First time at Halloween Party - Questions

[JeriLee]

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for timing help from all of you pros. I’m sure the answers to my questions are all over the other threads, but right now, I can’t even find out what time the parade starts!

We (Mom and 3 teens) will be getting up at 4:15 a.m. to make it to DL on Friday for rope drop. We will be staying at the Tropicana Friday night, so my plan is to park there. We plan to stay at DL until closing (something we have never done). At some point during the afternoon, we will head to the hotel to change into costumes and head to DTD for an early dinner (Ralph Brennan’s or Rain Forest – haven’t decided yet – thoughts?).

1) How early can we get our wrist bands? We want to miss the crowds if possible. Where do we get these?

2) What time should we change into costumes? I’m thinking 4:00 p.m.?

3) What time should we have dinner? I want to plan on a leisurely 1 1/2 hour dinner since it will be such a long day. I’m thinking of making reservations for 5:00. This should put us back in the park by 6:30 – is that terrible timing? Will I regret it?

4) What time should we stake out an area for the parade? What time is the parade? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere!

5) What time should we stake out an area for the fireworks? Can I find a Great spot and just stay put for both? I don't mind sitting for a long time while the kids do other things.

6) Any great tips? Such as which candy lines to hit first and which to save until later? Which characters to hit first and which to save? HydroGuy – where is your Halloween Tips Guide???

Thanks everyone!

 

[skiingfast]

We (Mom and 3 teens) will be getting up at 4:15 a.m. to make it to DL on Friday for rope drop. We will be staying at the Tropicana Friday night, so my plan is to park there. (Ralph Brennan’s or Rain Forest – haven’t decided yet – thoughts?).

1) How early can we get our wrist bands? We want to miss the crowds if possible. Where do we get these?

2) What time should we change into costumes? I’m thinking 4:00 p.m.?

3) What time should we have dinner? I want to plan on a leisurely 1 1/2 hour dinner since it will be such a long day. I’m thinking of making reservations for 5:00. This should put us back in the park by 6:30 – is that terrible timing? Will I regret it?

4) What time should we stake out an area for the parade? What time is the parade? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere!

5) What time should we stake out an area for the fireworks? Can I find a Great spot and just stay put for both? I don't mind sitting for a long time while the kids do other things.

6) Any great tips? Such as which candy lines to hit first and which to save until later? Which characters to hit first and which to save? HydroGuy – where is your Halloween Tips Guide???

Yes you will be leaving your car at the Tropicana, it's close.

Rain Forest Cafe if you haven't been there is fun and interesting. If you have and like it maybe go again. If not go to Ralph Brennans.

1. 4pm on a Friday party. Either at the front gates, or if already in the park at Plaza Gardens.

2. &3. This is a little tough. Eat so you are well done by the party start at 7pm, don't miss the party. DL, the entrance and turnstyles will be very busy from 5 to 7. So ideally you either eat over that time, or find the attractions with short lines.

4.&5. The parade is at 8:30 and 10:30. Fireworks are at 9:30. It takes a lot of time to stake out good spots. You want a spot were you can see the castle and above it easily. People will be sitting on the ground at 7pm. All space in between will get packed for the fireworks. So you are taling about 2.5 or 3 hours of the night doing this. Since you group is older you can take turns holding your spot.

6. See the villians during the day near Small World. See the party exclusive characters during the party. Characters will have short and long waits, there are a lot to see, so you might want to skip the long ones.

Trick or Treating is similiar some have lots of crowds some don't. Avoid the treats in Fantasyland they are the worst. Though the lines move quickly. You wil get a small treat bag. If you plan on this being a big part of the night bring an extra bag, back pack or buy another bag in DL.

 

[JeriLee]

SkiingFast – Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I will print them out and take them with me. We are super excited! Early to bed tonight!

 

[jessicaerv]

1) How early can we get our wrist bands? We want to miss the crowds if possible. Where do we get these?

When I attended the party on the 18th I was able to enter the Park through the Monorail entrance. There was a small table inside the turnstiles that handed out the Party Maps, the ToT bags and placed the Party wristbands on the attendees.

Just wanted everyone to know that the front gate is not the only entry point. Hope that helps!!

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Yes you will be leaving your car at the Tropicana, it's close.

Rain Forest Cafe if you haven't been there is fun and interesting. If you have and like it maybe go again. If not go to Ralph Brennans.

1. 4pm on a Friday party. Either at the front gates, or if already in the park at Plaza Gardens.

2. &3. This is a little tough. Eat so you are well done by the party start at 7pm, don't miss the party. DL, the entrance and turnstyles will be very busy from 5 to 7. So ideally you either eat over that time, or find the attractions with short lines.

4.&5. The parade is at 8:30 and 10:30. Fireworks are at 9:30. It takes a lot of time to stake out good spots. You want a spot were you can see the castle and above it easily. People will be sitting on the ground at 7pm. All space in between will get packed for the fireworks. So you are taling about 2.5 or 3 hours of the night doing this. Since you group is older you can take turns holding your spot.

6. See the villians during the day near Small World. See the party exclusive characters during the party. Characters will have short and long waits, there are a lot to see, so you might want to skip the long ones.

Trick or Treating is similiar some have lots of crowds some don't. Avoid the treats in Fantasyland they are the worst. Though the lines move quickly. You wil get a small treat bag. If you plan on this being a big part of the night bring an extra bag, back pack or buy another bag in DL.

Sorry....I meant to put my post under the OP's post.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for timing help from all of you pros. I’m sure the answers to my questions are all over the other threads, but right now, I can’t even find out what time the parade starts!

We (Mom and 3 teens) will be getting up at 4:15 a.m. to make it to DL on Friday for rope drop. We will be staying at the Tropicana Friday night, so my plan is to park there. We plan to stay at DL until closing (something we have never done). At some point during the afternoon, we will head to the hotel to change into costumes and head to DTD for an early dinner (Ralph Brennan’s or Rain Forest – haven’t decided yet – thoughts?).

1) How early can we get our wrist bands? We want to miss the crowds if possible. Where do we get these?

2) What time should we change into costumes? I’m thinking 4:00 p.m.?

3) What time should we have dinner? I want to plan on a leisurely 1 1/2 hour dinner since it will be such a long day. I’m thinking of making reservations for 5:00. This should put us back in the park by 6:30 – is that terrible timing? Will I regret it?

4) What time should we stake out an area for the parade? What time is the parade? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere!

5) What time should we stake out an area for the fireworks? Can I find a Great spot and just stay put for both? I don't mind sitting for a long time while the kids do other things.

6) Any great tips? Such as which candy lines to hit first and which to save until later? Which characters to hit first and which to save? HydroGuy – where is your Halloween Tips Guide???

Thanks everyone!

Have you seen the amazing Halloween Superthread yet?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2560082