Oogie Boogie Bash is hands-down my absolute favorite event at Disneyland. I love the spooky theming, the high-energy parade, the rare character encounters, and, of course, the blissfully uncrowded park.
With so much to see and do, the night can fly by quickly. That’s why I’ve put together my list of must-do experiences to help you make the most of your evening. Consider this your game plan for an unforgettable Oogie Boogie Bash!
Make sure you arrive by 3:00 PM. That’s when guests with Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are allowed to enter the park, giving you a three-hour head start before the party officially begins. We like to use this time to grab a meal so we’re fueled and ready for the night ahead.
Unless you’re planning to try the specialty party-only foods, I recommend placing a mobile order for 6:00 PM or later as soon as you enter the park. Mobile orders fill up quickly, and if you wait too long, you could find yourself stuck in food lines instead of enjoying the party magic.
It’s so important to decide ahead of time what’s most important for you at Oogie Boogie Bash. Is it the rides? The characters? The treat trails?
If rides are your priority, head there first. Don’t forget that Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark is specially themed for the Halloween season. If you love this ride, I highly recommend doing it during the party when wait times are short. This is also a great opportunity to hop on Radiator Springs Racers with minimal wait.
If characters are at the top of your list, the most popular meet-and-greet is Minnie, Clarabelle, and Daisy dressed as the Sanderson Sisters. I’d recommend lining up for them first if they’re a must for you. Other popular choices include Hades and Oogie Boogie himself. Most other character lines tend to move fairly quickly. To save time, check ahead to see which characters are stationed where so you’re not zigzagging from one end of the park to the other.
And whatever you do, Don’t skip the Frightfully Fun Parade. It’s arguably one of the best parades Disneyland puts on. I suggest catching the second parade of the night, as it’s usually less crowded. If you really want to make it special, consider booking the parade dessert party. We did this last year and loved it. The seats were incredible, spaced far from other guests, and there was no one directly across from us, making it feel like a private viewing. Plus, you get to relax in chairs, enjoy unlimited sodas and hot chocolate, indulge in delicious desserts, and even sip on a few alcoholic beverages. 100% worth it.
Save the Best for Last: Villains Grove
One of my favorite parts of Oogie Boogie Bash is Villains Grove, a stunning transformation of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail into an enchanted forest of lights, music, and Disney villain magic. It’s open from 7:45 PM to 10:00 PM, and we usually head there right after the second parade for the perfect finale. Another great time to go is during the first parade when lines are shorter.
As you wander the misty, winding paths, you’ll step into beautifully lit scenes inspired by some of Disney’s most iconic villains like Frollo’s incense-filled sanctuary, Maleficent’s thorny realm with a glowing waterfall, the Queen of Hearts’ magically painted roses, Scar’s eerie elephant graveyard, and the Wicked Queen’s electrifying lightning forest.
Villains Grove isn’t about scares; it’s about breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling. Whether you end your night here or slip in mid-evening, it’s an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.
Oogie Boogie Bash is one of the most magical (and slightly spooky) nights you can have at Disneyland, and with a little planning, you can make the most of every moment. From rare character encounters to thrilling rides, delicious treats, dazzling parades, and the unforgettable Villains Grove, there’s truly something for everyone.
If you’re ready to plan your own Oogie Boogie Bash adventure, I’d love to help at no extra cost to you! As a Disney authorized travel planner, I can handle everything from securing your tickets and dining reservations to creating a customized party game plan so you can focus on the fun. Disney already includes my commission in your package price, so my services are completely free for you. Answer a few questions HERE to get started!
