Are you attending the Oogie Boogie Bash? This is the ultimate guide to the Disneyland Halloween Party.

Pour me another cup of coffee, last night we skipped our usual bedtimes and partied until the clock struck almost midnight at the all new Oogie Boogie Bash (in case you missed it, our Descendants Family Halloween Costume was epic).  When the news broke this summer that this year's Disneyland Halloween Party would in fact be located inside Disney California Adventure, I knew we had to check it out.  This is an ALL NEW event, with a ton of new performances and immersive experiences.  Just an FYI, the bash is SOLD OUT for this year.  Parties are happening each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evening until October 31st (they start at 6 pm and the park DOES close for non-ticket holders at that time).  If you are visiting the parks, I'd suggest planning to make that afternoon and evening a Disneyland day if you do NOT have a ticket for the Oogie Boogie Bash.

The Ultimate Guide to the Oogie Boogie Bash

Remember you can enter Disney California Adventure 4 hours before the event with your ticket (so that's 2 pm).  We entered with our passes earlier in the day, and stored our costumes in the lockers at the front of the park.  At around 3 pm, we grabbed our costumes from the lockers and changed.  Since we were already in the park, we didn't leave and re-enter.  You can pick up your event wrist band at the Blue Sky Cellar (located near the entrance to Carsland) along with a map and trick or treat bag inside the park.

Immersive Treat Trails: One of my favorite things about the Oogie Boogie Bash is the immersive treat trail experiences.  These special treat trails have character interactions along with TONS of candy.  We visited all of them (my personal favorite was the Evil Queen at Grizzly Peak). There are four immersive treat trails: Oogie Boogie's Treat Trail inside the Disney Animation Building, the Mad Hatter's Treat Trail in the Hyperion Theatre Courtyard, Dr. Facilier's Treat Trail inside Stage 17, Malificent's Treat Trail at Soarin' Around the World.  I'd suggest visiting as many as possible, and don't be deterred by the lines…..they move quickly!

Mickey's Trick or Treat: If you're attending the Oogie Boogie Bash with kids ages 8 and under…..then Mickey's Trick or Treat is a must see. This adorable show takes place in the Disney Theatre (where the Disney Junior Dance party is during the day) at 6:25 pm, 7:10 pm, 7:55 pm, 9:25 pm and 10: 15 pm.  It's short, and really fun.

Frightfully Fun Parade: The Frightfully Fun Parade is a great chance to sit and relax and only takes place ONCE.  The parade route runs between the Symphony Swings and Guardians of the Galaxy (we sat near Jumping Jellyfish).  The parade kicks off at 8 pm when the Headless Horseman rides down the route.  The parade features a ton of fun Villains and familiar characters.

DescenDANCE: If you've got a Descendants fan in your family (I mean, you know WE do…..look at our Descendants family costume) then the DescenDANCE party on the Hollywood Backlot stage is a must visit.  This adorable performance is short, with tons of time for kids to participate in between sets. The actual performance takes place at 6:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:45 pm and 10:30 pm.

Villain's Grove: Want to see what's been getting the most buzz from Oogie Boogie Bash? Villain's Grove is absolutely amazing.  This walk through takes place on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail after dark (so it opens around 7:15 or 7:20 pm), and showcases some AMAZING lights and effects.  This one does usually have a line and a wait, so plan accordingly.

Villainous!: If you love the World of Color show, then Villainous is a don't miss experience.  This special show is all new, and themed especially for the Halloween Party.  It takes you along with Shelley as she interacts with our favorite Disney Villains and discovers…..there might be a little villain in all of us.  The show is at Paradise Bay and takes place at 9 pm and 10:45 pm.

Suggested Schedule:

I did an epic amount of research before we attended the Disneyland Halloween Party this year.  Our party was on the THIRD night, so I watched a LOT of coverage from friends who went to earlier parties.  It helped a lot because I was able to see about how long each activity took, and to learn more about which things to prioritize.

The schedule we followed (and my thoughts):

We were ALREADY in the park, and picked up our wristbands at 5 pm.

5:45 pm: lined up at first treat trail (Malificent's Treat Trail at Soarin' Around the World)

6:08 pm: lined up for Mickey's Trick or Treat (inside the theatre where the Disney Junior Dance Party takes place), we watched the 6:25 pm show.  The show is ADORABLE and 12 minutes long.

6:40 pm: Oogie Boogie's Treat Trail inside the Disney Animation Building and the Mad Hatter's Treat Trail in the Hyperion Theatre Courtyard

6:57 pm: lined up for Villain's Grove (which is inside the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail), this doesn't open until dark and for us, it opened at about 7:15, we were a decent ways back in the line, and made it through the entire walk through (which is about 12 minutes long) by 7:35 pm.

7:40 pm: walked past The Little Mermaid Ride and grabbed a spot in front of it for the parade.  We were NOT in the first row, we sat behind one row of people, which was totally fine and Lydia could see perfectly.  While waiting, we made a restroom stop and then grabbed hot dogs to eat.

8:00 pm: The Headless Horseman rode down the parade route.

8:10 pm: Frightfully Fun Parade

8:35 pm: parade was over at OUR end, we walked directly across the path and grabbed a spot for Villainous (in front of the fun wheel)

9:00 pm Villainous show

9:25 pm: show was over, walked to the Hollywood Studios backlot for the DescenDANCE party.  Enjoyed the DJ who plays in between sets.

9:45 pm: actual DescenDANCE party performance

10:05 pm: dance party over, did Dr. Facilier's Treat Trail inside Stage 17

10:30 pm: grabbed the items we'd stored in our locker at the front of California Adventure and exited

My thoughts: our schedule worked out PERFECTLY and we got to see everything that we'd prioritized.  We didn't do ANY character meet and greets……for us, it wasn't a big priority.  There are some really unique ones, so if they're a priority to you I'd suggest making time for them.  You could easily skip the Mickey's Trick or Treat if you don't have young kids (although I think it's cute for everyone to see) or shift to a later showing of Villainous (there is one at 10:40 right before the party ends).  My biggest tip? If you want to see Villain's Grove…..be in that line by 7 pm.  It's TOTALLY worth it, and a really special experience.

So what do you think? Are you headed to the Oogie Boogie Bash this year? What are you most excited to experience?

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