Guide to Disneyland's Halloween Party

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, adopts an air of eeriness in the weeks leading up to Halloween. The theme park becomes awash with ghosts, goblins, and ghouls—all perfectly kid-friendly and gore-free—as part of its holiday offerings from mid-September through October. Among them is the beloved Oogie Boogie Bash.

Hosted by Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and a host of Disney villains, this after-hours party provides PG-rated thrills in the form of stage shows, dance parties, a Halloween-themed presentation of World of Color, and immersive trick-or-treat trails. It's a great excuse for the whole family to dress in costume, eat candy, and enjoy some of the shortest ride wait times of the year.

In 2020, Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash has been canceled.

What Is There to Do at the Oogie Boogie Bash?

In addition to fireworks, holiday decorations, and your average rides, Disneyland puts on a plethora of special programming for this annual Halloween party. Every featured event and activity is appropriate for kids—meaning: without fake blood or screaming.

• Frightfully Fun Parade: The Headless Horseman announces the arrival of Jack Skellington and Sally at the start of this not-too-spooky parade. The procession features Cheshire Cat from "Alice in Wonderland," Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and just about every Disney villain.
• Character Encounters: Classic princesses and other characters roam the park during the party, sometimes in costume.
• DescenDANCE Party: Inspired by the Disney fantasy musical "Descendants," this DJ-led dance party in the Hollywood Land backlot is fun for older kids and teens.
• Mickey's Trick & Treat Stage Show: Catch Mickey Mouse (and company) in costume, dancing and telling stories, in the Disney Theater.
• World of Color: World of Color is the famous nighttime show the puts choreographed waterworks and lights to music in Disney California Adventure. During the Oogie Boogie Bash, it's villain-themed.
• Interactive Treat Trails: A Disney take on trick-or-treating, this program comprises 10 trails dotted with treat cauldrons, some frequented by familiar characters. Healthy treats, such as carrots and pretzels, are available in addition to candy.

How to Attend

Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash is a separate-ticket event starting at 6 p.m.—when day guests will be asked to leave—and ending at 11 p.m. Certain ticket holders, however, can enter three hours early, at 3 p.m., to see the park's Halloween decorations in the daylight. Tickets range from $110 to $145 and are required for guests over 3 years old. They can be purchased online or through the Disneyland app and should be secured at least two weeks in advance because the event (especially on the night of Halloween) will likely sell out.

Tips for the Disneyland Halloween Party

Limited attendance means Oogie Boogie Bash goers get to see the park at its least crowded. You won't even have to flash your MaxPass with lines this short.

• Tickets for Disneyland's Halloween party are among the cheapest of any park tickets, any time of year.
• Halloween at Disneyland is a rare occasion in which adults and kids both arrive in costume; however, make sure you're familiar with the park's costume rules.
• Trick-or-treat bags are provided upon entry, but guests can also bring their own. The longest treat trails are at Innoventions and next to Rivers of America. The cutest one goes through Pixie Hollow.
• Ride wait time apps stop working when the party begins, showing that all the rides as closed. But lines will be so short that it won't matter, with wait times rarely exceeding 20 minutes.
• If you plan to stay in a nearby hotel during your visit, book one as early as possible—ideally a month or more in advance. They book up as quickly as Oogie Boogie tickets go.