HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[briggscreek]

My husband said he doesn't mind waiting for the fireworks tonight, so where would be the best spot for him to stake out for us? I know it's been talked about but I'm having a hard time using the search function on my phone! We've never waited for the fireworks, we usually just catch what we can from IASW or Main St, so I'm not sure how early he needs to get there or where to send him.

 

[Imdboss]

I'm getting so excited for our trip I can hardly sit still! Really looking forward to the first reports on MHP to come out. Only 11 more sleeps until we leave and 12 until we are in the park.

Happy Friday everyone!

 

[laura&fam]

I posted this on another thread and didn't get any response so I'll try it here. What do you do if you don't have photopass and want your entire group in the photo? Do you snag a CM or have the photopass person take it with your camera (I have seen that) We won't be doing a lot of character meet and greets but maybe one or two and the standard castle shot.

We've always done photopass before so now I'm clueless as to what to do without it

 

[mom2rtk]

I posted this on another thread and didn't get any response so I'll try it here. What do you do if you don't have photopass and want your entire group in the photo? Do you snag a CM or have the photopass person take it with your camera (I have seen that) We won't be doing a lot of character meet and greets but maybe one or two and the standard castle shot.

We've always done photopass before so now I'm clueless as to what to do without it

Pretend you have photopass, take the card, and let them take their photos. Then ask them to take some on yours too. Who knows, you might even be happy later that you have a few on photopass to purchase if your others don't turn out. I will add that if you want night shots in front of the castle, the photopass ones are far better because they have them set up on tripods.

 

[CassieF]

I posted this on another thread and didn't get any response so I'll try it here. What do you do if you don't have photopass and want your entire group in the photo? Do you snag a CM or have the photopass person take it with your camera (I have seen that) We won't be doing a lot of character meet and greets but maybe one or two and the standard castle shot.

We've always done photopass before so now I'm clueless as to what to do without it

You can have a photopass photographer take your picture with both their camera and yours. They'll give you a card and you can view all their images even without buying any. If you don't, you can just ask for your camera only

 

[nonzerosum]

We're doing our first Halloween Time and MHP trip in about 10 days. This is a bucket list thing for me and I'm so excited, maybe even more than my kids.

I'm a huge fan of Nightmare Before Christmas and Haunted Mansion. Any suggestions about the best locations or shops to buy merch? I plan to go crazy!!

 

[poison ivy]

Hi,

just purchased tix for the 29th. We are bringing our 2 grandkids (ages 3 & 4) for our first Halloween in DL. We're from the East Coast and have been to MNSSHP many times. But only been to DL 3x and never during Halloween.

I've read thru all the information so far but still am not real clear on the parade and other Halloween areas. I plan to take them early and trick or treat and do a few fun rides but keep it light and happy. Really want to avoid anything that could accidentally frighten them as their image of Disney is seen thru the beautiful eyes of children.

So if anyone can share some tips on where I should navigate vs avoid please help!

 

[scrapshappen]

I posted this on another thread and didn't get any response so I'll try it here. What do you do if you don't have photopass and want your entire group in the photo? Do you snag a CM or have the photopass person take it with your camera (I have seen that) We won't be doing a lot of character meet and greets but maybe one or two and the standard castle shot.

We've always done photopass before so now I'm clueless as to what to do without it

I was once told by a friend that no cast member at DL cannot refuse to take your picture unless it would interfere with park operations. (So no on ride operators). So just ask any random cast member that you see. We tried it one year when it was just DH and me and we had 100% success.

We're doing our first Halloween Time and MHP trip in about 10 days. This is a bucket list thing for me and I'm so excited, maybe even more than my kids.

I'm a huge fan of Nightmare Before Christmas and Haunted Mansion. Any suggestions about the best locations or shops to buy merch? I plan to go crazy!!

In the areas around the Haunted Mansion, there are carts set up with Jack Skellington items. I've also seen merchandise over at the shop where you exit from Tower of Terror and at World of Disney at Halloween time. There will be no shortage of Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise available.

Hi,

just purchased tix for the 29th. We are bringing our 2 grandkids (ages 3 & 4) for our first Halloween in DL. We're from the East Coast and have been to MNSSHP many times. But only been to DL 3x and never during Halloween.

I've read thru all the information so far but still am not real clear on the parade and other Halloween areas. I plan to take them early and trick or treat and do a few fun rides but keep it light and happy. Really want to avoid anything that could accidentally frighten them as their image of Disney is seen thru the beautiful eyes of children.

So if anyone can share some tips on where I should navigate vs avoid please help!

This is our first party so I can't comment on the party experiences, but HM did freak my son out at that age. The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay is a little less scary, but it's kind of a lot of visual stimulation that probably won't make sense to a 3 and 4 year old.

 

[figment_jii]

A quick note: signs are up in the Esplanade saying tonight's MHP is sold out! Nothing in the Times Guide about in Toontown...

 

[pudinhd]

I've been pretty quiet since I got back, but I can put this one to rest. We did the character breakfast at Storyteller's on 9th September, and there was no menu available. It was buffet only. Still good though

Thanks!! After reading Sherry's response to my response to her comment confused, I was thinking I had gotten them mixed up. Glad it was yummy!!

 

[2tinkerbell]

A quick note: signs are up in the Esplanade saying tonight's MHP is sold out! Nothing in the Times Guide about in Toontown...

Thanks for the live update!

So, is there a separate MHP "times guide" or is this it? I think the Toontown Pre-Party is the best kept secret of all.

 

[Kilala]

A quick note: signs are up in the Esplanade saying tonight's MHP is sold out! Nothing in the Times Guide about in Toontown...

Figment are you going to the party tonight? If so are you able to take a picture of the map? Also please let us know if Toon Town is open. Also i looks as if take a photo shoot in my Autumn Mist costume this Saturday. I have to get up early to take a walk. I need to up my exercise when it it cool enough.

 

[poison ivy]

This is our first party so I can't comment on the party experiences, but HM did freak my son out at that age. The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay is a little less scary, but it's kind of a lot of visual stimulation that probably won't make sense to a 3 and 4 year old.

I've actually gotten to see the Nightmare overlay at DL and really loved it but sadly will be avoiding it with the kids. I agree completely, it's far too complex a visual for them. thanks

 

[iheartglaciers]

Can't wait to hear from all those who are going to the party tonight! Have fun!

 

[dolphingirl47]

To all of you heading to the party tonight, I hope you are having a magical time.

kim3339 --(Somehow I completely missed hearing about the fact that the Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Café no longer allows menu orders [it's now buffet only], and I'm not sure how that one slipped past me. I only found out because another DIS'er pointed it out to me when I incorrectly posted that you could order off the menu or from the buffet, but the menu option has been discontinued since earlier this year!)

Ah, that is good to know. I was just about ready to make a reservation for this for our second morning at Disneyland, but decided to hold off until the park hours are released. Now I am kind of on the fence about this.

Corinna

 

[mummabear]

I ended up going with the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour instead (Plan A) as I heard that they were including the Dream Suite while Walt's Apartment was out. It was fantastic!

OMG I am kicking myself, I decided not to do the tour as without the apartment or club 33 it seemed pointless, I would have done it for the dream suite. Gutted.

 

[Sherry E]

Those of you who are headed out to the first Mickey's Halloween Party of the season tonight, have fun!!!!

Please report back to us here in this thread when you return, as a lot of people will be waiting to hear about what to expect from this year's parties (crowds, candy selection, characters, etc.).

I compiled a list of links to reviews of/comments about the 2013 parties (which can be found in the MHP FAQ post on page 1 of this thread), and I would love to be able to include your reviews/comments of the 2014 events on that list (which will help the people who plan to go to the MHP in 2015) -- but it will be easier for me if the reviews are here, where I can quickly search and find them!!

​

Today's blog from the Disney Parks Blog is about the Halloween in-room celebrations (and mail order too!) that I know so many of you are interested in:

"New Halloween Celebrations at Disney Parks" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 26th, 2014 by Jean Volante, Manager of Dream Making, Disney Floral & Gifts/DEG

​

Today's Pumpkin Pandemonium sightings include (from The Impulsive Buy's website):


1. Dannon Oikos Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt;

2. Creative Snacks Co.'s Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Pretzels and Apple Cider Yogurt Pretzels;

3. Celestial Seasonings' Caramel Apple Dream Herbal Tea

4. Duncan Hines' Autumn Velvets Cake Mix; and

5. YoCrunch Pumpkin Pie with Pie Crust Topping Yogurt.

​

 

[ricardol]

The suspense is killing me!!!!! Can't wait to hear back from people attending today..........

 

[Sherry E]

Holy Smokes wasn't it hot-the whole 2 weeks we were there. I think we achieved a little less than we normally would in the parks as we just couldn't be bothered criss crossing the park/parks to pull and use FP's the way we normally would-plus I tell you, baby wearing in that heat was a new kind of torture!

Had it not been for this super thread I would not have known about the BTR Jamboree, with hindsight I'm sure it was on during our last trip-same dates 2012. We have seen HHM each time since 2005 and SMGG last time as well but had no clue about the rest.
It is on the map and the map is "Halloweened" a very clear difference from the week before but doesn't say alot about the jamboree.

mummabear --

The Halloween Carnival/Roundup is not promoted too well. The addition of the fortuneteller, the jester and the magician seemed to mainly be a way to fill the void left behind by Billy Hill and the "Haunted" Hillbillies, but I get the feeling that those additions didn't contribute much to the Carnival in the grand scheme of things.

I don't blame you for not running around to get FPs and all of that. The heat was ridiculous for about one or two weeks! I couldn't deal with it -- I would have literally passed out in the middle of DLR if I had tried to go out and deal with it.

My husband said he doesn't mind waiting for the fireworks tonight, so where would be the best spot for him to stake out for us? I know it's been talked about but I'm having a hard time using the search function on my phone! We've never waited for the fireworks, we usually just catch what we can from IASW or Main St, so I'm not sure how early he needs to get there or where to send him.

briggscreek --

Here are fireworks viewing tips/suggestions from Bret/mvf-m11c and figment_jii:

Bret/mvf-m11c - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52168669&postcount=1289

figment_jii -- http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52168793&postcount=1291

I'm getting so excited for our trip I can hardly sit still! Really looking forward to the first reports on MHP to come out. Only 11 more sleeps until we leave and 12 until we are in the park.

Happy Friday everyone!

Imdboss --

I hope you have a great trip!

Same here -- I can't wait to hear/read the first MHP reports of the season! I am so excited it's Fall...I'm so excited that Halloween Time is in full swing and the holidays are coming up soon... I'm so excited to be done with Summer! The weather is still warm but it's not 104 degrees right now. It's a great time of year!

We're doing our first Halloween Time and MHP trip in about 10 days. This is a bucket list thing for me and I'm so excited, maybe even more than my kids.

I'm a huge fan of Nightmare Before Christmas and Haunted Mansion. Any suggestions about the best locations or shops to buy merch? I plan to go crazy!!

nonzerosum --

I always forget the name of the shop, but I think it's Port Royal -- that's the shop in New Orleans Square that always has a lot of "Nightmare Before Christmas" items, as do the carts around New Orleans Square (as scrapshappen mentioned previously).

I have also seen things like Jack Skellington Mouse ears and Mickey Mouse-dressed-as-Jack Skellington plush toys in the Emporium on Main Street. There are lots of great Haunted Mansion collectibles (not necessarily Haunted Mansion Holiday, but regular Haunted Mansion) in several places around DLR -- such as in Frontierland, in the Showcase store on Main Street, etc.

Hi,

just purchased tix for the 29th. We are bringing our 2 grandkids (ages 3 & 4) for our first Halloween in DL. We're from the East Coast and have been to MNSSHP many times. But only been to DL 3x and never during Halloween.

I've read thru all the information so far but still am not real clear on the parade and other Halloween areas. I plan to take them early and trick or treat and do a few fun rides but keep it light and happy. Really want to avoid anything that could accidentally frighten them as their image of Disney is seen thru the beautiful eyes of children.

So if anyone can share some tips on where I should navigate vs avoid please help!

poison ivy --

Welcome to the thread!

Did you happen to read figment_jii's comparison of the MHP vs. MNSSHP (there is a link in the MHP FAQ on page 1 of this thread)? That may help clear things up a bit.

There isn't really anything overtly scary or frightening at the MHP. It's mostly all light and happy. The Cavalcade has characters and is upbeat and lively.

There are some spookier effects on the Big Thunder Trail and over the Rivers of America -- fog and eerie lighting -- but it stops there. You may want to avoid those spots. You will see colored lights and images projected onto various facades (including the Castle and It's a Small World), such as skeletons, spider webs or pumpkins, etc.

The area around the Hub will likely be crowded with people waiting for the Halloween Screams fireworks, so steer clear of that if you don't want to see the fireworks.

I would stay tuned to this thread for reviews of the MHP as they come in (after tonight) -- maybe that will help give you an idea of what is happening at the parties this year.

I would go to the treat trail in Pixie Hollow (very pretty at night) and maybe the treat trail at the Golden Horseshoe (for extra Halloween decorations inside the building).

If you're there in the daytime, before the party, go to the Halloween Carnival to see the amazing carved pumpkins and various pumpkin figures around the area (as well as the petting zoo).

Thanks!! After reading Sherry's response to my response to her comment confused, I was thinking I had gotten them mixed up. Glad it was yummy!!

Thanks for the live update!

So, is there a separate MHP "times guide" or is this it? I think the Toontown Pre-Party is the best kept secret of all.

2tinkerbell --

There is an MHP map with info and times, and then there is a general Disneyland Times Guide. I don't think there is a separate MHP Times Guide other than the map.

Figment are you going to the party tonight? If so are you able to take a picture of the map? Also please let us know if Toon Town is open. Also i looks as if take a photo shoot in my Autumn Mist costume this Saturday. I have to get up early to take a walk. I need to up my exercise when it it cool enough.

Kilala --

I know that figment_jii won't let you down! I think that getting a map to scan and also finding out about the Toontown situation will be at the top of the list of MHP priorities! Perlster usually scans a map as well, I think.

Can't wait to hear from all those who are going to the party tonight! Have fun!

iheartglaciers --

Same here! I am excited to hear the first reviews!

To all of you heading to the party tonight, I hope you are having a magical time.

Ah, that is good to know. I was just about ready to make a reservation for this for our second morning at Disneyland, but decided to hold off until the park hours are released. Now I am kind of on the fence about this.

Corinna

Corinna --

I think that one of the big selling points of the Critter Breakfast was the fact that it offered a menu or a buffet. It's too bad they got rid of it! The menu items were not inexpensive, but it was nice to have that option.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I am also excited to hear the reports of the first party! Three weeks from today we will be getting ready for ours! I can't believe how the fast the time is going now, after feeling like it was dragging all summer!