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

Pour me another cup of coffee, last weekend we skipped our usual bedtimes and partied until the clock struck almost midnight at the we're so happy it's back Oogie Boogie Bash (in case you missed it, our Descendants Family Halloween Costume was epic the first year, and this year? You can see our family costume HERE. ).  When the news broke this summer that this year's Disneyland Halloween Party would in fact be located inside Disney California Adventure for the second time, I knew we had to head back to Oogie Boogie's party.  This the second time Disneyland has thrown this event, it has a ton of fun performances and immersive experiences.  Just an FYI, the bash is SOLD OUT for this year.  Parties are happening on some Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings 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 3 hours before the event with your ticket (so that's 3 pm).  We did NOT book a day with our Magic Keys, so we waited until 3 pm to enter Disney California Adventure.  We got in LINE outside DCA at 2:45, and were in the park by 3:05.   If you are already in the park, you don't need to  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 (we checked in here instead of at the front and it was SUPER quick)!

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 nine immersive treat trails (a lot more than the FOUR they had last time): 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 near the Avenger's Campus Entry, Cruella at the Hollywood Backlot near Stage 17,  Malificent's Treat Trail at Soarin' Around the World, Agatha inside Avenger's Campus, Evil Queen at Grizzly Peak, Sid on the Pixar Pier, and the Bag Guys in Carsland.  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 6:15 pm, 6:55 pm, 7:35 pm, 9:00 pm and 9:50 pm.  It's short, and really fun.

Frightfully Fun Parade: The Frightfully Fun Parade is a great chance to sit and relax and takes place TWICE (a change from last time when there was one parade).  The parade route runs between the Symphony Swings and Guardians of the Galaxy (we sat near Jumping Jellyfish) and starts at Paradise Garden Park BOTH TIMES.  The parade kicks off at 7:45 pm and 10 pm when the Headless Horseman rides down the route.  The parade features a ton of fun Villains and familiar characters.

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.

Suggested Schedule:

I did an epic amount of research before we attended the Disneyland Halloween Party this year.  Our party was on the second 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 picked up our wristbands at 3:30 pm.

5:45 pm: lined up at first treat trail (Cruella near Stage 17)

6:00 – 6:35: all three Hollywoodland treat trails

6:40 pm: lined up for Mickey's Trick or Treat (inside the theatre where the Disney Junior Dance Party takes place), we watched the 6:55 pm show.  The show is ADORABLE and 15-20 minutes long.

7:25 pm: Agatha Treat Trail in Avengers Campus and Dr Facilier Treat trail near Avengers Campus entrance

7:50 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 8:15 pm (while Robbie held our spot in line, Lydia and I did the Evil Queen treat trail by the River Rapids and the Maleficent treat trail by Soarin')

8:30 pm: rode Jessie's Critter Carousel, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and did the Sid Treat Trail on the Pixar Pier

9:15 pm: Grabbed parade spot across from the Little Mermaid, Robbie held our spot and I picked up snacks and drinks at the Pacific Wharf Cafe (soda, beer and a mickey bread)

8:10 pm: Frightfully Fun Parade

10:00 to 10:30 pm: parade, we followed the end of the parade walked across the wharf to enter the back of Carsland

10:30 pm to 11:00 pm: last treat trail, rode Luigi's Honkin' Haul-o-Ween and Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree

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 do a few less treat trails.  My biggest tip? If you want to see Villain's Grove…..be in that line by 7:50 pm to go through during the first parade OR enter the line by about 10:30 pm to do it at the end of the night.  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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