HalloweenTime at DLR Info and Photo Superthread #3

[Lucrezia]

Aw, Sherry, that sucks! I've lost count of all the times something like that has happened to me. At least you handled it better than I would've! Seriously, if I had done a whole series of replies to people and then not been able to post it... I think I would've cried.

 

[kmedina]

I've been there, Sherry. It stinks. On the bright side, those are fantastic pictures. I am glad you are so close to your trip. Looking forward to reading about it.

 

[Kilala]

I forgot to mention that I paint my own unitards and knit my own warmers. I also make my own wigs too.

 

[tdashgirl]

Almost September!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

I apologize in advance if this has already been asked......

We are thinking of arriving at DL on Tuesday, October 8th. Check in to GCH and then head over to DL around 4:00pm for two hours prior to the start of the party and then stay for the party. This week is Fall Break in Arizona and maybe other states as well. We have been during this Fall Break before, but it was four years ago before the renovations at DCA. My opinion of this Fall Break week is it is VERY busy. I classify very busy as being hundreds if not thousands of people lined up at the gates about 45 mins before park opening, think: lines from the turnstiles all the way back past the CALIFORNIA letters.

Anyway! The party that night is from 6pm to 11pm. If you were there last year during this week and attended a similar mid-week party, what was your experience like? If DL will be packed to the gills for the entire night, we may re-think our plan. If you think or have experience with it clearing out half way through the party or whatever, I'd love to hear about that also.

I guess my big question is this: Do they clear everyone out at 6:00 who doesn't have a wristband or ticket for the party? Is there a huge overlap of non-party people and party people mixed in together at 6:00?

Thanks so much for sharing. We are normally rope droppers and are use to being in the parks for at least portions of our visits with very minimal crowds until the crowds build during the day. I guess we are hoping that maybe the opposite will happen at the party where it will be very busy and then dwindle through the night. If you know that to not be the case, I'd love for you to weigh in. We will be arriving with NO fastpasses late in the day and that is unknown territory for my family.

Thanks again!!

 

[amylew]

I guess my big question is this: Do they clear everyone out at 6:00 who doesn't have a wristband or ticket for the party? Is there a huge overlap of non-party people and party people mixed in together at 6:00?

Thanks so much for sharing. We are normally rope droppers and are use to being in the parks for at least portions of our visits with very minimal crowds until the crowds build during the day. I guess we are hoping that maybe the opposite will happen at the party where it will be very busy and then dwindle through the night. If you know that to not be the case, I'd love for you to weigh in. We will be arriving with NO fastpasses late in the day and that is unknown territory for my family.

Thanks again!!

We went at that time last year. They had cast members checking for wrist bands at 6, and if you didn't have one, they asked you to leave. It seemed like there were cast members looking at wrist bands much of the night - make sure yours is visible. It was busy, but not crazy busy. We all had a great time meeting some of the characters in their costumes, riding rides and watching the fireworks. You'll have a great time.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

We went at that time last year. They had cast members checking for wrist bands at 6, and if you didn't have one, they asked you to leave. It seemed like there were cast members looking at wrist bands much of the night - make sure yours is visible. It was busy, but not crazy busy. We all had a great time meeting some of the characters in their costumes, riding rides and watching the fireworks. You'll have a great time.

Welcome amylew!

I'll second the above!!!

We were there at the same time last year(Oct. 7th--13th), and while it was busy, was still wonderful, and we enjoyed every minute of the Halloween Party!

The Trick or Treat lines are long, but move fairly quickly, and some are less popular than others, so you can go through again and again(if you like).

We found lots of spots in the Park that were uncrowded, and enjoyed those whenever we felt like a bit of a break.

Fireworks are spectacular, Cavalcade was fun(not spectacular), and the atmosphere in general was festive and quite a lot of fun--in my opinion.

We go every year at this particular time and love it!

 

[figment_jii]

Do they clear everyone out at 6:00 who doesn't have a wristband or ticket for the party? Is there a huge overlap of non-party people and party people mixed in together at 6:00?

I can't really speak for what the week is specifically, but regarding the party and the transition time...yes, you'll see an uptick in guests in the park as the party goers arrive. The folks with a party ticket can enter the park three hours prior to the start of the party (so at 3:00 pm on a day when the party starts at 6:00 pm), so for that period, there are extra guests. I felt that it was busier, but not super crowded. It's actually fun to see the guests as they arrive in their Halloween costumes.

Once the party starts, CMs form check points throughout the park. If you have a wristband, they'll allow you to proceed further into the park. If you don't have one, they won't let you pass and send you back toward Main Street and out of the park. They continue to check throughout the evening. They check at the entrance to rides, stores, along the parade routes, inside the fireworks crowds, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't spend to much of the party time on rides or waiting for rides. The rides are the same during the day, so there is no pressing reason to ride them unless that's what you want to do. I focus on the party activities...fireworks (my favorite!), Cavalcade, dance parties, meet and greets, and trick-or-treating. I do a little trick-or-treating early on...mostly just to get some candy to eat while waiting for the Cavalcade and fireworks...and then the majority towards the end of the party. Partially because the lines are shorter at that point and because the candy gets heavy!

 

[pigby]

Personally, I wouldn't spend to much of the party time on rides or waiting for rides. The rides are the same during the day, so there is no pressing reason to ride them unless that's what you want to do. I focus on the party activities...fireworks (my favorite!), Cavalcade, dance parties, meet and greets, and trick-or-treating. I do a little trick-or-treating early on...mostly just to get some candy to eat while waiting for the Cavalcade and fireworks...and then the majority towards the end of the party. Partially because the lines are shorter at that point and because the candy gets heavy!

I thought we might try to get a locker early when we arrive at 3pm so we can store the candy from our early treat or treating - but also because we can store a hoody or two for when if gets cooler later on in the evening. My Maleficent outfit is easily big enough to wear a hoody underneath - it is on it's third Halloween party outing this year - having already been to WDW and Disneyland Paris in it. Paris party was freezing and needed several layers underneath but it was October 31st - we are going a full month earlier this year and it is California and not Paris.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I thought we might try to get a locker early when we arrive at 3pm so we can store the candy from our early treat or treating - but also because we can store a hoody or two for when if gets cooler later on in the evening. My Maleficent outfit is easily big enough to wear a hoody underneath - it is on it's third Halloween party outing this year - having already been to WDW and Disneyland Paris in it. Paris party was freezing and needed several layers underneath but it was October 31st - we are going a full month earlier this year and it is California and not Paris.

Getting a locker is a great idea(as is arriving early to get one)! It would definitely be worth it, if you plan on doing lots of Trick or Treating---that candy gets heavy! It's nice not to have to carry around a bulky hoodie as well.

Wow--a full month for a holiday--sounds marvelous!

 

[pigby]

Getting a locker is a great idea(as is arriving early to get one)! It would definitely be worth it, if you plan on doing lots of Trick or Treating---that candy gets heavy! It's nice not to have to carry around a bulky hoodie as well.

Wow--a full month for a holiday--sounds marvelous!

Sorry what I meant was that the Halloween party in Paris was on 31st October a few years ago and this year it is 1st October at DLR. What I meant to say was that this year will be the third time the Halloween outfit has been to a Halloween party - when I read my post back looks as though I am going to three this year (if only....)

We are still going for 3 weeks though - my ticker looks a bit 'wrong' now as it says 1 week and 6 days to DLR and Halloween party - in fact in 1 week and 6 days we arrive in LA but are staying for 10 days in Hollywood at the Loews and then over to DLR for the rest of our stay.

 

[Here4mydisneyfix]

Hey all! I have a question for those in the know about Halloween Parties!! We are going to two parties this year and for the first one, our littlest DD will be 2 still, but for the last party, which is also our last day at Disneyland, she will be 3 (we are having her Bday celebration @ Minnie and Friends Bfast the day before and she is soooo excited!!). Now I've read lots of times and heard firsthand from castmembers that nobody ages while at Disneyland....so in accordance with this policy, we should not have to purchase a Halloween party ticket for her for the 2nd party....or should we?? lol What do you think? Thx!

 

[moose615]

I'm really bummed, after having an awesome time at WDW during Halloween time and MNSSHP last year, I planned an Oct DL trip for DD5 and I staying at VGC for a week, I booked in Jan and last month (this is the good news bad news part) I received a promotion and raise, and was also informed that noone would be hired to fill my position until Nov. so there isn't anyone to cover for me if I were to get sick or take a vacation. As of right now it looks like I will be canceling the trip to DL sadly. I was looking so forward to it and DD has been asking if we could go to DL since after last years trip. ;(

 

[Dot2Vegas]

Hey all! I have a question for those in the know about Halloween Parties!! We are going to two parties this year and for the first one, our littlest DD will be 2 still, but for the last party, which is also our last day at Disneyland, she will be 3 (we are having her Bday celebration @ Minnie and Friends Bfast the day before and she is soooo excited!!). Now I've read lots of times and heard firsthand from castmembers that nobody ages while at Disneyland....so in accordance with this policy, we should not have to purchase a Halloween party ticket for her for the 2nd party....or should we?? lol What do you think? Thx!

As far as I know you don't age at Disneyland
I think you are fine with not buying her a ticket as long as the two parties are both during the same Disney trip. Meaning, you aren't local and going to a party and going to the second one a few weeks later and saying that she is still 2. Then that would be a bad idea!

 

[Sherry E]

Yippeeeeeeee!!! We can hardly wait--Thanks Sherry!

Cheshirecatty --

(<< Gus, the Creepy Dancing Guy and Mascot of the Halloween Superthread!)

Me, too!!!!! I have been waiting for this since the original LTM announcement!! All these little hints aren't giving enough information about the evening!!!

pudinhd --

I know what you mean. Seeing that this Unleash the Villains thing was on the original list of LTM events when LTM was first announced last year (as opposed to other LTM things that have just popped up spontaneously this year), I'm really surprised that Disney has not made a bigger deal about talking it up. Now I am thinking that most of the Villains will only be out when the dance party starts, whereas originally I thought they'd be out all day -- since it will be Friday the 13th all day.

I love the pictures Sherry. The make me happy in a festive mood and ready to go to MHP.

Thank you, Kilala!

The MHP is right around the corner. You do a a great job on your costumes, and put a lot of work into them! Do you also make other clothing as well, or just the costumes?

Aw, Sherry, that sucks! I've lost count of all the times something like that has happened to me. At least you handled it better than I would've! Seriously, if I had done a whole series of replies to people and then not been able to post it... I think I would've cried.

Lucrezia --

While I have had episodes on the DIS here and there of losing text, this was the first time I had seen the "server is too busy" message. Even though I had copied my text so that I could paste it into a post if I had to sign in again, I think the weird "server is too busy" glitch made my copied text disappear.

And I don't handle it well when that sort of thing happens to me -- it's just that you can't hear me or see me, so you don't know what I'm doing!

I thought of you yesterday because we were both commiserating on how we detest heat and being hot. Well, one reason I don't like to be hot is that it makes me ill when it gets to a certain point. I start to get nauseous and headachy -- and I drink water all the time, so it's not about that. It's not that at the first sign of an 80-degree day I get sick. It usually takes a while of lingering heat for it to happen. Lately I had been faring pretty well -- I was uncomfortable with the heat but I wasn't getting sick from it.

...That is, until the last couple of days and especially yesterday. All of a sudden the humidity kicked up a notch and the sun got harsher. The evening air was not cool. The morning air was not cool. I was beginning to get sick to my stomach and I couldn't sleep. The heat had finally hung around long enough to bother me and now I am praying for some sort of fluke rainstorm or something!

There are three weeks until Fall begins, and it's not that I think the temperature will automatically drop when September 22nd hits but at least it is a step in the right direction, thank heavens. When I am so uncomfortable that I am queasy, exhausted and can't eat, sleep or get comfortable, it is time to move on to the next season, fast! I know you will agree!

I've been there, Sherry. It stinks. On the bright side, those are fantastic pictures. I am glad you are so close to your trip. Looking forward to reading about it.

Kim --

Thank you! I needed a dose of Halloween Time!

I got rid of my other TR thread, which you may or may not have noticed. It is gone forever -- all 250 pages of it. (Notice that I took all Christmas and Halloween links out of my signature.)

So the next TR thread will be a fresh new start (I will let you know when I get it going). I can't wait to get to DLR and bust out the camera for one of my wild photo-taking sprees.

Hey all! I have a question for those in the know about Halloween Parties!! We are going to two parties this year and for the first one, our littlest DD will be 2 still, but for the last party, which is also our last day at Disneyland, she will be 3 (we are having her Bday celebration @ Minnie and Friends Bfast the day before and she is soooo excited!!). Now I've read lots of times and heard firsthand from castmembers that nobody ages while at Disneyland....so in accordance with this policy, we should not have to purchase a Halloween party ticket for her for the 2nd party....or should we?? lol What do you think? Thx!

Here4mydisneyfix --

Hmmm. That is a good question, and one that I don't think I have seen asked before (in regards to the Halloween party).

Honestly, I don't know what to tell you to do, and I would be interested in reading other opinions on it! I suppose that it would not be a bad idea to buy your DD a ticket for that second MHP night, as she will be 3 at that point. If you did not buy her a ticket, I'm not sure if the CMs would really care because she would have been 3 for such a short time.

I'm the sort of person who would probably just go ahead and buy the ticket for the second party, but I wonder what others will say.

I'm really bummed, after having an awesome time at WDW during Halloween time and MNSSHP last year, I planned an Oct DL trip for DD5 and I staying at VGC for a week, I booked in Jan and last month (this is the good news bad news part) I received a promotion and raise, and was also informed that noone would be hired to fill my position until Nov. so there isn't anyone to cover for me if I were to get sick or take a vacation. As of right now it looks like I will be canceling the trip to DL sadly. I was looking so forward to it and DD has been asking if we could go to DL since after last years trip. ;(

moose615 --

That is definitely a good news-bad news situation! Well, first of all, congratulations on the promotion and the raise, which is a great thing!

But that's a shame that with such wonderful news comes the sad reality that the trip has to be canceled after booking in January and planning. What inconvenient timing -- and the fact that no one will be hired to fill your position until November must be maddening for you. If someone could just be hired a few weeks earlier you might be able to salvage your trip.

 

[I'm mikey]

WOO HOO!! its September, 27 more days until we leave for the DLR.

Here are a few pics of the pumpkins along Main Street.

 

[pudinhd]

pudinhd --
I know what you mean. Seeing that this Unleash the Villains thing was on the original list of LTM events when LTM was first announced last year (as opposed to other LTM things that have just popped up spontaneously this year), I'm really surprised that Disney has not made a bigger deal about talking it up. Now I am thinking that most of the Villains will only be out when the dance party starts, whereas originally I thought they'd be out all day -- since it will be Friday the 13th all day.

I completely agree about not making a bigger deal about it, but that makes me hope for smaller crowds... I know - it'll probably be a mad house! I am very interested in the "13 baddies" and "various areas of Disneyland Park"... Especially since Scar is one of the Villains featured on the picture!!! If they have the 8 baddies on the LTM site included in the event - Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, Jafar, Scar, Dr. Facilier, Captain Hook - that leaves room for 5 more!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/let-the-memories-begin/limited-time-magic/

 

[Kilala]

WOO HOO!! its September, 27 more days until we leave for the DLR.

Here are a few pics of the pumpkins along Main Street.

I love all of the pictures!!! This make me excited for going to MHP this year

 

[Kilala]

Cheshirecatty --


Thank you, Kilala!

The MHP is right around the corner. You do a a great job on your costumes, and put a lot of work into them! Do you also make other clothing as well, or just the costumes?

I just make my costumes for the party. I'm going to see if I can enter them into a costume contest this year.

 

[tlovesdis]

I just got back from the .99 store, dollar tree and joanns! I scored some Disney stuff for my Halloween trip goodie bags!

The .99 store had lots of Disney stuff, if you have kids and want some cute, inexpensive things! I got some Mickey pens, some make your own coffee tumblers, and Disney stickers to use on the tumblers.

At dollar tree I scored some Cars and Toy Story hand sanitizers, in one of those plastic holders so you can attach them to a purse, etc...!!! I also got Disney stickers.

At Joanns I found Disney Halloween treat bags and Disney Halloween stickers, both in the $ section!!!

YAY me!!!

Can you tell I am excited about making these goodie bags???