A First-Timer's Guide to Oogie Boogie Bash
As longtime Disney fans and Halloween enthusiasts, we had been longing to experience Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure since the original inception and announcement of the event. For years, we’ve heard about its unique offerings—rare villains, immersive walkthroughs, and unlimited candy—but the distance between the East Coast, where we our based, and the West Coast where the event is held proved insurmountable. In 2024, we finally got our chance to attend Disneyland’s premier after-hours Halloween event, and we seized on that opportunity as quickly and as decisively as we could!
From the moment we entered, the atmosphere was electric, with villains roaming the park, eerie lighting transforming familiar spaces, and treat trails promising bags full of sweets. This event isn’t just another Halloween party; it’s a carefully curated experience that blends Disney magic, villainous mischief, and exclusive entertainment into one unforgettable night. If you’re considering attending Oogie Boogie Bash in 2025 or beyond, here’s everything we learned and everything that we think you need to know…from securing your tickets to navigating treat trails to face time with a grab bag of rare Disney characters!
Costumes
At the Oogie Boogie Bash, guests of all ages are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit by donning creative costumes. However, it's essential to adhere to Disneyland Resort's costume guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. For guests 14 years of age or older, costumes should be family-friendly and not obstructive, offensive, or violent. While masks are generally prohibited for this age group, exceptions are made for medical purposes. Additionally, costumes should not drag on the ground, contain sharp objects, or include weapons that could be mistaken for real. Guests are also reminded that they may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests, as this could cause confusion with official Disney characters.
For guests 13 years of age or younger, costumes and some masks are permitted, provided the mask doesn't cover the entire face and the eyes are visible. All guests should ensure their attire aligns with the park's general dress code, which emphasizes safety and appropriateness. Before attending the event, it's advisable to review the most current costume guidelines on the official Disneyland Resort website, as policies are subject to change. By following these guidelines, guests can help maintain the magical and family-friendly atmosphere that Disney is known for.
Above: With our costumes as Wendy, Dipper and Mabel from Disney's "Gravity Falls", we felt almost as dressed to impress as our new friend Frozone!
Tickets & Entry
Since Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed event, purchasing early is crucial. I won’t lie to you, event tickets are expensive and dynamically priced based on event date. Our event, which was held in mid-October, cost us $169/person + tax. Tickets go on sale in the summertime and typically sell out within hours, sometimes minutes. If you manage to snag one, you’ll gain event access from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with the added perk of entering Disney California Adventure as early as 3:00 PM (PST). That extra time before the event officially begins is invaluable, and may be your only chance to experience certain attractions before they are altered, overlaid or closed for the event. An example, in our case, was the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area which closed at 4:30 PM to begin preparations for ‘Villains Grove’. You may also notice that certain characters such as Asgardian Loki and Shang-Chi (Avengers Campus) disappear as the sun sets to make way for rare or spookier Avengers to visit. As you make your way through the turnstiles, you’ll be handed an event map and a treat bag - more on the latter shortly. While the park will initially feel packed beyond capacity, particularly towards the front gates as tickets are scanned, day guests are ultimately ushered out by 6:00 PM, at which time the park starts to feel less crowded, and ride wait times shrink significantly. We used our early hours to grab some food, explore, and take some pre-event photos before the real fun began. By the time the clock struck six, Oogie Boogie himself had taken over the park, and the night transformed into a Halloween wonderland unlike anything we’ve experienced at Disney before.
Above: The beckoning gates of Disney California Adventure beckon you ever closer to experiencing “Oogie Boogie Bash”, the premier Halloween event at the Disneyland Resort!
Exclusive Character Sightings
Right off the bat, one of the biggest draws of Oogie Boogie Bash is the chance to encounter rare Disney villains and special characters you won’t see during a regular park visit. Our very first character of the night was Oogie Boogie himself, who perched himself high above the queue for the treat trail inside the Disney Animation building. Unlike traditional meet-and-greets, most of these are what we’d refer to as character sightings — meaning you’ll pass by them in themed locations, snap photos, wave, and interact briefly before moving along. The exception to this rule are the characters who appear outside of the treat trails, such as “Pirate” Cruz (Cars), Wanda Maximoff (Marvel) and Bruno (Encanto). Some of the most notable characters we spotted over the course of the night included….
Hades (Hercules)
Agatha Harkness (WandaVision)
Dr. Doofenshmirtz (Phineas & Ferb)
Sid (Toy Story)
Madame Mim (The Sword in the Stone)
Judge Doom (Who Framed Roger Rabbit)
The treat trail queues move very quickly, and some villains (like Oogie Boogie) have longer lines, so if there’s someone you must see, we recommend heading to their location early in the night. There were also some very rare characters that appeared around the fountain at Carthay Circle, such as Hans (Frozen). While we did have an opportunity to meet, greet and shake the fallen price’s hand, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the rare characters posted near the fountain were rotating in and out at lightning speed. So, be advised that waiting in a long line doesn’t outright guarantee face time with any particular character!
Above: Hades treated us to a fiery monologue from onstage at the end of his Oogie Boogie Bash treat trail!
Treat Trails
Oogie Boogie Bash takes trick-or-treating to a whole new level, offering multiple “treat trails” spread across the park. Unlike traditional door-to-door candy stops, each trail features multiple distribution points, meaning your bag fills up fast. At just one of these trails, we collected Skittles, M&M’s, Mickey Mouse-shaped Goldfish crackers Fig Newtons, Gummy candies and a seemingly endless supply of branded chocolate bars. It didn’t take long for us to realize that our provided treat bags were going to be way too small for the sheer amount of candy being handed out. Luckily, we thought ahead and left a bit of room for dessert after our dinner, and were able to clear space in our bags as we went - by eating our way through them! It quickly became clear that if you’re strategic, you can easily make back the cost of your ticket in snacks alone. What’s more, fully-grown and costumed adults are more than welcome to trick-or-treat without shame or judgment; the ultimate “be a kid again” experience!
Above: Oogie Boogie Bash offers guests an opportunity to collect hundreds of pieces of candy from over a dozen different treat trails at Disney California Adventure!
Villains Grove
The Villains Grove walkthrough was easily one of the most visually stunning and immersive parts of the night. Located in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area (we mentioned earlier on that this area would close at dusk in order to reopen after dark), this eerie transformation turns the wooded area into a fog-drenched dreamscape, with each section representing a different Disney villain. Unlike haunted houses, Villains Grove isn’t about jump scares—it’s about ambiance. The lighting, music, and projections make it feel like you’re walking through a living fairytale, with moments inspired by Maleficent, the Evil Queen, the Queen of Hearts, Judge Claude Frollo and more. The attention to detail was breathtaking, and we found ourselves stopping every few steps just to take it all in. If you do only one thing at Oogie Boogie Bash, make sure it’s this.
Above: Pictures really do not do justice for 'Villains Grove' in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area during Oogie Boogie Bash. This event-only walkthrough experience has so much kinetic energy and tells all the villains' stories with light!
Rides & Attractions
Most of Disney California Adventure’s best attractions remain open during Oogie Boogie Bash, and many have reduced wait times thanks to the limited number of attendees. There’s a few rides, however, that can only be experienced during the Halloween season at the Disneyland Resort. And to be clear, when we say “rides”, we actually mean “ride overlays”. Seasonal attractions such as Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween offer some spooky music and adapted theming to really put you in the spirit (ha) of spooky season. However, of the overlaid attractions, one ride definitely stood out - and that ride, of course, was Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark. For this seasonal overlay, the ride transforms from Mission: BREAKOUT! into a thrilling, chaotic escape from rampaging creatures inside the Collector’s fortress. The new soundtrack, altered pre-show, and darker atmosphere of the onride scenelets made it feel like a completely different experience. The adrenaline-inducing drop system isn’t for everyone; but if you’re a fan of thrill rides, this is a must-do during Oogie Boogie Bash.
Above: “Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark” is one overlay that everyone has to experience! The music, the new footage and the amended preshow make the experience equal parts all-new and original and a proper sequel to the original attraction!
Specialty Snacks & Entertainment
Beyond the candy, Oogie Boogie Bash offers limited-time Halloween snacks at various locations around the park. We went out of our way to try some of the specialty servings at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land, which were the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Strips and the Orange Chicken Strips. I can honestly say that these were some of the tastiest morsels we’ve had the pleasure of trying at Disney California Adventure, and it was well worth stepping away from the candy-hunting for long enough to give them a try! This said, if you’re interested in seeing the Frightfully Fun Parade and doubling down on the sweets, Disney also offers a special event dining package for you in the Oogie Boogie Dessert Party.
The Dessert Party offers a delightful combination of indulgence and exclusive viewing opportunities. This premium event provides guests with a selection of Halloween-themed desserts and beverages, all enjoyed from a reserved seating area that offers prime views of the Frightfully Fun Parade. It's an excellent way to enhance the evening's festivities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable vantage point for one of the event's highlights. Keep in mind that this experience requires a separate (paid) reservation in addition to your Oogie Boogie Bash ticket, and spots tend to fill up quickly. For the most current information and booking details, visit the official Disneyland Resort website.
Final Thoughts
After spending the night roaming treat trails, meeting villains, and exploring Villains Grove, we can confidently say that Oogie Boogie Bash - while expensive - is worth every penny, particularly if you’re a lover of Disney characters. It’s one of the most unique Disney experiences we’ve ever had on either coast, offering a perfect balance of spooky fun, nostalgia, and immersive storytelling. If you’re considering attending Oogie Boogie Bash, here’s the TL;DR breakdown of our top tips from this article….
Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale – they sell out FAST!
Arrive at 3:00 PM to maximize your time in the park.
Prioritize your must-see characters & Villains Grove early in the night.
Pace yourself – you’ll collect more candy than you might think!
Use mobile ordering to avoid long wait times for seasonal snacks
Dress comfortably and review Disney’s costume guidelines before planning your outfit
So, would we do it again? Absolutely. If you’re a Disney fan, a Halloween enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fresh Disney experience, Oogie Boogie Bash is an event you won’t want to miss. 2025’s event dates have now been posted on the Oogie Boogie Bash webpage and these event dates will be August 17th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th, 28th and 31st, September 2nd, 9th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, and 30th, and October 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th and 31st (Halloween). Pricing will be variable once tickets are released, which is expected to occur early this summer. In the meantime, you can watch our entire experience from our very first Oogie Boogie in the video below!
