What is Bats Day in the Fun Park?
While Disneyland is often associated with bright colors and sunshine, one of its longest-running unofficial traditions brings a darker aesthetic to the park. Known officially as Bats Day in the Fun Park, this annual event celebrates the intersection of Disney fandom and various dark subcultures, including Goth, Steampunk, Industrial, and Rockabilly. Started in 1999 as a small meet-up between two Southern California goth clubs, the event has grown into a multi-day celebration that attracts thousands of participants from around the world.
It is important to note that Bats Day is an unofficial event. This means it is organized by fans rather than the Walt Disney Company. However, over the last 27 years, it has become a staple of the Disneyland Resort calendar, and the park is generally welcoming to the community as long as participants follow standard resort rules and attire policies.
The 2026 Event Schedule
The 2026 celebration is centered around the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd. The event is split between off-site activities and a primary “spooky trip” to Disneyland Park. Here is the breakdown of the scheduled festivities:
- Saturday, May 2, 2026: The day begins with the Bats Day Black Market at the Vogel Victorian in Santa Ana, which runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This market features vendors selling art, clothing, and collectibles. The evening follows with a concert at The Observatory OC.
- Sunday, May 3, 2026: This is the main event day at Disneyland Park. Participants gather for several scheduled meet-ups throughout the day.
Disneyland Park Meet-Up Highlights
For those visiting on May 3rd, the group follows a specific itinerary of photo opportunities and “ride-alongs.” These are the key locations and times for the 2026 meet-ups:
- 11:00 AM: The “Baby Bats” photo-op at the King Arthur Carrousel, specifically for children 12 and under and their parents.
- 1:00 PM: A ride-along and photo-op on the Mark Twain Riverboat in Frontierland.
- 4:00 PM: The main event—the massive group photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is typically the largest gathering of the day.
- 6:00 PM: A dedicated photo station at Snow White’s Wishing Well.
- 8:00 PM: The final gathering of the night for a ride-along at The Haunted Mansion.
Attire and Park Rules
A common misconception is that Bats Day is a costume event. Because Disneyland does not allow adults to wear costumes during normal park hours, participants wear their everyday alternative fashion. This includes elaborate black lace, Victorian-inspired outfits, and gothic accessories that comply with the Disney Resort dress code. Organizers emphasize that clothing should be family-friendly and must not contain offensive imagery or drag on the ground.
Planning Your Visit
If you aren’t participating in Bats Day but plan to visit Disneyland on May 3, 2026, be prepared for slightly higher crowd levels, particularly in New Orleans Square and Fantasyland. Using Lightning Lane Multi Pass is highly recommended to navigate the increased attendance during the afternoon photo sessions. For those who want to join in, no special ticket is required beyond your standard theme park admission and a valid park reservation.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.