Disappointed

[farmgirljen]

I don't see how anyone can claim they do not know about the parties as they are well advertised on the disney site. The party was fun, but I wish my family had done more to make it worth the price we paid and the effort I put into our costumes. The fireworks were awesome and I am glad we got to see them. The treat lines were long and difficult to lmocate but we got good candy and lots of it. Rides were easy to get on .

 

[bumbershoot]

And then you have most of the rides close in DCA around 8ish due to WOC,

I don't think that's true anymore; I read that most rides do run now during WOC.

 

[Spacepest]

Correct me if I am wrong, but during "value or low" season they normally only show fireworks on the weekends. The same is true for shows/park entertainment. You probably would have missed them anyway as your trip is Mon-Fri.

This is correct. My family has been going in the off season (October and November) for the past 20 years, and last year was the only year Disney offered fireworks on an off season weekday. Also, many of the parades, street entertainment, etc. is minimal. The parks have always closed early for various parties in the off season too, many of which you did not have an opportunity to even purchase a ticket for because they were corporate or special organization events.

My family sees it as a trade off. We can watch fireworks and multiple parades per day, or we can spend our time in 5 minute ride lines for the entire duration of our vacation.

 

[Teki]

Can you change your hotel to a cheaper option and then go to the Halloween party? It sounds funny to that you are paying what is for me a ridiculously expensive hotel room fee and then complaining about the cost of the Halloween party...but people have different priorities, I guess.

Agreed or maybe you could cancel one night at the californian an stay at a cheaper hotel useing the diffrence for your ticket? At any rate the chance of you seeing the fireworks ona mon - fri trip was slim during the off season. However as far as fighting for WOC you dont really have to just get there early to get your fast pass or take advantage of one of the dining options I know thats why My DBF and I are planing to do the WOC picnic. Good luck and I hope you have a magical trip

 

[Sdtl07]

I was not the one that originally booked the trip, my x husbadn did before he became an x. I usually book a cheaper hotel in order to have more money in my pocket for the kids. Do you think they would let me change the hotel reservation this close to the arrival date? I thought it had to be 30 days out.

Can you change your hotel to a cheaper option and then go to the Halloween party? It sounds funny to that you are paying what is for me a ridiculously expensive hotel room fee and then complaining about the cost of the Halloween party...but people have different priorities, I guess.

 

[Sdtl07]

I did not book the trip. My x husband did, and until he became my x I did not know about the details of the trip.

I don't see how anyone can claim they do not know about the parties as they are well advertised on the disney site. The party was fun, but I wish my family had done more to make it worth the price we paid and the effort I put into our costumes. The fireworks were awesome and I am glad we got to see them. The treat lines were long and difficult to lmocate but we got good candy and lots of it. Rides were easy to get on .

 

[Sdtl07]

To clarify, I did not book this trip, I usually book the trip to stay at the hotel right across the street from the grand californian. This time my x husband made the reservations as a way to try and fix things before he took another job that would keep him away for another year, and erased any chance of saving our marriage. I was unaware of all of the details of the trip. SO now I am a single parent trying to take my kids to Disneyland for a week, on a very strict budget. Unlike many of you I do not get to Disneyland often. I am still learning. I am disappointed that I was not aware, I am also disappointed that I can not afford the extra cost to buy my children the trick or treat tickets, as right now I just want to make everything seem as normal and happy as I can before I explain to my 4 year old that his stupid father wont be home again and wont be seeing him again for atleast another 4 to 6 months after being gone for a full year as of the 22nd of this month. SO for all of you that chose to rudly respond and judge forget you.
FOr those of you that actually gave me some good suggestions I appreciate your help.
Never coming back to this board again thanks.

 

[DahliaRW]

I was not the one that originally booked the trip, my x husbadn did before he became an x. I usually book a cheaper hotel in order to have more money in my pocket for the kids. Do you think they would let me change the hotel reservation this close to the arrival date? I thought it had to be 30 days out.

If it is a room only reservation you can cancel/change up to 5 days in advance. If it's a package, you can change it but you'll pay a fee (but I'm not sure how close you can do that, maybe someone else can pipe in).

I hope you have a lovely trip for you kids!

 

[farmgirljen]

There are a lot of us here who do not get to come very often. I am on my 2nd trip in my whole life. There are a ton of cheaper hotels off sight. You can make the trip fun on a budget if you do your homework and plan things out. Sorry about your ex...

 

[ardenandjacksmom]

Hi--sorry you felt stung by some of the other responses. I recently became a single Mom myself--so I feel you there, especially regarding the need to stay on budget!

I don't know whether you can change your hotel without a penalty (thereby freeing up some funds for the Halloween Party tickets) but reading that you have a four year old, I'm not sure that I would advise you to do that anyway.

I've only been to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (at WDW) but since I went with my then four year old daughter (on Halloween weekend to boot) I'll share my thoughts on the value of buying an extra ticket on top of the hotel/park tickets you may already be committed to.

When we went, we had a WDW resort package that included park hoppers for each day of our stay and when I found out about the party, we bought tickets to it too. Because we had already paid for a day ticket (as part of our package), we felt compelled to spend the day in one park, then head over to MK that evening and stay at the party until the fireworks at the end (11pm that night!) It was a LONG day for us (especially for our 4 year old dd) and the next day we were wiped (but again didn't want to waste that day's park ticket)!

Plus, because it was Halloween weekend, the party was sold out (typical), lines were long (we spent an hour in line for one attraction--which if you break down the party ticket into a per hour amount that is $$), treat stations were swamped, and by the end of the night dd flaked out. (This was one of my early trips and clearly I suffered from being an over-achiever--wanting to get in everything possible LOL!)

In trying to decide what to do, one question I'd ask (and only you can answer this for you/your family) is: Is there something special about the Party (that you otherwise can't do) that you will be disappointed without? It sounds like fireworks are a concern--IF (and that's an IF) you can't see fireworks from inside the park any other night of your trip, then that is a factor weighing towards buying the ticket. (But even that isn't totally true--because there are locations from outside the park where you can get a view of the fireworks)

Another VERY important question is whether your group has the stamina to do the activities (that are already planned for that day of your stay, as well as manage on lesser sleep for the NEXT day's plans) given that you'll have a late night at the Halloween party. If your crowd is made up of night owls (who would not be tempted to arrive at a rope drop the next morning anyway!) and/or you can spend the day of the party (or at least a good chunk of the afternoon) resting/lounging poolside (without wasting an already paid for day ticket) that's a better fit.

Another factor for some people in deciding to go to the Halloween/Christmas parties is that they like to do something 'new' each time they go (often 'frequent flyer' DL types like to 'collect' new Disney experiences). It makes sense if you go often that it's a draw to see a new parade, new decorations, a new fireworks show, etc. However, the good news for people like us who haven't been frequent DL visitors--it's ALL new for us

Would we buy Halloween party tickets again? I wouldn't (at least not with young kids). Instead I would avoid DL the day of the party, go at rope drop to the non-party park (in this case DCA) and spend the day there. I'd plan to spend my day at DL on a non-party night (that way you don't lose any time in DL when day ticket visitors must leave due to the early closing of the park).

I hope that helps you in deciding what to do Whatever your decision, I admire your strength in what has certainly been a trying personal time (your kids will benefit from having a Mom who overcomes the difficult circumstances in order to create happy memories with them!)

Have a fabulous trip--I can think of no better place to shake off a hard year (hence we'll be there right behind you in November LOL!)

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I think that fact remains that the OP has a trip scheduled to DL and the park will not be closed the entire visit because of the Halloween party, as she assumed. If the OP chooses, or can't afford the Halloween party, that than is her choice I still think she can have a wonderful and memorable trip with her kids and just enjoy the parks when they are available to her.

 

[By-Tor and Snow Pup]

I too am disappointed.

Last April when I booked our trip I had no idea about the Halloween party and there was definitely no info about it being in Disneyland. I booked this time of year because I mistakenly thought it would be a slower time of year.

We arrive the morning of October 22nd. I already have tickets for this day through my package deal. I now come to find out that Disneyland closes early due to the party. Not only that but I've read these reports on the forums about how Disneyland gets insanely crowed at 4pm when the party people arrive. So not only do I get reduced hours but also a reduced experience due to these crowds. So, just hop over to DCA you say. Well, I read on the forums that DCA is so over crowded during the Halloween party that it may as well be closed. Great.

But wait. That's not all! Now I find out that Disneyland closes early on our final day Monday Oct. 25 due to a private party. Sweet. So all the things that happen on the Halloween party day may happen on this day too.

So, "Just buy Halloween Party tickets," you say. Well, this is my big family vacation. I have spent a huge amount of money already. I am a working class guy who just wants to take his great kids to Disneyland. I am not made of money.

So yeah, I read that I have to peel my children out of bed at 6am (on their vacation) to get to that rope drop because in a few hours the lines will be painfully long. Not like the Disney trips I had as a child.

I wrote an email to Disney and just got a blow off reply.

I am disappointed.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

So yeah, I read that I have to peel my children out of bed at 6am (on their vacation) to get to that rope drop because in a few hours the lines will be painfully long. Not like the Disney trips I had as a child.

That's how we do Disney ~ it's not a vacation for sleeping in and relaxing! The early morning hours are the best ~ why not go to bed early??? You'll still get plenty of sleep.... If the park hours were longer I'd suggest a mid day break *nap* but with shorter hours no need to ~ start early, go all day and then get to bed early for the next day.
It DLR ~ I'm sure you'll have fun!

 

[pycees312]

To the original poster please don't let a few spoil all that the Dis boards has to offer.


Some of us have to remember that not all of us are into "Disney" as some of us are. If you don't regularly visit DL and book in say December for Oct they probably would not tell you hey" the parks will have adjusted hours etc" Lot's of new planners visit the Disboards because the really have no clue about Disney and how things work or operate.
That said hopefully some of the advice good and bad will help the OP. Either way enjoy your stay in Disneyland with your kids they will have a blast regardless.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I too am disappointed.

Last April when I booked our trip I had no idea about the Halloween party and there was definitely no info about it being in Disneyland. I booked this time of year because I mistakenly thought it would be a slower time of year.

None of us did, DL didn't announce the party until May. Since DL has added Halloween Time to the parks, it has become increasingly popular and more crowded as students have fall breaks during this time as well.

We arrive the morning of October 22nd. I already have tickets for this day through my package deal. I now come to find out that Disneyland closes early due to the party. Not only that but I've read these reports on the forums about how Disneyland gets insanely crowed at 4pm when the party people arrive. So not only do I get reduced hours but also a reduced experience due to these crowds. So, just hop over to DCA you say. Well, I read on the forums that DCA is so over crowded during the Halloween party that it may as well be closed. Great.

If you think it's going to be too crowded, you can always spend some time in Downtown Disney, go for a good dinner at one of the many restaurants or shop at the stores.

But wait. That's not all! Now I find out that Disneyland closes early on our final day Monday Oct. 25 due to a private party. Sweet. So all the things that happen on the Halloween party day may happen on this day too.

For the private party, they will not allow guests in early. They will close and clear the park before the private party starts.

So, "Just buy Halloween Party tickets," you say. Well, this is my big family vacation. I have spent a huge amount of money already. I am a working class guy who just wants to take his great kids to Disneyland. I am not made of money.

So yeah, I read that I have to peel my children out of bed at 6am (on their vacation) to get to that rope drop because in a few hours the lines will be painfully long. Not like the Disney trips I had as a child.

Some people like to have an early day in the park and not stay to closing, some like to sleep in. Nobody says you have to be at rope drop. It's a choice.

I wrote an email to Disney and just got a blow off reply.

I really don't know what you expect them to do. You are not the only one visiting the parks. They are trying to appeal to the masses, if you think this is a bad time of year to go, then try going another time, like February.I am disappointed.

I sounds like you're already getting yourself convinced that this is going to be a terrible trip because the parks are closing early 2 days of your stay and you have to "peel" your kids out of bed early. I hope you can have a good time despite the parks closing early for the parties!

 

[zeitzeuge]

We just got back from last weeks MHP and a couple extra days in the parks. I have to say that yes, MHP was totally worth the cost, IF you can afford it and I understand that you can't. That being said, I promise it won't ruin your trip. You'll have other days to spend 8am until closing in the parks. Trust me, we did 3 days from 8am until midnight and we were so exhausted, we could barely stand by 8pm that night and we just HAD to stay until midnight to experience all we can.

Also, regarding the crowds, I was told that the first weekend in October is the worst for crowds. While we were there, yes the crowds were big, especially on MHP nights and yes the park got busier around 4pm or so. BUT, it seemed that most parents and their children were too worried about standing in lines of 100+ people or more all over the park waiting for candy, than to ride any attractions.

Most of the three days, our wait times were null to about 5-15 minutes for almost everything. We utilized Fast Passes on SM, HMH, Splash and Buzz. We hit Nemo first thing in the morning before the lines form and did the same for POTC since they both don't offer FP's. Utilizing that strategy, we never once waited longer than 20 minutes for the E Ticket attractions. Not once in 3 days. So your experience will not be ruined by crowds or the MHP party.

Trust me.

 

[pixiewings71]

I was not the one that originally booked the trip, my x husbadn did before he became an x. I usually book a cheaper hotel in order to have more money in my pocket for the kids. Do you think they would let me change the hotel reservation this close to the arrival date? I thought it had to be 30 days out.

I thought you could make changes to your reservation until 7 days before without penalty, BUT we had AP's so when we did make/have ressies at a resort hotel (we only stayed on-site 2 or 3 times) we made room only reservations so it might be different. I would call the GCH and ask them if you would be subject to penalties if you cancelled the hotel at this point. It can't hurt to make a quick call to figure out your options.

To clarify, I did not book this trip, I usually book the trip to stay at the hotel right across the street from the grand californian. This time my x husband made the reservations as a way to try and fix things before he took another job that would keep him away for another year, and erased any chance of saving our marriage. I was unaware of all of the details of the trip. SO now I am a single parent trying to take my kids to Disneyland for a week, on a very strict budget. Unlike many of you I do not get to Disneyland often. I am still learning. I am disappointed that I was not aware, I am also disappointed that I can not afford the extra cost to buy my children the trick or treat tickets, as right now I just want to make everything seem as normal and happy as I can before I explain to my 4 year old that his stupid father wont be home again and wont be seeing him again for atleast another 4 to 6 months after being gone for a full year as of the 22nd of this month. SO for all of you that chose to rudly respond and judge forget you.
FOr those of you that actually gave me some good suggestions I appreciate your help.
Never coming back to this board again thanks.

I'm sorry you are now single and I applaud you for taking your DS on the trip anyway. It's hard to be a single parent. I'm also sorry you felt attacked and don't want to come back, I hope you will reconsider. I've been on the boards for a long time and have received some amazing advice and made some great friends here. I hope you'll come back and give us another shot, especially if you're doing the trip on a budget, there are a TON of great tips here on saving money! Also, not everyone on this board goes all the time, yes my family had an amazing 2 year run with AP's (while we were both employed but I've since lost my job) but we haven't been back since January, have no plans set for a return trip (altho DD14 has a band trip in the spring lol) and before that we had only been twice, everyone's situation here is different but everyone has advice.

The day of the party, why not head to DTD, grab a bite to eat, maybe to go the movie theater there and see what's playing. Head back to the GCH and go to the pool, the GCH has an AMAZING pool area!!! Or bring your favorite Disney movies and head back to the room that night to watch movies with your DS. Also, the GCH has storytime by the fireplace, that's really neat to do, cuddle with your DS in a chair by the fire and listen to stories. We did that a few times, the girls loved it! Best of all, it's free.

I too am disappointed.

Last April when I booked our trip I had no idea about the Halloween party and there was definitely no info about it being in Disneyland. I booked this time of year because I mistakenly thought it would be a slower time of year.

We arrive the morning of October 22nd. I already have tickets for this day through my package deal. I now come to find out that Disneyland closes early due to the party. Not only that but I've read these reports on the forums about how Disneyland gets insanely crowed at 4pm when the party people arrive. So not only do I get reduced hours but also a reduced experience due to these crowds. So, just hop over to DCA you say. Well, I read on the forums that DCA is so over crowded during the Halloween party that it may as well be closed. Great.

But wait. That's not all! Now I find out that Disneyland closes early on our final day Monday Oct. 25 due to a private party. Sweet. So all the things that happen on the Halloween party day may happen on this day too.

So, "Just buy Halloween Party tickets," you say. Well, this is my big family vacation. I have spent a huge amount of money already. I am a working class guy who just wants to take his great kids to Disneyland. I am not made of money.

So yeah, I read that I have to peel my children out of bed at 6am (on their vacation) to get to that rope drop because in a few hours the lines will be painfully long. Not like the Disney trips I had as a child.

I wrote an email to Disney and just got a blow off reply.

I am disappointed.

Bummer, you guys get hit with it twice! I wouldn't be happy either. I wouldn't peel the kids out of bed early myself either, we would check out DCA and decide what to do from there. If we decided to leave we'd head back to the room, go to a movie, head to the GCH for some free storytime (free to everyone, not just hotel guests), wander DTD or even head over to the Anaheim Garden Walk, pretty sure they have a bowling alley there, do you guys like to bowl? That might be something fun for you guys to do.

To the PP's, remember that you can get FP's for rides at DCA during the day before the MHP. Why not hop over there and grab some FPs during the day, then at night you can use those to ride a few rides after DL closes for the parties.

 

[bumbershoot]

I too am disappointed.

Last April when I booked our trip I had no idea about the Halloween party and there was definitely no info about it being in Disneyland.

So yeah, I read that I have to peel my children out of bed at 6am (on their vacation) to get to that rope drop because in a few hours the lines will be painfully long.

This is the first year it's been at Disneyland. It's been a surprise to ALL of us, ever since they made that announcement.

Getting up early is always the best way to get the best time! I am a nightowl/late sleeper by nature, but I am up at dawn at Disney...it's too good and too empty in the morning to miss it!

I was not the one that originally booked the trip, my x husbadn did before he became an x. I usually book a cheaper hotel in order to have more money in my pocket for the kids. Do you think they would let me change the hotel reservation this close to the arrival date? I thought it had to be 30 days out.

You just have to call and see. If it's through Costco or Disneyland and is a package, officially there's a change/cancel fee, but they've been known to make exceptions.

I would be SURE to make a different reservation before doing that, though...

...right now I just want to make everything seem as normal and happy as I can before I explain to my 4 year old that his stupid father wont be home again and wont be seeing him again for atleast another 4 to 6 months after being gone for a full year as of the 22nd of this month. SO for all of you that chose to rudly respond and judge forget you.
FOr those of you that actually gave me some good suggestions I appreciate your help.
Never coming back to this board again thanks.

I'm so sorry that you've been saddled with telling your 4 year old. I've always thought that the one leaving should have the difficult time explaining it all, and not just wimp out and leave the other parent, the one who will be dealing with the fallout for years, to do it. My poor mom had to do that with us (I was 4, brother was 2, when my mom finally called an end to the marriage to my abusive father...he wasn't living with us by then, but the finalities hadn't been taken care of)...and I had a BIG case of "daddy's the best" until I was 15 and finally FINALLY saw the light, so I feel extra-bad for what she had to go through.

I'm sorry if you thought anyone was rude...I might have skimmed, but I only saw people making suggestions and trying to help you see that it won't be closed on ALL nights, not at all. If you're leaving on Friday, it's only closing early ONE night!

Having had a 4 year old at Disneyland, I would say that if you're getting up early to take advantage of the nice quiet times, the 4 year old isn't going to make it much past 8 anyway. So just enjoy the time you do have, and it will, I'm SURE, feel MORE than adequate to your needs and wants.

Staying onsite gets you the Magic Morning on Tuesday and Thursday, so that helps you out...plus you have the resort guest entrance to DCA (though if you switched to PPH or DLH, to reduce costs, you can still use that entrance, FYI)...there might be advantages to keeping the Grand as your resort.


But you won't know your options unless/until you call! Hopefully the reservation is in your name so you can make changes.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I called Disney a bit ago and asked the CM about this specific situation and he said Disney would be glad to work with anyone in this situation. The big problem comes from how the reservation was made and where the monies would be refunded to. I would check other places to make sure the OP could still get a place to stay.
And I am one of those male x's because I have worked out of country alot over the years. I have a lot of empathy for families where one person has to be away alot. PS an email will not help. Good luck and I am sure everyone can still have a blast.

Jack

 

[Amy&Dan]

To the original poster please don't let a few spoil all that the Dis boards has to offer.


Some of us have to remember that not all of us are into "Disney" as some of us are. If you don't regularly visit DL and book in say December for Oct they probably would not tell you hey" the parks will have adjusted hours etc" Lot's of new planners visit the Disboards because the really have no clue about Disney and how things work or operate.
That said hopefully some of the advice good and bad will help the OP. Either way enjoy your stay in Disneyland with your kids they will have a blast regardless.

I agree with you.
OP (if maybe you are still reading the thread) I hope it works out. I do agree that these hard ticket events sort of stink. You pay an arm and a leg to go to Disneyland, then find out you need to pay some more to get the max out of your trip.

I would definitely look into seeing if you can change hotels. If DL is like WDW, if you downgrade before a certain time frame (depends on if you did a package or not, if its a room only you can for sure change). So you could maybe stay at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier, still be onsite but most likely save a substantial amount. The GCH is nice, but so are the other two onsite hotels.

I hope it works out and that you do get to go, the Halloween parties are very fun. On the other hand, I will take nice, quiet mornings over any nighttime event any day, especially when my kids were young. You can see the fireworks from other areas around your hotel, and I am pretty sure there is some sort of observation deck at the Grand Californian where you can see the fireworks. I do agree that your early mornings will give you a lot of quality park time. And if you can at least see the fireworks from someplace, your four year old will be thrilled and not even realize they can be seen from anywhere but where you are.

And best of luck to you with what is going on in your life right now. I hope you and your kids have a magical vacation, you surely do deserve it!

Forgot to say, the week you are going is not bad crowd wise (or it wasn't last year). We were there that same exact time frame a year ago, and it was wonderful. Especially those weekdays. So just know that you'll be able to do so much more than you won't on that one evening if you aren't able to go. And the GCH has a wonderful pool and Whitewater Snacks is one of the best counter service places for food and value in all of Disneyland and its right there at your hotel. Also the pizza window in DTD right by GCH has good pizza by the slice for pretty cheap.

And maybe somebody can verify, but there is an IHOP right across the street from DL on Harbor. It used to be kids ate free with a paying adult. Its not a far walk at all, and those free meals could save you some money.