Why Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Is Better With The Nightmare Before Christmas Theme

POPSUGAR Photography | Tara Block
POPSUGAR Photography | Tara Block

Halloween has officially arrived at Disneyland, and one of the best parts about the park at this time of year is the major transformation of the Haunted Mansion ride into its Nightmare Before Christmas theme. This may be a controversial opinion, but, personally, I love how festive and fun the Haunted Mansion becomes for the Halloween and holiday season, much more than when it's just a standard spooky ride.

It's vibrantly and creatively decorated (seriously, Disney doesn't miss a single detail), puts you in a happy Halloween and holiday mood, and has you humming the catchy songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas for the rest of the day. How could you choose the classic over that? Once you've been on Haunted Mansion holiday, the original ride just feels . . . boring. To prove my point, here are the best things about the themed version!

01
A spooky scarecrow greets you in line.
POPSUGAR Photography | Tara Block

A spooky scarecrow greets you in line.

02
The creepily creative signage is everywhere you look.
POPSUGAR Photography | Tara Block

The creepily creative signage is everywhere you look.

03
The mansion is completely transformed for the better.
Flickr user Justin Ennis

The mansion is completely transformed for the better.

The pumpkins, the garland — everything is a perfect blend of Christmas and Halloween, and the mansion never looks better than when it's dressed up for the holidays.

04
The decor is all so well done!
Flickr user Anna Fox

The decor is all so well done!

05
There's a countdown to Xmas.
Flickr user Anna Fox

There's a countdown to Xmas.

06
Jack Skellington's massive Christmas notes hang off the side of the mansion.
Flickr user Anna Fox

Jack Skellington's massive Christmas notes hang off the side of the mansion.

08
The pathway inside has hidden holiday details.
Flickr user Anna Fox

The pathway inside has hidden holiday details.

Like these "ho ho ho" lights.

09
All the transforming art becomes Nightmare Before Christmas themed.
Flickr user Anna Fox

All the transforming art becomes Nightmare Before Christmas themed.

10
The scene where you get on the Doom Buggies is breathtaking.
Flickr user Anna Fox

The scene where you get on the Doom Buggies is breathtaking.

It's so over the top! You barely have time to take it all in before you get on your Doom Buggy.

11
Everything glows vibrantly.
Flickr user Anna Fox

Everything glows vibrantly.

12
Like the snake with Santa's naughty and nice list.
Flickr user Anna Fox

Like the snake with Santa's naughty and nice list.

13
The fortune teller scene has a fun holiday theme.
Flickr user Anna Fox

The fortune teller scene has a fun holiday theme.

Floating Halloween ornaments join the scene along with a tree of lights.

15
Zero gets his own bone-filled scene.
Flickr user Anna Fox

Zero gets his own bone-filled scene.

16
The ballroom smells like gingerbread!
Flickr user Anna Fox

The ballroom smells like gingerbread!

17
The Hatbox Ghost has holiday flair.
Flickr user Anna Fox

The Hatbox Ghost has holiday flair.

18
Jack Skellington welcomes you into the graveyard scene.
Flickr user Anna Fox

Jack Skellington welcomes you into the graveyard scene.

19
Sally is there, too!
Flickr user Anna Fox

Sally is there, too!

20
The ghostly angels are an impressive sight in the graveyard.
Flickr user Anna Fox

The ghostly angels are an impressive sight in the graveyard.

22
The jack-o'-lanterns even sing.
Flickr user Anna Fox

The jack-o'-lanterns even sing.

23
Oogie Boogie has a starring role as you finish the ride.
Flickr user Anna Fox

Oogie Boogie has a starring role as you finish the ride.

24
Sally waves goodbye at the end — now time to get back in line!
Flickr user Anna Fox

Sally waves goodbye at the end — now time to get back in line!

"Hurry back, be sure to bring your Sandy Claws sack!"