Diamonds vs Pumpkins...How to plan a Halloween trip in 2015

[Bone Daddy]

Hello fellow DISers. So I need some help. I've planned a 5 night/day visit to the 'Motherland' beginning Wednesday the 28th through Sunday the 1st. As I quickly approach this Epic Disney vacation, I've realized that there are many details I need to resolve so I can enjoy a seamless Disney VaCay. The biggest concerns which infiltrate my mind involve how to juggle the 'Diamond Celebrations' occurring at DLR with the traditional Halloween festivities that transpire annualy at the parks. In other words, can I experince the all-immersive "Paint the Night", plus the "Forever" fireworks during the 60th Anniversary celebration, the awe-inspiring "Fantasmic", the Diamond Edition 'World of Color' event, and enjoy the seasonal over-hauls of Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Space Mountain all in one trip! I'm hoping so. Any and all feedback would be EARppreciated!! (I know, pretty cheesy, huh)?

 

[figment_jii]

Yes, I think there is a good chance that you can enjoy most of the Halloween and Diamond Celebration offerings during the dates you have mentioned (October 28 to November 1). There are two MHP scheduled during your stay (Oct 29 and Oct 31). On those nights, DL will close early and there won't be a PtN or fireworks show for non-party guests. I just read the comments on the Park Blog entry about HalloweenTime and it sounds like Disneyland Forever (fireworks) and PtN will be presented nightly during HalloweenTime (Sep 11 to Oct 31). I don't know about Diamond Mad T Party (hopefully!). So you should have plenty of chances to see most of the shows (baring weather of course).

One question is whether you plan to go to MHP or not...if you do that, then you can watch PtN then, along with the Halloween fireworks (Halloween Screams).

Just note that there is no Halloween overlay for Jungle Cruise. See the HalloweenTime SuperThread for more discussion about HalloweenTime.

 

[Sherry E]

I wish there were a fun Halloween overlay for Jungle Cruise!

 

[dsny1mom]

Hello fellow DISers. So I need some help. I've planned a 5 night/day visit to the 'Motherland' beginning Wednesday the 28th through Sunday the 1st. As I quickly approach this Epic Disney vacation, I've realized that there are many details I need to resolve so I can enjoy a seamless Disney VaCay. The biggest concerns which infiltrate my mind involve how to juggle the 'Diamond Celebrations' occurring at DLR with the traditional Halloween festivities that transpire annualy at the parks. In other words, can I experince the all-immersive "Paint the Night", plus the "Forever" fireworks during the 60th Anniversary celebration, the awe-inspiring "Fantasmic", the Diamond Edition 'World of Color' event, and enjoy the seasonal over-hauls of Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Space Mountain all in one trip! I'm hoping so. Any and all feedback would be EARppreciated!! (I know, pretty cheesy, huh)?

We arrive Oct 28th and depart Nov 2. We just got back from 10 days at DLR so if we miss PTN or the Fireworks we will be ok. Here is what my tentative plan is:

Oct 28 arrive late monrning. Check into DLH. Go to parks until 8ish then head over to PPH to try the new buffet.
Oct 29th Parks then Haloween Party (feel no need to see PTN during the party)
Oct 30 parks and then TomrrowLand Terrace to see Scot Bruce. We will stay for all of his sets he is amazing!
Oct 31 Parks then Haloween party (again no need to see PTN during the party)
Nov 1 Parks open to close and we must see F! as it is our favorite show! May do dinner at 33 and if we do we will see F! from VIP section, as that is only way to get a dang chair!!! If we choose not to dine at 33 (I was not thrilled with our dinner there two weeks ago) then we will probably dine at BB, although our meal there was not great there either at least it was more reasonable!
Nov 2 Parks in the am then sadly heading home

If you are not going to both Haloween parties you can see WOC one of those nights. You should be able to see PTN and Fireworks on none party nights. That will leave you with your party night(s) open to see Haloween Screams and enjoy the Haloween ambiance!

Have fun!!!
dsny1mom

 

[mummabear]

I wish there were a fun Halloween overlay for Jungle Cruise!

Imagine that, zombie skippers hahahaha

 

[mummabear]

We arrive Oct 28th and depart Nov 2. We just got back from 10 days at DLR so if we miss PTN or the Fireworks we will be ok. Here is what my tentative plan is:

Oct 28 arrive late monrning. Check into DLH. Go to parks until 8ish then head over to PPH to try the new buffet.
Oct 29th Parks then Haloween Party (feel no need to see PTN during the party)
Oct 30 parks and then TomrrowLand Terrace to see Scot Bruce. We will stay for all of his sets he is amazing!
Oct 31 Parks then Haloween party (again no need to see PTN during the party)
Nov 1 Parks open to close and we must see F! as it is our favorite show! May do dinner at 33 and if we do we will see F! from VIP section, as that is only way to get a dang chair!!! If we choose not to dine at 33 (I was not thrilled with our dinner there two weeks ago) then we will probably dine at BB, although our meal there was not great there either at least it was more reasonable!
Nov 2 Parks in the am then sadly heading home

If you are not going to both Haloween parties you can see WOC one of those nights. You should be able to see PTN and Fireworks on none party nights. That will leave you with your party night(s) open to see Haloween Screams and enjoy the Haloween ambiance!

Have fun!!!
dsny1mom

If you weren't happy with your dinner at C33 I am happy to vet it for you on the 29th (if you could just you know um get me in )

Ah feels so good to offer such a selfless act of kindness lol

 

[mummabear]

Hello fellow DISers. So I need some help. I've planned a 5 night/day visit to the 'Motherland' beginning Wednesday the 28th through Sunday the 1st. As I quickly approach this Epic Disney vacation, I've realized that there are many details I need to resolve so I can enjoy a seamless Disney VaCay. The biggest concerns which infiltrate my mind involve how to juggle the 'Diamond Celebrations' occurring at DLR with the traditional Halloween festivities that transpire annualy at the parks. In other words, can I experince the all-immersive "Paint the Night", plus the "Forever" fireworks during the 60th Anniversary celebration, the awe-inspiring "Fantasmic", the Diamond Edition 'World of Color' event, and enjoy the seasonal over-hauls of Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Space Mountain all in one trip! I'm hoping so. Any and all feedback would be EARppreciated!! (I know, pretty cheesy, huh)?

So frustrating not having the schedule!
As others have posted the perks blog has said that DF will run nightly (except party nights) historically WOC will as well.
With 4or 5 nights (depending on if you are travelling on the 1st or the 2nd) you will have plenty of time to hit F!, WOC, PTN and DF.
Just note that you should expect F! Only on the Friday/ Sunday.

 

[ashleysev]

LOL at the MotherLand comment.

We're looking at similar dates and I was having similar questions as you were. I'll check out the official thread. I haven't decided on MHP either way yet. I guess it depends on what you're hoping to see on the trip.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

You should have no trouble seeing everything in the time you are there. I personally think MHP is not worth the extra money, but it is a lot of fun and the villains and special fireworks are cool. You can see a lot of the other stuff on a regular day though.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Yes, I think there is a good chance that you can enjoy most of the Halloween and Diamond Celebration offerings during the dates you have mentioned (October 28 to November 1). There are two MHP scheduled during your stay (Oct 29 and Oct 31). On those nights, DL will close early and there won't be a PtN or fireworks show for non-party guests. I just read the comments on the Park Blog entry about HalloweenTime and it sounds like Disneyland Forever (fireworks) and PtN will be presented nightly during HalloweenTime (Sep 11 to Oct 31). I don't know about Diamond Mad T Party (hopefully!). So you should have plenty of chances to see most of the shows (baring weather of course).

One question is whether you plan to go to MHP or not...if you do that, then you can watch PtN then, along with the Halloween fireworks (Halloween Screams).

Just note that there is no Halloween overlay for Jungle Cruise. See the HalloweenTime SuperThread for more discussion about HalloweenTime.

That blog entry seems to be well hidden. I can't find it on the Disney Blog site. Can anyone post a link?

 

[lvdis]

It's in one of the comments at the bottom of this blog - http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...he-disneyland-resort-september-11-november-1/

 

[AHGB]

That blog entry seems to be well hidden. I can't find it on the Disney Blog site. Can anyone post a link?

I believe this is what you are looking for;

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...he-disneyland-resort-september-11-november-1/

 

[Sherry E]

In the Halloween Time at DLR Superthread, on a couple of occasions I've also posted the nutshell version of the important things to note about Halloween Time and Mickey's Halloween party this year, as well as the status of Disneyland Forever and Paint the Night, as follows:

• Halloween Time begins on Friday, September 11, 2015, and ends on Sunday, November 1, 2015;

• Mickey's Halloween Party begins on Friday, September 25, 2015 (see full schedule and additional info here - http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-disneyland-resort-september-11-november-1/);

• This year there will be 17 Halloween Party nights (up from 14 parties in 2014), and prices have gone up rather significantly (see all dates and info here - https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/mickeys-halloween-party/);

• Halloween Party tickets go on sale to AP holders, DVC members and Disney Visa card holders on Wednesday, July 22nd, while tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, July 29th;

• This year there will be no Costume Party Cavalcade at the Party; instead, Paint the Night will be the featured parade at MHP; Paint the Night will also run on all non-MHP nights as well, so it is not exclusive to the Halloween Party;

• Halloween Screams fireworks will still be part of Mickey's Halloween Party;

• Disneyland Forever fireworks will run on all non-party nights (including early weeknights) throughout Halloween Time, with the exception of Thursday, September 10th (which doesn't really count, as Halloween Time doesn't begin until 9/11);

• There is a Halloween Party on Columbus Day this year (which never happens), as well as very rare Saturday and Sunday parties (Halloween night and October 25th, respectively);

• We can expect "special sparkling Halloween decor in honor of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration" this year, so it sounds like there will be some new Halloween decorations that somehow fit the Diamond theme; and

• The Hatbox Ghost is going to stay in place for the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay -- no one knows how he will be worked into the story, but he will be there!

​

 

[figment_jii]

That blog entry seems to be well hidden. I can't find it on the Disney Blog site. Can anyone post a link?

In the links provided by lvdis and AHGB, see Erin's answer to comments 23 and 30.

 

[AHGB]

In my opinion, 9/11 as the starting date for Halloween Time is not appropriate. It is a day that will forever be remembered for the horrific tragedies that took place in America. And for our American heros both fallen and standing, for all their selfless acts, diligence bravery and perseverance.

Disneyland is not being respectable in my opinion.

 

[Sherry E]

In my opinion, 9/11 as the starting date for Halloween Time is not appropriate. It is a day that will forever be remembered for the horrific tragedies that took place in America. And for our American heros both fallen and standing, for all their selfless acts, diligence bravery and perseverance.

Disneyland is not being respectable in my opinion.

I don't think it was the wisest choice for a start date. I am very surprised that they decided to go with 9/11 as the start date. I had been saying for a long, long, long time that I did not believe they would start the season on that date -- for the reasons you described, but then also because I was reminded that Labor Day is later than usual this year, and Halloween Time would be starting too close to Labor Day. Another reason is that 9/11 is actually before WDW even gets going with its own Halloween festivities this year -- and how often does DLR get a jump start on WDW?

Seeing that Disney doesn't even "officially" begin the Holiday season at DLR on or before Veterans Day anymore (and hasn't in just about a decade), but they soft open a bunch of things before 11/11 and then start the official season right after 11/11, I thought for sure they would do the same thing with Halloween Time. I figured they would soft open HMH and SMGG by 9/11, and then "officially" begin the season somewhere between 9/12 and 9/18. Clearly, I was totally, completely wrong on that one.

 

[Bone Daddy]

We arrive Oct 28th and depart Nov 2. We just got back from 10 days at DLR so if we miss PTN or the Fireworks we will be ok. Here is what my tentative plan is:

Oct 28 arrive late monrning. Check into DLH. Go to parks until 8ish then head over to PPH to try the new buffet.
Oct 29th Parks then Haloween Party (feel no need to see PTN during the party)
Oct 30 parks and then TomrrowLand Terrace to see Scot Bruce. We will stay for all of his sets he is amazing!
Oct 31 Parks then Haloween party (again no need to see PTN during the party)
Nov 1 Parks open to close and we must see F! as it is our favorite show! May do dinner at 33 and if we do we will see F! from VIP section, as that is only way to get a dang chair!!! If we choose not to dine at 33 (I was not thrilled with our dinner there two weeks ago) then we will probably dine at BB, although our meal there was not great there either at least it was more reasonable!
Nov 2 Parks in the am then sadly heading home

If you are not going to both Haloween parties you can see WOC one of those nights. You should be able to see PTN and Fireworks on none party nights. That will leave you with your party night(s) open to see Haloween Screams and enjoy the Haloween ambiance!

Have fun!!!
dsny1mom

Thanks for your input dsny1mom! Funny that you're there with your FAM on the exact dates I am there, and it seems that you're a DLR vet with experience including these "extras" blending into the typical DLR "itineary'. I pride myself on obsessively planning and researching my vacations, especially when it comes to DISNEY. All that being said, I concur with the 'touring plan' that tentatively commits to a visit to DL on the 28th, the day we arrive to SoCal, and maybe a dinner at Napa Rose, our favorite DLR restaurant. I hope to see F!, but I'm told that may be seasonally scheduled. Anyways, my #1 bucket list experience has to involve the Disneyland Forever Fireworks, cause I have to balance it with DLRs Hallow'Scream's fireworks. Looking forward to all the Diamond Festivities>>>!!!

 

[dsny1mom]

Thanks for your input dsny1mom! Funny that you're there with your FAM on the exact dates I am there, and it seems that you're a DLR vet with experience including these "extras" blending into the typical DLR "itineary'. I pride myself on obsessively planning and researching my vacations, especially when it comes to DISNEY. All that being said, I concur with the 'touring plan' that tentatively commits to a visit to DL on the 28th, the day we arrive to SoCal, and maybe a dinner at Napa Rose, our favorite DLR restaurant. I hope to see F!, but I'm told that may be seasonally scheduled. Anyways, my #1 bucket list experience has to involve the Disneyland Forever Fireworks, cause I have to balance it with DLRs Hallow'Scream's fireworks. Looking forward to all the Diamond Festivities>>>!!!

Yes F! will most likey be shown Fri-Sun in Oct. Looks like we'll be able to catch F! two nights as I just found out last night bands will no longer being playng at Tomorrowland Terrace after Sept of this year, for the forseeable future! This is really sad news for Scot Bruce fans and fans of the other bands that have played at DL regularly for many many years.

 

[Meemoo]

Does anyone think they may show Fantasmic on additional nights where Halloween parties fall on both a Fri & Sun night? I'm a little nervous of only having the Saturday night to rely on, and hope weather will not be an issue. My daughter LOVES dragons and I know she would love this show.

 

[Bone Daddy]

Parties fall on Thursday and Saturday, the 29th & 31st respectively, this year. F! takes place on all other nights.