Oogie Boogie Bash 2024 Insider Guide: Disneyland Halloween Party

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Attend an exclusive Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort. Oogie Boogie Bash is an experience like none other. These insider tips for the event will make sure you have a spooktacular time.

Disneyland holds special events in the parks throughout the year, but probably the most popular special event is Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party. This annual event takes place in September and October on select nights.

Guests of all ages can enjoy exclusive entertainment, trick-or-treat trails, exclusive character meet and greets, and more.

We have attended Oogie Boogie Bash every year and have learned several insider tips to help guests make the most of their time in the parks. Keep reading to learn all about Oogie Boogie Bash and our exclusive tips.

Plan a Full Halloween Time Vacation

If you are planning to attend Oogie Boogie Bash, you may find that you want to plan a full Disneyland vacation of fun! I definitely suggest adding on regular multi-day park tickets and a hotel so you can explore Halloween at Disneyland even more.

You can get discounted tickets and exclusive hotel deals by booking through my partners at Get Away Today. Booking early will also lock in your ticket rates and hotel prices. With their low-price guarantee, if a better deal is released later, they will price-match/credit you the difference.

And Disneyland isn’t the only theme park in Southern California that celebrates Halloween. Get Away Today offers additional “bundle and save” discounts when you add another Southern California Theme Park to your Disneyland vacation.

FAQ Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disneyland Halloween Party

Before we share our insider Oogie Boogie Bash tips, we need to cover the basic information. Here are answers to the most asked questions about Oogie Boogie Bash.

What Is Oogie Boogie Bash

Oogie Boogie Bash is an after-hours Halloween party in Disney California Adventure Park. It is held multiple nights in September and October during Disneyland’s Halloween season.

The party offers exclusive experiences not offered during normal park hours. Some of these experiences include a parade, meet and greets with rare characters, and shorter wait times.

On nights when Oogie Boogie Bash is held, California Adventure Park will close early. This allows party guests to also experience a less crowded park and shorter wait times for attractions.

One of the most unique parts of this special ticket event is that even adults are allowed to wear their favorite Halloween costumes in the park, something usually reserved for guests under the age of 14. There are still costume guidelines, which we will cover later.

What Are The Oogie Boogie Bash Dates for 2024

Disneyland has announced that Halloween time in 2024 will kick off earlier than ever – August 23, 2024 and go until October 31, 2024. With it kicking off even earlier, I think we can expect to see several additional party nights added as well.

We do not have 2024 dates yet, but expect them to be released in the summer of 2024.
Below are the expected party dates for Oogie Boogie Bash based off previous years.

Expected 2024 Dates

In general, the parties are held on Tues, Thurs, and Sunday nights, plus Halloween Night if it lands on a different day of the week. Last year, they started the parties earlier than ever before, starting the day after Labor Day.

Expected Oogie Boogie Bash Dates for 2024

These dates are based off previous dates, but I think we may see the parties kick off even earlier, probably around August 25th or 30th.

September 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29

October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31

When Do Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets Go On Sale

OOGIE BOOGIE BASH TICKET SALES OPEN:

We do not know exactly when Oogie Boogie Bash tickets will go on sale in 2024, but we expect it to be near the end of June, and we expect an announcement only a week or two prior.

For reference, here are the 2023 sale dates:

June 27th (no earlier than 9 am PT) for Magic Keyholders

June 29th (no earlier than 9 am PT) for general park guests

UPDATE: After technical issues, Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sales will now go on sale July 11th, no earlier than 9 am PT.

Disneyland Magic Key holders usually receive early access to ticket sales on the Disneyland website a day or two before the general public.

Be very careful when buying tickets that you are purchasing for Oogie Boogie Bash.

Here are a few things to be aware of when purchasing Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets

Buy The Correct Ticket

Several years ago, the party was at Disneyland Park and was called Mickey’s Halloween Party, while Walt Disney World’s party is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Several websites, that may not have updated content, can sometimes link to the wrong website… I know this seems like a stretch… but nearly every year a member of my Disneyland community makes this mistake, arrives at Disneyland, and learns of their mistake.

Do Not Purchase Tickets From 3rd Party Sellers

DO NOT, under any circumstances purchase tickets from eBay, craigslist, a Facebook group, or any other 3rd party sellers.

Disney’s terms state that you may not resell the tickets, and trust me, they watch all of these sites and find ways to cancel tickets that are resold. It happens to multiple of my readers every year who miss out on tickets, and don’t heed this advice.

They show up to the party and find their tickets canceled.

Disney will not refund them or magically grant them access either.

How Fast Do Oogie Boogie Tickets Sell Out

In the past, you would have no problem getting tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash weeks after sales opened. However, in the last few years, tickets have sold out quickly. Popular nights have been selling out in 24-48 hours.

So start saving up now, and be ready to purchase when sales open up.

What Are Ticket Prices for Oogie Boogie Bash

We won’t know the exact prices until the dates are announced.

Ticket prices vary by night but in 2023 they started at $134 and go to $189

When the Disneyland Resort Halloween party announcement is released, we will be able to update this with costs for each date.

Do I Need To Make A Theme Park Reservation For Oogie Boogie Bash

No. Your event ticket acts as your reservation and you do not need to make a Disneyland Theme Park Reservation to attend.

What Time Do Oogie Boogie Bash Parties Start

Each Oogie Boogie Bash party starts at 6 pm. At that time guests with regular theme park tickets will be asked to leave the park.

Non-party guests with parkhopper tickets will have the option to head to Disneyland Park, while those with single-park tickets will be done in the parks for the day. They can still access the Downtown Disney District, or head back to their hotel.

While the party starts at 6 pm, your party ticket allows you to enter the parks three hours in advance. This mix in time is a great opportunity to take photos in the parks, grab some dinner, and map out your night in the parks.

How Do They Get Non-Party Guests Out Of The Park

Hopefully, you are asking this because you are just curious if they really will get everyone else out… and not because you are trying to sneak into the party. (I see you…)

Beginning at 6 pm, Cast Members will start requiring guests to show their wristbands to enter lines, shops, and even specific areas of the park. That checkpoint will move closer and closer to the entrance over the first hour until all non-party guests have excited.

Do I Need A Separate Ticket If I Want To Go To Disneyland Park

Your Oogie Boogie Bash ticket DOES NOT include the option to visit Disneyland or to enter either park before the mix-in time. If you wish to visit Disneyland or come earlier in the day you will need to purchase a separate ticket.

This is a change since the old party was replaced by Oogie Boogie Bash. If you read an article that says you can parkhop, it is outdated.

Do I Need To Pay For Parking For Oogie Boogie Bash

Another change from the previous party – Oogie Boogie Bash tickets DO NOT include your Disneyland Parking. You will still need to pay to park at one of the Disneyland parking locations or use shuttles, etc to get there from your hotel.

What Should I Know About Costumes at Oogie Boogie Bash

Costumes are encouraged at Oogie Boogie Bash for children and adults, but there are guidelines, and probably some questions, that I want to address to help make sure you are prepared for your spooky night at California Adventure Park.

Oogie Boogie Bash Costume Guidelines

I do not want there to be any confusion on the Costume Guidelines, so I have pulled this information directly from the Disneyland website. If you have any questions about the costume guidelines you can reach out to guest services.

• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Guests who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
• Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
• Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses).

For Guests Ages 13 and Under

Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests Ages 14 and Older

• Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
• Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
• Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
• Masks of any kind may not be worn.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. 

Do I Have To Wear A Costume at Oogie Boogie Bash

Nope! That is the beauty of Oogie Boogie Bash. You can dress in costume or regular park attire. You will not be excluded from any activities based on if you are in costume or not.

My Child, Partner, Friend… Wants To Wear A Costume From a Non-Disney IP… Can They

Yes. While most guests that dress up will choose costumes related to Disney’s characters/IPs, you will see minions, DC superheroes, and beyond. Especially on children. We know how they get their heart set on a specific costume, and they don’t care if it fits that park’s theming.

What Exclusive Offerings Are Available at Oogie Boogie Bash in 2024

You are paying a premium to attend Oogie Boogie Bash, so it makes sense that you would want to what exclusives this after-hours party will get you. While we are still waiting for the official announcement that will verify these offerings, here is what we have seen in the years past, and expect to return this year.

The following is based of 2023 and what we expect to return in 2024

Frightfully Fun Parade: A Halloween Parade During Oogie Boogie Bash

The Frightfully Fun Parade takes place two times per party (weather permitting) and is an Oogie Boogie Bash exclusive. (Disneyland Park does have a Halloween character cavalcade, but not an actual parade.)

The parade route starts at the Pixar Pier gate (near Between Silly Symphony Swings and Inside Out’s Emotional Whirlwind. The route goes through Paradise Garden Park, past the entrance to Cars Land, in front of Carthay Circle, and through Hollywoodland to the gates near Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark (the evening version of the Mission Breakout ride during Halloween Season).

Check the party map for times.

Here is what you can expect to see during the Frightfully Fun Parade at Oogie Boogie Bash

Headless Horseman

The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides the parade route approximately 5 minutes before the parade. He is following Ichabod Crane and two townsmen as the soundtrack tells the tale of the horseman.

Favorite Disney Characters in Costume

Our favorite Disney characters, Mickey and Minnie, join the parade in their Halloween Costumes.

On the villainous side of Disney characters, guests will see Jack Skellington and Sally, Hades, Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Captain Hook, and more.

Haunted Mansion and the Hitch-Hiking Ghosts

One of my favorite parts of the Frightfully Fun Parade at Oogie Boogie Bash is the Haunted Mansion float featuring the Hitch Hiking Ghosts and the bride.

While this parade has been around since the previous party, this addition was made when Oogie Boogie Bash first arrived.

It is an especially nice addition to the parade as the Haunted Mansion Holiday, featuring the Nightmare Before Christmas, is not accessible during the party since it is in Disneyland Park.

Special Packages Available For Parade Viewing

If you are interested in an upgraded experience, guests can purchase one of two parade viewing packages for the Frightfully Fun Parade.

Wine Country Trattoria Reserved Viewing Dining Package

Guests can make dining reservations at Wine Country Trattoria in Disney California Adventure. When they check in they may be asked to be upgraded to the parade viewing package. If there is still availability, the Cast Member at the check-in will let them know.

With this package, guests will get to choose three courses from a prix fixe menu. With that, they will receive a voucher for one of the parades at a reserved viewing area.

Be Aware: This is not a seated viewing area.

After they finish eating, guests can enjoy the park/party, and return to the viewing area at the time indicated on their viewing area return ticket.

In the past, when you have a child under 10 with you for this package, they receive a Halloween Popcorn Bucket or Sipper as part of the package.

Frightfully Fun Parade Dessert Party

This package, which I hope if World of Color: Villanous comes back will switch to be for that show, is much like the World of Color Dessert Party.

Guests can book the Dessert Party in advance, and this will give them a seat at a table in a viewing area for one of the parade times. Before the parade, guests will be given platters with dessert and tasting items, as well as be served beverages. Then they will be able to remain seated during the parade.

While I did this one in 2021, I did not do it in 2022 because I personally did not find it worthwhile. It took up too much of our party time, and the seat is not as big a deal as the parade route is long and you can easily get a spot not long before the parade starts.

Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show

Oogie Boogie Bash definitely has a spookier feel than the previous party, but this show is perfect for kids of all ages. This show takes place in the Disney Junior Theater in Hollywoodland. Mickey Mouse and his friends tell some fun, and slightly spooky, stories, in their costumes, while thinking of the candy they will get for Halloween.

As you exit the theater, each guest is able to get a treat… hence the trick AND treat in the title.

Villains Grove

After dark, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is transported into Villains Grove. Villains grove is like walking through an enchanted forest… that has a bit of a villainous feel. While there are no characters and no treats on this trail, the special effects are amazing.

Villains Grove is quite popular, so you will see long lines for this walk-thru attraction, but we have some tips to have a shorter wait on this below.

Exclusive Character Meet and Greets

If you love meeting rare Disney characters, then Oogie Boogie Bash is the time to meet some of your favorites. What exactly do we mean by rare characters?

In addition to some of your favorite villains, you will see characters from the Kingdom Hearts games, characters like Bruno from Encanto, and more.

In 2022, for the release of Hocus Pocus 2, they had a meet and greet where Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow were dressed as the Sanderson Sisters! This was definitely a huge hit with the attendees.

We do not know if there will be new villains or characters this year yet, and sometimes I think it is better to be surprised… so if you want to know who is there, you will have to follow along during the parties, or search online.

Trick Or Treating at Oogie Boogie Bash

All guests, kids, and adults alike, are welcome to Trick or Treat on the treat trails at Oogie Boogie Bash. Each treat trail is what it sounds like – a trail you walk, and along it, you will get treats. There are multiple stops on each trail as well.

Types Of Treat Trails

There are two kinds of treat trails – traditional treat trails, where you walk a route and are simply handed candy by a cast member, and then the guest’s favorite immersive treat trails.

Immersive Treat Trails – What Are They

Immersive treat trails work similarly to regular treat trails, but within the trail, you will be able to see some of your favorite Disney villains. These are distanced characters, but you can get close enough to take videos and pictures.

One thing I don’t like about the immersive treat trails is that the Cast Members do tend to rush you along. This makes it so you can’t really interact with the characters much. This was especially true in 2022 when they added extra treat trails, and several new characters.

Last year’s characters included Mother Gothel, Ernesto de la Cruz (this was one they really hurried you on), Dr. Facilier, Sid from Toy Story (my favorite), and Mad Madam Mim who took over the spot the Mad Hatter had been years prior. This is just a small sampling of the immersive trails, so be sure to check your map for the locations of these trails.

Will World of Color: Villainous Return

In 2019, Oogie Boogie Bash offered a brand new show – World of Color: Villainous. However, we have not seen this offering return. In 2021, this was because World of Color was under repairs. However, World of Color returned in 2022, but we still did not see this special version return to the party in 2022 or 2023 .

I personally think that Disney needs to bring this back or include an exclusive showing of World of Color – One (the new version for the Disney 100 celebration). There need to be more options for guests to help keep lines in other areas down.

I hope we see this return in 2024. If it does, the viewing area will be across from the Little Mermaid Ariel’s Adventure Ride.

Lower Park Crowds

A big draw for some is that Oogie Boogie Bash, like many of the after dark events, has a limited number of tickets and offers less crowds in the park.

This allows guests to enjoy their favorite rides, including the Halloween favorites in California Adventure, with shorter wait times. This is especially true for Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark. During normal park hours, this is a high-demand ride, only available in the evenings. During the party, you can find wait times to be 1/4 the length… and sometimes even walk right on.

Other rides in California Adventure that have a Halloween version are Mater’s Graveyard Jambooree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, both located in Cars Land.

Exclusive Food, Drinks, and Merchandise Offerings During The Party

Another draw for Disneyland’s after-dark events is the exclusive food and drink offerings available during the event, and Disneyland’s Halloween Party (Oogie Boogie Bash in DCA) is no different.

Keep an eye out for the Halloween Foodie Guide and Oogie Boogie Bash Foodie Guide from Disney Parks Blog for more information. These are usually released much closer to the kick-off of the Halloween Season at Disneyland.

Guests attending the party will also have access to merchandise only available to Oogie Boogie Bash party-goers. Merchandise usually ranges from exclusive ears to spirit jerseys and t-shirts, and beyond.

Insider Tips for Oogie Boogie Bash 2024

Now that you have all the information about Oogie Boogie Bash, and hopefully you have event tickets (or will when they go on sale), it is time to get down to our tips to make sure you have the best time at Oogie Boogie Bash and really get your money’s worth.

I have attended Oogie Boogie Bash every year since it started, and each year I test my tips. Most of them remain the same, but if I need to update these after I attend one of the early parties this year, I will.

Bring Your Own Treat Bag

As I mentioned above, there are several treat trails, and each trail has multiple stations to get treats. When you go into the party, they will give you a treat bag, but it is tiny and will be filled in one trail.

I definitely suggest bringing your own treat bag.

Last year I brought a Draw String backpack that also had pockets in the front for other items and it worked great.

You will get SO MUCH CANDY!

Save Room To Take Your Candy Home

If you are visiting from out of area, especially if flying to Disneyland, be sure to save enough room in your luggage for your candy haul.

It will be a lot, especially if you do every trail, and can weigh upwards of 5 lbs per person’s haul.

PS – The candy is Mars brand, good candy.

Avoid the Long Lines at the Main Gate

Guests attending Oogie Boogie Bash often start arriving for the party around 2:15 and will line up at the Main Entrance Gates for California Adventure. Cast Members will designate where party guests are to line up, and the lines get quite long before the mix-in time begins at 3:00 pm.

Avoid standing in this long line by either waiting to arrive until shortly after 3:00 pm or if you are a guest of the Disney Owned Hotels, you may use the private entrances. One is the Grand Californian’s entrance by Grizzly River Run, and the other is the one for Paradise Pier to enter by Corn Dog Castle (though all Disneyland hotels have access to this entrance).

Hold Off On Getting Your Wristband and Map

If you enter the park, and see there is a massive line right inside the gates for Oogie Boogie Bash attendees to get their wristbands, treat bags, and maps… SKIP IT!

Instead, you can head to Blue Sky Cellar (near the entrance to Cars Land) to pick up these items with a much shorter wait.

Character Meet and Greet Tips For Oogie Boogie Bash

If you are hoping to meet some of these exclusive or rare characters at Oogie Boogie Bash, be prepared for long lines. You would spend the entire party doing character meet and greets and still possibly not get them all in. Especially considering that many locations rotate characters.

I personally suggest that if you want to meet characters, you hop in your first character line before the party officially starts, about 20 minutes before. Then mix in a few others during other activities.

If there is another extremely popular meet and greet (like Minnie and friends as the Sanderson Sisters) you may find the wait to be upward of an hour or two.

If all you really want is to see them, you can get a glimpse of them without joining the line, at least for most characters.

Wait Before Doing Treat Trails

The treat trails tend to be super busy/long at the beginning of the party.

I have found you might be able to hop in one before the official start time, but at least 50% of the time when I have done this… my trail doesn’t open on time.

Instead, if you spend the first bit of the party meeting characters, doing rides, or even taking photos, within an hour, those lines tend to be moving much faster.

Which Parade To Watch

While many Disneyland writers will tell you to watch the second parade, I have honestly found there is no benefit to waiting.

Yes, there will be less people camping out for spots for the second parade.

But the parade route is long, and I have always been able to find a spot for the first parade just 15 minutes before it begins. Especially over in Hollywoodland.

The only time you really NEED to camp out or worry about that is if you need to sit on one of the benches along the parade route. These are very few, so people do tend to sit on them early to have a seat that isn’t on the curb. But when I get there right before the parade, I just stand and am usually right behind the people sitting on the curb.

The Crowds Will Thin Out

One of the reasons I tend to prefer the first parade showing is that so many people end up leaving early. I know that may seem crazy after paying for the Oogie Boogie Bash tickets, but it happens at every party. So while there are less people at the second parade showing, there are also fewer people in lines for rides and treat trails.

I would rather be able to use that time for treat trails and to get in some rides than to watch the parade.

Now if Disneyland were to have a NEW parade for Oogie Boogie Bash this year, that would probably change my mind on this one.

Villains Grove Line

No matter how many tips and tricks I have tried, it is really hard to find a way to avoid the line for Villains Grove.

Villains Grove doesn’t open until after sunset, and people will start lining up as soon as the party starts if Cast Members allow them. I definitely suggest trying to his this a little later in the evening, preferably around the time of the second parade.

That said, don’t let the line scare you. It does move pretty fast.

No Strollers In Villains Grove

Unless your stroller is marked to be used as a wheelchair, there are no strollers allowed in Villains Grove. You will need to park it before entering the line.

Accessibility for Villains Grove at Oogie Boogie Bash

While Villains Grove does have stairs, there are Cast Members in the trail to direct those who need mobility devices on a different route. You will still be able to view most, if not all, of the themed areas.

Remember, Villains Grove is inside of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, which has paths and play structures for kids, so stairs are a part of the trail for those able to use them.

Take a Rest at Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show

If you want a rest, or if you have kids, Mickey’s Trick and Treat is a great place to sit for a bit, and enjoy the interactive stage production.

While all guests have the option to sit on the ground (and then later stand up and dance), there are also benches in the back of the theater for guests who would like to sit off the ground.

Eat Before The Party Starts

There is so much to do during the party, you will want to be sure to have fueled your body. Use the mix-in time to eat a good dinner. Whether you bring in your own food, mobile order at a Disney dining location, or make advance dining reservations.

Getting in a decent meal will help you have energy through the night.

But Still Plan A Snack Break

Even if you eat dinner before the party, plan to have at least one snack break, for something other than candy from your treat bag.

It doesn’t have to be anything specific, but I usually mobile order a side or a meal to share from a restaurant while watching the parade or Mickey’s Trick and Treat, so we can grab it after.

Skip Rope Drop

If you plan on hitting up the parks the next day (and you should) just plan that you may not be making it to rope drop. I mean, you can try, but when I have stayed until the very end of the party, and gotten back to my hotel, finally falling asleep at 1 am, the last thing I want to do is wake up and try to make rope drop.

What To Expect Outside Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland For Halloween

While Oogie Boogie Bash is definitely a favorite event for me and my family, there is so much more that happens for Halloween at Disneyland you will want to check out.

Remember to check out our tips, including the surprising tip about choosing which park to visit on which day. Seriously- this one shocks people every time, even though they always sing the praises when they follow it.