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Disneyland Confirms Rare Classic Character Debut for Halloween, Arriving September 30

Mickey and Minnie Halloween
Credit: Disney

Disney fans will have another reason to get excited about Halloween this year.

A classic character is preparing to make a special debut as part of the seasonal festivities, offering guests a new experience just as Halloween celebrations begin to pick up steam. And this addition is only one piece of a much larger lineup planned for the weeks ahead.

The new character debuts on September 30, with a special Halloween transformation arriving just a few days later.

A Classic Character Is Finally Joining the Fun

Shanghai Disneyland is getting ready to welcome Pete for a brand-new character meet-and-greet beginning September 30.

The resort announced the addition on Instagram, revealing that guests will soon have an opportunity to meet one of Disney’s longest-running characters on Mickey Avenue.

Pete has spent much of his Disney history playing the troublemaker, often finding himself on the opposite side of Mickey Mouse and his friends. Shanghai Disneyland is giving him a slightly different personality for his latest appearance, describing Pete as a character who is turning over a new leaf and becoming more of a gentleman.

That doesn’t mean he has completely lost his familiar personality, though.

Guests will get their first chance to meet Pete beginning September 30, making his arrival one of the notable additions to Shanghai Disneyland’s fall entertainment lineup.

And only a few days later, his appearance will change for Halloween.

Classic Disney villains stand on balcony at Disneyland Shangai
Credit: Disney

His Look Won’t Stay the Same for Long

From September 30 through October 3, guests can find Pete on Mickey Avenue for photos and character interactions.

Things become considerably more festive beginning October 4.

From October 4 through November 1, Pete will greet guests at the same Mickey Avenue location while wearing a special Halloween costume. That means anyone visiting during most of the Halloween season will see a seasonal version of the character rather than his regular look.

Pete will also make an additional appearance when the park’s Halloween festivities officially kick into high gear.

On October 4, guests can watch for Pete during the Disney Halloween Time costume showcase. He is scheduled to appear in his Halloween outfit at all three performances that day.

While Pete’s arrival gives fans something completely new to seek out, he certainly won’t be celebrating Halloween alone.

Pete and Donald Duck greet guests in their halloween costumes in Shanghai Disneyland
Credit: Disney

The Entire Park Is Getting Into the Spirit

Shanghai Disneyland is filling the resort with Halloween decorations and seasonal entertainment throughout the celebration.

One returning offering is Donald’s Halloween Treat Cavalcade, which centers on Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.

The cavalcade also brings several Disney Villains into the Halloween festivities as they make their way through the park. Guests shouldn’t necessarily expect to remain spectators, either.

Some visitors who arrive wearing particularly creative Halloween outfits could be chosen to participate alongside Donald and Daisy, adding an interactive element to the seasonal entertainment.

Meanwhile, Halloween celebrations will extend into Zootopia.

Guests can spend time with Judy, Nick, and other residents as the land takes on a seasonal atmosphere of its own. Daily Mark Howling sessions will last approximately 10 minutes throughout the celebration.

Seasonal Blue Howling Drinks will also be available, giving guests another themed addition to seek out while exploring the land.

And those daily offerings are only the beginning. Shanghai Disneyland is expanding one of its biggest Halloween events for 2026.

Donald’s Halloween Treat Cavalcade parade at Shanghai Disneyland Resort
Credit: Disney

Ten Special Days Will Take Things Even Further

Halloween Spook-tacular Days will return with an expanded schedule this year, offering guests 10 days of festivities.

The event will take place October 16-18, October 23-25, and October 29-November 1.

During those dates, Shanghai Disneyland will offer five Party Zones where guests can dance and celebrate throughout the park. The expanded schedule gives visitors several different weekends to experience the festivities rather than limiting the event to a much smaller window.

There will also be surprises waiting elsewhere.

Guests can venture into the Alice in Wonderland Maze for unexpected character encounters or head toward Festival Forest for Donald’s Halloween Treat Party. Trick-or-treating opportunities will be available around the resort as well.

Eventually, the celebration moves toward one of the park’s biggest landmarks.

The Disney Villains Castle Celebration will take over the area around Enchanted Storybook Castle, bringing Disney’s famous villains together for another seasonal performance.

Between the Party Zones, treats, characters, and special entertainment, Halloween Spook-tacular Days will give guests plenty to explore beyond the park’s normal lineup.

Judy and Nick from Zootopia dressed in halloween costumes at Shanghai Disneyland Resort
Credit: Disney

Halloween Starts With a Rare Disney Arrival

Shanghai Disneyland already had a sizable Halloween celebration planned for 2026, but Pete’s arrival gives longtime Disney fans another reason to pay attention.

His first meet-and-greet begins September 30, before his Halloween transformation arrives on October 4. From there, the seasonal celebration continues through November 1 with cavalcades, costumes, Zootopia activities, Halloween Spook-tacular Days, and plenty of Disney Villains.

For fans of Disney’s classic characters, however, Pete could easily become one of the most interesting additions.

After decades of causing trouble alongside some of Disney’s most recognizable characters, Pete is finally getting his own moment with guests at Shanghai Disneyland. And he is arriving just in time for Halloween!

About Sarah Larson

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