Dreadfully Delicious: Your Guide to the 2025 Disney Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris
Autumn at Disneyland Paris has always held a special kind of magic. The air turns crisp, the leaves auburn and gold, and a mischievous spirit descends upon the parks, transforming them into a playground for ghouls and goblins of all ages. The Disney Halloween Festival, running from 1st October to 2nd November 2025, promises to be the most spellbinding yet, with richer thrills, chills, and brand-new surprises.
The Atmosphere: Where Spooky Meets Sweet
From the moment you pass under the grand “Happy Halloween” banner by day, you are wrapped in a lightheartedly eerie atmosphere. Town Square is dotted with adorable, silly little ghosts, perfect for those essential family photos. But listen closely—the magic is in the details. Minnie Mouse’s playful, ghostly “ooooh” echoing around the square, followed by a blown kiss, perfectly encapsulates the event’s tone: a masterful blend of spooky and sweet that only Disney can achieve.
As dusk falls however, Main Street, U.S.A. undergoes a breathtaking transformation. This year DLP surprised us all as for the very first time, spectral projections dance across the facades, brought to life with state-of-the-art image mapping, swirling smoke machines and 360° soundscape. The air fills with a mysterious chill, casting a truly creepy and captivating atmosphere over the nostalgic heart of the park. It’s a nightly spectacle that promises to be as unmissable as the fireworks.
The Headline Act: The UNlucky Nugget Saloon
If there’s one new experience that has everyone talking, it’s the transformation of The Lucky Nugget Saloon restaurant into The UNlucky Nugget Saloon. This isn’t just a name change; it’s a full-blown, immersive dining experience that plunges you headfirst into the lore of Phantom Manor.
As we discussed in-depth on Episode 223 of the D2DLP Podcast, the attention to detail here is nothing short of phenomenal. The saloon has been re-styled as the wedding feast that was never held for Melanie Ravenswood. Eerie lighting and cobwebs drape the room, the walls are adorned with Phantom Manor’s signature purple wallpaper patterns (even the napkins feature the bat motif!), and wrapped wedding gifts sit gathering dust in a corner. The pièce de résistance? A shadowy Phantom eternally playing a haunting wedding march on the piano.
This is Disney storytelling at its finest—a flavourful adventure that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. It’s an absolute must-do for any fan of the parks’ darker side.
Character Encounters & Ghoulish Gatherings
The Disney Characters are the lifeblood of the festival, and they’ve fully embraced the Halloween spirit. Prepare for mischievous encounters with the most iconic Disney Villains. Whether you’re facing off against Maleficent’s stern gaze, evading Cruella’s fashion critiques, or dealing with the Queen of Hearts’ temper, these interactions are unforgettable.
Over in Frontierland, the worlds of Tim Burton and Pixar collide. You can meet the beloved Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and share a moment with Miguel from Coco, a beautiful tribute that reminds us about celebrating family and remembrance.
The daytime fun culminates with Mickey’s Halloween Celebration cavalcade. Led by Daisy Duck, it’s a parade of mischief makers including Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale (in brand-new Halloween outfits that DLP is happy to tie in with merch you can buy for yourself), and classic friends like Clarabelle Cow. A delightful new addition for 2025 sees José Carioca and Panchito joining Donald Duck, finally reuniting The Three Caballeros for a fiesta on the move. The centrepiece, Mickey’s Illusion Manor float, is a marvel of magic, with our favourite mouse changing costumes in the blink of an eye.
Tricks, Treats, and a Treasure Hunt
No Halloween is complete without dreadfully delicious food, and the parks deliver in style. The Boardwalk Candy Palace becomes a haven for perilous pastries, while the Last Chance Cafe is the place to be for three new vanilla-filled éclairs, each depicting a different spirit from Phantom Manor.
A brand-new M&M’s®-sponsored treasure hunt will send families on a colourful quest through Disneyland Park. Solve the clues, find the mystical doors, and claim your sweet reward— essentially an interactive way to explore the park.
And of course, the merchandise is irresistibly spooky. Look for Mickey, Minnie, and Stitch plushies in their sorcerer costumes, and don’t miss the new magnetic mini plush of Mike from Monsters, Inc., dressed as an adorable pumpkin, ready to perch on your shoulder. For your home, a new table runner featuring the characters in their Halloween best will ensure your snack times are monstrously delightful all season long.
The Grand Finale: Halloween Night Itself
Mark your calendars for October 31st. This is the one day of the year when adults are not only allowed but encouraged to dress up alongside their children! The park extends its hours until 11 p.m., becoming a melting pot of creativity, from wicked witches to dastardly pirates competing for attention with the Disney Villains themselves.
As the night draws to a close, the excitement peaks with A Nightfall with Disney Villains, a spellbinding show that will electrify Sleeping Beauty Castle, preceded by the stunning nighttime spectacular, Disney Tales of Magic. It’s the perfect, powerful finale to a day of Halloween excitement.
Our Take on Halloween 2025
The 2025 Disney Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris is more than an event; it’s a season-long celebration that masterfully blends family-friendly fun with sophisticated, detailed theming. From the spine-tingling thrills of Phantom Manor and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ to the joyful giggles from a child meeting their favourite character in a Halloween costume, the Disneyland Paris magic is at a peak at Halloween.
It’s an invitation to tremble with excitement, to indulge in fiendishly delightful treats, and to become part of a story where every cobweb, every ghostly sound effect, and every smiling pumpkin is a thread in a beautifully woven, unforgettable, and hauntingly delightful memory. Start planning your spooky sojourn now—your ghostly hosts are waiting !
