After missing out on Halloween season last year, I couldn’t wait to attend Oogie Boogie Bash! This after-hours event is a costume-filled villain wonderland, complete with specialty entertainment and some amazing decor and effects.
Oogie Boogie appears throughout the party above Carthay Circle, inviting guests to join in on the fun. And nearby on Buena Vista Street, you’ll see the headless horseman. He also starts the Halloween parade, riding his horse through the park to clear the way for the floats.
I was lucky enough to attend two parties this year! First, my mom and I went as Pinocchio and the Blue Fairy:
And then, back again with friends as the crew from Ragnarok – Hela, Loki, Valykrie, and Thor:
This year’s parties had 3 entertainment highlights I’d like to share. First, the Villian’s Grove. After sunset, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail becomes unrecognizable. You walk through the forest of trees and pass from one themed area to another. The villains themselves aren’t here, but you’ll hear some of their music and see their favorite things, from the Queen of Hearts’ red roses to Scar’s hyenas.
The Villain’s Grove has tons of fog machines, special lighting, and an amazing finale scene I won’t spoil for you. If you missed out on it this year, put it on your to-do list next time!
The second highlight this year was the addition of villains to the trick or treat trails. At every Halloween party, you can pass through a treat trail and trick or treat at several stations to build up your candy supply. But this year, each trail also had a villain you could visit! My two favorites were Agatha Harkness from WandaVision and Sid from Toy Story. Both characters were super engaging and brought a lot of excitement to the parties.
And finally, no Halloween party would be complete without a parade. The Haunted Mansion float and dancers (ballroom dancers and grave diggers!) are phenomenal – and this is coming from someone that doesn’t care much about parades.
I absolutely love Disneyland’s Halloween parties, and this year’s lineup did not disappoint. If you’re on the fence about attending next year, here are a few questions I receive a lot that may help you decide!
1. Do I have to wear a costume?
Nope. I’d say about 1/3 to 1/2 of the guests wear costumes.
2. Can I ride regular rides during the parties?
Absolutely – and lines will be way shorter than during regular park hours!
3. Do I need to buy a park ticket and a party ticket to get in?
Nope! I usually don’t buy a park ticket for the day of the party. You can get in 3 hours before the party starts – meaning you get 8 hours of park time with the event ticket. Rather than buy a park ticket for the rest, I’ll hang out in Downtown Disney or at my hotel until it’s party time.
4. Do parties get cancelled if it’s raining?
Unfortunately no, parties happen rain or shine. If the weather’s looking dicey for your party, I’d recommend either getting a clear poncho or just working a raincoat into your costume.
5. Can I dress up as a non-Disney character?
Absolutely. At every party you’ll see non-Disney characters like Harry Potter, DC superheroes, Where’s Waldo, etc.
Thanks for this great post. I love your costume photos! I’ve been fortunate to attend Halloween events in Disneyland (Mickey’s Halloween party) and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party) and at Disneyland Hong Kong. It’s just the most fun way to spend Halloween! I don’t go in costume, I go to see everyone who IS in costume, and I take lots of atmospheric photos! Can’t wait to be able to travel safely overseas again so that I can attend another of these super Disney events.
Thank you so much Kerry! I must admit that as much as I like Oogie Boogie Bash, I do miss Mickey’s Halloween Party over in Disneyland a lot. Especially the Cadaver Dans singing on the foggy river!