Anyone vets of Happy Haunts Ball?

[lenshanem]

I'm curious as to the cheapest package. Has anyone ever done this and is it worth even the $150? Where was the buffet held last year and what do they do that night within the park?

Thanks!

 

[Figment2]

This will be the 3rd HBB held. If you are a Haunted Mansion fan and love to buy the merchandise, it is worth it. There is a gift (last year was a tombstone with a raven whose eyes light up and caws). Food is a buffet. Last year for whatever reason they had the food outside and it was dark and it was hard to see what you were taking. For example, there was something that looked like gravy next to the mashed potatoes. It turned out to be BBQ sauce. I give the food a B+

There are a limited number of attractions open - HM (of course), Splash and last year Pirates was open since Big Thunder was not.

They do have a "parade" of sorts. The headless horseman makes an appearance and he actually stops so you can take great pictures! They had the HM dancers and grave diggers (if you've gone to a MNSSHP then you've seen them in that parade).

I go with a bunch of friends so we have a blast. Is it worth $150? To us yes, since we all love the merchandise. There is a RSP which you choose items you'd like. Then there is a lottery and you are advised which items you got. Then you realize how much all the items you've chosen will cost and you make some hard decisions.

Hope this helps.

Cyn

 

[ILoveMickey]

To the 999 Happy Haunts Ball. I went last year, my DH and kids and I were going anyway to WDW and DH bought me a ticket for my birthday.

I LOVED IT!! I bought the (then) 129.95 package, just the dinner, auction, stuff and it was worth it to me! I got a great wonderful gift, a free pin in the mail in a few weeks and another free pin in the mail 4 or 5 months later. It was fantastic!

The evening started for me with the trip to Coronado Springs for the auction. I didn't buy anything, but it was definitely fun to watch! Especially since they had so many many things from the movie that hadn't come out yet... and we got a sneak preview of the movie itself that was great!

Then over to MK for the dinner, entertainment. I was alone, which might not appeal to some of you, but since I had 4 kids with me ranging in ages from 8 months to 10 years, it was great to get to do what I Wanted to do! I ate the food which I thought was great, and I was one of the first ones in the MK, then wandered around enjoying watching the people and the parade and teh music and the attractions that were practically deserted. I stayed until probably midnight and really had a great time. I got a cool t-shirt, and the most fun thing was riding HM at night with hardly anyone else in the attraction with me. And riding the riverboat at night was also nice.

Email me privately if you want more details, I just hope I get to go this year!

 

[madcoco]

Are there still openings? Was thinking registration was in June. Thanks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Those reviews sound great! Now it will be even harder to wait until October '05, this is something I'm going to want to do!

Thanks,
Bobbi

 

[Penny2]

Hate to be the wet blanket here but I went last year and wouldn't go again. I found the event to be very unorganized...we were told to arrive after the event had started, when I took my itinerary up to the desk....they could have cared less...we missed out on a free gift and picture...no biggie, but bothersome. The auction was a big yawn...we left and wandered around for a while....then for the bus load....it took forever!!!

We got to the MK and they didn't have ECV's although we had been assured that they would. The castle and main street were decorated really great and the headless horseman and parade were nice, too. We then walked through adventureland where they set up the food. Standard catered food...most of which wasn't all that warm....or tasty....although there was plenty of it.

All in all it was okay, however, not worth the $150 per person we paid. I think that if you are a collector you will find this a much more valuable event. As special events go (I am an events manager) I found this to be mediocre and not up to Disney standards. I wish I would have saved the money and gone to MNSHP instead.

I went to a Christmas event at the Contemporary 6 years ago that was so much better. Big time show, great food and wine.....I know Disney can do a better job than they did with this event.

 

[TDC Nala]

This year I understand the entire one night event (there are also two and three day events that cost more) will take place in the MK, no busing from Coronado.

I'm most likely going alone this year, too, and am slightly worried about THAT since I'll want to stay, but I love the merchandise.

for info and registration, see www.disneygallery.com