Halloween Tell Me Show Me

[jnjusoioa]

Hi there, I know I could research threads and probably find some stuff, was reading a little about last years Halloween festivities and they sound awesome, do Jack and Sally actually meet at WDW now at Halloween? Also did anyone pay the money to go to the extra Villian thing they had in the cancel? If so what was it like? Worth the money?? Did you get to meet characters there as well? Thank you ahead of time.

 

[frannn]

We went and found it to be a waste of $$. All of the merchandise sold out early, there were no maps to be found for the location of the villains, each of the lines for meet & greet were over an hour long, many longer, there was not enough decent viewing areas for the opening show...etc etc. MNSSHP was so much of a better experience and well worth the ticket price. Its a real shame, as we were looking forward to meeting and taking pics with a few villains- only met one due to the lines and did 2 rides. Unless they have a much smaller limit of tickets sold, more organized and well planned activities, I can't see it working well this year. At the very least, they could have had a villains themed meal to pull some people to a different location for a bit.

 

[Reddog1134]

I think the OP means the Sinister Soiree upcharge event at MNSSHP.

 

[ktlm]

Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween party is fantastic. It is so great that we go twice on our trips so we can have time to do everything. The park mood and decorations are great. It is so fun seeing all the adults in costume along with the kids. It is a party atmosphere. The parade is fantastic. The haunted mansion area is terrific with the lighting, the ghosts Carlotta and Renatta entertaining people from the lawn, and magic photopass shots with carriage ghosts and hitchhiking ghosts. Jack and Sally are terrific, but you need to get there and get in line well before the party starts for them. We have seen them the last 2 years. We get in line around 5:30 and we are never first in line even that early. They are not scheduled to come out until party start at 7:00, but two years ago when we saw them they came out 10 or 15 minutes early, and this past year they came out at 6:30 (they do check everyone in the line for party wristbands). We love all the special Halloween party characters.

We did the Villians Sinister Soiree and we absolutely loved it, BUT we also went to 2 MNSSHP. If we were only going to spend the money for 1 party, I do not think I would have been happy as we spend pretty much our full night with that. It might be okay if you did the late soiree at 11:45, but we did not think DD(8) would be able to stay awake and happy starting that late. That night, we saw Jack and Sally (before the party started), were 1st in line for Goofy and Donald (wanted a picture of Donald in his pumpkin outfit), saw the Hag from Snow White and then it was time to go to the parade/fireworks area. We were there fairly early and we were in the 2nd row of people for the parade, there were no front row spots left anywhere in the area. The location was great though. and still less crowded than trying to see it from somewhere else. Photopass photographers were there taking magic shots before the parade. The benefits when you purchased said you would get water in the parade area, but we did not go to get it right when we got there (no place for a bathroom break ) and they ran out very quickly and we could not get it immediately after the parade and before the castle show or fireworks. We stayed in the area for the parade, castle show, castle projection show, and fireworks. It was great because after the parade there was plenty of room to move around and spread out. After the fireworks, we all moved towards the castle. I had heard some nights they led people in a line to the castle. Our night, they did not and it was an absolute mess. It was like swimming upstream and there are also areas blocked off due to the fireworks. That was by far the worst part of the night. Once we got there, we stood in line outside a few minutes and then the doors were opened and we were led into the downstairs area. The step sisters and Queen of Hearts were there. They mingled with guests and took photos and were a lot of fun. They took us upstairs and the transformation of the castle into something more villainous was fun. The table decorations were great. We got probably the worst table in the place for the event, but we still had a terrific time. Before the stepmother started formally entertaining, Hook and Jafar came around to the table for photos. Once the party formally started, the Evil Queen from Snow White, the stepsisters, Dr. Faciellier, Cruella and Malificent made their rounds to the tables. We were in a corner table by the door, so we felt a bit out of things as we were not in the center and could not see the Stepmother entertaining that well (we really could not see her much at all), but we could hear her and we did have a good view of the organ player. Somebody had to get the bad table- so that was just bad luck for us. The only thing that I was really sad about was that we had bought the tickets specifically for Maleficent due to DD's obsession with the movie last summer and the fact that WDW made it impossible to get a photo or meet and greet with her at the party this year unless you booked the soiree, and we did not get a good interaction, which was not at all her fault. Being the corner table by the door, we were the last table the characters visited. Maleficient was the last character. By the time she made it to our area, the party was ending and they were ushering people out the door to get set up for the next party. The handlers were rushing Maleficient trying to get her through our area and we were the last table. She stopped by very quickly, said a couple of quick words and took one quick picture with DD who was dressed as her (the first time ever she dressed as a villain, not a Princess!). We really wanted a picture with DH, DD and I with her as she was the main reason we had booked the party, but immediately after the quick picture with DD, the handlers rushed her off and there was no chance for us to all get a picture with her. Considering we spent hundreds of dollars mostly to get the photo with her, I was disappointed, BUT we absolutely loved the soiree and the whole night.

We had a very little bit of time left to run around the park after the soiree and ride a ride or two, and we stopped to see Mickey on the way out as his line was still open. We never even made it to the Haunted Mansion area that night.

There is no way to know if they will have the soiree again this year, or what they will do about the Maleficent situation. I heard there were a ton of complaints last year because she was not available anywhere in the parks for meet and greets, so maybe they will change that. Of course, there have been a ton of complaints about Belle not being available in her red dress for MVMCP for the last few years, and they have not done anything about that, so maybe not. I heard the Soiree sold out pretty much every party for the season. I know there were no empty tables our night.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

I quite enjoyed the soiree it was sold out and i got some great pixie dust by the people at door finding me a table.

my trip report is up here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3346949

 

[figment_jii]

Jack & Sally made their debut at MNHSSP in 2013 and returned in 2014. As far as I know, they were only out during MNSSHP, so you had to go to the party to meet them. I also remember reading that Jack (as Sandy Claws) had been added to the MVMCP in 2014.

I attended the Villains Soiree as well and really enjoyed it. I've started a trip report on it (and F&W). The review of the Soiree starts in post #15.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3366839

 

[HopperFan]

Hi there, I know I could research threads and probably find some stuff, was reading a little about last years Halloween festivities and they sound awesome, do Jack and Sally actually meet at WDW now at Halloween? Also did anyone pay the money to go to the extra Villian thing they had in the cancel? If so what was it like? Worth the money?? Did you get to meet characters there as well? Thank you ahead of time.

Just to be clear these festivities happen during a hard ticketed event, MNSSHP. So you have to pay @ $70 to attend party 7 pm -12 am. The Villain Soiree in the Castle was another large amount of money @ $90 that you paid on top of the $70. If you get in line for Jack & Sally, see parade and fireworks and the Soiree then that might be all you get done. We enjoy the parties and usually attend two each year. We met Jack & Sally the first year, skipped them last year. There is lots to do around the park - dance parties, special characters, trick or treat, castle show and all the usual. Paying for the Soiree was not something we were interested in doing.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Thank you for all the great replies, it sounds like the $99 for the extra event was well worth it, looks great anyway.

 

[sahm2two]

So, if you wanted to do MNSSHP, would you skip doing parks that day? Maybe take it as a pool day and then start your day at 7 for the Halloween party? I have 3 girls, they'll be 6, 7 and 8 when we go again and I doubt they'd be up for a rope drop to midnight day. Thoughts? Would it be worth it with kids this young?

 

[disneygrl704]

So, if you wanted to do MNSSHP, would you skip doing parks that day? Maybe take it as a pool day and then start your day at 7 for the Halloween party? I have 3 girls, they'll be 6, 7 and 8 when we go again and I doubt they'd be up for a rope drop to midnight day. Thoughts? Would it be worth it with kids this young?

We have never done MNSSHP but are planning to this October. We are going to take it as a rest day and sleep in and hang out at the resort then go to MK about 4:00. From what I've read - you can get in at 4:00 with a party ticket. Hopefully we will be able to stay the whole party if we do it this way. I don't think DD will make it if we try to do a park that morning and the party in the same day.

 

[FigmentIsTheBest]

We worked it so we used our MNSSHP on our arrival day. Spend the morning at the resort. So we still had our four day tickets for four full days!

 

[CampbellzSoup]

The event was completely SOLD OUT. I was lucky enough to book my tickets in advance, and did plenty of planning as I thought the crowds were going to be insane, and the event non enjoyable. Let me tell you guys something, The Halloween Party is one of the BEST things I've ever done at Walt Disney World. As a seasoned veterian to the parks, and someone who has gone A LOT, the Halloween Party was a breathe of fresh air. I can't recommend this event enough to anyone who hasn't had the privilege of enjoying it yet!

I booked these three events at Fast Pass Plus as you were allowed to enter the park at four, and I wanted to maximize my event time:

The Haunted Mansion
What can't be said about this ride? This had to be one of the best rides in Disney WOrld, and puts you in the perfect Halloween Spirit. The ride is fantastic, the atmosphere, and lighting effects they get with the ghosts is just amazing, I loved it, and was the first time I actually got to experience the ride without such long lines, which makes it THAT much more enjoyable.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Again when you don't have the hour long que this ride is so much more enjoyable. I can't believe how great this ride still holds up, it gives me enough thrill without it being a six flags roller coaster. Without a doubt so much fun, and I wish I could have gone on it twice...but everyone wants to maximize their time in the park !

Pirates of the Caribbean
My last fast pass selection, and boy was it worth it. When I use to go on rides I tried to take pictures, but then realized that with taking all these pictures you lose the experience of actually just sitting there taking everything in and just enjoying the ride. This ride is classic, and I hope that it never changes only improves.

Peter Pans Flight
Little to no line, this one we went to during the festivites of the party, and it was awesome, I love the story feel of it that you actually get to live the movie again, and the little town of London on the bottom was amazing to look at. I heard that this one was one of the more line intensive lines, however not during the Halloween Party!


Journey Under the Sea: The Little Mermaid
Again, another walk on ride. I thought this ride was very familiar in that it does what Peter Pans flight does and takes you through the story. However, this one seems more up to date, and less dated. I really liked the Ursulla she looked and moved fantastic, again a very cool ride.

Mickey's Philharmagic
Another favorite of mine...again no line, but man I just love the 3D and going through all the classic Disney songs. Did they always have the water come out? I don't remember it, or maybe it wasn't working when I came...but I just love this ride, and I think it might need an updated in the 3D models though

Snow White Seven Dwarf Mine Train
The LONGest line, which was only about 20 minutes, however it was worth it. The que was really great, and it's nice having a ride based on Disney's first classic. I loved how it went outside new Fantasy Land, and felt really SMOOTH...the ride had a great smooth feeling, and I was happy I got to try out the newest attraction!

It's A Small World
meh...it is what it is...but still nice to always see the different world cultures!

Candy
I had a FULL bucket by the end of the night which included:

• Twix
• Reeses
• Milkyway
• Various Sour candies
• M&Ms
• Skittles
• Snickers

all great name brand candies!


Characters

Tinker Bell

• The Line to meet Tink was 0 mins so I just said why not and met her, she wasn't too playful, but was very pretty, and commented on my shirts. Took our photos and scramed out.

Mickey Mouse

• I love Mickey, no matter how many times I go, and he was in his Halloween gear! I love the interactive Mickey who talks and he told us a zombie joke...it was really fun and the talking interactive Mickey makes the magic really come alive!

Minnie Mouse

• No line sans about 10/15 people and she was in her costume and VERY interactive, I had a great time meeting her, it was a true pleasure thanks minnie I loved her witches costume!

Donald Duck

• Me and Donald had the same type of costume on! He loved it and Goofy wasn't too thrilled about it!

Goofy

• Although Goofy was mad at first he then took my bucket and posed for a picture and gave me a hug, he didn't have a different costume outside the one he uses on Brainstormer...wish he had something special.

Jafar

• 5 minute wait - he was really great and I loved taking pictures with him...always cool to meet the villians!

Jack & Sally

• TWENTY minute wait no 2 hours or whatever has been reported, although I got him in the second boo to you parade...he was REALLY interactive and cool and I highly enjoyed his meet, if you do one outside the dwarfs do him...it was a pleasure and the cast member portraying him was outstading

.
The Hag from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

• My first photo! She was a 4 minute wait but I lined up for her becasue I wasn't initally going to get Jack and Sally so I wanted at least ONE villian/Halloween themed person. Very playful and a pleasure awesome expierence.

Crowds
I didn't find the crowds outside of the parade or fireworks bad AT ALL, it was a smooth sailing experience, granted I didn't go with a child or someone of an elderly nature so I can only comment on that from my end.

Pictures







Parade
I LOVED IT. Tip! If you guys go to the VERY front of the magic kingdom there is a spot that no one goes to it's almost where the parade ends NO ONE WAS THERE! I GOT A FULL front view of the parade without waiting hours for it! VERY cool and I loved the parade...it made the experience ten times more better.

Fireworks

 

[kasedroz]

This will be our first year at MNSSHP! And we all are pretty excited about it! Since all us girls in my house love the Little Mermaid we are doing an Ariel family costume. My oldest girl is going to be wearing Ariel's pink dress, my youngest will be Mermaid Ariel, and I will be the blue and black dress (day out with Eric dress) and of course my hubby will be Prince Eric!