By 6:45 they were already starting to use the fog special effect so we lingered around Frontierland. There was already a line (of 2) at the Westward Ho Popcorn Cart so we decided to just hang out and wait. At some point we noticed a line for trick or treating at Tom Sawyers boat dock, so DH and the kids got in line there. At 7 we heard the official party announcement. The fog on the river was just so-so.
Not something to go out of your way for. It took a few minutes for me to get my popcorn bucket. The CM had to drag out 2 big boxes that were clearly marked “do not open unti 7pm.” But I was thrilled once I had it.
Turns out the line for ToT was long, so I was able to join the family and get some candy too.
Big Thunder Mountain was walk on, so we decided to go on it again. Then we encountered the Cadaver Dans and stopped for a number or two. Kids were mesmerized and I enjoyed their humorous songs. I would go out of my way for this.
Next on my schedule was Haunted Mansion. There were huge crowds here - some for the Magic Shot, some for nearby trick-or-treating and some for the ride. The wait said 20 minutes but it was more like 10. The CMs entertaining out on the ‘lawn’ of the Haunted Mansion were excellent. I could have stood here longer but the kids didn’t appreciate the humor as much as me.
I had changed my plan within the last week to watch the 8:15 showing of Hocus Pocus. I thought the crowds would be bad but I knew it was a priority for two in my family and I didn’t want to wait until midnight and have something go wrong (too tired or bad weather) and miss it. We arrived in front of the castle at 7:55 and it was packed.
We found a fine area and sat out the wait. At 8:10 everyone stood and waited for the start. DH had to hold DS(6) for most of the show and DS(9) also had a really hard time viewing. Some people way in front of us decided to put their kids on their shoulders and DS(9) was outraged. It was kind of funny, he kept saying ‘how rude!’ But overall we enjoyed the show. I had low expectations and we have no knowledge of Hocus Pocus but I REALLY enjoyed the show. We may have to search out the movie now.
I bolted at the end of the show to grab a spot for the parade. Since we were watching the early HP I was nervous about finding good parade viewing. The parade was my top priority. The area near Casey’s/Plaza was packed, I was nervous. But I went all the way down Main Street in front of the Confectionary Store and found plenty of curb space for the five of us. This was at 8:40. The family was right behind me. We took turns holding our space and running to the restroom, getting our SOTMK cards and getting some drinks. I wanted to get some special treats too but DH feared the line would be too long and the treats I really wanted weren’t on Main Street anyway.
The Headless Horseman came by us at 9:15. I was trying to get a good picture but instead didn’t get to really see him. The Party Patrol came by at 9:20. We were kind of in between their stops so didn’t get the best view. The Boo to You parade made it to us at 9:38. I just enjoyed the parade. I had high expectations for this night time parade and this did not meet them. It wasn’t bad I just had too high expectations. It didn’t have the emotional feel and nostalgia that Main Street Electrical Parade had for me. My favorite part was the grave diggers, which was very unique.
After the parade we bolted over to meet Mickey in his vampire costume. It was 9:55. It was a 5 min wait and perfect for us. We had never met talking Mickey before so the kids thought that was ‘cool’. Then we headed up Main Street to find a good spot to view the fireworks. We ended up between The Plaza and Main St. Head on view of the castle but a tree blocked some things off to the right. It was fine for us. Again, we enjoyed it but my expectations were too high. It didn’t have the emotional feel that Wishes! music had for me. My favorite part was towards the end when the firework felt like they surround you. According to my picture timing, they only last 12 mins. They felt short.
