Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party vs. Oogie Boogie Bash
When it comes to celebrating Halloween, Disney goes all out—and they do it on both coasts. For Disney fans, the ultimate question is: which event is better, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Florida or Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure in California?
While for many this is a “just for fun” debate, as most people won’t be traveling to the opposite coast for a Halloween party, for a growing number of devoted Disney fans, it’s a real decision. We’ve compared the two on a number of key points to help you decide which is the best fit for your next spooky season trip.
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Parade: A Clear Victory for Florida
This category is not even close. Mickey’s Boo to You Parade at Walt Disney World is the undisputed champion. It features more floats, performers, and iconic moments—including the legendary Headless Horseman. While Disneyland’s Frightfully Fun Parade is good, it feels like an expanded cavalcade rather than a full-fledged spectacle. “Boo to You” is a time-tested classic that, despite its long-standing presence, remains a fan favorite for a reason.
Nighttime Spectaculars: An Easy Win for Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom takes the prize here by default. The fireworks show, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular,” is an impressive display of pyrotechnics and projections over Cinderella Castle, hosted by a massive Jack Skellington puppet. Oogie Boogie Bash, on the other hand, lacks a dedicated nighttime spectacular. It briefly had “World of Color – Villainous,” but that show has not returned, giving Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party the easy win.
Characters: Oogie Boogie Bash Shines
If characters are your top priority, there’s no contest. Oogie Boogie Bash is the clear winner. The event offers a wide variety of rare and classic characters, from Disney villains to Marvel and Pixar favorites, with significantly shorter wait times than at Magic Kingdom. While you can meet iconic characters like Jack Skellington and Sally at both parties, the lines for them at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary can be notoriously long—sometimes over 90 minutes. Oogie Boogie Bash provides a much more satisfying and efficient experience for character enthusiasts.
Trick-or-Treat Trails: A Highlight for California
This is where Oogie Boogie Bash truly sets itself apart. The event’s “Villains Treat Trails” are more than just places to get candy—they are immersive experiences featuring live, interacting Disney villains. From Judge Doom to Ernesto de la Cruz, these villains entertain and engage with guests, making the act of trick-or-treating a form of entertainment in itself.
Walt Disney World has started to introduce a similar concept with “villainous treat trails,” but they have yet to match the scale and performance quality of what’s offered at Oogie Boogie Bash. The Villains Treat Trails are arguably the number one reason why many Walt Disney World regulars rave about the California event..
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Entertainment: Hocus Pocus Wins the Night
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes back the lead with its stage shows. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” is an all-time classic, a must-see production that features the Sanderson Sisters and a host of other Disney villains. The show is so beloved that many fans would argue it’s worth the price of admission alone. The event also offers other entertainment like dance parties and the Cadaver Dans.
While Oogie Boogie Bash has the immersive “Villains Grove” walk-through, it’s more of an atmospheric experience than a traditional stage show. Disneyland has yet to add a true stage show that can compete with the quality and popularity of “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.”
Crowds: A More Relaxed Vibe in California
For a special-ticketed event, both parties can get crowded, but Oogie Boogie Bash generally feels less congested. Wait times for rides are often minimal, character lines are more manageable, and it’s easier to navigate the park. There are no areas that see the kind of bottleneck congestion that Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom experiences between the two parade showings. For a lower-stress, more laid-back experience, Oogie Boogie Bash is the winner.
The Bigger Picture: Disneyland Takes the Crown for the Season
When you zoom out from the individual events and look at the entire Halloween season, it’s hard for Walt Disney World to compete with the sheer volume of offerings at Disneyland Resort. California’s Halloween season includes:
- Halloween Screams fireworks at Disneyland Park
- Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay
- Cars Land Haul-O-Ween
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
- Plaza de la Familia/A Musical Celebration of Coco
All of these are included with regular park admission. By contrast, Walt Disney World’s Halloween decorations outside of Magic Kingdom are minimal. The California parks fully embrace the spooky season, with two parks transformed for the holiday, plus the added bonus of more comfortable weather than the sweltering Florida heat and humidity.
The Verdict
For a first-timer or a fan who only attends one event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the superior standalone experience. It boasts a better parade, a fantastic stage show, and a fireworks spectacular.
However, if you’re a die-hard fan looking for the best overall Halloween season experience, or if you’re a character enthusiast, Disneyland Resort wins hands-down. The Villains Treat Trails are a game-changer, and the sheer number of holiday-specific attractions and entertainment across both parks makes the entire Halloween season in California an unforgettable experience.
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