HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[figment_jii]

As Sherry mentioned, it's another Monday! What will be today's #GetHappier surprise...will it be something in the park or online? Will it be another give away or maybe extra hours DCA? Oh, the suspense!

The first teaser tweet is up! (10:48 am)

It's that time! #GetHappier Monday Magic is upon us. Retweet if you're ready for a sweet surprise!!

It's another give away! (11:55 am)

Time to #GetHappier! First 300 to find us near "it's a small world" and say "Smile" will get a sweet treat!

The "Sweet Treat" giveway has ended (12:24 pm), but it looks like there might be another one this afternoon. DCA anyone?

We've concluded this morning's #GetHappier giveaway. Stay tuned for more surprises later on!

Next update has been posted (3:57 pm)

It's that time! #GetHappier Monday Magic isn't done yet. Retweet if you're ready for some more sweet surprises!!

This time they're over in DCA (4:44 pm).

It's time to #GetHappier! First 300 to find us near Paradise Bay in DCA and say "SWEET" will get a tasty surprise!

No more cookies (5:17 pm).

Our cookie distribution has officially concluded. Thanks for making Monday Happier! #GetHappier

Here are my notes for #GetHappier so far...

6/09 It's a mystery

6/16 11:58 am -12:52 pm Critter Country Mickey Ear Hats ($14) [50]
6/16 3:00 pm - 3:27 pm HollywoodLand Oswald Ear Hats ($17) [50]

6/23 (did not announce) - Wishing Well photo op with the Seven Dwarves (-) [?]
6/23 5:21 pm - 5:30 pm Paradise Pier WOC Voucher and Glow with the Show Ears ($25) [50]

6/30 1:56 pm - 2:05 pm Tomorrowland Vinylmations ($12) [50]
6/30 3:46 pm - 3:53 pm Grizzly River Rapids Vinylmations ($12) [50]

7/07 4:51 pm - 6:46 pm Extra Hour in DL (-) [1,500]

7/14 11:55 am - 12:24 pm It's A Small World Sweet Treat (~$5) [300]
7/14 4:44 pm - 5:17 pm Paradise Bay Sweet Treat (~$5) [300]

 

[titansgal]

I apologize if this was already asked. I looked in the first few pages, but couldn't find the answer . What time do the phone lines open on Wednesday for Visa presale? I know WDW opens at 7:00 am, but couldn't find info on DL. Is there a special number for Visa members to call? Thanks in advance. This is our first DL Halloween party.

 

[figment_jii]

I apologize if this was already asked. I looked in the first few pages, but couldn't find the answer . What time do the phone lines open on Wednesday for Visa presale? I know WDW opens at 7:00 am, but couldn't find info on DL. Is there a special number for Visa members to call? Thanks in advance. This is our first DL Halloween party.

Last year, folks reported calling the regular Disneyland ticket phone number and being able to order tickets. One person indicated they were able to get their tickets around 7:40 am (PT), but most of the reports indicated that the phone lines were available from 8:00 am or so. They aren't going to sell out on the first hour, so I would wait until after 8:00 am to try and call.

 

[tinks_1989]

We will be there for 27, 29, 31. Which date is likely to be quietest? We have a 3 year old with us so couldn't cope with it being too busy. X

 

[madasax12]

So excited - we are leaving on the 12th and will be in DL right after the changeover, the Nightmare Before Christmas was, and still is, one of my all time faves. Now i get to relive it in person for my first trip to DL with my kids. Priceless......

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Has there been any information about the Toontown pre-party this year? And what exactly does it entail? Sounds like something that might be fun, if they do it again this year. Is it only for party guests?

 

[figment_jii]

We will be there for 27, 29, 31. Which date is likely to be quietest? We have a 3 year old with us so couldn't cope with it being too busy.

In truth, I think all of them will be busy because you're getting very close to the actual day of Halloween. Almost for certain, Halloween night (10/31) will sell out. I'm guessing that the 27th and 29th will also sell out, but between them, I think it's a flip of a coin as to which one will be busier. The 27th is a Monday and the 29th is a Wednesday, so they're both weekdays, so neither really has an advantage over the other.

Has there been any information about the Toontown pre-party this year? And what exactly does it entail? Sounds like something that might be fun, if they do it again this year. Is it only for party guests?

They haven't said whether there will be a Toontown Pre-Party event this year, so it's still all a guessing game. Last year, the event started one hour before the party began (so at either 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm). It was only for guests of MHP (you had to already have your party wristband on). It was basically a bunch of treat trails (Minnie's house, Mickey's house, Donald's boat, and two in Toontown Square, I think) and a few character meet and greets (I remember seeing Roger Rabbit). It was fun and a great way to get a lot of candy before the MHP actually started.

 

[tinks_1989]

In truth, I think all of them will be busy because you're getting very close to the actual day of Halloween. Almost for certain, Halloween night (10/31) will sell out. I'm guessing that the 27th and 29th will also sell out, but between them, I think it's a flip of a coin as to which one will be busier. The 27th is a Monday and the 29th is a Wednesday, so they're both weekdays, so neither really has an advantage over the other.

I thought that would be the answer. But wanted to check with some experts lol!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

They haven't said whether there will be a Toontown Pre-Party event this year, so it's still all a guessing game. Last year, the event started one hour before the party began (so at either 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm). It was only for guests of MHP (you had to already have your party wristband on). It was basically a bunch of treat trails (Minnie's house, Mickey's house, Donald's boat, and two in Toontown Square, I think) and a few character meet and greets (I remember seeing Roger Rabbit). It was fun and a great way to get a lot of candy before the MHP actually started.

I sure hope it's back! That sounds like so much fun. And a great way to spend some time in Toontown without it feeling so crowded.

 

[Sherry E]

figment_jii --


I noticed that #GetHappier teaser on Twitter about the "sweet surprise"! Maybe today they are giving out some food??! Candy? Fudge? Pineapple spears? Free ice cream? Maybe free cake in honor of Disneyland's 59th birthday?

​

So I just discovered that my dates match up with Dapper Days. I actually am pretty excited about this, because I get to participate and get a great discount at the Disney hotels!

I am concerned about the crowds, since I will just be there for the weekend. How crowded does it normally get during the Dapper Days weekend?

theworldneedscolor -

You know, I've never attended a Dapper Days event, but I have heard that the crowds can be pretty substantial (partially due to the fact that they have that special discounted hotel rate that lures a lot of people in!).

I think that all of the Dapper Days events are growing in popularity every year -- it seems like more people are talking about them every year. However, I haven't heard anything to indicate that the crowds are comparable to peak season crowds, necessarily.

I think the combination of Dapper Days and the start of Halloween Time will probably bring a good number of people into Disneyland over that weekend.

Thanks for the input! Am I correct in assuming that the Halloween party starts at the time when the park closes to other guests (6 p.m. or 7 p.m.), not the 3 hours earlier when the park opens to MHP ticket holders? In other words, would I be missing out on anything if I didn't re-enter until say 5 p.m.?

sgrap -

You're welcome! As figment_jii mentioned, the majority of the party-specific activities will not begin until the actual start of the party and you wouldn't miss anything if you didn't enter until 5 p.m., with the possible exception of the Toontown thing.

My feeling is that the jury is still out on the fate of the Toontown pre-party, so that may or may not be something taking place before the party officially begins. I think that Disney is probably figuring out where the treat trails will be this year -- and the Toontown location was a spot for at least a couple of treat stations last year, so its fate is likely still being determined.

Oh that's great news. Discounts for both do us. I can't wait.
Thanks for the quick response!

BayGirl22 --

You're very welcome! I'm glad you can get both tickets at a discount. They're not cheap (even with the discount)!

I apologize if this was already asked. I looked in the first few pages, but couldn't find the answer . What time do the phone lines open on Wednesday for Visa presale? I know WDW opens at 7:00 am, but couldn't find info on DL. Is there a special number for Visa members to call? Thanks in advance. This is our first DL Halloween party.

titansgal --

Welcome!

The phone line opening times have not been mentioned anywhere prior to your question, so you have not missed anything! As for the special number for Visa or DVC ticket orders, see Question #7 in this post.

Has there been any information about the Toontown pre-party this year? And what exactly does it entail? Sounds like something that might be fun, if they do it again this year. Is it only for party guests?

Jamie --

figment_jii basically just told you what it entailed, but did you see the question about the Toontown pre-party in the FAQ (Question #22)??

 

[figment_jii]

I noticed that #GetHappier teaser on Twitter about the "sweet surprise"! Maybe today they are giving out some food??! Candy? Fudge? Pineapple spears? Free ice cream? Maybe free cake in honor of Disneyland's 59th birthday?

I think it's a cookie...maybe a sugar cookie? I can't really tell from the photo. So, this give away was at DL. I wonder if they'll be another one later today in DCA. I've been updating my post from this morning when I notice a new tweet is posted and once today finishes, I'll update the running list at the bottom of the post as well.

 

[Sherry E]

I think it's a cookie...maybe a sugar cookie? I can't really tell from the photo. So, this give away was at DL. I wonder if they'll be another one later today in DCA. I've been updating my post from this morning when I notice a new tweet is posted and once today finishes, I'll update the running list at the bottom of the post as well.

I know what you mean. In the photo, they don't exactly look like cookies -- except for the round shape. You know what they do look like? Un-baked discs of shortbread dough.

That's right, everyone -- run and get your discs o' dough before they disappear!

 

[figment_jii]

I'm kind of hoping someone will tweet back a comment saying what it was...

 

[Sherry E]

I'm kind of hoping someone will tweet back a comment saying what it was...

Someone posted on Facebook and said "Cookies!" I think they are probably shortbread cookies, but they still don't look fully baked to me!

I wonder when the Monday Surprises will finally venture into the online world, Limited Time Magic-style? Sooner or later there will be some sort of online giveaway, or announcement of some kind made on the Parks Blog (probably next Monday, when I am not home to see it).

But as far as the in-park surprises, it's not like they are giving away trips to DLR or stays in the Dream Suite or anything (so far). At this rate, wouldn't it be great if Disney could keep up this little Monday surprise deal through the fall and holiday season? They could just stand on Main Street and hand out 500 free zombie cookies and candy canes or something.

 

[figment_jii]

I wonder if the same type of cookie you can buy that comes pre-packaged in the shops around DLR.

Yeah, it would be great if they continued to have these GetHappier things through the rest of the year (I kind of doubt it though) or maybe move them to a different day of the week (I only say that because I'm almost never at DLR on a Monday). Still it's kind of fun tracking these give aways on Monday...at least it's something fun to think about...

 

[mvf-m11c]

But as far as the in-park surprises, it's not like they are giving away trips to DLR or stays in the Dream Suite or anything (so far). At this rate, wouldn't it be great if Disney could keep up this little Monday surprise deal through the fall and holiday season? They could just stand on Main Street and hand out 500 free zombie cookies and candy canes or something.

That would be amazing to have a special giveaway during the #GetHappier on those Monday's like you said Sherry. It will be nice if it continue all the way to fall and thru the holiday season.

I just saw the picture on facebook and the cookies look alright.

 

[Sherry E]

I wonder if the same type of cookie you can buy that comes pre-packaged in the shops around DLR.

Yeah, it would be great if they continued to have these GetHappier things through the rest of the year (I kind of doubt it though) or maybe move them to a different day of the week (I only say that because I'm almost never at DLR on a Monday). Still it's kind of fun tracking these give aways on Monday...at least it's something fun to think about...

Oh, I definitely agree! Every Monday I sit here, combing Facebook, Twitter and the Parks Blog for any hint of what is to come! I am in it for the long haul -- I want to follow this promotion until its bitter end!

I truly think that what will happen is that we will continue on for a while, with these sorts of not-so-exciting giveaways in the parks. Maybe they will begin to get slightly more interesting as time rolls on.

Then, when we least expect it, Disney will whip out one of their "big" prizes -- maybe only awarded to one person or 5 people, or whatever.

And, one of these days the surprise will be an online announcement, when we expect it to be in the parks.

If there is going to be any sort of Christmas party (I hope not), hopefully they will "surprise" us with it soon (before the end of August). If there is anything "surprising" coming to us for Halloween Time (like any semblance of Halloween in DCA, other than Duffy and Mad T Party), they will probably announce it in August.

That would be amazing to have a special giveaway during the #GetHappier on those Monday's like you said Sherry. It will be nice if it continue all the way to fall and thru the holiday season.

I just saw the picture on facebook and the cookies look alright.

Bret --

Yes, indeed! They should show the Halloween Time and holiday season people some love too -- not just the summer people! We would like to get happier on Mondays (or other days) in fall and winter too!

If Disney is aiming to do this kind of promo while it is peak season, they can certainly do it during the holidays too. That's peak season. If their goal is to try and lure people in during the off-peak season, well they could get more people showing up on Mondays (or whichever day) in the middle of September and October if they hand out free goodies!

 

[figment_jii]

If there is anything "surprising" coming to us for Halloween Time (like any semblance of Halloween in DCA, other than Duffy and Mad T Party), they will probably announce it in August.

In honestly, I hope that they don't use the Monday #GetHappier surprise to announce things like added Halloween elements to DCA or changes to the holiday offerings. I'm glad they announced HalloweenTime on the Parks Blog as a regular entry. In some ways, I'm surprised they didn't hold off on the DisneySide decal as one of the online surprises (I'm guessing it was because that promo was tied into WDW and the start of summer). Still, things like that are fun (and cute).

If Disney is aiming to do this kind of promo while it is peak season, they can certainly do it during the holidays too. That's peak season. If their goal is to try and lure people in during the off-peak season, well they could get more people showing up on Mondays (or whichever day) in the middle of September and October if they hand out free goodies!

I also think they're doing it to get people to watch their social media streams (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). I know that during the 24-Hour day, the pin trading opportunities were announced via Twitter and more than one "Suit"-CM asked me I'd seen the announcement on Twitter. So I think they were trying to gauge how many people, in the park, are following "Disneyland Today" and other feeds.

 

[Sherry E]

In honestly, I hope that they don't use the Monday #GetHappier surprise to announce things like added Halloween elements to DCA or changes to the holiday offerings. I'm glad they announced HalloweenTime on the Parks Blog as a regular entry. In some ways, I'm surprised they didn't hold off on the DisneySide decal as one of the online surprises (I'm guessing it was because that promo was tied into WDW and the start of summer). Still, things like that are fun (and cute).


I also think they're doing it to get people to watch their social media streams (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). I know that during the 24-Hour day, the pin trading opportunities were announced via Twitter and more than one "Suit"-CM asked me I'd seen the announcement on Twitter. So I think they were trying to gauge how many people, in the park, are following "Disneyland Today" and other feeds.

The decals would have been a good online surprise.

So, too, would the sneak peek at the 60th anniversary events (which is taking place this coming Thursday, 7/17). That would have been a great Monday Surprise from the Parks Blog, as it was very limited, and probably only 50 or 100 people got into it. However, they announced it on a Tuesday instead of a Monday, so there went that idea!

 

[mvf-m11c]

If Disney is aiming to do this kind of promo while it is peak season, they can certainly do it during the holidays too. That's peak season. If their goal is to try and lure people in during the off-peak season, well they could get more people showing up on Mondays (or whichever day) in the middle of September and October if they hand out free goodies!

For sure. If they do it during the peak season, they should do the same thing when we get to fall and the holiday season. It will be a nice promotion for the travels to come on Monday's instead of the weekends.

Monday's during the off-season are very unpredictable. Sometimes those days are quiet while other can be busy. When I went in April on a Monday when the parks opens at 10am during the off-peak season, there was a huge line at the security check area at the bus area side and I was surprised to see there was a line to get into the DLR. Mostly that is for the peak season. I didn't get to go in the park that day when I left. It also shows that there are so many AP's today and the locals are trying to get in before they are blocked out during the summertime.