The Dark Magic Of Bats Day: 7 Things You Need To Know About The Goth Takeover Of Disneyland

For over two decades, the Happiest Place on Earth has hosted one of the most unexpected—and visually stunning—annual gatherings: Bats Day in the Fun Park. This unofficial event transforms the vibrant landscape of Disneyland into a spectacular sea of black lace, velvet, and dramatic makeup, as members of the Goth subculture and other alternative communities converge on the Anaheim, California theme park for a weekend of dark fun and camaraderie.

As of late 2025, the tradition continues, though its structure has evolved. While the original large-scale organized event officially concluded in 2018, the spirit of the "Disney Goth" pilgrimage remains a strong annual tradition, attracting thousands of attendees who simply choose the same weekend to visit the park together. The latest update confirms the official organizers are still hosting related events, keeping the dark magic alive for the dedicated community.

The Evolution of Bats Day: From Small Meetup to Global Phenomenon

The history of Bats Day in the Fun Park is a fascinating testament to the power of community organization and the universal appeal of Disney, even to those who prefer the shadows. It is also known by several descriptive names, including Goth Day, Goth Day at Disneyland, and The Spooky Trip to Disneyland Resort.

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• The Founding (1999): Bats Day was founded in August 1999 by Van Nuys native Noah Korda. It began as a simple idea: a dedicated day for the Goth subculture to enjoy the park together.
• Early Attendance: The very first official Bats Day saw a modest turnout of about 80 people. The second event doubled that number, attracting just over 200 attendees, quickly establishing a dedicated following.
• The Peak and the Pivot (2018): The event grew into a massive, three-day annual weekend. However, in January 2018, the official organizers announced that the 20th anniversary event in May 2018 would be the last of its kind due to rising costs, the struggling economy, and the complexity of running an event on such a grand scale.
• The Unofficial Continuation: Despite the official end of the large-scale organization, the annual pilgrimage continues as an unofficial, grassroots gathering. Thousands of people from the alternative community still choose to visit Disneyland on the traditional Bats Day weekend, maintaining the spirit and traditions.

The event is a required pilgrimage for many Goths, Punks, Emo kids, Rockabillies, and other counter-culture Disney lovers, proving that darkness and light can coexist in the Magic Kingdom.

Must-Know Events and Traditions of the Bats Day Weekend

While the main organized event has scaled back, the official Bats Day organizers and the community continue to host a variety of associated events that make the weekend a full, immersive experience. These gatherings are the heart of the "Disney Goth" culture.

1. The Bats Day Black Market™

A crucial part of the Bats Day weekend is The Bats Day Black Market™, a unique bizarre that takes place outside the park. This vendor event is a haven for alternative shoppers, featuring makers and artists who specialize in Goth-themed fashion, gifts, art, and accessories. It is a place where you can find everything from intricate black lace corsets to unique, spooky-themed Disney merchandise, celebrating the intersection of alternative style and theme park fun.

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2. The Group Photo Tradition

The most iconic moment of Bats Day is the annual Group Photo. Attendees, dressed in their finest attire, gather at a famous landmark within Disneyland Park for a massive group picture. Historically, this has taken place in front of the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle, creating a stunning visual contrast between the dark, dramatic fashion and the fairy-tale architecture. This tradition is the symbolic centerpiece of the day, showcasing the sheer scale and unity of the Disney Goth community.

3. Associated Meetups and Gatherings

The weekend often includes several other organized and unofficial meetups that cater to the diverse subcultures in attendance:

• The Nightmare before Bats Day™: A dedicated dinner and social Meet & Greet that kicks off the weekend.
• Bats Day Dark Park™ / The Bats Day Dark Park Festival™: This is the term used for the main day of gathering within Disneyland Park itself, focusing on enjoying the attractions and the atmosphere together.
• Subculture Diversity: The event is inclusive, attracting not only traditional Goths and Deathrock enthusiasts but also those from the Industrial, Steampunk, and Rockabilly scenes, all united by a love for alternative culture and Disney magic.

Latest Updates: 2024 and Beyond

While the large-scale May event is now unofficial, the organizers have introduced new, smaller, officially branded events to keep the community connected and celebrate the Disney Goth spirit throughout the year. The information below is the most current available for those planning a visit.

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• BATS DAY® SPOOKYTIME™ 2024: The official website announced a special event called BATS DAY® SPOOKYTIME™ A Goth Halloween Celebration. This gathering took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Disney California Adventure. No special ticket was required, as is the tradition—just a standard park ticket.
• 2025/2026 Unofficial Dates: The unofficial annual pilgrimage typically happens in the first week of May. While dates can vary, the community often targets the first weekend of May. Early reports suggest May 2-3, 2026, with May 3 being the main gathering day, as a potential time for the unofficial Goth Day at Disneyland.

For those interested in attending, it is vital to remember that Bats Day is a fan-organized event, not a Disney-sponsored one. Attendees must purchase standard Disneyland Resort admission tickets and are encouraged to check the official Bats Day website for the most accurate meetup times and locations.

The Unique Style of Disney Goth

The fashion at Bats Day is a key part of its appeal, often referred to as "Disney Goth" style. This aesthetic blends the dark, romantic elements of traditional Goth fashion with subtle, themed nods to Disney characters and stories.

Attendees showcase incredible creativity, adhering to the park's dress code while expressing their individuality. This means no overly revealing clothing or costumes that could be mistaken for a Disney Cast Member. The style is about storytelling through fashion, often utilizing black lace, dramatic silhouettes, heavy boots, and dark makeup to create a look that is both spooky and sophisticated.

The event proves that the Goth subculture is not monolithic; it is a diverse group of people, including Punks, Emo kids, and Steampunk enthusiasts, who appreciate the unique atmosphere of the park and the chance to celebrate their shared passion for alternative style in a place of magic and wonder.