10 First-Timer Tips for Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash

If your social media feed is full of glowing treat trails, rare villain meet-and-greets, and friends raving about Oogie Boogie Bash, and now you’ve got a serious case of FOMO, this is the article for you. Oogie Boogie Bash is Disney California Adventure’s afterhours Halloween party that sells out faster than you can say “trick-or-treat,” and for good reason. Whether you’re plotting to attend next year, dreaming of a candy haul bigger than your carry-on, or wondering why Disney fans go wild for this event, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.

What Is Oogie Boogie Bash?

Oogie Boogie Bash is Disneyland Resort’s ultimate Halloween party, and it’s so much more than just costumes and candy. This afterhours event takes over Disney California Adventure Park, where Oogie Boogie himself invites all the villains to run the show (and trust me, they throw one seriously good party). Think trick-or-treat trails overflowing with sweets, rare character sightings, dazzling entertainment, and all the spooky Disney magic you could dream of.

When Does Oogie Boogie Bash Happen?

This year, the party kicked off on August 17th and runs through Halloween night. Most dates fall on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights, but this year Disney even added two Saturday parties (because apparently Oogie Boogie doesn’t believe in taking weekends off).

What Time Does Oogie Boogie Bash Start?

The party officially runs from 6pm to 11pm, but here’s a little bonus: your ticket lets you enter Disney California Adventure (DCA) as early as 3pm. That extra time is perfect for grabbing a bite, riding a few attractions, or mapping out your game plan before the villains take over.

How Much Do Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices depend on the date you choose. The closer you get to Halloween (and those coveted October nights), the higher the price tag. For 2025, pricing was anywhere from $139 to $199 per ticket. If you’re flexible on timing, those late-August and early-September parties can be a great way to save a little while still getting the full spooky experience.

Now that you’re already thinking about attending…

SAVE this info for next year! Whether you’re all about candy or characters, these tips will help you have the best (and least stressful) night ever.

1. Bring Your Own Candy Bag
Disney hands you a treat bag at check-in, but let’s be real, it’s super small and fills up FAST. If you’re serious about snacks, bring backup. We packed two insulated cooler-type backpacks for all of our treats that worked beautifully!

2. Ride Monsters After Dark Before the Party Starts
The spooky Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout overlay starts as early as 2 p.m. We rode it right at the change at 2pm and were off by 2:30pm!

3. Take Advantage of Early Entry
Guests can check in as early as 3pm, and there’s a separate line just for party guests. We utilized the soon-to-be closed down side entrance to DCA for Pixar Place guests and showed up at 2:15pm and it was already long. If you’re in the park earlier, grab your wristband at an in-park station so you can skip the crowds. Use this time to grab a snack, map out your night, and soak in the atmosphere.

4. Ask for Allergy-Friendly Candy
Disney does this so well. Just tell a Cast Member you need allergy friendly treats and they’ll take care of you.

5. Prioritize Your Must-Dos
Whether it’s meeting rare characters, watching the parade, or hitting every treat trail, do your top priority first. Character lines are unpredictable. We were told Minnie, Clarabelle, and Daisy (dressed as the Sanderson Sisters, amazing) would be a 45-minute wait…we were done in half that! Arrive at your most important line about 15-20 minutes before the party officially kicks off at 6 p.m.

6. Don’t Miss the Magic Keyholder Trail
For my MagicKey holders, look for the exclusive trail. Our friends that were with us for party night were AP’s and took advantage of the photo op at Silly Symphony Swings and scored a special keepsake (in 2024 it was a Villains patch)!

7. Watch the Second Parade for the Best Experience
The Frightfully Fun Parade is incredible, but the second showing is usually less crowded. Carthay Circle is a great viewing spot with excellent lighting and an easy exit if you’re planning to leave after.

8. Candy Strategy = Go Late
If your goal is maximum candy (no shame, I’m right there with you), wait until later in the night to hit the treat trails. Lines thin out and Cast Members are extra generous.

9. Use Photopass (and Be Kind)!
Photopass photos are included with your party ticket, and they look fantastic. You can still take photos on your phone, but here’s my pro tip: ask the Cast Member to take a quick video of your interaction while Photopass snaps the posed shots. You get both and it keeps the line moving. Always thank those amazing Cast Members. They’re working hard to make the night magical.

10. Don’t Overplan. Just Have Fun!
This event is packed with so much to do, you won’t get to everything on the first try. And that’s okay. Soak in the atmosphere, laugh a lot, and enjoy every spooky minute.

So…is Oogie Boogie Bash worth it?

Absolutely! It’s everything you’d expect from Disney. Fun, funny, exciting, and completely over the top in the best way. There’s a reason it sells out every year. If you’re even thinking about it, GO. Do it once. You’ll be hooked.

P.S. Oogie Boogie Bash tickets disappear faster than free Mickey-shaped snacks. I don’t make commission on them, but I’m always happy to help my people snag their spot, because I want you having the best Disney Halloween ever, not stressing over ticket sales.