Our family attended the Oogie Boogie Bash this year for the first time. This is a ticketed even that is offered about every other night during the Halloween time season. I paid $134 per ticket. The party is new to California Adventure park these last few years. Be aware that if you do not have a ticket to the party, the park will close at 6:00pm and you will have to leave the park. I want to share a few tips and must do’s!!
- Be early!! Take advantage of extra park time. The party is 6:00-11:00pm but party go-ers can enter DCA at 3:00pm. It only makes sense to be there at 3:00 and fit a few more rides or snacks in! Many people suggested going to the park entrance at the Grand Californian to have a quick line. I ended up getting there right at 3:00pm, and not wanting to lose time to get over to the hotel got in the main entrance. It moved really quick and was in the park within 5 minutes. Up front you get a wrist band and treat bag.
2. TREAT TRAILS! Maybe it’s covid and lack of character interaction but this was probably my favorite part! There were 7 treat trails with amazing character displays. They love to interact and entertain and be creepy! On each treat trail you get to to trick or treat to four different cast members. There were 3 candy stations and 1 healthy snack. The lines may seem long, but move quick! Bring your own personal bag for more room! You get lots of candy!
3. PHOTO PASS! Photo pass is a free feature offered with your ticket. This is something we usually skip at the parks to save money, but when included be sure to take advantage!! They have many fun photo ops and sets around the park! Also, they have lots of extra character villain’s out to take distanced pictures with!
4. DRESS UP! You should dress up!! It makes it all the more festive and the characters love to interreact with your costumes. Of course have your kids dress up to trick or treat and really get in to the Halloween spirit. And get one more use out of their costumes. Family themes are really popular! The night we were there, the temperatures were comfortable, remember it’s not too chilly yet in So Cal, so dress accordingly.
5. CARSLAND is the real MVP! It’s creative and the incredible decor really is a must see!! So many lights and fun things. Be sure to take time to stroll Carsland after dark! And you can catch your favorite Cars in their costumes.
6. The Frightfully Fun Parade! We’ve all missed parades and excited for their return for the Christmas season. It was so fun to sit down for a parade again and this one is a new favorite. From the Haunted Mansion ghosts and all the Nightmare Before Christmas characters and Really fun music too. You don’t have to save seats for long, it doesn’t get too crowded. There are two parades, the later one is less busy.
7. Another amazing feature at the Bash in the Villian Grove. The Redwood turns in to a spooky trail with amazing effects and music. It’s dark but not scary. I think most kids will be comfortable with it. There are no characters here, so you’ll just be watching the fairy forest come to life. It’s really magical and well done.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy turns in to Monsters After Dark after 3:00pm. This is a fun thrill and always exciting for something new. All attractions are open during the Bash, so you can fit in as many as you can. The wait times are much shorter with the smaller party crowd.
And there you have it! It’s a really fun event and so glad we finally did it! I hope this helps give you an idea of how the night goes and what to expect. Its a lot to pack in to a limited time so be sure to prioritize what you want to see! My kids varied from age 6-11 this year. I thought they were the perfect age to be able to hang late, no stroller and not get scared by anything. Age may be something to consider as its not a cheap event. It’s so fun to see all the creative costumes and kick off Halloween! Be sure to watch for ticket sales mid summer. They do sell out!