Disneyland otherwise known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” is preparing for Halloween, one of its busiest seasons. This year, the season begins Sept. 6 and runs until Oct. 31.

During this time, both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure offer seasonal food, events, shows and rides for a limited time. An avid Disney lover myself, when this time of year comes around there is so much to do so it is important to outline your plans ahead of time and remember that prices fluctuate depending on what day it is.

Although the prices are a deciding point for most people, this year they have been up for debate blue to recently being increased. Day passes used to be affordable, but now even a day trip is pretty pricey. Most people, prefer to make payments on a season pass. Depending on what times of the year and days you would prefer to go, season pass payments start as low as $37. Personally, I am a Signature Pass holder which has free parking and minimal black out dates.

One of the most magical parts of this year is seeing the decorations as well as the rides that are changed to fit the Halloween theme. The two most well known are the Haunted Mansion which switches to Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” which is converted to Monsters After Dark.

The Haunted Mansion conversion is a favorite of mine because instead of seeing the usual ghouls and ghosts of the mansion, you get to see Jack, Sally and Oogie Boogie try to take over the Christmas season instead of their usual Halloween season.

On select nights, all Disneyland guests can enjoy the Halloween Screams fireworks show and Mickey’s Halloween Party being replaced by the Oogie Boogie Bash, a party where most villains that you don’t get to see throughout the year come out. The new party held at Disney’s California Adventure, is a separately ticketed event that runs on select nights. The bash is also an event to allow kids under 14 to dress up in their costumes.

Another event that goes on during this time and for a time after is Dia de los Muertos in Frontierland. With the new addition of “Coco” to the park, Dia de los Muertos is set to be an even bigger celebration since more people have become familiar with the concept. Being Hispanic myself, this is a part of the park that my family looks forward to because it is something we all celebrate.

The parks will also sell several themed treats. Among the popular treats offered in both parks are festive caramel apples, Mickey mummy macarons, special churros and themed treats such as cookies, cupcakes and cake pops. Some popular souvenirs are premium popcorn buckets, poison apple steins and glow cubes to put in drinks. Restaurants in both parks also offer savory treats for the occasion. My favorites are the churros especially since this year there is an horchata flavored one that comes with a dipping sauce.

To wrap up your visit at the parks are Halloween Screams fireworks show which is now viewable for all Disneyland guests. The Electrical Light Parade is also back in Disneyland’s Main Street for a limited time. The Electrical light parade is my favorite parade and even more now that it is back on Main Street. Another show that my family looks forward to is Fantasmic which is a nighttime show similar to the movie Fantasia. With a few differences to capture the audience, this is a show to look forward to because it is over the water and a spectacular sight.

Even if you are not a fan of Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure, during Halloween time there is plenty to do and enjoy for the entire family. From fancy treats to captivating parades and shows, the parks certainly capture what makes this early part if the holiday season so amazing.