First Time - Halloween and MHT

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

We have never been to the Park for Halloween and are also doing MHT for the first time - I want to be sure not to miss anything new. Can anyone give me tips of 'not to miss" things to do while we are there. I have a 10 year old and 7 year old - in case that makes a difference.

What things should we do first at MHT in case we run out of time? Did I read that TOT is different? Will it be too scary for the kids?

Any tips appreciated!

 

[ACDSNY]

Giving this a bump as I'm curious too! This will be our first trip to DL at Halloween.

 

[ScooterL]

ToT was different last year but I don't think it's different this year - I rode it on Friday and I think it was the same as usual. (It wasn't just different during the MHT parties - it was like that all the time last year.)

If your kids are into character meet and greets there are quite a few characters out during MHT - the lines aren't too bad except for Mickey and Minnie and the Princesses. There are quite a few villains out! If your kids want to meet Mickey and Minnie I would do that first. There are also a couple of craft areas. And "dance" areas like the Hokey Pokey Hoedown where they can play with hula hoops, etc.

The midway games are all free and anyone can play - they give out candy for prizes instead of stuffed animals, though.

They added an extra hour to the party last year (and it's the same length this year) which helped a lot in not making us feel quite so rushed. There was *plenty* of candy, especially on the two "treat" trails back at Grizzly Peak and Redwood Creek Challenge. If early in the evening there's lines for the treat stations just keep going further into the park, and you'll find treat stations with shorter/no lines - and as the evening goes on the lines get shorter.

As for other Halloween activities - there are shows at Woody's Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch, and at Candy Corn Acres (Sunshine Plaza), and those are kind of fun. There are also crafts for the kids at Big Thunder Ranch. In Disneyland's Town Square the characters are out during the day wearing their Halloween costumes, and their "Candy Corn" festival attire at Sunshine Plaza.

Hope that helps.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Thanks for the info ScooterL, we are also going to MHT for the first time next Friday, can't wait

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Thank you ScooterL for the tips.

Does anyone know how busy is busy for MHT. I know they only sell a certain number of tickets - but how many and how does this compare to a normal day at California Adventure. Like if we go on rides, how long can we expect the waits to be?

 

[cwoob]

wow that sounds pretty cool. i think i am going to have to round up a kid to take with me. that way i wont seem so out of place if it's only me & my b.f. who goes...

 

[vernfonzndrian]

Does anyone know how busy is busy for MHT. I know they only sell a certain number of tickets - but how many and how does this compare to a normal day at California Adventure. Like if we go on rides, how long can we expect the waits to be?

I'd like to know this one too... Anyone?

 

[WatchYourHeadNStep]

It is not as busy as a regular day in the parks. The evening starts off with you and your people going from station to station to collecting candy or "healthy snacks". I would recommend starting backwards because that prevents you from being caught up in the long lines that form at each stop.

You also have characters placed throughout the park at designated picture stops. The characters will be standing around a display. Usually the characters do not quite match up to their location but you will see JoJo outside Disney's ClubHouse, Jafar and other villans outside the Aladdin theater, etc.

The rides are going to all have less lines due to the fewer amount of people in the park. Be sure to hit up the rides such as TofT because alot of the CMs will play along with whom ever you are dressed as! Riding the rides in costume is fun and CHALLENGING!!!!

Costumes for all adults and kids are encouraged however adults need to make sure that they are not playing too much of their costumed character, taking pictures with others or acting like one of the park characters because you will be asked to stop. I DID NOT do this but still it was heartbreaking to have to send kids away and not sign autographs. I told them Mickey was not letting me but still some parents were pushy...so some photos were taken way back inside the park.

 

[ScooterL]

Costumes for all adults and kids are encouraged however adults need to make sure that they are not playing too much of their costumed character, taking pictures with others or acting like one of the park characters because you will be asked to stop. I DID NOT do this but still it was heartbreaking to have to send kids away and not sign autographs. I told them Mickey was not letting me but still some parents were pushy...so some photos were taken way back inside the park.

How were you dressed that people thought you were a "real" character? Must have been a pretty cool costume!

 

[WatchYourHeadNStep]

Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy? See signature!

 

[ScooterL]

Oh...I have signatures and avatars turned off...it's just a little too much clutter for me. Turned sigs back on temporarily though - nice costume! I can see why they were asking you for photos and autographs!