HalloweenTime at DLR Info and Photo Superthread #3

[Susiesark]

My suggestion - get there early and try to find a locker. Take a large bag, like the reusable bags sold at the Disney Store, then make trips to the locker. We got 24 lbs. of goodies last year and it was killing the hands and arms carrying it.

 

[siburdue]

I am so happy that Disney made an error when they printed that the start of the MHP was on 09/30. I had already figured that the parties would start on 09/27, and so planned my trip around that date, and was a little disappointed that they weren't going to start until 09/30! Now I'm very happy

Like many others, I think that Halloween time starts early so that it gives one plenty of choices in the time to go. I love to decorate for fall/Halloween, and don't feel it is too early to decorate inside my home at the end of September, so why not enjoy this theme at the parks during that same time frame?

However, I must say that last year I was annoyed to no end when I was at DLR during Halloween time and they were already putting snow on the castle and decorating New Orleans Square with xmas wreaths, ornaments, etc. Oh, and the train stations, too. It really took away from the fall/Halloween feel, so I was sorely disappointed. I wonder if I am alone in this?

I also have another question, what types of food items and or other items are only available during MHP? I didn't notice anything different during the party last year, so maybe I'm just not observant? Hoping to get a heads up of the possibilities for this year, as I will be at the first party.

Thanks

Sheri

 

[seobaina]

I am so happy that Disney made an error when they printed that the start of the MHP was on 09/30. I had already figured that the parties would start on 09/27, and so planned my trip around that date, and was a little disappointed that they weren't going to start until 09/30! Now I'm very happy

Helps me cause we can go now too. Just kinda threw all my plans out cause I was expecting them not to do it and now it'll be busy

 

[Pinup Mommy]

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.

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)

Thank you so much Sherry E for all the great info! I am subscribed so I can keep up when the MHP tickets go on sale.

This thread keeps the excitement up, October will be here before we know it.....

 

[Sherry E]

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!!!

redheadtove --

You're welcome! It's a lot of fun. I think your daughter will love it!

I like the locations of many of the treat trails (and remember that each trail has anywhere from 2-5 treat stations). I don't know if it was this way last year, but in 2011 there were stations set up at the Halloween Round-Up (which will be called the Carnival at Halloween Time), which had no lines for treats. I think that's because no one wanted to walk all the way back there to get candy! I also like the treat trail at the Golden Horseshoe. Even though that line looks very long, it moves quickly -- and there are extra Halloween decorations inside the building. I like the trail at Pixie Hollow, because Pixie Hollow is pretty at night!

I think that many adults get a kick out of trick or treating at Disneyland, too! It's one place where adults can dress up and be kids again, collecting candy and not being frowned upon! In 'real life,' of course, we can't really do that. In real life I would never knock on my neighbors' doors and ask for candy now, obviously (unless I had a child with me)! So it's a way for adults to kind of relive a fun time of their youth or do something that they would not ordinarily be doing, just because it's Halloween Time at Disneyland! The added bonus is that the adults can then take the candy and use it to hand out to kids who knock on their doors on Halloween night!

From 2011:




This is the shiny orange $5.00-ish tote bag that was sold all over Disneyland in 2011, all season long (I'm sure there was an equivalent sold last year, with a different design)...

This is the twinkly tote bag I mentioned previously in its non-twinkly mode (it was in the range of $10.00-ish), but I think the 2012 version was orange and black...

Here it is in twinkle mode, at night...

People were also using Mickey pumpkin trick or treat buckets (not as much as the bags, though, probably because these are more cumbersome to pack in luggage)...

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!

Sue -

Yes, you make a very good point. You see your neighbors' houses all the time, so if Halloween decor started popping up now, for example (hey, TheZue's friend saw Halloween stuff at Costco this month, so it could happen!), you would probably think they'd lost their minds! Plus, it doesn't make any sense to put up Halloween stuff now, since we are basically in the 'season' of the more patriotic holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day).

I wouldn't personally mind seeing anything Halloween-related show up on houses right after Labor Day is over (even though the Halloween candy and treats will hit my stores next month!), because I will be sick of Summer by then. But it probably makes more sense for people to hold off on the Halloween decorations until at least the first day of Fall (which is 9/22 this year).

Although, as I mentioned yesterday, these days there are more people than ever who go all out for Halloween, either in addition to going all out for Christmas or instead of going all out for Christmas. For many folks, Halloween is their Christmas and they want to extend the celebration as long as possible. They host their own parties, haunted houses for the neighborhood kids, pumpkin-carving events, etc. I suppose those people need more time to get everything set up and operational, so it isn't practical for them to only get started on it in October.

For a place like Disneyland, they increase their attendance by extending Halloween Time into mid-September and giving more people the chance to experience everything, but they also do not start the actual parties until the end of September. So far they have not made the leap and opted to have the parties when the season begins in mid-September, so it is sort of a gradual build-up, I think.

I just find it fascinating to observe how Halloween is becoming a bigger deal in general every year, and more people are doing more things for it. I only wish Disneyland would do more for their Halloween Time season instead of less. I don't think that what they have in Disneyland park is enough. They should add more decorations.

And you know I definitely agree with you about Candy Corn Acres! By now, Disney has probably given the giant candy corn props over to another park, but just simply having those set up in DCA at least made DCA feel like it was included in the Halloween Time celebration.

My suggestion - get there early and try to find a locker. Take a large bag, like the reusable bags sold at the Disney Store, then make trips to the locker. We got 24 lbs. of goodies last year and it was killing the hands and arms carrying it.

Susiesark --

The locker is a good idea, as long as people don't mind going back and forth to the locker. It's an especially good idea if you have anything else to put in the locker too (like souvenirs, a piece of a costume, a purse, or regular clothes, etc.).

Another idea that some people have is to just start their candy collecting towards the end of the night, after they have done everything else, so that they don't have to carry the candy around throughout the whole party or stash it anywhere. This way, they can leave after they are done collecting it.

I am so happy that Disney made an error when they printed that the start of the MHP was on 09/30. I had already figured that the parties would start on 09/27, and so planned my trip around that date, and was a little disappointed that they weren't going to start until 09/30! Now I'm very happy

Like many others, I think that Halloween time starts early so that it gives one plenty of choices in the time to go. I love to decorate for fall/Halloween, and don't feel it is too early to decorate inside my home at the end of September, so why not enjoy this theme at the parks during that same time frame?

However, I must say that last year I was annoyed to no end when I was at DLR during Halloween time and they were already putting snow on the castle and decorating New Orleans Square with xmas wreaths, ornaments, etc. Oh, and the train stations, too. It really took away from the fall/Halloween feel, so I was sorely disappointed. I wonder if I am alone in this?

I also have another question, what types of food items and or other items are only available during MHP? I didn't notice anything different during the party last year, so maybe I'm just not observant? Hoping to get a heads up of the possibilities for this year, as I will be at the first party.

Thanks

Sheri

siburdue --

I'm not sure about the party-specific treats, but I know that Disney has boasted of offering special party-specific goodies and souvenirs in the past. I'm not certain that those items couldn't just be purchased in the non-party Halloween Time hours though. They used to bring things out specifically for the party only, and I'm not sure if they still do.

I don't think you are alone at all in not liking to see Christmas stuff appear before Halloween! In fact, I think your opinion is probably what the majority of people feel. I think that I am the oddball who likes all holiday periods to be extended for as long as possible (including Halloween, Easter, all of them!) so I can enjoy them for as long as possible!

As I mentioned yesterday, in the interest of full disclosure I will confess to being a Christmas enthusiast. I adore the holiday season in general (I enjoy all of the "fun" holidays), and it can't start to appear soon enough for me in some ways -- well, within reason. I don't want to start hearing "Deck the Halls" on the radio in October, but I don't mind seeing bags of Christmas candy on the shelves in October! I would prefer a clean division between Halloween and the holiday season, where signs of Christmas don't appear until November 1st -- but even that date is too early for most people. So, it is what it is and I embrace it rather than resist it!

What's cool is that many Fall/Halloween-ish types of decorations can kind of transfer over into Thanksgiving decor, if you work the "harvest" aspect of it and leave out the ghosts, mummies and witches! So I like to see a combo of harvest-y decorations mixed with rustic/country Christmas decor for a while, and then the transition into full-blown Christmas stuff.

Setting aside my own love of all things Christmas and excitement over seeing the first sign if it each year, I try to look at why Disney does things in a practical way. That said, I think that the reason why Disneyland has to put the snow on the Castle and the ornaments up in NOS, etc., before October 31st, is simply a logistical/scheduling one.

Quite honestly, Disney can get away with decorating for Halloween in the week leading up to 9/13 because there is not that much Halloween decor to put up (unfortunately). They don't cover DCA in Halloween decor, nor the hotels, and even in Disneyland there are only a couple of concentrated areas where there is a lot of decor. Other areas might have little sprinklings of it here and there, but the bulk of Halloween Time in Disneyland can be found in Frontierland and on Main Street. Even in New Orleans Square, there isn't much actual Halloween stuff separate from the Haunted Mansion Holiday or "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme, which carries through the holiday season. And they start installing the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay before Labor Day even hits (which people don't like)!

So, for all intents and purposes, Disneyland can get away with a shorter decoration period for Halloween Time because it is not as massive a task to pull off. But the holiday season, however, is very, very extensive and encompasses the entire resort. There are trees or decorations of some kind in almost every shop and restaurant in both parks and in all of the hotels. There is music to select, themed for each land and for Downtown Disney. There is themed decor in NOS, Critter Country, Toon Town, Frontierland, A Bug's Land, Cars Land, Buena Vista Street -- and even in areas like Grizzly Peak and Paradise Pier. The Christmas parade is usually taped on the first weekend in November, so some decorations have to be up for that. There are window displays to set up, and in-store displays at the hotels and in the parks. There is entertainment to work out (last year we had 20 nights of the Candlelight Ceremony), and the holiday parade and fireworks usually take place all season long, throughout November, December and early January -- unlike the Cavalcade and Halloween Screams, which only take place on MHP nights.

I think it simply boils down to needing to get a jump start on the holiday decorations in October because the holiday season officially starts around mid-November each year (11/12, supposedly, this year) and they usually have 95% of everything running/open a few days early, to take advantage of the Veterans Day weekend crowds. To set up that extensive level of decor and overall holiday atmosphere by the season start date or before, it is absolutely necessary to begin the process before Halloween.

Disney is pretty well-thought out, though. I think that -- while I agree that it does take away from the Fall feeling a bit -- the fact that they put the snow up on the Castle at the end of October is kind of clever. It's like DLR is sort of signaling the changing of the seasons with the snow. (It probably does snow in late October in some areas!) One could even argue that the Mardi Gras masks that go up in NOS can sort of work within a mystical/Halloween/masquerade theme, so they can create a bit of a bridge from Halloween to the holiday season (and then to the Mardi Gras 'season,' if that is considered a season).

At least the giant Christmas tree in Town Square doesn't appear until the giant Mickey pumpkin is long gone! I think that DLR does the best they can in trying to get the holiday stuff up and running without totally interfering with what there is of the Halloween decor. If there were more Halloween decor to be interfered with, it could be a bigger problem. But the holiday season is just 'bigger' all around, so it necessitates an early start in getting it set up.

Thank you so much Sherry E for all the great info! I am subscribed so I can keep up when the MHP tickets go on sale.

This thread keeps the excitement up, October will be here before we know it.....

Pinup Mommy --

You're very welcome! Don't thank me, though! You were the first person to get here with the start dates of Halloween Time and the MHP (even though Backstage Pass printed the wrong start date for the MHP), and perlster was the first one to get here with the news that the Parks Blog had posted the rest of the MHP dates!

I just compile the info or put it together and re-post it every so often, for anyone new who is just joining the thread and wants to stay in the loop!

I can't wait for October. Heck, I can't wait for September!

 

[mom2me]

So do they start selling Halloween stuff when Halloween time starts? Would love to pick some up when we are there in September.

 

[Sherry E]

So do they start selling Halloween stuff when Halloween time starts? Would love to pick some up when we are there in September.

mom2me --

Yes. In fact, 3 out of the four pictures I just posted on the previous page were taken on the very first day of Halloween Time in September 2011. (The twinkle picture was taken in October of that same year at the MHP!)

There will probably even be some things available in the week leading up to 9/13. As the season progresses, certain popular items may sell out and Disney may or may not re-order them (it depends on how early in the season it is, as they have to start getting in their holiday merchandise).

I would guess that there will be a few special Villains items available on 9/13 in conjunction with the 13th Hour/Unleash the Villains Limited Time Magic event. And then there should be certain pins, t-shirts, etc. specifically for Mickey's Halloween Party. But you will find lots of Halloween items all season long, especially in the shops on Main Street, Frontierland and in New Orleans Square. World of Disney in DTD also has some cute things. Candle holders, pins, figurines, mini-Halloween trees, antenna toppers, mugs, t-shirts, etc. -- all sorts of things!

 

[kelmac284]

Sherry I am sure it is probably in here somewhere but just wondering on the Happy Haunts how soon can you reserve that? Is that the standard 60 days out or is it 30 and do you have to pay in advance?

We are going to do the halloween party on Fri the 25th so wanted to do the tour on the 26th. Thanks.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry I am sure it is probably in here somewhere but just wondering on the Happy Haunts how soon can you reserve that? Is that the standard 60 days out or is it 30 and do you have to pay in advance?

We are going to do the halloween party on Fri the 25th so wanted to do the tour on the 26th. Thanks.

Hi, Kelly!

Don't worry about asking again, even if the info is somewhere in the thread. Pages turn quickly, so it can be easy to lose track of something!

Sometimes I remember certain posts from DIS'ers that I want to find, and I remembered that TigerlilyAJ (who did a combo Halloween Time -- Holiday season trip!) posted last year when she ordered her Tour package (she did the Ultimate package, which includes the Happiest Haunts tour and Mickey's Halloween Party in one less expensive package)! I think that Beth also did the Ultimate package too, if I recall correctly.

Here is TigerlilyAJ's post:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45975857&postcount=328

As you can see, TigerlilyAJ ordered her October 31st tickets/tour package in late August, so I am guessing that at least some of the tickets can be purchased 60 days out. I'm not sure about the tickets for, say, September 13, though. Would those go on sale on July 13th or in August? Hmmm...

I'm not sure about payment -- I always assumed it had to be paid in advance, but I could be very wrong!

 

[I'm mikey]

Here's a few pictures from Mickeys Halloween party from last year. these were taken on Tuesday October 2nd 2012

 

[PixiDustDears]

Love that last picture of the castle!

 

[Lucrezia]

Wow! Great photos! Love it

 

[dnamertz]

Tickets Selling Out:[/I][/B]

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.

How fast were they selling out? Was it days, weeks, or months after they went on sale?

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.

Do you have any examples of some of the special treats that were only offered during the parties in previous years/

 

[siburdue]

Thanks Sherry for your insight. I still haven't seen anything on the Disney Visa website about purchasing tickets. Do they really go on sale tomorrow and how do I purchase them?

Thanks again.

Sheri

 

[DisneyOz]

Hi everyone,

I am hoping you don't mind me asking these questions....
Being an Australian and also living in a remote part of Australia where Halloween really hasn't caught on yet. We are booked to visit for 5 days from the 24th September and I have to say I am a little concerned that we the Halloween celebrations might mean we miss out.

Obviously we are really looking forward to the fireworks and WoC. Am I right in thinking we may miss out on the fireworks if we do not attend the Halloween party?

I hope not would really put a dampener on the whole thing, I booked for this time hoping it wouldn't coincide!

Really appreciate thoughts,

 

[kelmac284]

I can't find anything either about the tix. I went to the AP section of Disney.com and NOTHING. HELP. I am going the friday before halloween and know that that will be a popular day. Should I just call a main number? I wanted to get them today but can't find any info.

 

[JOANNEL]

I can't find anything either about the tix. I went to the AP section of Disney.com and NOTHING. HELP. I am going the friday before halloween and know that that will be a popular day. Should I just call a main number? I wanted to get them today but can't find any info.

Same here we want to go 9/27. I can't find a link to purchase them?

 

[DisneylandFlower]

.

 

[kelmac284]

Never mind I got it to work.

 

[kelmac284]

.