The tradition of transforming Disneyland and the Haunted Mansion to a Hallowe'en theme started in October 2001. Called Haunted Mansion Holiday the makeover showcases the pumpkin king of Halloweenland, Jack Skellington as he attempts to take over Christmas disguised as "Sandy Claws". Each year more and more of the parks are taken over by the results of the collision of holiday spirits.
Haunted Mansion
In 2008, beginning on Friday, September 26 and continuing through to Sunday, November 2 Disneyland and its sister theme park, California Adventure will be decked out for Hallowe'en. The most noticable change happened in the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. The attraction has been converted to reflect the mayhem created by Jack Skellington and friends in Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. The exterior has been festooned with pumpkins, orange and black bunting and skeletons. Inside the elevator and hallway leading to the doom buggies has all been altered to reflect the Nightmare movie. Once in the doom buggy and riding through the attraction guests will notice some sutle and not so sutle changes throughout the Haunted Mansion. Classic Mansion lovers are often not pleased with the changes.
A Toy Story Hallowe'en
The Hallowe'en theme is apparent even before guests enter the park as character shaped pumpkins are placed atop the entrance turnstiles. A huge Mickey jack-o-lantern sits in Town Square just right for picture taking. There are a number of family-friendly adventures with special shows such as Woody's Hallowe'en Round-Up at Big Thunder Ranch. Here Woody and friends from Disney-Pixar's Toy Story celebrate with live stage adventures, cookie decorating, crafts and sing-a-longs.
Hallowe'en Tour
A Hallowe'en themed three hour tour of the parks called Disney's Happiest Haunt Tour is offered twice a day and includes Disney villains with behind the scenes stories of the spookiest attractions. The tour also includes stops at California Adventure's Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain, Snow White's Scary Adventure and, of course, the Haunted Mansion. Those taking the tour receive a Hallowe'en treat and exclusive collectible. The tour is not recommended for those who don't normally enjoy the featured attractions or for young children. The cost of the tour is in addition to normal entrance fees and for a family can be quite expensive.
Trick or Treat in California Adventure
Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party is a private costume party for the little ones and gives them an opportunity to get nose to nose with their favourite Disney characters. Interactive games, music and select attractions are also available as they trick-or-treat through the park. Again, party costs are extra.
Also in Disney's California Adventure is Candy Corn Acres in Sunshine Plaza where Goofy has planted the world's largest crop of candy corn inlcuding pumpkins, carrots and coconuts. Candy corn can been seen in the most unusual spots, even replacing the huge letter 'A's in the California sign at the entrance to the park.
Consider This Before Visiting
The Hallowe'en theme is, for the most part, tastefully done and doesn't overshadow the standard Disneyland attractions. The major exception to this is the Haunted Mansion which has received a startling transformation. Fans of the classic Haunted Mansion and those unfamiliar with the Nightmare Before Christmas story, might want to stay away until after Hallowe'en.
For more articles about Disneyland see Columbia or Star Tours.
Bibliography
Disneyland: Then, Now and Forever - Bruce Gordon & Tim O'Day - Disney Editions - 2005
Your Guide to Disney's California Adventure Park - handout - 2008
Your Guide to Disneyland Park - handout - 2008
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