Halloween at Disney Parks is something special, where the spooky and the enchanting blend together to create moments you'll never forget. There are two big ticketed events — Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash, and Walt Disney World's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Both parties are immersive after hours fun, and they both offer different activities, shows, and all kinds of ghostly fun you won't find anywhere else. Let’s take a look at the spooktacular events waiting for you -- as well as the general Halloween festivities outside of the ticketed parties!
Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash
First up, let's talk about Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party. Held at Disney California Adventure Park, this event is a must-do for anyone visiting Disneyland during the Halloween season. Named after the infamous villain from Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas," Oogie Boogie Bash offers a night filled with trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive entertainment. Some of the standout options:
- Villains Grove: Possibly the highlight of the entire event, the Villains Grove completely transforms the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail into a wondrously eerie world where Disney villains rule. Dark and mysterious, the woods lead through areas ruled by Maleficent, Scar, Dr. Facilier, the Queen of Hearts, and more. Note that the lights, music, and sound effects are all in good fun, but could be a little too spooky for your youngest adventurers.
- Immersive Trick-or-Treat Trails: Scattered throughout the park, you'll encounter treat trails where you can collect Halloween candy from costumed characters, and can have interactions with the villains themselves! Here the vibe is definitely more "Villains heckle the guests" than "Villains jump out and scare you," so this is absolutely for everyone in the family.
- Frightfully Fun Parade: Don’t miss the Frightfully Fun Parade, featuring beloved Disney characters in their Halloween finest. From the Headless Horseman’s eerie ride to the mischievous villains dancing along the parade route, this is a highlight of the evening.
Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Over on the East Coast, Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This family-friendly event transforms the park into a Halloween wonderland, with plenty of candy, entertainment, and spooky-fun moments.
- Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade: This parade is a must-see, featuring a cavalcade of Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween costumes, along with Disney villains and the spectral Bride from the Haunted Mansion.
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular: Gather in front of Cinderella Castle for this spellbinding show starring the Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s "Hocus Pocus." Absolutely a fan favorite, the special effects and music might just put a spell on you!
- Trick-or-Treating: Not to be outdone by Disneyland, Mickey's party also offers trick-or-treating all throughout the park. Guests receive trick-or-treat bags when they arrive, and there are so many treats (including allergy-friendly options!) there's no trouble at all in filling them to the brim.
- Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular: End your night with a bang at the Halloween-themed fireworks show. With a unique show, awesome pyrotechnics, and the genuinely incredible projections on Cinderella Castle, it’s a dazzling display you won’t want to miss.
Tips for a Spooky Good Time
After Hours events are a ton of fun, but you can optimize your experience with a little advance planning. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your visit.
- Costumes Welcome: Both events encourage guests to wear costumes, making the night even more festive. Just remember to follow the costume guidelines (no full masks, no long capes, no weapons, etc.) to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Arrive Early: Guests with tickets to the Halloween parties can often enter the parks a few hours before the event starts -- and you don't have to purchase separate theme park entry tickets, either! This gives you extra time to enjoy attractions and grab a bite to eat before the spooky fun begins.
- Capture the Memories: Don’t forget your camera! There are plenty of special photo opportunities with characters in their Halloween costumes and festive backdrops that you won’t want to miss. Plus, your ticket includes complimentary access to Disney PhotoPass, with photographers capturing your party’s moments at special locations throughout the parks.
- Plan Ahead: These parties are popular, so it’s smart to purchase your tickets in advance. Also, make a plan for the must-see shows and parades to ensure you catch all the Halloween magic!
Other Halloween Fun
Even if you can’t make it to one of the after-hours parties, there’s still plenty of Halloween spirit to soak up during August, September, and October! Both parks get completely decked out in seasonal decor, with pumpkins on every corner. Shops brim with Halloween-specific merchandise, from toys to home decor, and the selection of seasonal treats—both sweet and savory—is enormous. Check out the Disney Eats blog for a sampling of the 2024 menus throughout the parks:
Some dining options and attractions also get special holiday "overlays," adding a Halloween twist to the fun. For example, the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland receives a Nightmare Before Christmas makeover, while Minnie’s Halloween Dine takes over the Hollywood & Vine restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios for an extra dose of holiday fun!
Whether you choose Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash, Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or simply decide to enjoy the holiday atmosphere in the parks without attending the after-hours events, you’re in for frightful fun and magical memories that will last long after the pumpkins are put away!
If you have any questions or need help planning your Disney Halloween adventure, please get in touch! We’re here to help make your experience as magical and, yes, spooktacular! as possible!
