Oogie Boogie Bash!
We were able to attend the SOLD OUT Oogie Boogie Bash for the first time this year. We've gone to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party a few times before, so we had high expectations. And let me tell you, Disney delivered again!
This was our first time ever in California Adventure. I'm the type of person who likes to know the lay of the land before I do anything, especially like this. But not knowing where to go or how to get places at first was actually exciting and aided in the Magic!
When I was trying to come up with our costumes to wear, I made a huge mistake. I decided that since we were going to Disneyland, why don't we dress up as Prince Philip and Princess Aurora (but the forest maid version) and take pictures in front of the castle. Obviously, I hadn't done any research at this point because Oogie Boogie Bash is not even in Disneyland Park. It's in California Adventure Park. By the time I had made my discovery our costumes were already on their way from Amazon.
*In my defense... the halloween party used to be in Disneyland park, but was moved to California Adventure recently. Which would explain why if you google costumes for the party you'll find pictures of people in front of the castle.
ANYWAY...
With this being our first time in California Adventure, I knew I wanted to see the Radiator Springs neon lights come on at sunset. I had immediate regret on not bringing my son to see it. But this was the whole reason for doing the trip. To figure out if it's worth it and if it is worth it, figuring out my way around before I try and bring a toddler with me. Plus, you just need adult trips sometimes!
We started in Radiator Springs and got some famous street corn (elote as it's also called).
Highly recommend!
After doing the treat trail in Radiator Springs we headed to Avenger's Campus because Web Slingers only had a 25 minute wait.
My advice, and others may not agree, but, if you're wanting to get on any of the Car's rides or Web Slingers, the party is absolutely worth it. For us, it was about the short ride lines and being able to see characters. We didn't set out to stand in line to see characters, so there were some that we missed, but we at least got to see most of them from a distance.
One thing that Oogie Boogie has that one ups MNSSHP is definitely the treat trails that have characters in them.
We spent a lot of time running around getting candy and getting in as many rides as we could. Especially the ones that usually have long waits.
The parade has two times. Luckily for me, Blake wanted to ride California Adventure's version of Tower of Terror, which in California is Guardians of the Galaxy themed. I will never get on any version of Tower of Terror ever again in my life, because it is truly the TOWER of TERROR for me. But, Blake wanted to ride and it was a 13 minute wait. Any one unfamiliar with that, this means there is no wait at all! But while I was waiting, the parade was starting in that area (or actually ending because this is the end of the parade route), so I got to see the Headless Horseman twice that night. Amazing!
But the parade, I thought, was far better than MNSSHP parade.
And after riding Incredicoaster at night and then the next day we rode it during the day, I absolutely recommend riding this at night! Day time was great, but at night it's even better!
When you enter and exit the ride is where they get you, though. That's where they have the Jack Jack's Num Num Cookie kiosk.
I don't remember eating an actual dinner during the party. I'm pretty sure we just snacked. Because the next day I had Blake mobile order dinner at like 11 am the next day at the park lol. So definitely remember to make time to at least get some quick service food or you'll be starving, I don't think you should do a sit down meal, because it takes away party time, but definitely get SOMETHING to eat. Most of the places to eat closed earlier than the park closed.
Which, another thing to note was that the party ends at 11. I thought it ended at midnight. Otherwise I would've planned a little better and not sat around the few times we did.
By going to Oogie Boogie Bash you're getting lower wait times for rides. more character interactions, candy, and more fun and experiences than you could imagine.
But it was absolutely worth the extra money and definitely worth the stress and adrenaline rush in trying to get tickets when they went on sale.
Take the Trip. Make the Memories.