What’s New at 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party

ByTom Bricker
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Disney has revealed what’s new for the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort, which starts tonight and still has tickets available! This covers everything changing & coming to OBB, including first look photos & video of Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove and a teaser of the Haunted Mansion street party, dessert party details, sold out dates, and more.

If you’re new to our Halloween party coverage, we’ll start with the normal caveat that not much changes from year to year. If you’re planning on attending the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party and last did the event in 2021, it’s mostly the same. It’s a similar story with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World.

In both cases, Disney takes a “don’t fix what isn’t broken” approach since these events typically sell out with ease. Meaning that guests are voting with their wallets when it comes to the fan-favorite Halloween parties, so there’s little incentive to reinvent the wheel. Or even grease it, as the case may be.

We had hoped that Disneyland would expand and improve Oogie Boogie Bash in subsequent years after it launched, especially given the local fanbase, but that hasn’t happened. We covered this all at length in Why You Should Skip the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Disney Halloween Party.

If you’re on the fence about attending, you can have a lot of fun for “free” during Halloween Time at Disneyland. Unlike Walt Disney World, the base experience during Halloween is fantastic in the California parks. Attraction overlays, great menu updates, and decorations galore! See our Ultimate Guide to Halloween 2026 at Disneyland for everything you need to know.

Nevertheless, there are changes for the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party. That’s where this post comes into play! Let’s dig into what’s been announced and teased for this year’s OBB…

New Villain: Yzma from Emperor’s New Groove

The biggest change from year to year of Oogie Boogie Bash is typically one or two characters joining the Villains Treats Trails, replacing older or less popular ones, each year.

After a tease last month on social media, Disneyland has officially revealed that Yzma from Walt Disney Animation’s The Emperor’s New Groove will be stirring up some mischievous mayhem in Grizzly Peak, delighting guests with her clever potion-making capabilities and “pulling every lever” she can find in pursuit of her latest scheme.

As one of the wittier villains, Yzma should be a great addition to the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash. She should be a slam-dunk hit, and one of the longest lines at the event. Here’s a video of Yzma that Disney shared on social media:

We saw Yzma during Kuzcotopia at Typhoon Lagoon last year, which was part of Destination D23. Kuzcotopia was a massive hit among Walt Disney World diehards. I was actually taken aback by just how many hardcore fans there are of The Emperor’s New Groove, but movies from the early aughts are being reevaluated and obtaining cult classic status.

Suffice to say, Yzma should be a huge hit with the Oogie Boogie Bash audience. And she’ll need to be, as she’s the only new villain joining the lineup this year. (In fairness to Disney, the lineup they’ve curated over the last few years is now very, very strong. “Don’t fix what isn’t broken” might be the correct approach, even if annual attendees like us might like to see more change.)

As for who Yzma will replace, the lever-pull loser appears to be Yokai from Big Hero 6. Disney didn’t officially announce this, but based on the other confirmed characters and process of elimination, we’re fairly confident this is the case. Yokai previously appeared in San Fransokyo and was one of the newer additions to the event, but was never really a hit with fans. Replacing him is the correct choice, so good call by Disney on that.

Last year, the newcomers were Syndrome from The Incredibles, making his first-ever park appearance; Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty also returned after a few years’ absence. In other words, there was only one new character last year, so the precedent exists for the same in 2026. They were replacements for Sid from Toy Story and Madam Mim from The Sword in the Stone.

The previous year, the newcomers were Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas & Ferb and Hades from Hercules. Dr. Doofenshmirtz was an indirect replacement for Mother Gothel from Tangled. Hades replaced Cruella from the live action movie of the same name. Although that movie is now several years old so this change was due, it’s still somewhat disappointing since the Cruella they cast was a dead ringer for Emma Stone.

Disney has also confirmed that Agatha Harkness will once again appear in Avengers Campus, and Judge Doom from Who Framed Roger Rabbit will return to Hollywood Land. We’re relieved by the latter confirmation, as Judge Doom is our personal favorite, but he hasn’t been as big of a hit with fans as some of the more mainstream, crowd-pleasing villains.

Confirmed Characters at 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash

Outside of the immersive treat trails featuring villains, additional characters are available for meet & greets and posed photos throughout Disney California Adventure. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of confirmed characters according to Disneyland:

  • Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus
  • Pain, Panic, and Megara from Disney Animation’s Hercules
  • Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy from Disney’s Kingdom Hearts
  • Select characters from Pixar’s Toy Story
  • Edna Mode and Mr. Incredible from Pixar’s The Incredibles
  • Black Panther, Spider-Man, and Scarlet Witch

It’s usually the case that a few new unannounced additions appear at the meet & greets (particularly in Carthay Circle). Some of these characters also rotate at certain locations, so you may have to make multiple passes to spot them. Refer to the guide map or ask a character attendant if you’re having trouble locating anyone.

“Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party”

Frightfully Fun Parade won’t be presented at the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash due to backstage construction on the new Coco attraction, which has taken the DCA parade route out of commission. Consequently, a full-scale parade is not possible at Disney California Adventure until at least 2028.

Frightfully Fun Parade is being replaced by “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party.” This will feature multiple show-stops for Madame Leota to host her spirited séance and swinging wake filled with happy haunts, ghostly dancing, and ghoulish delight, inviting you to partake in a ghastly good time that beckons all 999 ghosts.

Disneyland has also revealed that Ichabod Crane hurries through Disney California Adventure evading the sinister specter of the Headless Horseman astride his dark steed at select times throughout the evening.

Here’s a video teaser of “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party” released by Disneyland:

In case you can’t tell, “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party” is smaller-scale than Frightfully Fun Parade. There was already a Haunted Mansion unit in the full parade; expect more or less that, minus the rest of Frightfully Fun and with a few other additions.

Without a proper parade route, there’s only so much that can be staged from other backstage areas. On the one hand, this feels like a good compromise since a full parade isn’t possible. On the other hand, knowing that, Disney should’ve added the street party plus something else as an offset. Trading a full parade for a truncated street party is obviously not a one-for-one exchange in terms of value.

Disney is calling it a street party as opposed to a cavalcade, presumably because this will be more interactive in nature, inviting guests to participate. Perhaps the execution will be fantastic, and this will go over incredibly well with guests.

Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party

Not so much new as it is changing, the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party returns and offers reserved seating in the preferred viewing area for Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party in front of Sonoma Terrace.

The Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party package includes a signature Oogie Boogie-themed box of artisan charcuterie and cheeses with assorted accoutrements, Halloween-themed desserts and freeze-dried fruits; an exclusive collectible enamel pin; an alcoholic beverage for guests ages 21 and older; and, unlimited soft drinks and bottled water, plus coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a nonalcoholic specialty beverage.

Reservations can be made on the same night of your event ticket for Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure. Currently, there’s availability for almost all dates of the 2026 event.

The Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party costs $94 per guest. Price includes tax and gratuity. Please note that children ages 2 and under may attend free of charge, provided they are seated on the lap of an adult. Without knowing just how the street party is presented, we’re reluctant to offer a verdict on the dessert party. We have no interest in purchasing it, though.

Headless Horseman Popcorn Bucket

In the Disneyland Halloween Food Guide for 2026, Disney revealed that the Headless Horseman Bucket will be available exclusively to guests attending the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party “at this time.” Mobile order is available at selection locations; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply.

Here’s where you’ll be able to buy the bucket: Hollywood Lounge, Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield, Popcorn at Pixar Pier, Popcorn near Carthay Circle Restaurant, Select Outdoor Vending Locations, Smokejumpers Grill, and Smokejumpers Grill Seasonal Novelty Release.

Note that the “at this time” language suggests that Disneyland will potentially open up purchases to day guests in September or October depending upon inventory levels. They’re likely limiting it initially due to either limited supply or to incentivize Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sales in August and September. Because, as discussed below, those months are selling slower. Meanwhile, there’s no need to incentivize October sales.

2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Sold Out Dates

Ticket sales and pre-sales started in mid-June, and after a virtual queue and a couple of dates sold out, it has been smooth sailing since. This is quite the change from just last year for Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sales, when every single date for the entire season sold out within hours.

As of its opening date approximately two months later, Oogie Boogie Bash is starting to sell out more and more nights. Here’s a list of sold out dates:

  • August 20, 2026
  • August 23, 2026
  • August 27, 2026
  • September 1, 2026
  • September 6, 2026
  • September 13, 2026
  • September 20, 2026
  • September 24, 2026
  • October 4, 2026
  • October 6, 2026
  • October 8, 2026
  • October 11, 2026
  • October 13, 2026
  • October 15, 2026
  • October 18, 2026
  • October 20, 2026
  • October 22, 2026
  • October 25, 2026
  • October 29, 2026
  • October 31, 2026

Plenty of dates are still available earlier in the season, with 3 nights in August (most of which are cheaper) not sold out, including tonight’s opening night! It’s a similar story throughout September. Meanwhile, only October 1st and 27th remain available.

The slower sales is a promising sign. It suggests softening demand for Oogie Boogie Bash, and that guests are not viewing the Haunted Mansion street party (erroneously) as an “exciting new addition,” but rather (correctly) as a downgrade from the full Frightfully Fun Parade.

At the same time, there’s a pretty easy way for Disney to “fix” the slower sales in 2027 without changing the event at all: drop a few of the August dates and start later. If some of those dates don’t sell out, we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the 2027 Oogie Boogie Bash once again has a September start.

It is still highly likely that most, if not all, dates of the 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash will sell out by the time they roll around. Nevertheless, it’s interesting that opening night has arrived and is still available, as are a few nights that follow in August 2026.

There has never been a single Oogie Boogie Bash date that did not sell out, but it appears we’re closer to ~2019 normal in terms of ticket sales. Back then, it took until mid-September for the event to sell out (the event also started in mid-September as opposed to mid-August).

It’s our hope that the slower sales trend continues, and incentivizes Disneyland to address the Oogie Boogie Bash staleness issue in 2027. It’s still a great event if you’re a first timer, but for Disneyland’s large local fanbase, there isn’t much incentive to return in 2026 if you’ve already been post-COVID.

If you’re thinking about attending this year’s event but are wondering whether it’s worth the money, what each piece of entertainment is like, or anything else, check out our Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party Guide.

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Looking forward to the addition of Yzma? Does the OBB still need more to justify buying a ticket in 2026? Do you agree or disagree with my assessment of the Halloween Party? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

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