Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party 2024

[Wedgeout]

We’re doing our first Oogie Boogie tonight and feeling kind of lost about the whole thing. Is there a schedule of events on this thread? Where do we pick up our wristbands if we enter the parks early?

We are doing a break day today because the last two days have been utter mayhem. I have never seen the crowds so large in DLR/DCA. We’re worries OBB is going to be overwhelmed with crowds also.

If anyone has it in their heart to put together a quick list of what to do first, etc., I would be eternally grateful. I’m so exhausted from trying to navigate these crowds and lines for the last 48 hours, I can’t think straight.

If already in park. Station to get wristbands checkin is next to MaterJamboree, across from Disney Vacation Club preview center (winery area), and west side entrance to Avengers Campus. There is a schedule booklet and map giving in your treat bag. Crowds drop fast at 6pm with wristband checkpoints throughout. Ride lines times drop fast. Treat trails shrink to near nothing by 9pm. Radiator Springs Racers line will drop to near 20 minutes by 10pm. Party goes to the 11pm. Villain’s Grove opens after dark. The HUB area at Carthey Circle will have rotating characters not on the list. Trails like Hades and Ernesto are best after dark visually. Have fun! Last party for us was Thursday Oct 10. Was awesome.

 

[VGCgroupie]

We’re doing our first Oogie Boogie tonight and feeling kind of lost about the whole thing. Is there a schedule of events on this thread? Where do we pick up our wristbands if we enter the parks early?

We are doing a break day today because the last two days have been utter mayhem. I have never seen the crowds so large in DLR/DCA. We’re worries OBB is going to be overwhelmed with crowds also.

If anyone has it in their heart to put together a quick list of what to do first, etc., I would be eternally grateful. I’m so exhausted from trying to navigate these crowds and lines for the last 48 hours, I can’t think straight.

Im sorry it's been overwhelming. Im not sure if I am the best person to give advice since we did not do everything. But we still left very happy with the experience.

We entered just before 3pm via the VGC/PP/VDH entrance (not sure if this is an option now or not) we went straight to rides on Pixar Pier, we did Incredicoaster, Pixar Pal a Round and Emotional Whirlwind (big mistake on whirlwind as the line took a VERY long time and it shouldn't have) Then we got food and went back to our room to change into costumes. We reentered at 6:20pm So we didnt start doing official party stuff until about 6:30pm.

Our 1st character line Bruno and took 5 minutes.

Then we saw was Pain and Panic, took about 10 minutes.

Next up, Doofenshmirtz his line was the longest treat trail line we waited in, it appeared to be rather long line all night. Then we hit Oogie Boogie right next door his line was so quick, then on to Ernesto which was our favorite of the night. If you stop moving through the line and move closer to the stage he will interact with you. AMAZING.

We rode Mosnters after dark 2 times. Once right at the start of the 1st parade and once right after we saw Ernesto. Both times the wait was under 25 minutes when the posted time was 40.

The 1st parade started late so we were able to catch a spot for the 1st parade last minute near the area for sign language CM's (right in front of Ernesto)

Right after the 1st parade we headed for the Sanderson sisters, that line was about 20 minutes. Then we went to see Hades.

Radiator Springs Racers we rode twice at 10:15pm and then again we went through the line at 10:57pm. If you want to ride RSR and also see the cars in costume I recommend seeing the cars and then be in line for RSR right before closing.

I cant remember when we did the things I didn't list. The only OBB things we missed were Kingdom of Hearts, Sid and Villains Grove.

We waited about 20 minutes for photos in front of the headless horseman, I wouldn't do that again as you cant even see the headless horseman in the photos due to the flash from the camera.

I will attach a copy of the maps I had in advance so I could somewhat plan ahead.

 

[twodogs]

Line tonight at 5pm to get into the party from the GCH was all the way back to almost the doors to the hotel (way past Storytellers). We were exiting to take a short break before we go to the party. We asked several CMs if we could get wrist bands at the GCH entrance to DCA, and they said no, get them by Avenger’s Campus. Of course when we exited to the GCH, they were doing them there…. Hopefully the entrance lines will be shorter at 6pm when we head back in (have been at parks all day since EE so needed a break!).

 

[AustinTink]

Line tonight at 5pm to get into the party from the GCH was all the way back to almost the doors to the hotel (way past Storytellers).

It was that long at about 3:45 also. We were stuck in it.

 

[twodogs]

Update: When we headed into DCA right at 6pm for the party from the GCH entrance, there was zero line at the security check point! So if you don’t need to be in there for the mix in time (we didn’t because we had been in both parks all morning since EE, so we took a break during the mix in), you can wait until right at 6pm and hopefully get in quickly.

CMs were stationed right outside the GCH entrance into DCA, checking wrist bands aggressively at 6pm. There were several other places where they did this, at the entrance to all lands/areas etc. I was glad for that, as it kept it to just party guests after 6pm. As for crowds, I felt like this year and last year (we went to the same party date both years, the night before Indigenous People’s day), the crowds at the party were great, not too bad at all!

Incredicoaster was walk on right after the first parade. TSMM, which was down almost all Saturday and never even opened at all on Sunday, was actually up for the party!. The screens looked off a little, but still operational. It was about a 15 minute wait right after the parade, but we did IC first, and then the wait was 30 minutes (posted 25). Towards 10pm, almost everything was 10 minutes or less besides RSR and GOTG, I think.

 

[AustinTink]

Update: When we headed into DCA right at 6pm for the party, there was zero line at the security check point! So if you don’t need to be in there for the mix in time (we didn’t because we had been in both parks all morning since EE, so we took a break during the mix in), you can wait until right at 6pm and hopefully get in quickly.

CMs were stationed right outside the GCH entrance into DCA, checking wrist bands aggressively at 6pm. There were several other places where they did this, at the entrance to all lands/areas etc. I was glad for that, as it kept it to just party guests after 6pm. As for crowds, I felt like this year and last year (we went to the same party date both years, the night before Indigenous People’s day), the crowds at the party were great, not too bad at all!

Incredicoaster was walk on right after the first parade. TSMM, which was down almost all Saturday and never even opened at all on Sunday, was actually up for the party!. The screens looked off a little, but still operational. It was about a 15 minute wait right after the parade, but we did IC first, and then the wait was 30 minutes (posted 25). Towards 10pm, almost everything was 10 minutes or less besides RSR and GOTG, I think.

Yep the screens on TSM were very wonky and our vehicle screen didn’t work at all but at least it was running. We rode it right when it opened up. We hovered a bit while our kid rode Incredicoaster multiple times with no wait.

Good to hear the CMs were checking bands at the GCH entrance at 6. We noticed a ton of people at the back of the park after 6 without bands eating and shopping, etc. TSM opened just a few minutes before 6 and we saw a mom and an a sweet little one go through the LL line. I was happy they got a chance to use their pass.

 

[twodogs]

Yep the screens on TSM were very wonky and our vehicle screen didn’t work at all but at least it was running. We rode it right when it opened up. We hovered a bit while our kid rode Incredicoaster multiple times with no wait.

Good to hear the CMs were checking bands at the GCH entrance at 6. We noticed a ton of people at the back of the park after 6 without bands eating and shopping, etc. TSM opened just a few minutes before 6 and we saw a mom and an a sweet little one go through the LL line. I was happy they got a chance to use their pass.

So glad you guys got to ride it too!! I don’t ride things like IC or GOTG, so TSMM is one of my faves in DCA that I can ride. When it was down for almost all the days of our trip, I was disappointed! I thought there was no way it would be up for the party, but when I was checking the wait times during the party, I noticed it actually had a wait time posted and must be up and running!

They had at least 5 CMs making a wall across the main walk way that rounds from Soarin to the GRR entrance. They were calling out to show your wrist bands to all who approached from either direction. If they didn’t have a band, they were sent out the GCH exit right there. We sat on a bench for about 10 minutes right at 6pm just inside the park from the GCH DCA entrance, and the CMs were very on top of it. They didn’t even make an exception for a group with a person in a wheelchair that wanted to go further into the park towards GRR. They made them exit at the GCH. There were also walls of CMs along Hollywood Blvd right at the circle, calling out for wrist bands. They were also checking them early in the party at the entrance to the Treat Trails. Much more aggressive than I remember in years past. But again, I agree with this policy since the party tickets are pricey, and much of the price is for the lower crowds and unique offerings.

 

[AustinTink]

Our first OBB did not disappoint. Overall it felt much more laid back than the WDW counterpart. The weather could not have been more fabulous and it added to the joy for us. Last year in Florida was a hot mess, quite literally.

Like Florida, though, it did seem oversold and we still had sizable waits for rides like RSR and Webslingers. For RSR we ended up just riding single rider. We had better luck with RSR the night before by hopping in line right before park close.

Treat lines:
Oogie
Doof
The one in Carsland
The one in San Fran Tokyo
The treat line leading to the exit (this was a nice touch and really helped load our bags since we only did 4 treat lines earlier int he night)

Rides:
TSM x 2
Incredicoaster x 2
Webslingers (30 min wait)
Goofy
Guardians
RSR- single rider because the line was 60 minutes

Party attractions:
Villains Grove
Second parade

Photo ops:
Kingdom hearts- my kid was super excited about this so we sat and rested our feet while he waited in line.
Frozone
Mater and Lightning
Other random shots whenever we saw a photo pass photographer without a line

We got into DCA a little after 4 and did some pin trading and shopping until about 5. Then we had a snack and sat and listened to the mariachis in Plaza de Familia. I love mariachi music, so this was a treat. Then more pin trading on the pier while we waited for TSM to come back up. It was down the other 2 days of our trip and I was determined to ride it. It came up just before 6. Our kid rode Incredicoaster while we waited.

He did his second Incredicoaster ride and got off around 10:50 so we ran to the kingdom hearts line to get him a pic with Donald since the characters switched out. We got to the line at 10:54 and they said it was closed. What a jip. That was a lot of running for nada. So we decided to try to run to RSR for one more ride but we didn’t make it. The loudspeaker came on just as we turned into Carsland. That was a defeating way to end the night but what ya gonna do.

All in all, glad we went. LOVED all the costumes. We definitely felt underdressed in our matching t-shirts. Next year we will go all out.

 

[TarynM]

We went to the Sunday party and had a great time. Hit every treat trail, watched the parade, took a few photos, and was able to ride RSR (my kiddo's first time since the lines are always so long and no way I'm paying for ILL when we go so often). We got in line around 9:20 and the wait said 45 minutes but it turned out to be closer to 25 by the time we physically sat down in the car. We only did one character meet and greet, which was Hans at the very end of the night. I wasn't sure if they were going to bring characters back out at the fountain after the parade since it was so close to the end of the party but I got in line just in time and was the last person.

One very annoying thing was that I mobile ordered the chicken strips at Flo's and hit I'm Here around 6:50. It took about 30 minutes for my food to actually be ready after that and I was not the only one waiting a long time. It didn't seem that busy but it probably had a lot to do with how the kitchen was staffed. That took a good chunk of time from being able to do other things, so just something to be aware of if you wanted to try what was basically the only specialty party food.

 

[twodogs]

Has anyone been able to get a day-of ticket for OBB at the resorts? I have not seen anyone report that here. We did it in 2022, but I know last year, it was not offered at all.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Has anyone been able to get a day-of ticket for OBB at the resorts? I have not seen anyone report that here. We did it in 2022, but I know last year, it was not offered at all.

When we were there front desk at the Grand had signs that said all sold out. Not sure if that means they sometimes can have them or if they just get asked too much. You could try calling the front desk and see if they sometimes have spare to sell.

 

[AustinTink]

When we were there front desk at the Grand had signs that said all sold out. Not sure if that means they sometimes can have them or if they just get asked too much. You could try calling the front desk and see if they sometimes have spare to sell.

DLH also had sold out signs at the front desk.

 

[twodogs]

When we were there front desk at the Grand had signs that said all sold out. Not sure if that means they sometimes can have them or if they just get asked too much. You could try calling the front desk and see if they sometimes have spare to sell.

Thank you for this information. We just returned from our trip on Monday, and we were able to attend OBB Sunday night (with tickets I bought during the regular on sale). We stayed at the GCH, but we did mobile check in and used the digital key (for the first time ever!) and so we never went to the front desk. I was just curious if the situation held from last year, where there were no tickets for resort guests. It looks to be the case again, sadly. The perks for paying so much to stay onsite are getting less and less. Honestly, i can’t see why they wouldn’t hold back a few, as they are going to sell them all out either way and make the same money; but it might inspire some folks to spend the extra to stay onsite. I guess they don’t want to offer it, then run out of tickets and then have people upset.

 

[nalababybear]

Thank you for this information. We just returned from our trip on Monday, and we were able to attend OBB Sunday night (with tickets I bought during the regular on sale). We stayed at the GCH, but we did mobile check in and used the digital key (for the first time ever!) and so we never went to the front desk. I was just curious if the situation held from last year, where there were no tickets for resort guests. It looks to be the case again, sadly. The perks for paying so much to stay onsite are getting less and less. Honestly, i can’t see why they wouldn’t hold back a few, as they are going to sell them all out either way and make the same money; but it might inspire some folks to spend the extra to stay onsite. I guess they don’t want to offer it, then run out of tickets and then have people upset.

The crazy thing is resort, dvc, ticketing....they all don't talk to each other to coordinate things. Wild but true. Imagine how.much adding synergies dlr can garner above what they fleece out of us already

 

[doix]

I would like to starting by thanking you all for the collective wisdom you share. I have been reading the boards for a few years now, and the tips I gathered helped me plan incredible trips in 2020 (just before the pandemic) and in 2022.

My family and I had the 2024 trip planned for this week, but we won’t be able to travel due to health reasons. We called Disneyland and they told us that due to our circumstances we can give away the tickets and they (Disney) will change the names on them so that the tickets can be assigned to a different account.

So, I would like to offer the tickets, free of charge, to the board contributors.

The tickets are for the OBB today, Thursday the 17th and for Sunday the 20th. 4 tickets to each party.

If that is of interest to any of you, please contact me and I’ll call Disneyland to change the names on the tickets, and then send them to you. Please – no scammers or resellers, only contact me if you intend to use the tickets yourself.

Happy Halloween!

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I would like to starting by thanking you all for the collective wisdom you share. I have been reading the boards for a few years now, and the tips I gathered helped me plan incredible trips in 2020 (just before the pandemic) and in 2022.

My family and I had the 2024 trip planned for this week, but we won’t be able to travel due to health reasons. We called Disneyland and they told us that due to our circumstances we can give away the tickets and they (Disney) will change the names on them so that the tickets can be assigned to a different account.

So, I would like to offer the tickets, free of charge, to the board contributors.

The tickets are for the OBB today, Thursday the 17th and for Sunday the 20th. 4 tickets to each party.

If that is of interest to any of you, please contact me and I’ll call Disneyland to change the names on the tickets, and then send them to you. Please – no scammers or resellers, only contact me if you intend to use the tickets yourself.

Happy Halloween!

We are planning to be at DLR this Sunday and would go if you have no alternative groups to give them to— but we’re already gone once this season and would rather see them go to someone who otherwise can’t attend.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I would like to starting by thanking you all for the collective wisdom you share. I have been reading the boards for a few years now, and the tips I gathered helped me plan incredible trips in 2020 (just before the pandemic) and in 2022.

My family and I had the 2024 trip planned for this week, but we won’t be able to travel due to health reasons. We called Disneyland and they told us that due to our circumstances we can give away the tickets and they (Disney) will change the names on them so that the tickets can be assigned to a different account.

So, I would like to offer the tickets, free of charge, to the board contributors.

The tickets are for the OBB today, Thursday the 17th and for Sunday the 20th. 4 tickets to each party.

If that is of interest to any of you, please contact me and I’ll call Disneyland to change the names on the tickets, and then send them to you. Please – no scammers or resellers, only contact me if you intend to use the tickets yourself.

Happy Halloween!

This is so kind ! I have no need as we have already gone this year, but someone will be very thankful for your generosity! I'm so sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip.

 

[pangyal]

I would like to starting by thanking you all for the collective wisdom you share. I have been reading the boards for a few years now, and the tips I gathered helped me plan incredible trips in 2020 (just before the pandemic) and in 2022.

My family and I had the 2024 trip planned for this week, but we won’t be able to travel due to health reasons. We called Disneyland and they told us that due to our circumstances we can give away the tickets and they (Disney) will change the names on them so that the tickets can be assigned to a different account.

So, I would like to offer the tickets, free of charge, to the board contributors.

The tickets are for the OBB today, Thursday the 17th and for Sunday the 20th. 4 tickets to each party.

If that is of interest to any of you, please contact me and I’ll call Disneyland to change the names on the tickets, and then send them to you. Please – no scammers or resellers, only contact me if you intend to use the tickets yourself.

Happy Halloween!

This is incredibly generous of you, and I sincerely hope that the health issues are resolved quickly! I just wanted to mention- if nobody took you up on the offer, have you thought of asking if you can keep the cost of the tickets on file for a future event? At WDW, they allow this, so I thought it might be worth an ask if you think you might be able to go another year.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

This is incredibly generous of you, and I sincerely hope that the health issues are resolved quickly! I just wanted to mention- if nobody took you up on the offer, have you thought of asking if you can keep the cost of the tickets on file for a future event? At WDW, they allow this, so I thought it might be worth an ask if you think you might be able to go another year.

They don’t do this at Disneyland unfortunately. I have never heard of anyone getting any type of refund or been able to keep credit from OBB.

 

[doix]

This is incredibly generous of you, and I sincerely hope that the health issues are resolved quickly! I just wanted to mention- if nobody took you up on the offer, have you thought of asking if you can keep the cost of the tickets on file for a future event? At WDW, they allow this, so I thought it might be worth an ask if you think you might be able to go another year.

Thank you so much! We actually asked DL representatives for an alternative and SOCALMouseMommy is right - DL said they cannot change dates or convert the tickets to a regular day tickets.