This is Halloween, This is Halloween! The new Disneyland Halloween Party is officially here! Oogie Boogie Bash hosted at Disney California Adventure is an after-hours, trick-or-treat event at Disneyland Resort happening this September and October. Tickets for this event have been sold out for quite some time, but we have some tips and tricks for the ones who have secured tickets and are gearing up to join the fun.
Didn't get your Oogie Boogie Bash tickets for 2019? We can help start planning your vacation for 2020 and make sure you don't miss out next year when they go on sale!
We recently had the opportunity to experience it, and we have to say that it is definitely one of the best special events that Disney Parks have to offer. The party is immersive, magical, fun, and just the right amount of spooky. Disney definitely got it right when it comes to having enough to offer guests of all ages.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Disneyland Halloween Party.
Halloween Party Costumes
All guests are encouraged to dress in costume and trick or treat at various treat stations during Oogie Boogie Bash. Adults and kids dress in a variety of costumes. Costume guidelines have been updated, so always check the official Disneyland Resort guidelines first. All guests may dress in costume for this special event but they must be child-friendly and must follow the guidelines here. Remember to keep your costume simple if riding attractions is your goal. You want something you can move around in and that’s cool enough for warm Southern California weather, even in the fall. Bring hoodies for the evening hours.
This year, planner Allison and I went as Edna Mode and Elastagirl and our owner Shana and her daughter were Captain America and Captain Marvel. Superheroes was the theme this year!
Oogie Boogie Bash PhotoPass
Don't forget to take advantage of all the free photos with PhotoPass photographers during your visit to California Adventure for the party! Ride photos are also included so don't forget to grab a picture of the code above your ride photo to enter into your app.
DescenDANCE Party
Only during Oogie Boogie Bash. “A new pulsing party in the Backlot area of Hollywood Land is inspired by the popular “Descendants” franchise from the Disney Channel. As the DescenDance begins, a spell is cast, summoning the greatest dance crew from the Isle of the Lost to throw down and lead everyone in moves that are set to the biggest hit songs from the “Descendants” films.” DescenDANCE Party Times, hosted on nights of Oogie Boogie Bash at 6:15, 7:30, 8:45, 9:45 and 10:30.
Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show
Exclusive to Oogie Boogie Bash. “‘Perfect for young guests, this new, interactive stage production invites kids of all ages to join Mickey Mouse and his pals as they throw a one-of-a-kind Halloween party!” Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show Times, hosted on nights of Oogie Boogie Bash at 6:25, 7:10, 7:55, 9:25 and 10:15. This show runs about 12 minutes long. If your little ones can take a late nap, you’ll see much lower crowds during later shows. If you want to see earlier shows, arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
Trick or Treat Trails
Let’s talk candy and trick or treating at Disney California Adventure! Yes, you can trick or treat during Oogie Boogie Bash. Everyone is encouraged to trick or treat, even adults. Joining in the trick or treating fun seriously has everyone giddy and feeling like a kid again. Treat Trails are clearly marked on the map you pick up when you arrive. Each trail has several trick or treat spots where you will pick up candy and snacks along the route. We found that the first stop usually gave candy or chocolate (Butterfinger, Hershey, Starburst, etc.) and the other few along the trail gave out snack items (Cheez-Its, Goldfish Crackers, Apple Slices, etc.). New in 2019, iconic Halloween characters such as Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” and even Oogie Boogie himself will be on call for the festivities at the trick or treat trails.
There are 10 treat trails this year and 5 of them are immersive experiences.
Buena Vista Street trick or treat trail
Animation Academy trail features Oogie Boogie in Hollywood Land
Hyperion Theater trail features Mad Hatter in Hollywood Land
Stage 17 in Hollywood Land features Dr. Facilier in Hollywood Land
Soarin’ trail features Maleficent in Grizzly Peak
Grizzly Peak trail features The Evil Queen in Grizzly Peak
AP Trick or Treat trail by Goofy’s Sky School in Paradise Gardens Park
Jumpin Jellyfish trail leads into Silly Symphony Swings in Paradise Gardens Park
Radiator Springs Racers, near Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land
Filmore’s Taste-In in Cars Land
Frightfully Fun Parade
Halloween at Disneyland is a delightful sight with fall decor everywhere you look. In addition to Disney characters in seasonal costumes, Halloween inspired attractions and trick or treat stations, guests at Oogie Boogie Bash will enjoy a huge assortment of fun and frights. The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”) will ride through the center of it all starting with the pre-parade.
The Frightfully Fun Parade is at 8:15 pm, but arrive early to grab a spot and watch the Headless Horseman ride at 8 pm. You can only see this parade during Oogie Boogie Bash. Mickey and Minnie Mouse are among the first Disney characters to join the parade and it gets increasingly scary as it goes along. The parade route at California Adventure is extensive and you should be able to get good viewing wherever you decide to watch. New in 2019, the whimsical favorite Cheshire Cat joins the parade!
Guardians of the Galaxy:
Monsters After Dark
A highlight of the Halloween season for thrill ride lovers is the special ride overlay for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! called “Monsters After Dark.” While the posted wait time was 13 minutes during the entire party, we found the wait really did fluctuate a bit.
When is the best time to ride? Earlier in the party. You want to leave just enough time for the regular non-party guests to clear out, so don’t ride this attraction right at 6pm when some of them may just have gotten in line before official park close. Instead, wait until about 6:45 or 7pm. At that hour, regular guests have left but a lot of the Oogie Boogie Bash party guests are in their first treat trail or character line and not yet thinking about rides.
Villainous! World of Color
Only during Oogie Boogie Bash. A new Halloween version of World of Color where you’ll hear a Halloween tale about a young girl named Shelley Marie while exploring the villainous side of Disney characters through fountains, lights, lasers, projections and special effects. “Villainous!” shows that, deep down, there’s a little villain in all of us.
Villainous! World of Color Times, hosted on nights of Oogie Boogie Bash at 9:00 and 10:45 pm, no need to secure a FASTPASS since this is a special after-hours event. The show is about 20 minutes long.
Looking for the best viewing options? Stay out late and catch the second show for fewer crowds. Take our advice and spend the last bit of the party doing this — it’s a great way to end the night.
Villains Grove
There are tons of character meet and greet opportunities, but the name “Villains Grove” is deceptive. Villains Grove is a walk through experience in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail that begins at dusk. It does not, however have any Villains to meet and greet there.
Villains Grove typically had the longest line during the first few nights of Oogie Boogie Bash. It’s appropriate for all ages, but no strollers are permitted. You’ll find tons of interactive projections and photo ops inside this creepy corner of California Adventure. To meet rotating Disney Villains during Oogie Boogie Bash, find their locations on the special map distributed for this event only. You can interact with more Disney Villains on the interactive treat trails listed earlier in the article.
Last Minute Tips
When you arrive, you can enter California Adventure Park with your Oogie Boogie Bash ticket up to 3 hours before the event. You will get a wristband and trick or treat bag once you enter for the first time. The bags provided are small so we suggest bringing your own! If you’re already spending the day in the park, no need to exit and re-enter. Wristband distribution will take place at the main gates, Grand Californian gates and Blue Sky Cellar.
Why should you get there early if the party doesn’t even start until 6 or 7? To eat all that delicious Halloween Time food! You’ll probably be so busy running around the party to even think about grabbing some dinner. Take our advice and use this pre-party time to get caffeinated, grab some themed food, ride some attractions, and even shop for merchandise.
Another last minute thing that not too many people have mentioned is Animation Academy has the perfect opportunities to draw your favorite Disney Villains during Oogie Boogie Bash!
Remember, you can’t do it all during one night of Oogie Boogie Bash. Despite lower crowd levels, there’s so much packed into one night it’s truly impossible to do everything! Pick your favorites, do those first and everything else is icing on the cake.
Looking to plan a Halloween Time trip in 2020?
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Email createmagic@thepixieplanner.com and mention this blog post to get started on a personalized vacation quote and be the first to grab tickets for The Oogie Boogie Bash in 2020.