Last week the Disney Parks Blog announced a new offering coming this fall, Oogie Boogie Bash. For those of you that may be wondering, this is will be replacing Mickey’s Halloween Party. For the first time in many years, it is also moving to California Adventure.
Tickets
It’s a little early in the year to start thinking about the fall, but if you want to attend this year’s Halloweentime festivities and party, you should consider buying your tickets as early as possible! Having worked as a hotel Cast Member at Disneyland Resort, I can’t tell you how many times people called the hotel upset the tickets to the parties were sold out by late summer.
The tickets this year range from $120 to $145. The closer you get to Halloween or weekend, the more expensive the tickets are. There are discounted tickets available to Annual Pass holders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Disney Visa Card holders. Officially the tickets go on sale to the public April 30, but for those in the group I just mentioned, the tickets can be purchased as of yesterday, April 23. AP holders can buy their tickets online, DVC and Visa card holders will call to call (714) 781-4636 to but them.
I have been told by friends you can expect longer than normal wait times. Ensure you know in advance what dates you want to buy tickets for and how many tickets you need. Tickets are for anyone over the age of 3 and are in addition to regular park admission. The Oogie Boogie Bash is always a special ticketed event. You should know that the tickets to include admission into California Adventure 3 hours before the party begins. You are able to enjoy pretty much everything in the park.
Note that the Halloween Party tickets should only be purchased through an official source: Disneyland’s website, on the phone through Walt Disney Travel or in person at Disneyland. Parking is no longer included in the price of the ticket; I would not be surprised to see the cost of parking go up between now and September.
Party Dates
Oogie Boogie Bash 2019 dates: Sept. 17, Sept. 19, Sept. 22, Sept. 24, Sept. 26, Sept. 29, Oct. 1, Oct. 3, Oct. 6, Oct. 8, Oct. 10, Oct. 13, Oct. 15, Oct. 17, Oct. 20, Oct. 22, Oct. 24, Oct. 27, Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.
What Special Activities Are Offered?
If you have attended the Halloween Party before, you will be familiar with the Treat or Treat trails for anyone attending the party. You will be provided with the opportunity to also meet some of your favorite Disney characters including Princesses, the Fab 5, Villains and more. In past years there have been some special characters that are not normally out to meet during normal park operating hours.
Since the party is moving over to DCA, this year there will be no traditional “Halloween Scream” fireworks. Instead, you will be treated to a new “Villainous” Halloween themed World Of Color show. I would imagine some type of pyrotechnics will be incorporated into the end of the show. The World of Color is a water based projection show that should not be missed!
The “Frightfully Fun Parade” and Headless Horseman return to the resort. I’m glad to see that they are moving it over to DCA. It’s a fun parade that rivals the “Boo To You” parade in Walt Disney World. You can catch some of the clips of it on Youtube, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some Pixar characters added to the lineup this year.
The last two new offerings announced on the Disney Parks Blogs for this year are an all new Mickey’s Trick or Treat Show and a “Descendants” themed dance party (think a kid version of the Mad T Party). Both of these will take place in the Hollywood Backlot area and are the perfect use of this space. I can’t wait to hear more about what these offerings in the coming months.
Costume Rules
If you are attending the party, please remember that Disneyland Resort does have rules about what types of costumes are appropriate. Ensure you read the official rules and regulations here. Just a friendly reminder that this is a family friendly event. If it seems questionable to you, leave your costume at home.
Other Thoughts
I’m fairly certain photos will be included in the price of the ticket this year, but I do not think that MaxPass will be an option to purchase. I also believe that this event will be sold out by August. Ensure you book any accommodations you need well in advance. Disneyland Resort hotels will be the first to sell out. If you are walking back from the party late at night, consider a Good Neighbor Hotel.
I really think a lot of the changes coming to the party this year are positive. Although DCA is smaller than Disneyland, it really has a lot to recommend and offer. It really is a full day park and is a great place to visit to enjoy escaping some of the crazy Disneyland crowds that will flood the park and Star Wars land this summer. I hope this short guide has been helpful! Until next time, happy travels!