Halloween at Tokyo Disneyland

Anyone who has every grown up with Disney would know that it almost always promises a magical experience, be from watching any of its films or-- even more exciting-- going to the theme park! It was my first time to visit Tokyo Disneyland during Halloween season, and even if I honestly dread going due to the massive crowds, I enjoyed every minute of it (surprisingly) and I really appreciated the localized Disney feel. Keep reading, you'll see what I mean!

The park was beautifully decorated, and it's nice to see the contrast between day and night. 

The Haunted Mansion ride has temporarily changed to A Nightmare Before Christmas. The technology and design were really impressive! This was actually my favorite ride that day. 

(Also note that fast passes can be claimed through the official Tokyo Disney Resort App now. I was quite relieved we didn't have to run around anymore! It was really quick and easy.)

There are lots of interesting Halloween themed food items at Tokyo Disneyland. This beef and tomato sandwich was surprisingly good. I also enjoyed the the pumpkin and sweet potato flavored sundae (if you look close enough, there's a dark chocolate ghost).

If there's food, there's interesting limited merch as well.

I think the most special release (which also happens to be my favorite and the only merch I bought) for Halloween at Tokyo Disneyland is the Tangled popcorn bucket. You can light it up, just like the lanterns from the movie! It even has a little Pascal on the strap! You get free popcorn on your first purchase, and there are a variety of flavors that you can choose from! We had butter soy sauce (quite Japanese-y, right?) and my friend and I devoured it in minutes. 

And, of course, what is Disney without its characters?

There's a special Halloween parade (called "Spooky Boo") at Tokyo Disneyland with Mickey Mouse and friends dressed up in costumes. The floats look spooktacular! Tokyo Disneyland has its own musical compositions and I heard a lot of English songs for ALL of the parades. (Do give "Dreaming Up!" a listen... It's beautiful!) 

There's also a special light show in the shopping area (World Bazaar). I wasn't sure about the time intervals for this one, but it was very trippy to watch since the images move from building to building!

But you know what made this whole experience really unique? The people.

I saw so many Disney kids (dressed up as adults mostly *wink*) walking around with their keychains and plush toys.

A lot of them have memorized the dances being taught during the "Spooky Boo" parade.

And lastly, the entire park was swarming with cosplayers! My friend, who has an annual pass and visits the park often, said that cosplayers suddenly popped out of nowhere when Halloween season at Tokyo Disneyland started! It's not just hats and simple dresses. It's legit cosplaying with make up, wigs, wired gowns... Everything! It blew my mind to see girls wearing heels in a theme park. Oh and don't get me wrong, guys had fun cosplaying, too!

Isn't it amazing? Cosplaying is big in Japanese culture, and they brought it to Disneyland... It's perfect! 

So what do you think? Do you think you'll give Tokyo Disneyland a shot for Halloween this year? You still have time! :)

If you DO decide to go this season, I suggest you equip yourselves with:

1. A pre-purchased ticket (it will save you a lot of time if you get a ticket beforehand)

2. A lot of energy

3. A water bottle (there are free drinking fountains around the park)

4. A mat (so you can sit down while waiting for parades)

5. The Official Tokyo Disney Resort app (to get fast passes and check show schedules, waiting times, etc. Oh, heads up, the app's in Japanese!)

Aaaand...

6. A full-on Disney costume perhaps?

Have a magical and happy Halloween!