HalloweenTime at DLR Info and Photo Superthread #3

[Sherry E]

Sue, figment_jii, and anyone else here who wants to comment --

I'm curious to know your thoughts about what I was saying to lisalu1970 above, regarding the early start of Halloween Time season at DLR, and the early appearance of Halloween-related items in our stores much earlier than they used to appear when we were all kids.

Are you more in the camp of (seemingly) the MiceChat folks in that Halloween Time should not start in September, or is there anyone who agrees with me that there is absolutely no harm in extending the fun and merriment and having a longer season?

Personally, I don't see why we have to be limited to celebrating something for a time frame that is deemed acceptable by other people. Why can't Halloween 'season' (in or out of Disneyland) start in September, since that's when Fall starts anyway? Why not? It's a fun, happy, festive time -- it's not like we all have to walk on a bed of rusty nails. Who doesn't want to extend the fun?

I know of some folks who get away with having "birthday weeks" and even "birthday months," in which they receive assorted Happy Birthday wishes, cards and gifts all during that time frame. If people can do that, why can't we kick off Halloween a little early?

I mean, I certainly remember when any signs of Halloween did not appear anywhere until October (in the Jurassic days of my youth), but I also don't mind one bit that now I begin to see pumpkins and scarecrows and other Halloween decor hitting the store shelves in August! It doesn't hurt anything -- people can ignore it or choose to buy into it. I'd rather bring on the fun sooner than later! Enough of this Summer nonsense. We're only a couple of weeks into Summer and I am over it already! It's time for Autumn to arrive!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am with you on this one. Here in the UK Halloween is not as big a deal as it is in the USA, but after I have experienced it twice in the USA, it has rapidly become my favourite holiday. Especially with it being so truly magical at Disneyland, I feel that it is a great idea to start the season in September so that as many people as possible get to experience this.

Corinna

 

[Sherry E]

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.

mom2me --

Oh, that's great! I'm glad that you changed dates. You should definitely be able to see F! and fireworks (the non-Halloween fireworks) during your trip. And you'll be able to see all of the Halloween decorations (be sure to check out the wonderful carved character pumpkins at the Halloween Carnival and the Ray Bradbury Halloween tree when it is lit up at night).

I'm really annoyed at Disney for printing that 9/30 date in the BP magazine. They are usually good about not releasing any dates in any official Disney publication until they are confirmed and set in stone (usually we have to wait forever to get the dates). This was the first time that I can recall in which they put a date in an official publication, only to have it be totally wrong! (I can only hope that the Tuesday, 11/12 start date of the holiday season is correct -- that was also printed in the BP newsletter -- because those of us who are also involved in the Christmas Superthread are under the assumption that is the start date!)

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...

figment_jii --

You are not kidding about that! There are a lot of Tootsie Roll products at the MHP -- Tootsie Pops; fruit-flavored Tootsie Rolls; regular-sized Tootsie Rolls; long & slender Tootsie Rolls; miniature bar-shaped Tootsie Rolls; and probably others I am forgetting! They are abundant!

 

[TheZue]

Sue, figment_jii, and anyone else here who wants to comment --

I'm curious to know your thoughts about what I was saying to lisalu1970 above, regarding the early start of Halloween Time season at DLR, and the early appearance of Halloween-related items in our stores much earlier than they used to appear when we were all kids.

Are you more in the camp of (seemingly) the MiceChat folks in that Halloween Time should not start in September, or is there anyone who agrees with me that there is absolutely no harm in extending the fun and merriment and having a longer season?

Personally, I don't see why we have to be limited to celebrating something for a time frame that is deemed acceptable by other people. Why can't Halloween 'season' (in or out of Disneyland) start in September, since that's when Fall starts anyway? Why not? It's a fun, happy, festive time -- it's not like we all have to walk on a bed of rusty nails. Who doesn't want to extend the fun?

I know of some folks who get away with having "birthday weeks" and even "birthday months," in which they receive assorted Happy Birthday wishes, cards and gifts all during that time frame. If people can do that, why can't we kick off Halloween a little early?

I mean, I certainly remember when any signs of Halloween did not appear anywhere until October (in the Jurassic days of my youth), but I also don't mind one bit that now I begin to see pumpkins and scarecrows and other Halloween decor hitting the store shelves in August! It doesn't hurt anything -- people can ignore it or choose to buy into it. I'd rather bring on the fun sooner than later! Enough of this Summer nonsense. We're only a couple of weeks into Summer and I am over it already! It's time for Autumn to arrive!

I don't have a problem with it. In the US it isn't like it's overstepping an earlier holiday or anything. There is so much demand for it I'm glad they stretch it out a little instead of cramming everyone in during a smaller season. One of my Facebook friends posted that Costco got Halloween stuff in today, that is pushing it. What bugs me is that Christmas starts replacing Halloween decor before the 31st.

 

[figment_jii]

I like the Halloween season starting in mid-September, at least from a theme park point of view. That gives lots of people the chance to visits and enjoy the festivities and decorations. I'm not as sure I'd be happy if my neighbor put out their Halloween lights in mid-September...it's the difference between a theme park and "normal" life to me. Disneyland/Disney World are meant to be fun places that celebrate the season (whichever season it may be). So, I'm okay with Halloween starting in mid-September at DLR/WDW.

As for the merchandising side, I suppose it's like most anything else, retailers like to extend the shopping season. So if folks will buy Halloween merchandise in September, they'll put it out in September. And that's okay with me, partially because there is no other holiday to compete with. (I kind of feel sorry for Thanksgiving because it often gets overshadowed by Christmas.) It's a long time between 4th of July and Halloween. Between those, there really aren't any holidays that folks decorate their houses. So why not celebrate the start of fall (and hopefully cooler weather) as soon as possible!

As for the growth in Halloween, I think there are a couple of reasons. Mainly, non-children are getting in on it. Adults (and teens), perhaps remembering the fun of their childhoods, are still going to Halloween parties or decorating their houses. They are more likely to have money (children might have their allowance, but that probably doesn't buy as much as a working adult can afford), and so they can decorate and buy other Halloween items, which in turns fuels the market to make more things and bring them out earlier.

Second reason, the general interest in "scary" and "ghostly" has increased over the years (I don't mean just the vampire/Harry Potter influences). That has given rise to the haunted houses, ghost stories, etc. When one was popular, they gave rise to copies, which spread. So the industry grows. Things like MNSSHP and Universal Horror Nights co-existing because they appeal to two different types of audiences: the cute-spooky and the horror-scary lovers.

I might begin to wonder if we start seeing Halloween in August in DLR/WDW, but at this point, mid-September is okay with me. Summer is over and the next thing to look forward to is Halloween.

 

[Sherry E]

I am with you on this one. Here in the UK Halloween is not as big a deal as it is in the USA, but after I have experienced it twice in the USA, it has rapidly become my favourite holiday. Especially with it being so truly magical at Disneyland, I feel that it is a great idea to start the season in September so that as many people as possible get to experience this.

Corinna

Corinna --

Yes, exactly! Having a longer season that starts in September allows for more people to have a chance to enjoy it, especially those who come from places outside of California and who have to set aside a block of time to travel.

Also, it is good business for Disney to do it this way -- by starting Halloween Time in September, they attract more people to the parks in those last couple of weeks of the month than there would have been otherwise. That part of September used to be pretty slow in the old days -- and it's not that it is super crazy/New Year's Eve-busy in September now, but there are certainly more people visiting the park(s) at that time than there used to be -- because Halloween Time gives them a reason to go.

Plus, even outside of Disneyland, I just don't see a problem with pumpkins and other Halloween-related things popping up in September, around the start of Fall. I don't even mind seeing the stuff in my stores in August! I know that some folks probably think that's pushing it, but what harm does it do, really? It makes me happy to see it -- it's a sure sign that Halloween is coming, and it leaves a good couple of months to enjoy the anticipation and excitement! I kind of like having extra time to really be able to appreciate the seasonal decorations, etc., instead of just starting the celebration 2 weeks before Halloween and then it's over in day!

Yes, in the interest of full disclosure, I am also one of those people who loves seeing Christmas stuff pop up early too -- I have absolutely no problem seeing Christmas stuff start to appear on the store shelves right at the end of October or as soon as November begins. I know, I know. Most people do not feel that way, and they feel there should be a ban on Christmas stuff until Thanksgiving has passed (which would be after 11/28 this year -- and that's way too late for some folks to start putting up their extensive, elaborate Christmas lights and displays!).

As much as I, personally, adore Christmas stuff and can't get enough of it all through November and December, I can totally understand why others dread it and why the mere sight of a Santa-shaped place mat in late October will send them screaming into the night. It's the pressure. The stress. It's knowing that they have to start planning, buying, decorating, baking, traveling, wrapping, etc., and it's daunting.

In the case of Halloween, however, there isn't as much pressure. If you wouldn't have started decorating your house until October anyway, there is no need to start decorating it just because you see pumpkins at the grocery store in August! If you wouldn't have bought your candy until October, don't buy it until October. If you don't celebrate Halloween, then just ignore the pumpkins, ghosts and scarecrows in various store window displays!

I don't know. I guess I was just kind of surprised that the MiceChat folks seemed to be anti-Halloween Time in September. To me, it's just more fun, extended for a longer period of time. And there are really only certain areas of Disneyland that are decorated anyway. There are a lot of areas that are not decorated at all, so there is plenty of non-Halloween space for other people to enjoy. Heck, DCA is practically not even involved in the celebration at all anymore (unless something changes this year)! That's a whole park that has almost no traces of Halloween at all (I'm thinking that "Frankenweenie" won't return this year??).

 

[TheZue]

Sometimes it seems they are anti a lot of things at Micechat. They over think things. It is more of a hardcore fan site. I love reading there though.

 

[redheadtove]

Ok... so I have been reading the boards on this thread and I'm so excited to be going to the Halloween Party this year because Halloween is my favorite holiday... I love it more then Christmas!!!

So my question is, for the trick or treating part of the party do they supply bags? I have seen some pictures with bags so I was wondering if they were supplied or did I have to purchase them? If I have to buy it, fine... but if I don't that would be much better.

Thanks in advance

 

[Sherry E]

I don't have a problem with it. In the US it isn't like it's overstepping an earlier holiday or anything. There is so much demand for it I'm glad they stretch it out a little instead of cramming everyone in during a smaller season. One of my Facebook friends posted that Costco got Halloween stuff in today, that is pushing it. What bugs me is that Christmas starts replacing Halloween decor before the 31st.

TheZue --

Okay...where does your Facebook friend live? That even tops my area of L.A., in which signs of Halloween start to slowly appear in August (but they don't get really Halloween-heavy until September)! I have not seen anything Halloween-related so far this month (though now I will be looking!).

I suppose that the bigger Halloween becomes as a reason for people to decorate, have parties, travel, etc., the earlier we will see seasonal items on the shelves.

Can you imagine how busy (non-stop) DLR would be if Disney suddenly decided to condense their Halloween Time festivities into 2 or 3 weeks? Eek! I don't even want to think about it. It's actually better for all of us that they start it in September, because the crowds can spread out a bit more and not pack into the parks over a shorter window of time.

I can understand the Christmas stuff popping up before 10/31, because it is such a major holiday that so many people have to do so many things for (they don't feel as obligated to do things for Halloween), and often it requires lots and lots of preparation. Many of those people who run the really elaborate light/decorations displays on their homes have to start putting them up in September to be done by Thanksgiving.

At the same time, the fact that Christmas stuff shows up early seems to have a counter-intuitive effect on the people who could benefit from getting that jump start! It tends to scare them off and make them not want to deal with it rather than dive in and take advantage of the early sales and offers!

I like the Halloween season starting in mid-September, at least from a theme park point of view. That gives lots of people the chance to visits and enjoy the festivities and decorations. I'm not as sure I'd be happy if my neighbor put out their Halloween lights in mid-September...it's the difference between a theme park and "normal" life to me. Disneyland/Disney World are meant to be fun places that celebrate the season (whichever season it may be). So, I'm okay with Halloween starting in mid-September at DLR/WDW.

As for the merchandising side, I suppose it's like most anything else, retailers like to extend the shopping season. So if folks will buy Halloween merchandise in September, they'll put it out in September. And that's okay with me, partially because there is no other holiday to compete with. (I kind of feel sorry for Thanksgiving because it often gets overshadowed by Christmas.) It's a long time between 4th of July and Halloween. Between those, there really aren't any holidays that folks decorate their houses. So why not celebrate the start of fall (and hopefully cooler weather) as soon as possible!

As for the growth in Halloween, I think there are a couple of reasons. Mainly, non-children are getting in on it. Adults (and teens), perhaps remembering the fun of their childhoods, are still going to Halloween parties or decorating their houses. They are more likely to have money (children might have their allowance, but that probably doesn't buy as much as a working adult can afford), and so they can decorate and buy other Halloween items, which in turns fuels the market to make more things and bring them out earlier.

Second reason, the general interest in "scary" and "ghostly" has increased over the years (I don't mean just the vampire/Harry Potter influences). That has given rise to the haunted houses, ghost stories, etc. When one was popular, they gave rise to copies, which spread. So the industry grows. Things like MNSSHP and Universal Horror Nights co-existing because they appeal to two different types of audiences: the cute-spooky and the horror-scary lovers.

I might begin to wonder if we start seeing Halloween in August in DLR/WDW, but at this point, mid-September is okay with me. Summer is over and the next thing to look forward to is Halloween.

figment_jii --

You bring up some excellent points. One of them is the different types of Halloween celebrations/decor -- there is the horror/scary/gory stuff (like the chainsaw-wielding maniacs on the loose at Universal), and the light/fun/cute/whimsical/playful stuff (like the giant Mickey pumpkin in Town Square at DL). Both styles of Halloween fun are very popular, but with the vampire/zombie mania that has swept the nation in recent years, there seems to be a vast market for darker fare.

If I'm not mistaken, the whole "haunt industry" is huge business.

Even pre-vampire/zombie craze, there were places like the House of Shock in New Orleans that attracted large crowds. But now there are more haunted cruises (there's even one that sails out of Newport Beach!), haunted houses, haunted hay rides, haunted prisons, creepy corn mazes, etc., than ever before -- all complete with assorted monsters and otherworldly beings jumping out at the guests or chasing them down! The special effects, costume and make-up people are working non-stop during the Halloween season.

I suppose that the more popular a season becomes and the more ways there are to celebrate it, it becomes necessary to 'start' the season earlier. There were not as many Halloween options when I was a kid other than the occasional costume party or just plain old trick-or-treating, so back then it wasn't necessary to start it in September or put the white chocolate candy corn M&Ms on the shelf in August!

While I might be a little wary if I see Halloween stuff in the stores now (like TheZue's friend saw at Costco), I am fully expecting it next month!

 

[rowan1813]

Ok... so I have been reading the boards on this thread and I'm so excited to be going to the Halloween Party this year because Halloween is my favorite holiday... I love it more then Christmas!!!

So my question is, for the trick or treating part of the party do they supply bags? I have seen some pictures with bags so I was wondering if they were supplied or did I have to purchase them? If I have to buy it, fine... but if I don't that would be much better.

Thanks in advance

They do supply little bags for trick-or-treating; you can see them in a picture that was posted above by SueTGGR. However, they are not very big at all and if your goal is to get more than just the amount of candy that is posted in the picture above, I would highly recommend bringing another bag. Like I said previously, my BFF brought her backpack and that served her well. So any bag that you might have lying around would be good. The CMs are just so generous with the candy it is very easy to exceed the limit that the little free bags will hold.

Hope you have a fantastic time!! BFF and I completely enjoyed it last year and we are going back this year with her sister (and my friend).

 

[TheZue]

Ok... so I have been reading the boards on this thread and I'm so excited to be going to the Halloween Party this year because Halloween is my favorite holiday... I love it more then Christmas!!!

So my question is, for the trick or treating part of the party do they supply bags? I have seen some pictures with bags so I was wondering if they were supplied or did I have to purchase them? If I have to buy it, fine... but if I don't that would be much better.

Thanks in advance

They are Tiny...like when you order a breakfast meal at McDonalds tiny. Bring a large bag or two to dump them into. If you get like four of the bags of dried apples it'll be full. Last year we had a mountain of candy, we gave a ton of it away at Halloween.

 

[Sherry E]

Ok... so I have been reading the boards on this thread and I'm so excited to be going to the Halloween Party this year because Halloween is my favorite holiday... I love it more then Christmas!!!

So my question is, for the trick or treating part of the party do they supply bags? I have seen some pictures with bags so I was wondering if they were supplied or did I have to purchase them? If I have to buy it, fine... but if I don't that would be much better.

Thanks in advance

redheadtove --

You will get a little plastic bag with handles (like the one in SueTGGR's photo above) when you enter the party, give the Cast Member your ticket, get your wristband, etc. It does not hold very much candy, if you plan on stopping at a lot of the treat trails/stations. This is why most people either bring or buy additional bags. If you only plan to stop at one or two stations, that giveaway bag will be fine.

There are usually some Halloween tote bags sold (with the general idea of using them for candy and souvenirs at the party) in the shops throughout the season. There may be a cheaper bag that is in the $5 range. There are also twinkly, light-up bags (you press a button and they twinkle) which cost around $10 (give or take a dollar), and they have an 'evil-looking' Mickey on the front of them. The $10 bags could be green and black or orange and black. I got the green and black bag in 2011, but I think that last year's version of the twinkly tote bag was orange and black.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I can second this. On my first party, I only did three of the treat trails (Rivers of America, the treat trail in front of Pirates of the Caribbean and the Golden Horseshoe Saloon) and my bag that I had been given was full. For me that was plenty enough candy, but if I had been serious about this, I would have needed a bigger bag.

Corinna

 

[twinspirit]

Curious....what do they do to the attractions that close and then reopen for a themed event such as Halloween?

 

[Susiesark]

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

They allow plastic swords for pirate costumes so I would imagine they would allow other props that the Disney Store carries.

 

[Susiesark]

AP holders may a bit
All of this must be labeled unofficial and subject to revision, but the source remains "highly credible".


Advanced purchase is offered at a discount - namely, $51 for AP holders and $59 for others - on most nights.
No such discount is offered on the last two nights in addition to Friday the 11th, 18th, and 25th

Where did you see this? I'm a Deluxe AP and want to go 9/27, WHERE/HOW can I get my tickets for $51? Thanks!

 

[rowan1813]

Curious....what do they do to the attractions that close and then reopen for a themed event such as Halloween?

Haunted Mansion gets a NBC overlay which is pretty elaborate and extensive not only on the inside, but also on the outside of the ride building and through the queue. If you are a fan, then you will love this ride. I believe there are some pictures in the threads SherryE has linked at the beginning of this thread.

Space Mountain gets a ghost-themed overlay but it is not as extensive as HM. The premise is is that you have been transported to a galaxy with a skeletal-like being chasing you. The music changes to a slightly more spooky theme and there are screens set up throughout the ride to show the skeletal being following your vehicles as you go through the tracks. Think more orange/red and black colors rather than the white/silver and black of the stars background it usually is.

 

[Sherry E]

Where did you see this? I'm a Deluxe AP and want to go 9/27, WHERE/HOW can I get my tickets for $51? Thanks!

Susiesark --

The tickets aren't available to the AP holders until this coming Monday, July 8th. Erin at the Parks Blog said she would update her Halloween Time Blog when the MHP page went up, and I assume it will have the info about official prices and where to order.

The AP holders will be able to order discounted tickets online, but most likely the Disney Visa and DVC people will have to call in and order tickets in order to get the discounts applied.

Haunted Mansion gets a NBC overlay which is pretty elaborate and extensive not only on the inside, but also on the outside of the ride building and through the queue. If you are a fan, then you will love this ride. I believe there are some pictures in the threads SherryE has linked at the beginning of this thread.

Space Mountain gets a ghost-themed overlay but it is not as extensive as HM. The premise is is that you have been transported to a galaxy with a skeletal-like being chasing you. The music changes to a slightly more spooky theme and there are screens set up throughout the ride to show the skeletal being following your vehicles as you go through the tracks. Think more orange/red and black colors rather than the white/silver and black of the stars background it usually is.

rowan1813 --

I know the last time I tried to edit something in one of the posts on Page 1, I was having trouble. I don't know if the DIS is wacky, or if my browser or computer is wacky. So I don't know if I have the most complete HMH info on Page 1 yet.

But, I copied my Haunted Mansion Holiday info from my Christmas Superthread (see below)!!

​

Here are some links to info about Haunted Mansion Holiday -- in order from most recent to oldest, and also a couple from DIS Unplugged -- for anyone who has never seen it in person:



Haunted Mansion Holiday

"Behind the Scenes: Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread House at Disneyland Park" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on October 23rd, 2012 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

"From Haunted Mansion to Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 18th, 2012 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

"Magical Makeover for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 14th, 2012 by Shannon Swanson, Senior Publicist, Disneyland Resort

"SNEAK PEEK: Jack's Gingerbread House Arrives at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on August 20th, 2012 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

"Celebrating 10 Years of Haunted Mansion Holidays at Disneyland Park" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on October 12th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

"Things You Might Not Know About Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 13th, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print

"Haunted Mansion Holiday Panorama" - Disney Parks Blog; posted on October 26th, 2010 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort


(From DIS Unplugged)

"The Sights of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland" (October 29th, 2011, by Nancy Johnson, DIS Unplugged Contributor/Correspondent)

"Karlos Siqueiros - The Gingerbread Man" (October 12th, 2010, by Tom Bell, DIS Unplugged Contributor/Correspondent)

 

[redheadtove]

redheadtove --

You will get a little plastic bag with handles (like the one in SueTGGR's photo above) when you enter the party, give the Cast Member your ticket, get your wristband, etc. It does not hold very much candy, if you plan on stopping at a lot of the treat trails/stations. This is why most people either bring or buy additional bags. If you only plan to stop at one or two stations, that giveaway bag will be fine.

There are usually some Halloween tote bags sold (with the general idea of using them for candy and souvenirs at the party) in the shops throughout the season. There may be a cheaper bag that is in the $5 range. There are also twinkly, light-up bags (you press a button and they twinkle) which cost around $10 (give or take a dollar), and they have an 'evil-looking' Mickey on the front of them. The $10 bags could be green and black or orange and black. I got the green and black bag in 2011, but I think that last year's version of the twinkly tote bag was orange and black.

Thank you so much... I'm pretty sure I will be purchasing a good twinkle bag. I have a 9 yr old daughter who is beyond excited for trick or treating at Disneyland!!!

 

[SueTGGR]

To the discussion of Halloween starting too early...I have no problem with Disney starting it in September. I think any earlier and it might take away from it being a special thing. Having it in September lets them plan enough parties so that any one wanting to go, should be able to get there. But I agree that if my neighbors (us included) start the decorating any earlier than the 1st weekend of October they would be pushing it. There is a huge difference because I see my neighbors houses every day. Unfortunately and Fortunately, I don't see Disneyland every day. (I have a love/hate relationship with the greater LA area ) So, the early season and decorations don't bother me and if it bothers others then don't go, right? I personally want Candy Corn Acres brought back
Later!
Sue
I thought I posted it earlier today, OOPS!