There are plenty of reasons to go to Oogie Boogie Bash, the annual Halloween Party at the Disneyland Resort. Some people go for the cosplay (since it is the only formally allowed time for adults to dress in costume). Some people go for the outrageous amount of candy dispensed throughout the night. And some of us go for the characters. In this column, Character Corner, I detail the various character experiences going on around the Disneyland Resort. What better way to introduce this column than by outlining my favorite character experiences at Oogie Boogie Bash?!

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Ernesto De La Cruz

Oogie Boogie Bash

The popular Oogie Boogie Bash parties sell out quickly each year, so purchasing your tickets ASAP is important if you want to go. This often means buying a ticket before the characters are even announced, so you’re taking a leap of faith that it’s worth the investment. However, this party hasn’t disappointed me yet!

It’s arguably the best value of any after-hours event at the Disneyland Resort overall. From the Frightfully Fun Parade to Villains Grove to a whole lot of candy given out on the treat trails, Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure is more than just a big character meet and greet. But if character meet and greets are your favorite thing to do, then there is no better party to attend.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

However, there is never enough time in one evening to catch everyone, which means you have to prioritize and I’m here to help! 

Where to Meet Characters at Oogie Boogie Bash

Characters at the party appear in a mix of photo locations and treat trails and each of these has their benefits.

At the photo locations, you can have individual moments to talk with the characters and take advantage of the free PhotoPass pictures that are included with the party ticket. You are allowed to use your own camera if you prefer, which is not a bad idea if it’s a character you really care about. PhotoPass results aren’t always the best and they often limit to three shots. It doesn’t help that the lighting is not great at all character locations— some are in very dark corners. For reference, some characters at the photo spots do sign autographs but it’s not guaranteed. It can’t hurt to ask though!

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences
Example of a photo location (this particular one is used for Bruno from Encanto)

At the treat trails, you don’t get to stop for too long to see the characters and you can only get photos with them from afar, BUT THERE’S CANDY. And actually much more than that— you can wind up with a bag of real snacks like squeezable applesauce packs, apple slices, grapes, carrots, popcorn, rice crispy treats, graham cookies and goldfish crackers, too! And oh, yes… CANDY!

Top 10 Character Experiences at Oogie Boogie Bash

This list of Top 10 Favorite Characters Experiences at Oogie Boogie Bash includes some of the best of both worlds: characters in meet and greet locations and also on the treat trails.

10. Mother Gothel (Tangled) – Treat Trail

Mother Gothel was a much-anticipated new character for this year’s Oogie Boogie bash. However, while she looked beautiful, she often preened more than she talked, and it’s hearing the characters interacting with guests that’s the most fun. Hopefully she’ll have more to say next time!

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Mother Gothel

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

9. Mad Madam Mim (The Sword in the Stone) – Treat Trail

Was it just me or does Mad Madam Mim seem to have a fixation on Merlin? He was really all she could talk about! She seemed very competitive with him, however, and made sure the crowd acknowledged her magical superiority.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Madam Mim

Dr. Facilier (The Princess & The Frog) – Treat Trail

Dr. Facilier is always great fun and he was so full of sass at his treat trail location. At one point, I caught him teaching a child magical phrases like “Higitus Figitus” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” only to admit they weren’t real magic; he was just trying to see how silly he could get them to be! When he saw me eating my treat trail snacks, he jokingly asked, “Eating them already? Hope you checked the expiration dates!” Just pure sassy fun.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Dr. Facilier

7. Kingdom Hearts Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy – Photo Spot

At this location, you may see one or more characters, but they often wound up in pairs such as Mickey and Donald or Mickey and Goofy. This is simply a can’t-miss meet for fans of the Kingdom Hearts games or fans of the Fab Five in unique costumes.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Kingdom Hearts Mickey and Goofy Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

6. Agatha Harkness (WandaVision) – Treat Trail

Agatha is a repeat visitor from last year but she’s as marvelously wicked as ever! Her antics were focused on her (invisible) ghost dog companion, Sparky. She showed off all of his invisible tricks like sit, stay, and roll over, while simultaneously disparaging Wanda for creating a fake dog in the first place! She also has the most amazing evil laugh.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Agatha Harkness Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

5. Cruella de Vil (live-action) – Treat Trail

I wasn’t expecting this interaction to be one of the best of the night, but you really haven’t lived until you’ve had your fashion choices insulted by Cruella! Based on the recent live-action film, this younger version of the character still has all of the overconfidence of the original who you can often find on Main Street USA at Disneyland Park. I had so much fun being “critiqued” by her and giving it right back by commenting on her own stylish creations that were on display behind her.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Cruella De Vil

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

4. Sid (Toy Story) – Treat Trail

You don’t have to be a Toy Story fan to enjoy seeing Sid, but you do have to be able to put up with a really bratty kid! This treat trail location had one of the longest lines but it was so worth the wait to hear the absolutely hilarious commentary from Sid. When he wasn’t showing off some of his creepy toy creations, he was arguing with kids in the line about how Woody and Buzz weren’t real; they were just plastic toys. You will have “No he’s not” “Yes he is” “No he’s not” “Yes he is” going round in your head all night long after this one. But I was sorry I didn’t have time to go back for more!

 

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Sid from Toy Story

3. Bruno (Encanto) – Photo Spot

Not only has the character become an instant classic to Disney fans thanks to his unforgettable song, but meeting him was a sheer delight. Especially when his prophecy for me was that I’d be getting a lot of candy that night! And as usual, he was right. I also had a fun chat about his rat friends at the casita and he confessed they took some getting used to. Just charming. I definitely talk about Bruno!

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Bruno

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

2. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow as the Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus) – Photo Spot

These ladies were by far one of the most popular appearances at the party, commanding lines of up to an hour! But Daisy Duck was having a blast running up to everyone and giving them hugs and they were having fun dancing to the music in the area, especially when their theme song “I Put A Spell On You” would play! A rare photo opportunity with three characters together— bounding as other characters!

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Sanderson Sisters Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

1. Ernesto de la Cruz (Coco) – Treat Trail

Hands down the most impressive experience at the entire party, Ernesto de la Cruz managed to be both a masked character and a face character simultaneously. He would chat with the crowd in a mix of Spanish and English, occasionally toss white flowers to happy recipients, and if you were really lucky, you got to see his showstopping performance of “Remember Me”! The Cast Members have a hard task keeping this line moving as everyone wants to see more of him! I visited him both earlier in the evening and later and the location is definitely best when lit up at night.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character Ernesto De La Cruz

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

Bonus Entry

A list of the best character experiences at the Oogie Boogie Bash wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the party-exclusive Frightfully Fun parade!

“Frightfully Fun” features some of the best elements of Walt Disney World’s “Boo To You” parade, including the ride of the Headless Horseman at the top of the route to the always exceptional Haunted Mansion section featuring the Gravediggers with their shovels and the Ballroom Dancers.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

 

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

Boasting its own soundtrack, however, the “Frightfully Fun Parade” also brings out favorites from Nightmare Before Christmas, plus a whole crew of Disney Villains and ends with a visit from that feisty feline, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland!

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character ExperiencesOogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

It’s a short but very fun parade and a chance to see a large group of characters all together. For character fans, it’s a must-do party experience.

Other Character Experiences

There are other character appearances at the Oogie Boogie Bash as well, such as the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio alternating with Mulan’s alter ego Ping at the fountain by the Carthay Circle restaurant.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences

Mighty Thor and Moon Knight’s Mr. Knight were also spotted meeting at Avengers Campus, although not the newest additions of Werewolf By Night’s Jack Russell or Elsa Bloodstone, who are reportedly only out on non-party nights.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences
Jack Russel appearing on a non-party night

But really it’s all the themed locations that are the most fun and unique experiences at the Oogie Boogie Bash.

Final Oogie Boogie Bash Character Thoughts

A caveat that while the party overall was quite good at keeping characters out regularly at their locations, that’s not always the case. In multiple visits to Maleficent’s treat trail over the course of one night, she was never out. The Cast Members would either say they didn’t know when she’d return or that I just missed her. Very frustrating.

Oogie Boogie Bash Character, Character Corner: Our Top 10 Oogie Boogie Bash Character Experiences
Archive photo of Maleficent at Oogie Boogie Bash

Also, in spots with multiple characters, such as Kingdom Hearts, you could get stuck taking your photo during a character switch, when one of the two just went on break and before another came out to visit. So the best guidance on that is: don’t save your favorite character visit for last. You may need to stop by more than once to catch them or be willing to stay in the same area for a while and wait.


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Let’s Hear from You

That wraps up the character coverage at the Oogie Boogie Bash for this year. Who are you most excited to see at the party?

Is there a character you hope will appear at next year’s Oogie Boogie Bash? Are you happy about the current characters at the party? Tell us in the comments below!


EDITOR’S NOTE:  Please help us welcome the delightful JJ Parks to the MiceChat crew. She has a lot of amazing things planned for you!

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JJ Parks
JJ is a lifelong Disney fan whose perfect park day is to see a few shows, trade for a few pins, and visit with as many characters as possible - especially at Avengers Campus!