Halloween Party - Is it worth it?

[disneylarks]

We are arriving in CA on October 30th and trying to decide how to spend Halloween.

It can either be our first day in the parks, a day to just hang out at hotel and in Downtown Disney or we are looking into attending the Halloween party, cost depending.

I don't know much about the party or how it works, but it is considerably more expensive than just adding a fourth day to our park passes. So, I'm wondering if it's worth it to have access to the party and lower crowds on Halloween. Thanks!!

 

[gottalovepluto]

These threads might help!

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ha...arts-sept-9-four-mhp-nights-sold-out.3526615/

http://www.disboards.com/threads/to-go-or-not-go-to-the-halloween-party.3542300/

 

[theluckyrabbit]

"Worth it" is totally subjective. The above threads will help you decide. If you choose not to attend MHP, you can dine in DtD while party guests are arriving for fun people watching. It will give you a taste of the party without the big cost of a ticket.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that "worth it" is very subjective and depends a lot on what you're expecting/hoping to get out of the Halloween Party. I will say that the parties are very popular, so if you're going expecting walk-on attractions and low crowds, you're likely to be disappointed.

 

[GatorChris]

I wonder the same thing. With APs, would I want to spend an extra $400 to do a Disney party. While I'm sure it's awesome, I can take to the family to Pismo for a few days and nights for that price. So far, I can't break through the wall to do it.

 

[Dr. G]

We did it a few years ago and came away with mixed feelings. We've not wanted to do it again but we are glad to have done it once for the experience. I believe part of our problem was I had unrealistic expectations going in. I thought it would be less crowded than a normal day and it was as bad or worse. The 6 of us were dressed in a Peter Pan theme so wanted pictures with Hook and Peter which we did get but after a HUGE wait in a line that moved SO SLOWLY. I thought with the extra upcharge that we'd be able to get a good view of the fireworks without waiting forever. Wrong. It was PACKED in front of the Castle and down Main Street and we ended up with a bad view of the main draw/event for us that evening. I do love our picture on Splash all dressed up and it sits next to my work computer. Ride lines were so-so, but again I expected fewer crowds. So if you go with the expectation of crowds and just enjoy the atmosphere it "may" be worth it to you to try it once and see for yourself. My feeling now is I'll watch the fireworks and parade on YouTube and call it good.

 

[Toon crazy]

My family has gone the last two years but decided to skip this year. We found that last year was more packed then we liked and with the costume restrictions we are going to take a break. But I will say it is a great experience.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I've been twice and wasn't impressed and planned on never going again, but ended up buying tickets this year just to see the parade and hopefully get the themed dinner at Blue Bayou. The dinner was already sold out, so I am checking back every day hoping to catch a cancellation. The first time I went I paid $50./ticket. This time, with my AP discount, I am paying $89./ticket. I'll be paying even more if the dinner opens up, but I am going specifically for those things. I don't do character lines or trick or treating. I only go on rides if the lines aren't too long. Worth it to you will depend on what you want to do while there. Would anyone pay $89./pp to get cheap junk candy? They do and I have no idea why, but here I am paying $89. to watch a parade that will probably be 15 minutes long.

 

[nikerbokers]

This is our 3rd year in a row going during HalloweenTime. To us, it's worth it. Less people in the park, thus able to do more rides, opportunities to see characters you usually don't see, weather is perfect, so much fun trick or treating, the parade and fireworks are extra special.

Saying that, the increase in price each year makes it hard to keep justifying it. So we will see if we will keep making this a tradition.

 

[Astylla]

I think it's a personal choice. I'm going to my first and have wanted to for years. I love Halloween even more than the holiday season , partly in fact that my late mom instilled it into me.

I'm just looking forward to the BB dinner , parade , villain photo opportunities and other new things we never have done before. I doubt we will ever go every year but this year just seems right after going though so much in my personal life and I'm ready to enjoy this season.

 

[rentayenta]

@Astylla Can you tell me about the BB dinner? This is our first year too. Enjoy!

 

[Astylla]

@Astylla Can you tell me about the BB dinner? This is our first year too. Enjoy!

It's listed under here the Haloween Party package : https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/blue-bayou-restaurant/

Reservations were able to be made before official word got out so I've heard they are pretty much gone but you can definitely check.

 

[rentayenta]

It's listed under here the Haloween Party package : https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/blue-bayou-restaurant/

Reservations were able to be made before official word got out so I've heard they are pretty much gone but you can definitely check.

There are spots left, this is awesome!

 

[Astylla]

There are spots left, this is awesome!

YAY!!Which day are you going ?

 

[allsaintsatx]

From my experience, it was worth it. There are party-only halloween decorations everywhere, party-only dance parties, the living scarecrows, the Cadaver Dans, TONS of halloween candy, party-only character meet and greets with amazing party-only backgrounds. And an amazing Halloween fireworks show and new (!!) parade (and did I mention? Part only! Boom!) And the cherry on the sundae is lower waits for rides. We walked on matterhorn over and over, Nemo, autopia - all these rides that had 45 min waits earlier in the day was now nonexistent. For us, totally worth it. And we are doing it again in October!

 

[rentayenta]

YAY!!Which day are you going ?

Sept 23rd at 11:30 am. Not sure we'll keep it as I haven't talked with my family and the trip is only two days but it sounds so fabulous!

 

[Astylla]

Sept 23rd at 11:30 am. Not sure we'll keep it as I haven't talked with my family and the trip is only two days but it sounds so fabulous!

From my understanding the Haloween party packages which include the fastpass ticket to preferred viewing for the parade are only at night and start at 4pm/5pm. I just would hate for you to be disappointed.

Mickey’s Halloween Party Dinner Package at the Blue Bayou
Revel in a bewitching 3-course, prix-fixe feast and then watch the Frightfully Fun Parade from a preferred viewing area—only during Mickey’s Halloween Party on select nights in September and October.
The dreamlike ambience of this spirited eatery provides an ideal segue into an eerie evening parade, brimming with spooky spirits from the deepest bayous of New Orleans and beyond!

Package Details

• What’s Included: A 3-course, prix-fixe dinner (starter, entrée and dessert) at the Blue Bayou Restaurant and a FASTPASS ticket to the Frightfully Fun Parade with access to a preferred viewing area
• Price: $65 per adult and $25 per child, plus tax and gratuity (discounts do not apply and Mickey’s Halloween Party admission is not included)
• 2016 Dates: September 23, September 26, September 28, September 30; October 3, October 5, October 7, October 10, October 12, October 14, October 17, October 19, October 21, October 24, October 26, October 29, October 31

How to Book

Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made—online or by phone. Space is limited.

• To book online, use the Check Availability tool above to find a table.
• To book by phone, call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM daily. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Please Note: Valid credit card is required at the time of booking. A $10 cancellation fee will be applied per person for no-shows, or cancellations within 24 hours of the experience.

Know Before You Go

• A separate admission ticket for Mickey’s Halloween Party is required with dining reservations at the Blue Bayou for this package.
• One Frightfully Fun Parade FASTPASS and souvenir credential included per dining package.
• Each person in the party must order the prix-fixe meal in order to obtain access to a preferred viewing area for Frightfully Fun Parade Viewing.
• You will receive your Frightfully Fun Parade FASTPASS ticket and a souvenir credential at the time of your dinner reservation at Blue Bayou.
• The preferred Frightfully Fun Parade areas are separate from the dining location.
• Please ask a Cast Member if you need directions from the restaurant to the Frightfully Fun Parade preferred viewing areas.
• Areas are standing only, with accommodations for Guests with disabilities.
• Frightfully Fun Parade can be cancelled due to technical issues or inclement weather without notice. Dinner packages will not be refunded.

Here's the wording from my reservation :

Dining Reservations
Mickey's Halloween Party Dinner Package at the Blue Bayou
Date: Friday, September 30, 2016
Time: 5:10 PM

 

[cruisehopeful]

Sept 23rd at 11:30 am. Not sure we'll keep it as I haven't talked with my family and the trip is only two days but it sounds so fabulous!

The website shows dinner from 4-10pm. Did you just book a regular lunch and not the halloween dinner?

 

[rentayenta]

You are both correct!!!! Thank you for pointing that out. I cancelled and there are no dinner options open.

 

[Astylla]

You are both correct!!!! Thank you for pointing that out. I cancelled and there are no dinner options open.

Keep checking back as cancellations may happen !!