It’s important to know that if you’re going to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure it can seriously go by in a flash and before you know it, the night is over and you’ll only have completed half of what you wanted to accomplish. To help you maximize your time, we’ve put together some tips to help avoid an evening full of tricks… that way you can reap all the treats!
Below are some of the thoughts and tips we gathered after visiting on September 3, 2024.
Make a Gameplan
Check out the official event map below to understand the lay of the land. You can also see some of the key character greets and treat trails for this year in our previous posting below.
MORE INFO: EVENT MAP: 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash guide details on treat trails, characters, and more
Manage Your Time!
The party is available to all ticket-holders from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Theme park mix-in begins at 3:00 PM which means you can enjoy the park’s regular offerings before the party starts. Here’s a few suggestions to help maximize your time.
Skip the Rides
By all means, definitely enjoy rides if you’d like but there’s so much to enjoy that’s exclusive to the event and there’s not a lot of time to take it all in! Even though the lines will be typically shorter for most attractions around the park, we still advise giving them a pass for the party.
Eat Dinner Before the Party
There are exclusive menu items available during the party so they can be tempting options. However, if you want to maximize your time, eating during the party can make a big dent in the amount of things you can get done.
Since mix-in begins at 3:00 PM, you might want to enjoy a meal before the park closes and the party begins!
PhotoPass QR Code on your Wristband
There is a PhotoPass QR code on your event wristband that will help you save time at locations with Disney PhotoPass. Instead of fumbling with cards or your Disneyland app, simply present your wristband for quick easy access!
And don’t forget, during the event, all PhotoPass photos are free!
Seeing the Treat Trails
Most treat trails feature characters but that’s not the case for all of them. Carefully review the map to scope which ones you’ll want to hit up. The shortest lines will be the Buena Vista Treat Trail which features several different candy stops. And don’t forget, you can keep hitting treat trails as many times as you’d like!
If collecting treats is part of your mission know that the complimentary bags that Disney hands out will definitely NOT hold a night’s worth of treats. If maximizing your haul is important, be sure to bring a backpack or something else to keep your goodies!
MORE INFO: GUIDE: All the characters (and candy) at 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash
Seeing the Parade
The Frightfully Fun Parade is an adorable offering during the party and it gives you the chance to see a slew of characters and villains.
Either Parade is Fine
Many people have recommended skipping the first parade of the night to enjoy the second parade with much less people. It seems word is out and this is no longer a hot tip. In fact, we’ve found sometimes the opposite can also be true. If you’re picky about your spot, arrive approximately 45 minutes before showtime.
Certain Character Greets Close during the Parade
Characters with greet locations who are also featured in the parade (e.g. Mickey and Minnie) will not be available at their locations during the parade.
Even More Tips for the Parade
Check out our full guide below for our full list of tips and details to know about seeing the parade!
MORE INFO: GUIDE: Frightfully Fun Parade screams to life at 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash
Seeing Villain’s Grove
The line for this popular experience is pretty consistently long during the whole party but it moves swiftly. You can usually find shorter waits during either of the parades. If you want to get an idea of what it’s like, you can watch our full video of the experience below.
MORE INFO: GUIDE: Villain’s Grove is an eerie escape at 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash
Parking and Shuttle Information
A commonly asked question is what time the parking structure and tram transportation stops. Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structure trams (as well as the Toy Story Parking Area shuttles) operate until midnight or one hour after Disneyland closes, whichever time is later. Of course, operating times for trams and shuttles are always subject to change.
See it for Yourself
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party returns to Disney California Adventure on select nights August 25 – October 31, 2024.
Tickets for the event are sold out but you can always ask at the ticket booths or Guest Relations day-of for potential availability!
