Figment's HalloweenTime Trip Reports, 2011 to 2018 - Now with 2018 Including MHP!

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2013 - Haunted Mansion Holiday
Inside the Mansion
Continuing now, inside the mansion...

'Twas a long time ago
Longer now than it seems
In a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams.
For the story that you are about to be told
Began with the holiday worlds of old.
I know you're curious to see what's inside.
It's what happens when two holidays collide.

Welcome, my friends, to our Christmas Delight.
Come witness a ghoulishly glorious sight.

It's time for our holiday tale to begin
There's no turning back now
Please, come all the way in.

Our holiday tale, is a tale that's quite charming
But during this season, it's sometimes alarming.
So relax and reflect, feel free to take pause
While we tell you the tale about dear Sandy Claws.

'Twas the nightmare before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was peaceful, not even a mouse.
The stockings, all hung by the chimney with care,
When opened that morning would cause such a scare!
The children nestled all snug in their beds,
Would have nightmares of monsters and skeleton heads.

Now hurry along
As they say, "Look alive."
This is one holiday you will want to survive.

Jack Skellington came here from Halloween Town,
You'll notice his handiwork scattered around.
This year he's decided to play "Sandy Claws,"
But when Halloween creates Christmas you might see some flaws.

And now a dark carriage will take you away,
Sit back, rest in peace in you black Christmas sleigh.
Your sleigh will accommodate one or two or more
We're hope you're prepared for what Jack has in store.

(Side note: if you have the chance, be sure to watch Zero as he flies through the portraits. He doesn't do it every time they change, so you have to be patient. He starts off in the Christmas sled portrait (first one you see when you enter the hallway) and the moves through the painting in order (ending with Sally). It's pretty cute.)

Don't pull on the bar; it will float down with ease
And remember, no flash photography please.
More rapid than vultures, the Mansion was change,
All was soon covered, adorned and deranged.

And what to your wondering eyes disappears,
It's Jack's little friend Zero - the Ghost Dog Reindeer!

Nothing here was forgotten, it all looks so pleasant,
A coffin, Jack says, makes a fine Christmas present.

A man-eating plant makes a wonderful wreath
As long as you don't get caught in its teeth.

Jack's holiday vision was unlike no other,
So ring our the bells, there's more cheer to uncover!

On the Thirteenth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
13 Rings of Power, Embracing Strenght that never ends.
12 Signs of the Zodiac, that Rule the Future and Trancend.
11 Candles Floating, their Scent of Mystery in the Air.
10 Telling Tea Leaves, that Swirled with Secrets yet to Share.
On the Ninth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
9 Magic Crystals, that Sparkled with a force that is Pure.
8 Balls of Knowledge, that answer with a truth that is Sure.
7 Pearls of Wisdom, to keep my Love Bewitched to me.
6 Mystic Mirrors, Reflecting futures yet to be.
On the Fifth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
5 Lucky Charms, to Understand the Right from Wrong.
4 Wheels of Fortune, To Spin their Rich and Golden Song.
3 Life Lines, Extending help to those in need.
2 Passion Potions, That Love and Romance may Succeed.
On the First day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
A Star! a Brilliant Star for MY Fortune Card Tree!!!

With some treats and some games, you can make a scene merry,
Why, even a gingerbread house could be scary.

(Can you find the Hidden Mickey?)

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2013 - Haunted Mansion Holiday
All at once, happy haunts did materialize,
Like a nightmarish painting by Currier & Ives.

A bag full of toys Jack had slung on his back,
They were strange and bizarre - and on the attack!

"Sandy Claws" worked his magic, both outside and in,
But one final touch made his bony face grin.
"Now what better gift on my friends to bestow,
Than a graveyard that's covered in ghostly white snow!"

Fa La La La La Fa La La La La La
What's this? What's this? What's this? What's this?
Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize!
We wish you a scary Christmas
And a Haunted New Year!
Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize!

These were among the 13 "snowflakes" added last year.

The singing busts were transformed into singing pumpkins.

Ghosts and skeleton reindeer.

Welcome to Oogie's Holiday Tricks and Treats!
Round and round she goes!
What's your gift? Oogie knows! Bwa-ha-ha!
Are you gettin' a trick or a treat? Isn't this fun?
Oohoohoo! I can't wait to see what you get!
It's gift-givin' time! Ya get what ya get, ahaha!
Have I got a present for you! It's all good here.
Sugar and spice, naughty and nice! Have you been naughty or nice, huuuh?
Well, looky who we got here! I have a special holiday something just for you!
Hang on to your holiday hats! Oogie Claws is comin' at'cha! Woohoohoo!"

Hurry Back, Hurry Back...
Be sure to bring your Sandy Claws sack,
I'll be waiting to open my Christmas presents.
Hurry Back... Hurry Back...

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - Mickey's Halloween Party
Figment Goes to Mickey's Halloween Party, 9/26/14

Figment and I (plus my family) went to the first MHP of the year (Friday, September 26, 2014)! Overall the party was a lot of fun and we had a great time. Party crowds felt lighter than when we went last year (akin to a weeknight in Disneyland). Weather was warm and kind of breezy during the day. I have lots of pictures to post, but I'll start with MHP because that was the big event for the trip

We arrived at Disneyland just after opening on Friday and headed to the park. There were signs out announcing that the party was sold out and that Disneyland would be closing at 7:00 pm.

Main Street was decorated with pumpkins and fall banners. The Giant Mickey Pumpkin was in Town Square. The HalloweenTime banners were up on the light posts as well.

We spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon having lunch and enjoying ourselves. We rode the train around Disneyland and could see some party elements waiting to be brought out!

This year, there were no lockers inside Disneyland, so we had to get one out on the Esplanade. We opted to head out there pick-up and drop-off some stuff and then use our party tickets to get back into Disneyland. By the time we headed to the locker, the first rush of guests coming into Disneyland for MHP had tapered off and the lines at the Main Gate weren?t very long. We got our wristbands (shiny green with the date on it), our treat bag (ad for Sleeping Beauty on one side and Big Hero Six on the other), and a party map.

There was also an in-park check-in location down on Small World Mall. The usually location in Frontierland was being used by Legends of Frontierland game. (Aside: Now that Legends has ended, I don't know if they're going to move the check-in back to Frontierland.)

We headed towards Tomorrowland to have dinner. (We did not know that there was going to be a Toontown event this year. I had asked at Guest Services in City Hall earlier in the day and the CMs there (two of them!) both said that there was no Toontown pre-party event this year. So, either it was a very last minute decision, or Disneyland wasn't doing a very good job of keeping their Guest Services CMs informed!)

Anyway, as we walked around, we saw that they had already begun to set-up the party decorations. It was kind of funny to see the Mickey Ghosts set-up, but not yet inflated. We finished up dinner and decided to head back to the front of the park to see if anything interesting happens at the start of the party!

We found a bench facing the train station and waited for the party start. Main Street was really crowded with party guests coming in and day guests heading out. There was a steady stream of guests going in both directions. I was surprised, but the shops on Main Street remained open to day guests for one hour after park closing (so from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm).

About five minutes after the party official started, the first set of Villains appeared. They just walked out (without any fanfare) and took their places below the train station. This time, there was Dr. Facilier, Maleficent, and Cruella. Lady Tremaine and her daughters also came out and mingled with guests for a little bit. They were quite funny and willing to pose for photos, but CMs were checking for wristbands at this point (so there were some very disappointed guests leaving the park). Later in the evening, I saw the Queen of Hearts, Frollo, Jafar, Hades, the Evil Queen either in the meet and greet and walking towards it.

I asked one of the CMs about whether or not they were going to do the Villains entrance show again and he said yes. The show was scheduled to happen at 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm, and 9:55 pm (I don't know if there were any later times). It's largely the same show from last year. There is an introduction (I think it's supposed to the Evil Queen) saying it's the Villains time of year and then the undertakers appear escorting the horse drawn carriage. The carriage brings out the new "face" villains and the previous "face" villains depart in the carriage.

The show is short, but worth seeing. They shot off flames from the train station this year! I don't recall that from last year, but it was pretty impressive.
In the center of Town Square is a treat trail that was handing out Werther's Caramels! I really liked how the treat trail stations had a sign indicating where they were. This was the one across from the Villains.

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - Mickey's Costume Cavalcade & Halloween Scream
Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade!
It runs at 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm. The 8:30 pm show starts at It's a Small World and progresses to Main Street. The 10:30 pm show starts at Main Street and heads back to It's a Small World. While not a full blown parade, it's still cute and fun to watch. In most cases (I think) you can get a pretty good view without waiting very long. For the first parade, I got a curb side spot about 25 minutes before the Cavalcade (down on Main Street). For the second parade, I got a curb side spot on Main Street about 10 minutes before the Cavalcade! Aside from a few things, the Cavalcade was largely the same this year as last.

The biggest change was the Frozen pre-parade float. It steps off about 5 minutes before the Cavalcade. It?s the same as during the day, so not Halloween overlay. Following behind the float is a group of guests dressed as Frozen characters. It was interesting because it was entirely children dressed as Anna, Elsa, or Olaf (and their adults). I saw plenty of adult Annas and Elsas at the party, but none were included in the pre-parade, so I think the CMs were focused on finding children and their families.

The Cavalcade starts with Vampire Mickey!

Next up is the Costume Shop float (one of the only other floats in the parade). I loved all of the decorations on the float...many of which were Mickey hats from previous years. There were dancers before and after the float.

The next sequences of the parade consisted primarily of dancers and characters. I love the Mickey pumpkins! Pirate Mickey is followed by Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy and friends.

Princess Minnie is followed by Snow White, Tiana, and Aurora (I think), plus several dancers.

Next up was Cowboy Mickey with Woody and Jessie.

Finally, Monster Mickey is followed by Sully and several monsters.

The next set of characters was kind of mish-mash of mostly animals. There was Clarabelle, Baloo, King Louie, and the bears from Country Bear.

The next sequence had ragdoll dancers and stilt walkers. The stilt walkers are always very impressive.

And then it was time for the final float of the Cavalcade. Daisy was on the front, Minnie and Mickey on the main platform. Goofy and Chip & Dale were in the middle. If you were seated on left side (when facing the float) you saw Stormtrooper Donald and if you were on the right, you saw Biker Stitch. On the back of the float was Miss Piggy and Kermit pumpkin.

Halloween Screams!
Halloween Screams is the big fireworks spectacular. It?s my favorite fireworks show in all of Disney, partially because Zero flies! It's harder and harder to find a good, non-hub spot because of the trees on both sides of the Partner Statue area. Those really can affect your ability to see the show. For Halloween Screams, make sure you can see the left side of the castle (when facing it) because that's where the ball appears. Unfortunately, this year, only part of Screams was presented due to winds. It started as normal, but ended just as the Maleficent sequence was beginning (so probably about 1/2 to 2/3rds of the way through). Still, we got to see Zero fly at least once!

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - Cadaver Dans & General Atmosphere
Cadaver Dans
The Cadaver Dans performed on the Rivers of America which was blanketed in a fog of dry ice. The dry ice makes for a neat effect. The Cadaver Dans sang Halloween or Halloween-inspired songs (e.g., This is Halloween, Grim Grinning Ghosts, Cruella DeVil, etc.). They?re really fun to watch and to listen to.

General Atmosphere
Scattered throughout Disneyland during MHP is atmospheric elements. I really liked seeing the talking Scarecrows re-appear. I saw two…both in Frontierland.

There were also lots of projections on the ground and on buildings.

My favorite decorations are the giant Mickey pumpkin and ghost inflatable figures!

There are lots of treat trails scattered throughout the park! Most have the same candy (including a nice amount of chocolate ones!), but a few have some special/unique item. The treat trail at Villains Square (aka Town Square) has Werther’s Caramels. A few had chocolate covered Crasins. It’s worth checking out the treat trail in the Golden Horseshoe Revue and at Rancho del Zocalo.

There was even a special treat trail for annual passholders. You need to have a valid AP to get into the Opera House (it’s the lobby for Mr. Lincoln). They decorated the inside of the lobby (added Halloween-ish elements). After they scan your AP, you get to go inside and pick up your treats. They were handing out a drawstring Big Hero Six bag and a special treat. They were also showing cartoons in the theater and you could sit and relax there if you wanted.

In terms of the crowds, I personally felt that it was less busy at MHP this year than last year, but I went to a party in early October last year. It was a sold out party, but the crowds felt more like what you would expect on a mid-week night opposed to a Friday night. This is about 15 minutes before fireworks. I was standing in Main Street at about the Penny Aracde. This is looking towards the castle.

And this is looking towards the Railroad Station.

I did not do any rides, but Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy was down to about 20 minutes at 11:00 pm (walked by on the way to the Innoventions’ treat trail). We saw Agent P meeting guests in Innoventions!

By the end of the night, we had a ton of candy! We collected a little over 13 pounds of candy and other treats!

Overall, my family and I had a really good time at MHP. There was plenty to do and see and not enough time to do and see everything! We made a point of focusing on the party specific activities (Cavalcade, fireworks, Cadaver Dans, etc.) and were able to do most everything we wanted. I always have a good time at MHP and can’t wait to go back next year!

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - MHP Guide Map

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - Halloween Carnival at the Big Thunder Ranch
Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch
The Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch was a fun place to check out the pumpkin carvers, watch a magic show, and meet some characters in their Halloween costumes. The Halloween Carnival is open to all guests of Disneyland. The Big Thunder Ranch area is roughly divided into three section: the petting zoo, the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (restaurant), and the Halloween Carnival.

The banner at the entrance:

More decorations at the entrance, plus the schedule of events:

The “ticket-taker”:

A decorated wagon on the walkway between the Big Thunder Ranch and the Big Thunder BBQ.

Decorations at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ:

More decorations around the Carnival:

Inside the Scaredy Shack décor.

Characters
Several different characters wander around the Halloween Carnival, dressed in their Halloween costumes. We saw Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale, Donald, and Goofy while we were there. They don’t have a set meet and greet area and just “wander” so you have to go up to them and say “hi”.

Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween Costumes

Figment got to meet Mickey!

On a side note, I was waiting for the Magic Show to begin and I noticed someone dressed kind of like a ghost, walk through the Carnival Area. After a while, I realized, that’s how the Villain from Conjure a Villain gets to and from the tent! Figment did not go to Conjure a Villain (he saw plenty of Villains at MHP), but it's a popular area of the Carnival. The line appears to move slowly, but each group that they let in is pretty big (the rule of thumb I overheard was that pretty much everyone inside the hay bale waiting area will fit into the tent).

One the most interesting things at the Halloween Carnival are the pumpkin carvers. This year, there seemed to be more etched and painted pumpkins. The carvers said they last longer this way and are less prone to molding.

Haunted Mansion Wallpaper Pumpkin

Tinkerbell Pumpkin

It's a Small World and Winnie the Pooh Pumpkins

Pearly Band from Mary Poppins Pumpkin

Anna and Elsa Pumpkin

Olaf Pumpkin

Mickey Pumpkins

The Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland Pumpkin

The Doorknob from Alice in Wonderland Pumpkin

Jack Skellington with Spider Pumpkin

Scar Pumpkin

Maleficent Pumpkin

Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy Pumpkin

Flik Pumpkin

Hatbox Ghost Pumpkin

 

[princesszelda]

So happy I found this! I love figment and his reports!!!! Now to go back and look at pictures

 

[figment_jii]

So happy I found this! I love figment and his reports!!!! Now to go back and look at pictures

Thanks! It had been a while since I'd looked at all of the photos from the earlier Halloween trips, so it was fun to see how things changed over time.

 

[princesszelda]

I know Iw as looking over ours as well the other day. I really hope this yea does not disappoint.

 

[figment_jii]

I've looking forward to this year. I can't wait to see HalloweenTime merges with the 60th Anniversary!

 

[princesszelda]

Me too, this will be the first time my sister bil, niece and nephew go. I am super excited just cant wait to see what rolls out.

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - Haunted Mansion Holiday
Haunted Mansion Holiday, 2014
For the most part, this year's Haunted Mansion Holiday is very similar to last year's edition. There are a few changes, most have to do with the removal of the extra items added for the 13th anniversary (last year). Actually, in some ways it helped identify the groups of 13 from last year, because they were missing this year! Last year (well, in SuperThread #3 and this one), I wrote up a more detailed review of HMH, so this year, it'll be a little shorter!

Outside
Guests are greeted with the sight of the mansion all decked out by Jack Skellington.

The man-eating wreathe is outside on the entrance.

The scarecrow is in the pumpkin patch.

The mansion is decked out with pumpkins and a clock.

The pumpkin patch graveyard.

The pets in the cemetery have 'festive' bows.

(This was one of the easier groups of 13 to spot last year, but this year, the eagle did not have a bow.)

Inside the Mansion and Stretching Room
The extra skulls decorating the entry way were absent this year, but otherwise, the waiting area looked much the same as last year. It all starts out looking so Christmas-y...then it changes.

(Anyone spot the Hidden Mickey?)

Hallway
Last year they added the portraits that included Zero flying from image to image. Those were back this year! This is still one my favorite additions for the 13th Anniversary.

Endless Hallway
After boarding your Doombuggy, it's into the Mansion you go! Most of this was the same, but again, some of the extra décor was missing, so it was easier to figure out what added for the groups of 13 (gift tags, bones, etc.).

Ballroom
Every year, the HMH has a different gingerbread creation! This year, it was...um...different...

When you enter the ballroom, there is coffin full of presents scattered on the ground. Can you spot the Hidden Mickey and Jack Skellington face?

As you exit the Ballroom, look to the top of the Christmas tree! Zero is flying there.

The ghostly Monkey couple is still dancing at the base of the tree (they're the greenish thing by the purple present). They're hard to see on the ride and tough to take a picture of!

Attic
Then it's on to the attic, where Jack's presents are waiting...lurking...

The present for Bill was also back this year.

The Monkey Bride was also back!

The Graveyard

Jack and Zero are still waiting to greet guests as they enter the graveyard.

The skeleton reindeer playing fetch

One of the snowflakes is still there!

The pumpkin singers.

Finale
Oogie Boogie is still waiting to give you one last gift...

Sally has a new look this year! She's not sitting on a pile of 13 presents anymore and has a more animated face (sorry, not photo to share).

 

[figment_jii]

HalloweenTime, 2014 - Haunted Mansion Holiday
Overall, the 2014 edition of Haunted Mansion Holiday is similar to the previous versions. There were some changes, but it's still generally the same ride. As for this year's gingerbread house...let's just say it was different.

2012

2013

2014

 

[figment_jii]

Now...time to wait for HalloweenTime 2015 to start!

 

[princesszelda]

Yay!!!! I can not wait to see.

 

[kaoden39]

Hopefully hopefully the Villains will be out while we're there!! We are there before the parties even start. I can hardly wait!!

 

[princesszelda]

I know in the past they have had some villains out. They save most of them for the party. Like my favorite!

 

[kaoden39]

I know in the past they have had some villains out. They save most of them for the party. Like my favorite!

My hope is that because the parties haven't started when we go maybe they will be on Main Street.

 

[figment_jii]

Only a few more days until the first of the MHP! I can't wait!