Halloween Party - would you do just one night?

[carolinainmymind]

Help! We have recently moved to the West Coast, transplants from the East Coast who made Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party an annual event. I'm trying to decide if its worth it to try out Disneyland's Halloween Party, but we'd be coming for just that night. We're DVC so the hotel cost is minimal, the flights are very inexpensive. We'd probably be doing one of the party nights that are a bit more expensive but not as expensive as a full day in the parks. The biggest cost in my book is I'd have to have the kids miss 2-days of school. So from those who have done the Disneyland party, is it worth it? Will we be disappointed compared to MNSSHP? Appreciate any advice!!!!

 

[whoever]

I feel it USED to be worth it. Now they crazily oversell the event. We don't do it any longer.

 

[figment_jii]

That's a very subjective question...the two parties have similar elements, but are not direct copies of each other. I did both last year and had a great time at each, but they were very different. As long as you don't go expecting the parties to be the same, I think it's possible to have a really good time at both.

• Parade: Boo-to-You is one of my favorite parades. Last year DL introduced the Frightfully Fun Parade which is a full-scale parade, but it's still shorter than Boo-To-You. It's also a lot "darker" in tone that Boo-To-You.
• Fireworks: Halloween Screams at MHP is one of my favorite fireworks shows. HalloWishes is good, but I like Screams better. Zero flies!
• Stage Shows: MHP doesn't really have any stage shows per se.
• Dance Parties: I haven't really participated in any of them, but they all kind of seem the same.
• Candy: MHP has almost nothing but treat trails (three or so candy stops), so it's possible to get a lot of candy with only a few visits.
• Characters: Both parties features lots of "rare" or less common characters. The Villains are the most popular at MHP.
• Cadaver Dans: MHP has them dressed like the undertakers from the Haunted Mansion and they perform on a raft on the Rivers of America. I like this set-up better than the ones at MNSSHP. They also perform at set times, so you can plan to see them (I never did figure out the Cadaver Dans schedule at MHSSHP).
• Special Treats: DL doesn't seem to go into the special party-only treats as much as MNSSHP. They also don't (historically) pull the merchandise between each party.
• Atmosphere: Both parties do a good job making the parks seem Halloween-ish.
• Attractions: While not exclusive to the party, both Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy are very popular. That being said, the CMs at the HM do not enhance their costumes like the ones at MNSSHP do.
• Photopass Magic Shots: MHP doesn't seem to have as many party-exclusive Magic Shots. That could change this year, but last year, I don't recall there being very many.

This year's MHP ticket also includes the ability to park hop over to DCA and the ticket is valid from three hours before the start of the party (so either 3:00 pm on a M-R party or 4:00 pm on a F-S party). This would give you a chance to go check out the new decor in DCA before heading back to DL for the party.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I'd do it this year since the rumor mill has the party moving to DCA next year. (I just like DL better!) Also- are you sure you have DVC availability? (No personal experience but others tell tale that's usually super hard to find -but maybe not since it's just one night you're after...)

 

[carolinainmymind]

Thanks for all the great and quick feedback. I'm going for it. Definitely still appreciate additional input from everyone though!!!! Love this board!!!

Yeah, I've been stalking the DVC site for a few days to see if it was possible and a party night popped up today so we went for it. Seems like every few days a reservation comes up, so if you are just looking for a short stay, last minute through DVC is possible (with some persistence

I know they'll be very different experiences but I think it'll be worth it. Plus there was a Blue Bayou reservation available for the same night, so that kind of sealed the deal for me

 

[lalasmama]

I don't have MNSSHP experience, but I went to the MHP last year for the first time, and enjoyed it. Would I do it again? Eh. But it was fun.

Treat-wise, I ended up with a small bag (if you think of a smallish gift bag with handles, this was about the size of treat bag) filled with name-brand candy, and some carrots and (I think) graham crackers and maybe apples. I went through like 4-5 treat trails with 3-4 candy drops on each trail. Off the top of my head, I remember Village Haus, Rivers of America (twice!), New Orleans Square, and the Lagoon; not sure if I did any others or not.

The parade was great. I'm not usually a big parade person, but I enjoyed it. Like someone else mentioned, it seemed "dark," but so much of Halloween does.... One caveat--I have sensitive ears, so I really didn't like the gravediggers, but I don't like the sound of metal on cement.

The general ambiance was awesome. Lights were lower than normal, fog was thick on Rivers of America, lots of costumes, and less people were all wonderful!

For the amount I paid ($72 last year, with a Visa discount, I believe), it was "worth it" but not worth it enough to do a repeat performance.... However, plenty of people go multiple times each year! It's just not something I work into my Disney budget. If I was taking a child with me that hadn't been, I wouldn't flinch at buying tickets again. As it was, I was a solo adult who enjoys Halloween, but isn't crazy-crazy about it.

It was nice to be let in 3 hours ahead of the party. I think that let me in at 3pm. I don't have an AP, so I slept in, had a late breakfast at Starbucks, rode the tram (haha, I love the tram, even when staying walking distance away!), people watched, and did some shopping before 3pm, which let me stay awake and ready for all evening in the parks seeing everything!

Kids missing 2 days of school for it wouldn't bother me at all. But then again, I have taken DD out of school for several days every other late-winter time to go to Disneyland

Just don't expect a copy-cat event, and you'll love it!

 

[GenGen22]

This year will be my 4th time going to MHP and is my favorite time to go to DL. I always go around the 20th and never get a discount. Even though the prices keep rising I just can't not stop going, I just love it. I hope to go to MNSSHP some day. Its on my bucket list.☺

 

[Rabb it]

We love the Party, go every year. I'd say do ittttttt!