decoration.

Of course, the dig draw at Disneyland in October are the various Halloween-themed offerings, which include attraction overlays. The only holiday overlay in Disneyland proper is the Haunted Mansion’s annual conversion to Haunted Mansion Holiday, which features characters from the stop-motion film, Nightmare Before Christmas, and generally lasts throughout the holidays.

Across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure, there are three attractions with holiday overlays. The biggest draw being Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark. It’s the same ride, just with a unique storyline and heavier music. Instead of being tasked with helping the Guardians escape, Rocket recruits unwitting riders into being the distraction for free-roaming monsters while he gets Baby Groot to safety.

The transition from “Mission Breakout” to “Monsters” occurs at 3pm daily. If you’re planning to purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, both versions of the attraction will be available and you’ll be able to use it on each version of the attraction once. Do keep in mind that on Oogie Boogie Bash nights, “Monsters” is only available to the general public until 6pm. After that, guests without event wristbands will be directed to leave the park.

Halloween decor in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

The other two attractions with overlays are “Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree” and “Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween”, both of which are in Cars Land. All other attractions in the parks operate (unless they’re closed for refurbishment) as they normally would throughout the year.

Additionally, you can expect Halloween decor scattered throughout both parks. In Disneyland proper, the majority of decor is relegated to Town Square, Main Street U.S.A, and the hub, including the Mickey-shaped pumpkin. Beyond that, the only “Halloween” you’ll see is the Halloween Tree in Frontierland.

In Disney California Adventure, Buena Vista Street is heavily adorned in bat-themed decor and at night, is lit up in purple and green lighting. However, Cars Land is the real winner, as just about every square inch of the land, including the attractions, are decorated.

Disneyland guests posing for a picture in front of the Mickey shaped pumpkin on Main Street.

The Halloween decor continues outside of the parks and into the Downtown Disney District. Throughout the district, starting at the fountain adjacent to the tram loading area and extending out to the west end, you’ll find several figures of Mickey and Friends dressed in their Halloween bests, in addition to the Lonesome Ghosts.

The first one you’ll encounter (if you’re coming from the parks) is the one of Prince Mickey and Princess Minnie, surrounded by pumpkins, bat topiaries, and an autumnal archway. This has proven to be the most popular, especially at night when it’s all lit up. You can find it across from the World of Disney store, next to the water fountain in the flower bed.

From there, you’ll see a figure of Pluto with several pumpkins, each carved with a letter, spelling out Halloween. This will be in one of the water fountains adjacent to the tram loading area. Beginning past Centrico, you’ll spot the Donald Duck and Lonesome Ghosts figures in the flower beds in the middle of the walkway.

Princess Minnie and Prince Mickey figures in Downtown Disney.
A statue of one of the Lonesome Ghosts in Downtown Disney.

A little known activity offered only during the Halloween season is Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. Hidden throughout both parks and in Downtown Disney are several pumpkins, each themed after a Disney character, and it’s up to you to locate them from the hints given to you on the provided checklist. It’s a fun activity to do when the queues are too long.

A favorite pastime among Disneyland guests, particularly locals and Magic Key holders, is to eat and drink their way through the dozens of offerings from the Halloween foodie guide. With few exceptions, these items are only available during Halloween. In 2024, there were a few duds, but many winners overall. You can see the 15 Halloween foodie guide offerings we tried here.

The Monstropolic Float from the Halloween foodie guide at Disneyland.

Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss Oogie Boogie Bash - A Disney Halloween Party. It’s a hard-ticketed event held in Disney California Adventure on select nights through August, September, and October. If you’re reading this in August or later, chances are the event has already sold out for the season.

Oogie Boogie Bash hosts a variety of exclusive offerings, including trick or treat trails featuring rare Disney villains, additional character meet and greets, the Frightfully Fun Parade, Villains Grove, special food and drink offerings, and more.

Oogie Boogie greeting guests during Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland.

In 2024, Oogie Boogie Bash ticket prices ranged from $134 at the low end and maxed out at $189. Additionally, it was the first year that hosted event nights in August, as the Disneyland Resort decided to match Walt Disney World and start their Halloween season in that month. This was a way for Disney to increase profits without having to substantially raise prices (the max out price in 2023 was also $189).

If you’ve never heard of Oogie Boogie Bash, or you’re planning to go for the first time this year, give my Oogie Boogie Bash guide a read. Additionally, you can see my 12 tips for Oogie Boogie Bash first timers here. There’s a lot to do during the five hour event, so knowing these tips and tricks can save you time (and grief) to ensure a smooth visit.

If you’re considering a Disneyland vacation in October (or any other month for that matter) see one of my top recommendations for a hotel by Disneyland. This property offers one of the most comfortable hotel mattresses I’ve ever slept on and best yet, it’s close to the east entrance of the resort. As always, you can visit my partners at Get Away Today, who are the best in the business as it pertains to Disney-related vacations.

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Dining, Halloween Kevin Dining, Halloween Kevin

The 15 Halloween-Themed Food and Drinks We Tried at Disneyland

When Disney released the 2024 Disneyland Halloween foodie guide, there were a number of items that immediately caught the attention of my wife and I. As avid Disneyland foodies, we...

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

The Monstropolis Float at The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland.

When Disney released the 2024 Disneyland Halloween foodie guide, there were a number of items that immediately caught the attention of my wife and I. As avid Disneyland foodies, we always make sure to carve out enough time in the parks to try as much as we can whenever a foodie guide is released.

During our visit, we tried a number of Halloween food at Disneyland, 15 of them to be exact, and I’m writing this post to share not only photos of them with you, but information such as price, what my wife and I thought of them, applicable discounts, and more.

Let’s get into it!

1) Poison Apple Churro

The Poison Apple Churro at the churro cart near Goofy's Sky School at Disney California Adventure.

Location: Churro cart near Goofy’s Sky School (DCA)

Price: $7.50

Mobile Order: No

Discounts: None

Churros are a Disney staple and often considered to be among the best food at Disneyland. That said, it’s no surprise that with any special event going on at the resort, we see a multitude of variants of this classic treat (literally) rolled out.

We’ve seen this at past events, such as the ever-delicious Mr. Potato Head churro during 2024’s Pixar Fest, so when I heard that Disney was rolling out a poison apple-themed churro for the Halloween season, it immediately peaked my interest.

This was the first Halloween-themed treat we tried and we were not disappointed. The churro is rolled in green-cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a granny smith apple icing. You would think this would be overly sweet, but it isn’t. It’s just right and we thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I didn’t get much of an apple flavor from it.

 

2) Pumpkin Expresso Martini

The Pumpkin Expresso Martini at Schmoozies in Disney California Adventure.

Location: Schmoozies! in Hollywoodland (DCA)

Price: $17.50

Mobile Order: Yes

Discounts: None

There was nothing stated on the website or foodie guide as to an ingredient list for this item, other than it’s made with a caramel vodka. Clearly, a pumpkin foam is included, along with a couple shots of expresso. In short, this drink was delicious.

The pumpkin and expresso flavors were balanced well, with no one flavor overpowering the other. The hint of sweetness from the caramel vodka didn’t come through until the end, though. To get the full range of flavor, I suggest using a straw or spoon to mix the pumpkin foam and expresso together before consuming.

 

3) Spiced Bundt Cake

The Spiced Bundt Cake served at Jolly Holiday in Disneyland.

Location: Jolly Holiday in Main Street U.S.A (DL)

Price: $6.79

Mobile Order: Yes

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

The Spiced Bundt Cake served at Jolly Holiday is filled with cream cheese frosting and topped with a purple glaze icing, sprinkles, and spiced mousse with a chocolate Mickey head decoration. The cake wasn’t dry but for what this was, I felt it was simply ok.

The “spiced” flavor came through in a big way, though (in a good way), but it still isn’t something I would go out of my way to get. If you already happen to be eating at Jolly Holiday, it’s a fitting treat to cap your meal with, but if you’re only seeking out a dessert, there are plenty of superior options out there. Such as…

 

4) Enchanted Pumpkin Stuff

The Pumpkin Stuff served at Red Rose Tavern in Fantasyland at Disneyland.

Location: Red Rose Tavern in Fantasyland (DL)

Price: $7.29

Mobile Order: Yes

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

Ever since converting the former Village Haus Restaurant into Red Rose Tavern (a fitting Beauty and the Best theme) in 2017, a dessert from the classic animated film, The Grey Stuff, has been a featured item on the menu. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, it originated from a line in the song “Be Our Guest” when Lumiere sang, “try the grey stuff, it’s delicious, don’t believe me?, ask the dishes!”. Disneyland foodies know what’s up.

The classic grey stuff is indeed delicious, but much like the churros, Disney will typically put a seasonal spin on this fan favorite during events. This year for Halloween it’s a pumpkin version and let me tell you, this variant rivals the original. It’s a pumpkin cream with an apricot marmalade center, topped on a pumpkin cookie. It’s simply fantastic and well balanced. I would order it again and again, as I feel it’s one of the best Halloween foods at Disneyland right now.

 

5) Blueberry Corn Dog

The Blueberry Corn Dog at the Little Red Wagon at Disneyland.

Location: Little Red Wagon on Main Street U.S.A (DL)

Price: $11.59

Mobile Order: Yes

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

Yes, you read that title correctly. When I first discovered this item in the Disneyland Halloween foodie guide, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about it. It didn’t seem like something I would typically enjoy, but simultaneously, I was intrigued enough to want to try it.

If you haven’t seen it, it’s your standard hand-dipped-and-fried corn dog from the Little Red Wagon, but topped with a blueberry compote and bacon powdered sugar. In short, I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The saltiness from the corn dog and sweetness from the compote made for an oddly satisfying combination.

 

6) The Monstropolis Float

The Monstropolis Float served at Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland.

Location: The Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland (DL)

Price: $9.29

Mobile Order: No

Discounts: None

The Monstropolis Float is yet another seasonal spin on another Disneyland classic treat, the Dole Whip. It’s the classic pineapple flavor Dole Whip swirled with mango, with passion fruit coconut juice, and topped with Lychee fruit and ube dust.

As the follow-up to the Pineapple-Coconut Float during Pixar Fest, the Monstropolis Float delivers in every way and is yet, another home run for Tropical Hideaway. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat perfect for those hot, humid Anaheim days.

 

7) Ube-Vanilla Twist Soft Serve

The Ube-Vanilla soft serve at Cozy Cone #2 in Cars Land at DCA.

Location: Cozy Cone #2 in Cars Land (DCA)

Price: $5.99

Mobile Order: Yes

Discounts: None

This was my first time trying an ube-flavored ice cream, but now that I’ve tried it, I’m a fan for life. You have the option of ordering an ube-only soft serve, or go with the ube-vanilla swirl. Additionally, you can order it in a cone or cup.

We tried both flavors and each one was fantastic for their own reasons. We really didn’t prefer one over the other, but if you force my hand, then I’ll have to give slight favoritism to the ube-only option, for no real reason other than the punch of ube flavor.

 

8) Muensters, Inc. Sliders

The Muensters, Inc. Sliders served at Lamplight Lounge Boardwalk Dining In Pixar Pier at DCA.

Location: Lamplight Lounge - Boardwalk Dining in Pixar Pier (DCA)

Price: $24.00

Mobile Order: Not available

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

If you’re looking for something on the heartier side at Disney California Adventure, look no further than the Muensters, Inc. Sliders at Lamplight Lounge. Do note that these are only available at the boardwalk dining area on the patio and not in the main dining room.

You’re given two sliders, each with two smash-style beef patties and topped with muenster cheese, Anaheim chilies, house chipotle sauce, candied bacon, house pickles and crispy onions on a peppered-brioche bun. Additionally, they’re served with a side of house kettle chips, drizzled with a flavored oil.

Honestly, this is one of the best food at Disneyland right now, and not just of the seasonal items. The boardwalk dining offshoot of Lamplight Lounge has always had the superior menu in my opinion, with their regularly featured Barbacoa Spotlight Nachos a hit amongst Disneyland foodies. Be sure to get here right at opening to join the walk-up list, as reservations are not accepted at the boardwalk.

 

9) Transylvania Transfusion

The Transylvania Transfusion served at Harbor Galley in New Orleans Square at Disneyland.

Location: Harbor Galley in News Orleans Square (DL)

Price: $6.99

Mobile Order: Available

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

Talk about a refreshing option on a hot, humid day at Disneyland. The Transylvania Transfusion is non-alcoholic and packed with flavor. It’s made with a combination of dark berry and cherry juices to create a wonderfully balanced drink.

The sweetness of the berry and the tartness of the cherry compliment one another, without one flavor dominating the other. Additionally, this drink is garnished with fresh berries. This drink’s photo on the Disneyland Halloween foodie guide shoes both dark and red berries for the garnish, however, I only received raspberries. Not complaining, just pointing out the discrepancy.

 

10) The Darth by Chocolate

The Darth by Chocolate dessert sold at Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland at Disneyland.

Location: Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland (DL)

Price: $7.29

Mobile Order: Available

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

Long regarded as a legend amongst Halloween-time desserts ever since its debut at Disneyland years ago, the Darth by Chocolate parfait continues to reign supreme all these years later. The parfait features several layers made up of chocolate pudding, red velvet cake, and chocolate mousse, topped with a Darth Vader chocolate piece and “crushed chocolate cream-filled cookies” (in other words…Oreos).

It’s a mega-popular dessert during Halloween time and tends to sell out on a daily basis. Do what the Disneyland foodies do and get those mobile orders in early. Doing so will ensure you will get one and if needed, you could always change your pick up time.

 

11) The Bride and Groom Churros

The Bridge and Groom churros sold near the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.

Location: The churro cart near the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square (DL)

Price: $6.50 each

Mobile Order: Not available

Discounts: None

Technically, these are two separate churros, but I’m including them both in the same listing because of how well they go together (like any bride and groom should). The groom churro is rolled in a mixture of milk and dark chocolate sugars, and the bride churro is dusted in a vanilla-based sugar.

Individually, the bride churro was the winner to me. My wife, however, preferred the groom churro. However, to get the full experience, order them both and take a bite out of both at the same time. Their combined flavor profile will blow your mind!

 

12) Pumpkin Cheesecake Cold Brew

The Pumpkin Cheesecake Cold Brew served at Red Rose Tavern in Fantasyland at Disneyland.

Location: Red Rose Tavern in Fantasyland (DL)

Price: $6.79

Mobile Order: Available

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

As a fan of Starbucks’ annual pumpkin foam cold brew, when I saw that Disneyland was going to feature a pumpkin cheesecake version of my holiday favorite, it immediately made my “must-try” list. I started seeing early reports from influencers stating this drink was, “way too sweet”, and got concerned.

However, now that I’ve tried it for myself, I can confidently report that, in my opinion anyway, it is a well balanced drink…provided you drink it correctly. What I mean by that is people often forget to mix the foam topping with the coffee before drinking it. If you sip it without mixing, you’ll definitely think the drink is too sweet because all you’re getting is the foam.

Much like the Pumpkin Expresso Martini listed above, if mixed thoroughly, the cold brew is a well balanced drink with a semi-strong pumpkin flavor. It’s a great pick-me-up whether you’re just beginning your day or pulling an open to close marathon. That said, I still prefer my pumpkin cold brew from Starbucks.

 

13) Poison Apple Cake

The Poison Apple Cake sold at Plaza Inn on Main Street at Disneyland.

Location: Plaza Inn (near the entrance to Tomorrowland) in Disneyland

Price: $7.79

Mobile Order: Not available

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

The Plaza Inn has become the spot to get a themed slice of cake during seasonal events at Disneyland, with their previous offering being the Pixar Cake during the prior two Pixar Fest events. The Poison Apple Cake, a not-so-subtle tribute to the animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is the Halloween feature here.

The slice of cake is a red-cinnamon cake with cream cheese and caramelized apple filling, red cream cheese frosting, and a green ganache. Much like I stated in my review of the Pixar Fest cake, the cake was moist and tasty, but otherwise just ok. Nothing overly special and in my opinion, not worth the nearly $8 price tag.

 

14) Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Salted Dulce Cream Puff

The Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Salted Cream Puff at Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland.

Location: Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland (DL)

Price: $8.29

Mobile Order: Not available

Discounts: Respective Magic Key discounts apply

This tasty cream puff is filled to the brim with delicious pumpkin mousse and salted dulce de leche. This treat isn’t getting nearly the amount of attention it deserves, with most complaining about the perceived lack of pumpkin flavor and overall being too tart.

Not sure which cream puff they were reviewing because the one we tried during our visit was delicious. The pumpkin flavor from the mousse, albeit light, did in fact come through, but with the flavor profile of actual pumpkin, not artificial or spiced. Definitely give this one a try.

 

15) Fantasyland Garlic Cheesy Brat

The Fantasyland Garlic Chessy Brat at Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland at Disneyland

Location: Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland (DL)

Price: $12.99

Mobile Order: Available

Discounts: None

I saved this one for last as it was our hands-down favorite of all the seasonal items we tried this year. This item is the cheesy garlic pretzel bread we all know and love, with the addition of a juicy bratwurst. I already loved the cheesy pretzel bread, but this took it up so many notches, there’s no way I could ever look back.

This item needs to remain on the menu post-Halloween. If the Firetown Mac and Cheese Bites can remain on Troubadour Tavern’s menu post-Pixar Fest, then this too can survive. By the way, even though you can get the regular cheesy pretzel bread at both Edelweiss Snacks and Maurice’s Treats, you can only order the bratwurst version from Edelweiss.

Planning a Disneyland vacation? Catch up on all aspects of dining at the resort with my 2024 Disneyland Dining Guide. Additionally, read about our experiences at Centrico and Great Maple, two of the resort’s newest dining options. You can also see my 10 Disneyland dining tips here. Lastly, for great deals on Disneyland vacation packages, visit Get Away Today, a highly-rated Disney travel agency.

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Disneyland, Halloween Kevin Disneyland, Halloween Kevin

Hunt For Pumpkins at Disneyland with ‘Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit’

While on a Disneyland vacation, most guests tend to primarily focus on riding as many attractions as possible. No judgements here, as for a while, that’s the same goal my wife and...

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

A statue of Pluto holding a Halloween pumpkin in Downtown Disney.

While on a Disneyland vacation, most guests tend to focus primarily on riding as many attractions as possible. No judgements here as for a while, that was the same goal my wife and I had. However, there’s something to be said about the non-attraction offerings at the resort that many miss out on.

If you’re someone who visits regularly, or you just want to add a little variety to your Disney trip, consider participating in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a scavenger hunt of sorts taking place at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney during the Halloween season.

It works the exact same way Eggstravaganza (the annual Easter egg hunt at the resort) does. In each park and in Downtown Disney, there are a dozen or so themed pumpkins inconspicuously placed in random spots and it’s up to you to locate them. When you’ve found them all, you get to select a prize.

It’s a great way to kill a couple hours in the parks while allowing the kids to burn energy and stay occupied. Or, if you’ve ridden most of the attractions already, it’s something different to do and allows you to see the park from a different perspective. Let’s get into it.

*NOTE: We did the pumpkin hunt in Disneyland, so this post will be primarily focused there

 

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Price and Purchase Locations

Signage for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland.

There are a number of locations where you can purchase a card for Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit and they depend on where in the resort you’ll be hunting in. In Disneyland, you can purchase the cards at the following locations:

  • Disneyana

  • Disney Showcase

  • Emporium

  • EngineEar Souvenirs

  • Eudora’s Chic Boutique

  • “it’s a small world” Gift Shop

  • The Star Trader

  • Westward Ho Trading Company

In Disney California Adventure:

  • Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff

  • Elias & Co.

  • Gone Hollywood

  • Ramon’s House of Body Art

  • Rushin’ River Outfitters

  • Seaside Souvenirs

  • Trolley Treats

Cast Members at the Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit booth at Disneyland.

In Downtown Disney District:

  • Acorns Gifts and Goods

  • The Home Store

  • Disney Pin Traders

  • The Dress Shop

  • Disney’s Fantasia Shop

  • STOR-E

  • WonderGround Gallery

  • World of Disney

The price for one card is $9.99. Again, this is per card and per location. So if you wanted to do the scavenger hunt in both parks and in Downtown Disney, you will need to purchase a card at each one. Honestly, unless you have a large group, one card would do just fine. There’s no real reason for each kid or adult to have their own, unless they’ll each want their own prize, as you only get one per card.

The sticker card for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland.

When you complete your purchase, you’ll be given a two-sided card in the shape of a pumpkin. One side will feature a Mickey head graphic, with thirteen locations printed in white bubbles. On the other will be the stickers you’ll place on the front side as you locate the pumpkins.

The sticker card for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland.

The front side gives a general location as to where you’ll find the pumpkins. Some, such as “Emporium” and “Red Rose Tavern” are pretty straightforward. Others, like “Frontierland Stagecoach”, require some thought and aren’t so easy to spot.

The stickers on the back are images of the actual themed pumpkins, so you’ll have some reference to go by. If you get stuck, simply ask a cast member and they’ll give you a few clues to help narrow it down.

 

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Locations

A Mickey themed pumpkin at Disneyland.

I’m not going to totally reveal the exact locations, as that would defeat the entire purpose of the game. What I will tell you is, at Disneyland, there are thirteen of them and they’re all themed after a Disney character. For example, there’s a pumpkin themed after BB-8 in Star Traders and a Tiana-themed one at Tiana’s Palace.

A pumpkin for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland.
A Donal Duck pumpkin at Disneyland for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit.

One thing I will tell you is the pumpkins are almost always on the exterior of their respective locations and more often than not, you’ll need to look up in order to spot them. There are two or three that are placed in the interior, but that isn’t the case with most of them.

Main Street and Fantasyland have the most with three pumpkins each, Tomorrowland comes in second with two, with the rest spread out between Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square and ToonTown. There are none in Galaxy’s Edge, though. I guess the citizens of Batuu didn’t feel like participating this year.

A Moana-themed pumpkin for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland.

Additionally, you will not have to ride any attractions or enter their queues to find the pumpkins. They’re all completely visible from the walkways. There are a few that are located in highly trafficked areas, though. So keep this in mind while hunting.

 

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Prizes

The prizes for Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit at Disneyland.

Once you’ve located all the pumpkins and have completely filled your sticker card, simply return the card to any Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit location and select your prize. The included prize is your choice of one of five character-themed pumpkin sippers.

Honestly, the prize is pretty cheap. Though considering you’ve only spent ten bucks, it’s to be expected. In addition, they have several pieces of merchandise themed for Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit available for purchase, including a pin. The pin is nice, but it’s a highly bloated price of $39.99.

All in all, we had a lot of fun. It was a nice break from the norm and it gave us a chance to enjoy ourselves without having to spend a bunch of time in a queue. Definitely give this a try when you visit.

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