I’m about to reveal some of Disneyland’s pumpkin secrets. Disneyland pumpkin carvers cut traditional Jack-O’-Lanterns to line the upper stories of Main Street storefronts. So look up as you’re walking down Main Street. But if you head back to the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch between Fantasyland and Frontierland during Halloween Time – you’ll have the chance to meet the carvers and watch them sculpt more artistic versions.
The expert carvers only cut the outside layer of the pumpkin and sometimes use paint to embellish the design.
My daughter took this one of her favorite pumpkin art:
If you’re lucky, a carver will actually be at their post and you can ask them questions. My family was looking over all the art when I overheard a guest ask how long the pumpkins would last. The carver spoke about how it #1 depends on the pumpkin and #2 depends on how well you can prevent condensation.
You know the little dimple at the bottom of the pumpkin? That can build moisture and rot the pumpkin prematurely.
The carver’s tips for preserving the sort of pumpkins that they carve – on outside surfaces only – were:
- Rest the pumpkins off the ground so that there’s air flow. He said he’s propped his pumpkins up slightly off the ground on two pencils just to keep the air flowing.
- Keep the pumpkins in the full sun because, apparently, baking them can keep them dry and almost “petrify” them.
- Try not to place the pumpkins in a place where you water your yard or garden. The goal is to keep them nice and dry.
That’s where you can find the real pumpkins inside the park.
Where else can you spot pumpkins during Halloween Time at Disneyland?
Outside the Haunted Mansion decorated for the holidays.
All over the place inside the Haunted Mansion!
Surrounding the Walt Disney “Partners” statue
And you can also find:
- Pumpkins in the shape of Disney characters above the ticket entry point
- A huge Pumpkin Mickey at the base of Main Street
- A couple photo-worthy Halloween scenes on the tram ride from the Mickey parking structure to the park. Have your cameras ready!
There is no additional fee (beyond your regular admission) to enter the Halloween Carnival area at Big Thunder Ranch where you can see the pumpkin carvers in action. Mickey’s Halloween Party requires separate tickets because it is held on select nights and continues past regular park hours. My friend, Jill, over at Popsicle Blog attended this year. If you are curious about what’s included with Mickey’s Halloween Party, you can read all about her evening.
TIP: We had one of our best Disneyland trips ever because we arrived right at 8am when the park opened and pretty much walked on every ride until 10am (Star Tours, Autopia, It’s a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Pirates of the Caribbean). Then we were able to get into the Haunted Mansion and on Splash Mountain fairly quickly before 11am. Then things got much busier, but we retreated to our family favorites, like the Disneyland Railroad and the Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer Island. The only down side? We had to get up very early on a Saturday to get there on time.
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. We were invited guests at the Family Media Day preview of Halloween Time at the park. Read my full disclosure policy.