Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure

Since moving to the west coast we were super excited to be able to drive the 8 hours to Disneyland, it sure beats the 17 we did the one time to Disney World. We loved the party last year at the Magic Kingdom so much and we were excited to experience such a different party at Disney California Adventure.

The signature drink from the man of the hour!

Since we had tickets for the Sunday party we were allowed in the park at 2pm with the party starting at 6pm and concluding at 11pm. I will say that it did seem more crowded than the MNSSHP at Disney World. Many of the rides were already doing their Halloween themes even before the party started, while MNSSHP waits until party time to start their themed teacups etc. Both parties began the same with candy bags being handed out right at the gates.

Keep in mind that this a a hard ticket event and it is extra on top of park admission. Both times we have done it we simply rested at our hotel in the morning before heading to the party. That way kids were well rested before the party. With Oogie Boogie we were granted access to the parks earlier than at Disney World, so naps happened during our time at the party. Also DCA didn't have as many party nights, I believe 21, and prices varies depending on what night and how close to Halloween.

This year I had learnt a lesson from our previous Halloween party and kept our costumes to a minimum. No props or crap to carry around. My son surprisingly just wanted to wear a Disney Halloween shirt, my daughter was Vampirina and I just wore Maleficent horns which I loved. We were all happy, we didn't have to take things on or off. We had more room under the stroller for candy and jackets.

We tried to get as many rides in as we could before the party started. We managed one FastPass, Soarin', and that was included with our ticket price. The treat trails opened at 6pm and that's when the party really started. Now when comparing the treat trails between the east and west coast parties I will say the DCA had them beat. The “enchanted treat trails” with the characters were amazing, but I do wish they marked the characters on the map. We missed so many of them accidently but we were happy with who we saw. We saw the Mad Hatter and Oogie Boogie and just hit all the trails in and around there. By the time we did that it was time for the parade, and turns out there were two that night even though we were told only one would happen.

The Mad Hatter was talking and interacting with guests.

Make sure you get to the parade route early to see the Headless Horseman, which my kids just love. We managed to snag a spot near the Little Mermaid ride, and I got to enjoy a beer and watch the parade. If you like an adult beverage the party being at DCA will be right up your alley. There is nothing I like more than a beer while watching the parade, especially at the halfway point in the party.

The show following the parade “Villanious” was also new this year. My kids were not to excited to see it so we raced to Toy Story Mania and caught the end of the show as we walked towards Villains Grove. My kids were more about the candy and the parade and that was our first priority. Make sure you know what you want to see before you go to the party, because every family has different goals. Ours have always been the same. Rides. Candy. Parade. Repeat.

Disney tip. Being glow sticks and necklaces from the dollar store.

As you will see in the video below Villians Grove was super unique and cool. There is no candy in this walk through and strollers were not allowed. My 5 year old was scared on the thunder sound and knew that going in because we watched some YouTube videos. After that thought it was smooth sailing and just a cool thing to add to the party. My 3 year old and I absolutely loved it and she didn't find anything scary. The line was super long and it moved fast. I swear time flew when we were at the party. My kids absolutely loved Carsland so we ended the party doing all 3 of those rides until the park closed down. This was my first time on Luigi's ride and I seriously laughed the whole time. It was so cute and fun. We loved the spin at the end. My daughter was at the magic height of 40 “ and we also got to go on Radiator Springs Racers as a family (Grandma came for the hours before the party and Dad was at home working). Luckily all the rides in Carsland can all squeeze two tiny bums and a Mom bum in there.

By the time 11 pm hit we were ready to go to sleep. I also recommend bringing toothbrushes in a ziplock if you have young kids. Make them visit the restroom before you leave as well. When I got back to the room all I had to do was put two kid right to bed. I will say the parties were different and both different in their own unique way. I would return to either in a heartbeat.

Have you been to either party? What did you like best? Pros and cons of either?