HalloweenTime at DLR Info and Photo Superthread #3

[Sherry E]

perlster --

I have to thank you again, for being quick to gather info from the "credible source" and bring it to us here (and also in the Christmas Superthread)! Clearly we cannot rely on Disney to give accurate information some of the time, so it helps to get that info from other sources (even if they are not official).

I knew that the prices you mentioned before couldn't have been complete, and that there had to be a separate discount price for AP holders/DVC owners and Disney Visa peeps. Based on last year's discounts, I was guessing that this year's discounts would be a few bucks more -- and $51 seems to be right in the range I would have expected it to be, so that makes sense.

​

I don't know if anyone noticed, but I posted in the Comments under the Halloween Time Disney Parks Blog, and I mentioned to Erin that the Backstage Pass newsletter gave an incorrect date for the MHP to start. Not only is 9/30 not the start date, but it's not even included in the roster of party nights!!!

Erin was silent and did not comment - not even to say "Oops!" I am betting that the Parks Blog peeps didn't even know what the AP Backstage Pass peeps were doing. They are probably not kept apprised of info at the same times, in the same ways. But what a major goof on Disney's part!

​

My thoughts on a few party-related subjects (which I have stated before, but new people are joining the thread so I will state them again)...



Tickets Selling Out:

Last year there were 11 party nights, up from 10 nights in the previous years. (This year we have 13 parties.) All of the party nights except for the one immediately preceding Halloween sold out in advance. The party immediately preceding Halloween stayed open much longer, and I think it finally sold out a couple of nights before Halloween, or at the last second.

Not only did at least 10 of the 11 nights sell out last year, they also sold out much faster than we expected. One by one by one they were selling out, which surprised at least some of us.

I have always noticed that the very first night of the party sells out pretty fast, and Halloween night will as well. There is a certain novelty to both of those nights that makes them more appealing.

So if you want to go to the MHP on 9/27 or 10/31, I would not wait too long to get your tickets. However, I do not think the tickets will sell out right away -- you will have a bit of time to get them. The extra 2 party nights this year will help to give extra options.



Party Crowds:

I have noticed that the 3 hours of overlap time (when the non-party guests and party guests can be in Disneyland at the same time, starting at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.) are very crowded.

Once the non-party guests leave, crowds gather in different areas.

There are always crowds waiting for the Halloween Screams fireworks.

There are always long lines at the character photo spots.

There are always long lines for certain treat trails/stations -- but, as has been previously mentioned, the treat lines move fast so don't be daunted if you see a long line.

There are always people milling about in the various walkways, just as you would see on any normal park day or night.

The party did not feel very exclusive or un-crowded to me when I last went. There were more people there than I would have preferred. People were banging into my ankles with strollers. I think Disney sells too many tickets to the events.

The lines for some rides can be short to non-existent. However, you will probably still encounter crowds at the really popular rides, such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

I don't know how many tickets Disney sells to each party night, but IF they sell the same number of tickets to each party night and each party sells out, then the number of people in the parks should be roughly the same. However, people come and go and congregate in different spots. Some folks don't come to the party until they have eaten. Some people eat at the party. Some people leave in the middle of the party, head to DCA to ride some things and then come back. Some local folks may leave early if the party is on an earlier weeknight and they have to work the next day, while they may stay later at a Friday party.

So it is possible that even if the same number of tickets are sold on certain nights and all nights sell out, the overall crowd dynamic could shift throughout the night and it could seem like it is less crowded on one night or another. But I wouldn't necessarily count on that pattern to repeat every year because things do change and people wander around to different spots.




Candy/Treats:

The candy is your basic stuff -- mini-Milky Ways, Snickers, Twix, Kit Kats, Nestle Crunch, Dots, some candy that no one has ever heard of, etc. Lots of Tootsie Roll stuff, of all sizes and flavors, and Tootsie Pops too. There are also healthy treats like raisins, apple slices, baby carrots, etc. Don't expect the CMs to hand you the healthy stuff -- you will usually have to ask them for it most of the time.

If you stop at each trail you will collect a lot of candy, as there could be anywhere from 2-5 stations along each trail. You can also revisit each trail and station if you want to.

Bring or buy extra bags, as the little piddly bag they give you when you enter the park is not enough to hold the stash you will collect!

The CMs stationed near the exit to DL will hand out a bunch of candy at the end of the night, just to get rid of it, I think.




Costumes:

You do not have to dress up if you don't want to. It seems to be about 50% in costume and 50% not in costume. You won't feel out of place if you are not in costume, but you will get a big kick out of the elaborate, clever costumes that other people are wearing. There are any number of giant crayons, giant chickens, giant gumdrops, rag dolls and faux Disney character costumes wandering around the park. Some of them are really amazing and creative!




No Ticket Selling or Buying On this Forum!

It is inevitable that someone will not be able to get tickets for the night he/she wants. This will probably happen to many people. It is also inevitable that someone will buy tickets and then realize they cannot use them for some reason.

First of all, the MHP tickets are not for resale. Aside from that, there is no selling on this board.

Do not try to buy tickets, get people to sell you tickets, or try to sell your own tickets on this forum. We caught many threads with these intentions last year, despite some of the OPs' claims that they were not really trying to buy or sell.

We didn't just fall off of the turnip truck, and we can tell when someone is fishing for tickets or hoping to sell. Don't try it. We know it happens -- we know that people sell tickets. Just don't do it here on this forum, or the thread will be locked and/or deleted. I'm just letting you know now, so we can all avoid these issues later on. Fair warning!

 

[pigby]

Thanks Sherry

Lots of really useful stuff here.

Would not have thought of asking for 'healthy treats' - useful to know if we get 'candied out'

Extra little treat or treat bag is also a really good idea.

Also once I get my party tickets - I will be holding onto them like glue - no selling from me.

 

[CrAzY4DL]

How do we buy tickets? I don't have a Disney Visa or an AP so no early buy for us. Thanks for your help! I'd hate for our date to get sold out so I want to be ready and prepared.

 

[Lucrezia]

Thanks, Sherry! And one more question... my daughter really loves the idea of dressing up as Merida for the party, but only if she can bring a Brave bow and arrow set with her as part of her costume. Would this be allowed in the park? I know they have some restrictions / rules regarding costumes and just wanted to make sure (though hopefully I can talk her out of this beforehand so DH and I won't have to lug it around the whole night once she gets bored! Lol).

Funny, I was wondering basically the same thing! Anyone know?

 

[Sherry E]

I was trying to dig up some links to older threads that may be of help/interest to everyone here who is planning to attend the MHP. To my dismay, I discovered that some of the info in those threads was deleted and/or photos are not showing.

For example, fellow DIS'er mysteriouspnai put together a wonderful review of the 2011 party she attended with some excellent, detailed tips. When looking at the thread today, not only did I see that the title of it changed but the "tips" were all gone, as were mysteriouspnai's photos!

So, I'm not sure how much info you can gather from this because most of it is gone, but have a look at mysteriouspnai's MHP thread anyway: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2810904

Also, here is a separate thread about the candy at the MHP, with some photos still intact!: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2805322

And here is a thread from last year about the treat bags to use or make for the party, with some photos removed: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2992095

​

Thanks Sherry

Lots of really useful stuff here.

Would not have thought of asking for 'healthy treats' - useful to know if we get 'candied out'

Extra little treat or treat bag is also a really good idea.

Also once I get my party tickets - I will be holding onto them like glue - no selling from me.

pigby --

You're very welcome! During the last party I attended, I did not notice healthy treats at each and every station, but they were available at many of them. Maybe now they will be available at even more stations. I was scouting for the baby carrots and apple slices all night, and any time I saw them I would ask for them after the CM put regular candy in my bag. They didn't seem to want to assume that anyone preferred the healthy stuff, so they didn't automatically hand it out at that time.

I was constantly saying to the CMs, "I like apples too!" Then I would give them a big grin, they'd chuckle and throw some apples or carrots in my bag to follow the Milky Ways and Twix. Honestly, if there weren't long lines of people behind me waiting for their treats I would love to tell the CMs, "Hold the Tootsie Rolls and Sweet Tart things. Hold the Dots. Hold the Almond Joy. Just give me X, Y & Z chocolates and some apples and carrots!" I'd rather not get stuff that will be wasted, but the fun of trick or treating anywhere, I suppose, is that you get some great stuff and some not-so-great stuff!

(Does anyone remember the famous line in "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"? While the other Peanuts kids boast of their wonderful candy stash, Charlie Brown surveys the loot in his trick or treat bag and says, woefully, "I got a rock.")


Most CMs are pretty generous with the handfuls of treats they give you. Every so often we'd come across a CM who would literally put 2 pieces of candy in the bag! That was not the norm, by any means, but every now and then we'd get a more conservative candy-giver!

An extra treat bag is definitely necessary if you want to collect a lot of candy. Some folks may see the small giveaway bag and decide that they don't want anymore than what can fit in that bag. But I think the majority of folks want and collect more candy than what the bag will hold!

How do we buy tickets? I don't have a Disney Visa or an AP so no early buy for us. Thanks for your help! I'd hate for our date to get sold out so I want to be ready and prepared.

CrAzY4DL --

For some odd reason, Disney doesn't seem to have the Mickey's Halloween Party page available and live just yet (at least not the last time I checked). Usually, by now, we would have a page for the MHP, with the exact prices for the specific nights, and some sort of directive as to how, where and when to order tickets.

You should be able to order your MHP tickets on July 15th from the DLR website. There should be a link or a mention of the MHP tickets somewhere on the site by that time.

AP holders can order online as well, when that link becomes available on July 8th, but the Visa and DVC people have to call the regular ticket number and order to get the discount applied. In the past there was not an online option set up for Visa or DVC people to order online and get the discount, as far as I know.

I don't think the tickets will sell out right away -- you will have a bit of time -- but seeing how last year's ticket sales went, I wouldn't trust waiting too terribly long for certain nights like the first night and Halloween.

Funny, I was wondering basically the same thing! Anyone know?

Lucrezia --

I didn't answer that question when DisneyFan3113 asked it because I was hoping someone else would have a better idea! No one answered!

 

[rowan1813]

pigby --

You're very welcome! During the last party I attended, I did not notice healthy treats at each and every station, but they were available at many of them. Maybe now they will be available at even more stations. I was scouting for the baby carrots and apple slices all night, and any time I saw them I would ask for them after the CM put regular candy in my bag. They didn't seem to want to assume that anyone preferred the healthy stuff, so they didn't automatically hand it out at that time.

I was constantly saying to the CMs, "I like apples too!" Then I would give them a big grin, they'd chuckle and throw some apples or carrots in my bag to follow the Milky Ways and Twix. Honestly, if there weren't long lines of people behind me waiting for their treats I would love to tell the CMs, "Hold the Tootsie Rolls and Sweet Tart things. Hold the Dots. Hold the Almond Joy. Just give me X, Y & Z chocolates and some apples and carrots!" I'd rather not get stuff that will be wasted, but the fun of trick or treating anywhere, I suppose, is that you get some great stuff and some not-so-great stuff!


Most CMs are pretty generous with the handfuls of treats they give you. Every so often we'd come across a CM who would literally put 2 pieces of candy in the bag! That was not the norm, by any means, but every now and then we'd get a more conservative candy-giver!:rotfl2

hahaha Sherry!!! BFF and I had the opposite happen to us last year. There were a bunch of CMs who kept giving us carrots, apples, and the freeze-dried apples (which we completely hated!! They had no taste and had the consistency of styrofoam, IMO). It was like they had to give out a quota of the healthy snacks and we kept getting the brunt. I felt bad too cause there was no way we were going to eat about 15 little bags of carrots in one night and we were leaving the next day with no ice chest to keep them cold on the drive home. We just wanted all of the candy! And for the most part, there were pretty generous CMs handing things out, especially towards the end. One guy took both hands and scooped candy into our bags.

I brought a drawstring bag and BFF brought her backpack and I am pretty sure between the 2 of us, we came away with approximately 15 pounds of candy. We both used the majority for trick-or-treaters on Halloween so we didn't have to buy candy. I would highly recommend bringing another bag if you want more candy than those piddly little bags that they hand out.

If you want to make your own drawstring bag, here are some instructions that a helpful DISer posted on one of the DISBoutique threads. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46905514&postcount=2104

If I have the time, I will make these specifically for the 3 of us this year to match our costumes.

 

[Sherry E]

hahaha Sherry!!! BFF and I had the opposite happen to us last year. There were a bunch of CMs who kept giving us carrots, apples, and the freeze-dried apples (which we completely hated!! They had no taste and had the consistency of styrofoam, IMO). It was like they had to give out a quota of the healthy snacks and we kept getting the brunt. I felt bad too cause there was no way we were going to eat about 15 little bags of carrots in one night and we were leaving the next day with no ice chest to keep them cold on the drive home. We just wanted all of the candy! And for the most part, there were pretty generous CMs handing things out, especially towards the end. One guy took both hands and scooped candy into our bags.

I brought a drawstring bag and BFF brought her backpack and I am pretty sure between the 2 of us, we came away with approximately 15 pounds of candy. We both used the majority for trick-or-treaters on Halloween so we didn't have to buy candy. I would highly recommend bringing another bag if you want more candy than those piddly little bags that they hand out.

If you want to make your own drawstring bag, here are some instructions that a helpful DISer posted on one of the DISBoutique threads. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46905514&postcount=2104

If I have the time, I will make these specifically for the 3 of us this year to match our costumes.

rowan1813 --

I had to laugh at your comment about the freeze-dried apples! I couldn't agree more! I thought they were weird and had an odd texture -- styrofoam is a good comparison. Really, they should only be eaten in the event of a nuclear disaster or in the aftermath of an asteroid collision with Earth. They remind me of the in-case-of-emergency foods I'd find at an Army supply store, to be included in a preparedness kit for a major earthquake in California....or something to be taken on the next manned space shuttle (if ever there is another one).

I'm so glad you posted your experience with the healthy treats from last year. I last attended the MHP in 2011 (I wanted to go last year and didn't; I'm definitely going this year), and at that time the CMs did not seem to be handing out the baby carrots and apple slices freely. It's interesting to read about what changed within a year's time. It sounds like they got much more generous with the healthy snacks last year (maybe they received complaints from guests who wanted more of the healthy stuff??).

I could be content if I collected all Nestle Crunch, M&M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Twix, Kit Kats, Milky Way and a few Snickers -- and then a bunch of carrots and apples too. I can do without all of the Tootsie products, the Almond Joy and Mounds, Butterfinger, gumdrops, tart candy and other odd candies of unknown origin.

You're absolutely right -- one of the best things about the MHP is being able to use all of that candy on Halloween night, to hand out to trick or treaters. I think a lot of people do that. Let's face it -- there is enough candy to go around at the MHP for the adults to keep some and for them to hand out to kids on Halloween night!

Between myself and Liza/funatdisney, when we went to the MHP in 2011 I think our collective stash of candy was closer to 15 pounds too. Maybe even a little less than that because we didn't get the 'close-out candy' that the CMs foist on the guests as they leave at the end of the party. Liza was packing hers into a purse/bag after the freebie bag filled up, and I was filling up one of those light-up twinkly tote bags that you can buy at DL. We stopped at every single treat trail and station except for the one at the French Market -- which I would have stopped at, except I somehow missed it!

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

With all the talk about candy, I thought you might like to see what we got last year! This was from party night 29th October. We also went Halloween night too, but as we couldn't bring all the candy back to Australia, we didn't do any trick or treating that night and just got as many pics as possible with as many characters as possible!

Yum!!!! Plus,we don't get most of these things over here.....................I actually loved the little carrots!!! ( none of those in the pic though, I ate them alll! )

 

[pigby]

rowan1813 --


I could be content if I collected all Nestle Crunch, M&M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Twix, Kit Kats, Milky Way and a few Snickers -- and then a bunch of carrots and apples too. I can do without all of the Tootsie products, the Almond Joy and Mounds, Butterfinger, gumdrops, tart candy and other odd candies of unknown origin.

Do you know what - it's the stuff like Almond Joy etc that we want as we can't get this stuff at home - we can get the Twix, Kit kats etc and everything on your must have list at home (maybe apart from Reese's Butter Cups) - maybe we should go trick or treating together and split the stash

 

[Lucrezia]

OK, so I have a question. We're be at the DLR from the 21st through the 26th or 27th, during the time when three parties are held on that Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Would doing all three be overkill? I'm kind of tempted, because I don't want to miss anything, but is there enough to do and is it worth it to go three times? TIA

 

[mom2me]

So I'm probably the only one disappointed that they are starting the parties in the 27 . That is our last day and was really hoping to see the fireworks and Fantasmic as we are not going to the party. Any chance they might do the shows on another night between Tuesday and Thursday?

 

[SueTGGR]

OK, so I have a question. We're be at the DLR from the 21st through the 26th or 27th, during the time when three parties are held on that Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Would doing all three be overkill? I'm kind of tempted, because I don't want to miss anything, but is there enough to do and is it worth it to go three times? TIA

I have been to a lot of these parties. I think I have missed one year. Anyway, my opinion is you would probably not want to go to all 3 unless you wanted to do that instead of using park hoppers that day. You could use one party to do the trick or treat stations, one night to hit all the rides as many times as you want and the other night for all the pictures, parade (sorry...cavalcade and fireworks? I just don't think it is enough to take up all 3 nights parties. Just me, though

 

[SueTGGR]

I can say the best thing we ever did for these parties is to have DH wear a backpack. Plan on at least 5 pounds of candy per person. That has been our take each year for the last 3-4 years and we don't rush from spot to spot and probably hit 80% of the stations. But we use the bags they hand out and when they get about 1/2 full we dump it into the backpack. You can put separate zip locks if people are particular about keeping "their" candy. We tried to be more like Halloween one year and tried to use pillow cases and my hand was killing me near the end trying to grip my bag. And the stuff nobody likes? Save for the trick or treaters that come to your door! We have not had to buy candy the last 2 Halloweens!
As far as the healthy treats, I agree with the freeze dried apples, in fact I found a package hiding in the spot we have quick snacks in, just the other day from last Halloween. Nobody likes them at all We always see carrots, raisins and the dried cranberry things (cranraisins?). We usually will get a few even if we don't ask. But near the end of the night it is good to eat a few carrots if you have been eating candy all night.
I'm a little bummed as it looks like even though we are DVC we are going on a night that everybody pays full price (Friday Oct 11th) but at least not the 2 Halloween nights!
Later,
Sue

 

[PixiDustDears]

My family and I actually liked the dried apples. :hides face: lol

 

[lisalu1970]

Hi there
This thread is an invaluable source of information. We are very excited to be able to attend the Halloween Party this year. Coming from Australia, Halloween is a real novelty for our children as it is not so widely celebrated here.
Anyhow, from what I have read food availability is a little more limited during the party. We are actually planning to do the lunch at Ariels Grotto on the day of the party so probably looking for more snack type food in the evening. Are the food carts still normally open during the party? Thinking more like pretzels, churros etc for snacks so that we dont waste time sitting down to eat during the party.
Thanks in advance

 

[Sherry E]

With all the talk about candy, I thought you might like to see what we got last year! This was from party night 29th October. We also went Halloween night too, but as we couldn't bring all the candy back to Australia, we didn't do any trick or treating that night and just got as many pics as possible with as many characters as possible!

Yum!!!! Plus,we don't get most of these things over here.....................I actually loved the little carrots!!! ( none of those in the pic though, I ate them alll! )

Minnie Sue Oz --

Thank you so much for posting the candy photo in this thread! I see that you got some Hershey chocolates in there. I am pretty sure that I didn't get any Hershey bars in my treat bag at all in 2011, and I thought it was odd because other things in the Hershey family -- like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups -- were in the bag.

I love the little carrots too! And I love the fresh apple slices (just not the freeze-dried ones). Basically, the cost of produce in most grocery stores in my area can be pretty high at times. And when certain things are on sale there is a tendency to over-buy them to 'stock up,' which can sometimes be difficult if you don't store the produce the right way and it spoils.

So if the Disney folks want to hand me free apple slices and carrots, I will surely take them and eat every last one!

Do you know what - it's the stuff like Almond Joy etc that we want as we can't get this stuff at home - we can get the Twix, Kit kats etc and everything on your must have list at home (maybe apart from Reese's Butter Cups) - maybe we should go trick or treating together and split the stash

pigby --

I would happily go trick-or-treating with and hand over all of my Almond Joy and Butterfingers to you! I hate to see any candy go to waste, and I think a lot of people end up leaving their unwanted pieces in the park -- on benches, on top of trash cans, etc. If the CMs find that candy they have to throw it out. They can't put it back in the candy supply because they have to treat it as 'used' even if it is unopened. They cannot be sure that no one has tampered with it. So there are probably many pieces that end up going to waste because people don't want them or cannot carry them home.

When I was a child, part of the fun of trick-or-treating was to trade candy with the other kids in the group so we all got what we wanted (more or less)! I don't know if kids these days trade? My trick-or-treating days (not counting the MHP) are long gone!

I had no idea that there were no Almond Joy or Mounds in the U.K.! I knew that some of our candy was not available in other countries -- or it is called something different than what we call it here -- but I wasn't sure which ones were not available. I wouldn't have expected Twix and Kit Kat to be available there, but I would have expected Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to be available! No Reese's, eh?

You know, one thing I love about seasonal candy (and I don't know if they do this in the U.K.) is that the main brands (Mars, Nestle, Hershey) come out with special holiday varieties/colors/shapes for all of their popular items. So, for example, for Easter the stores carry Nestle Crunch Eggs, 3 Musketeers bunnies, Dove eggs and bunnies, etc.. For Valentine's Day, there are various heart-shaped items and M&Ms dressed as Cupid. Christmas, of course, yields a cornucopia of chocolate Santas, bells and Reese's Peanut Butter Trees. For Halloween,we can find white chocolate candy corn M&Ms, Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins, Hershey Pumpkins, and other "harvest"-themed packaging. Do you have that sort of seasonal packaging in the U.K., for any holiday?

I wish that DLR would hand out the fun seasonal candy, but I suspect they buy their candy for the MHP months in advance, before the seasonal stuff has gone on sale. I just thought it would be fun for some of our international visitors who don't really celebrate Halloween to be able to collect Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins or white chocolate candy corn M&Ms!

OK, so I have a question. We're be at the DLR from the 21st through the 26th or 27th, during the time when three parties are held on that Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Would doing all three be overkill? I'm kind of tempted, because I don't want to miss anything, but is there enough to do and is it worth it to go three times? TIA

Lucrezia --

I agree with what SueTGGR said about spreading out your activities. I don't really think that 3 nights are necessary, but because there are different things to focus on you could devote one night each to those things. As Sue mentioned, devote one night to collecting candy and looking in shops for Halloween souvenirs or goodies. Maybe devote another night to hitting the rides. A third night could go for hitting all of the character photo spots, and watching the cavalcade/fireworks. But 3 nights would be 15 hours of the MHP -- that could be overkill for some folks. I'm not sure. It probably depends on the individual.

I have often thought that I, personally, need 2 nights -- one night to take photos (for this thread and for my TRs!), shop and maybe hit the character lines, and another night to collect candy, watch fireworks and the cavalcade. I don't know if I could do 3 nights in one year, but maybe.

So I'm probably the only one disappointed that they are starting the parties in the 27 . That is our last day and was really hoping to see the fireworks and Fantasmic as we are not going to the party. Any chance they might do the shows on another night between Tuesday and Thursday?

mom2me --

Yikes. That is not good. I can see why you were hoping for that 9/30 start date. I don't know what the likelihood of anything like F! or the fireworks running on Thursday would be. Probably not high, if they were not running on Thursdays last year.

I think that Disney should make up for the blunder of printing 9/30 as the start date of the MHP by offering F! or fireworks on Thurs., 9/26. I don't think they will, but they should! As I mentioned to Erin in the comments under her Halloween Time Disney Parks Blog, there were probably some people planning their trips around the start date being 9/30 because that is what was released in Backstage Pass! There were some people who wanted the 9/30 start date and some who did not, but either way they were counting on it being the start of the MHP. The fact that 9/30 is not even in the line-up of MHP dates at all is mind-boggling to me, let alone the fact that it's not the start date. (And not even a "Whoops! We goofed," comment from anyone at Disney about this!)

I have been to a lot of these parties. I think I have missed one year. Anyway, my opinion is you would probably not want to go to all 3 unless you wanted to do that instead of using park hoppers that day. You could use one party to do the trick or treat stations, one night to hit all the rides as many times as you want and the other night for all the pictures, parade (sorry...cavalcade and fireworks? I just don't think it is enough to take up all 3 nights parties. Just me, though

SueTGGR --

Good advice!

I can say the best thing we ever did for these parties is to have DH wear a backpack. Plan on at least 5 pounds of candy per person. That has been our take each year for the last 3-4 years and we don't rush from spot to spot and probably hit 80% of the stations. But we use the bags they hand out and when they get about 1/2 full we dump it into the backpack. You can put separate zip locks if people are particular about keeping "their" candy. We tried to be more like Halloween one year and tried to use pillow cases and my hand was killing me near the end trying to grip my bag. And the stuff nobody likes? Save for the trick or treaters that come to your door! We have not had to buy candy the last 2 Halloweens!
As far as the healthy treats, I agree with the freeze dried apples, in fact I found a package hiding in the spot we have quick snacks in, just the other day from last Halloween. Nobody likes them at all We always see carrots, raisins and the dried cranberry things (cranraisins?). We usually will get a few even if we don't ask. But near the end of the night it is good to eat a few carrots if you have been eating candy all night.
I'm a little bummed as it looks like even though we are DVC we are going on a night that everybody pays full price (Friday Oct 11th) but at least not the 2 Halloween nights!
Later,
Sue

SueTGGR --

I knew there had to be more of us out there who are not fond of those freeze-dried apples! The real, fresh apple slices they give out I am fine with, but those freeze-dried pieces are odd.

Yes, Craisins are given out too. I don't particulary like those but I will eat them if they're there. I am not a big raisin person either, but I will eat them if I get them.

Now if there were a way to convince Disney to start handing out their delicious, juicy pineapple spears at the MHP, I'd be all over that idea!!

My family and I actually liked the dried apples. :hides face: lol

PixiDustDears --

Well, there is something for everyone! Maybe those dried apples are a love it/hate it sort of thing! While I am handing over my Almond Joys and Butterfingers to pigby, I would gladly give you all of my freeze-dried apples too!

Hi there
This thread is an invaluable source of information. We are very excited to be able to attend the Halloween Party this year. Coming from Australia, Halloween is a real novelty for our children as it is not so widely celebrated here.
Anyhow, from what I have read food availability is a little more limited during the party. We are actually planning to do the lunch at Ariels Grotto on the day of the party so probably looking for more snack type food in the evening. Are the food carts still normally open during the party? Thinking more like pretzels, churros etc for snacks so that we dont waste time sitting down to eat during the party.
Thanks in advance

lisalu --

Welcome! I'm so glad you joined us, and I'm happy that the thread has been of help to you.

I think that some of the carts are open during the party, if I recall correctly, as are some of the counter service places (like Coke Corner, for example). You should have no problem finding snacks to munch on during the party. You will even find some special treats sold at the party that may not be available in the daytime too, so look for those.

I have heard from many of our members over the years that Halloween is almost non-existent in Australia -- or at least, it's just not quite the celebration that it is here! I don't think I had any idea that Halloween was mostly an American celebratory thing until I joined this board several years ago. I think I just assumed that Halloween was celebrated almost everywhere.

What's interesting is that Halloween has actually become a much bigger deal here in the U.S. too, over the last decade or two! It's now become the second most marketable, money-making holiday in America, and it essentially has its own full 'season.'

Halloween was always a favorite holiday of mine (second only to Christmas) as a child but, for example, we would never see traces of Halloween items popping up in stores in September, let alone in August, back then! There was no pumpkin pie limited edition ice cream when I was a kid! Now, that kind of thing happens every year.

Not only that, but folks who prefer Halloween to Christmas -- or who just love to celebrate Halloween in general -- are now going all out with their Halloween displays every year, and more people are hosting their own haunted houses. There are more 'paid event' haunts (haunted hay rides, mazes, boat rides, etc.) than ever before, all across the country. All of the theme parks (at least in Southern California) have special Halloween events. And there are fun Halloween specials on the Travel Channel and HGTV all about the elaborate Halloween activities and decorations, to rival all of the "Christmas lights" specials that air in November and December! Halloween has really, really become a big deal in America.

Of course, I don't mind because I still love Halloween. Even if I do nothing all season but wander around and admire other people's creative costumes and displays, I still love the season. It doesn't bother me that signs of Halloween start appearing in August, and that Disneyland starts its Halloween Time season in September! Although...I did notice that on another board (coughcoughcoughMiceChatcoughcoughcough) quite a few people were complaining about Halloween Time starting in September.

I say, why not start Halloween Time in September and extend the fun? Why should the Halloween fun be limited to 4 weeks in October, or whatever? Having a longer season allows for people from other states and countries to have the chance to get here to Disneyland to celebrate with us!!

 

[SueTGGR]

Hi there
This thread is an invaluable source of information. We are very excited to be able to attend the Halloween Party this year. Coming from Australia, Halloween is a real novelty for our children as it is not so widely celebrated here.
Anyhow, from what I have read food availability is a little more limited during the party. We are actually planning to do the lunch at Ariels Grotto on the day of the party so probably looking for more snack type food in the evening. Are the food carts still normally open during the party? Thinking more like pretzels, churros etc for snacks so that we dont waste time sitting down to eat during the party.
Thanks in advance

I know the popcorn carts and such are open!

Anyone getting an early word on a new design on the popcorn buckets? I would love to add to my collection!
Later,
Sue

 

[SueTGGR]

In case anyone wanted to see the little bags from last year, here they are with our collection of candy. We didn't get to as many stations as we wanted as our pre-teen son thinks it is all lame. We are taking my sister this time so even if we have to dump him in the hotel (yea! DVC) and go back we will!!!

 

[mom2me]

Thanks Sherry E for your comment. I was bummed, but then I talked to my DH and we decided to go a week earlier 9/16 - 21. We still get to see all the Fall decorations and stuff and we will hopefully get to see Fantasmic! on Friday night. Yes that was a BIG oops on Disney to print that they were going to start the parties on the 30th and then change to the 27th. I'm sure many people were like us and were planning around the party dates.

 

[figment_jii]

I sorted the candy when I got back to the hotel (first party last year)...lot's of yummy candy, but lots of tootsie rolls...I'm still trying to give those away to my co-workers...