HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[Sherry E]

I'm sure this question has been asked somewhere, but there's lots and lots of pages to get through. I want to know exactly when we can change into our costumes. We have tickets for early in the day as well as our Halloween party tickets. Should we change at the park? Should we go back to the hotel and change? If we change in the park, when is the best time? Do they not allow people into costume until exactly 6 o'clock? 3 o'clock?

castmember19 --

There's never a need to go through all the pages here! Most information can be found on page 1 -- within the first few posts -- but if not, then please feel free to just jump in anytime and ask! We're here to help.

As to your question -- If your party begins at 6 p.m., you can actually go into the park with your MHP ticket at 3 p.m. If your party begins at 7 p.m. you can enter Disneyland with your MHP ticket at 4 p.m. So you can wear your costume into Disneyland at 3 or 4 p.m., depending on when the party begins. If the hotel is not far I would probably change there. If you're not staying at a Disney hotel you could change in one of the hotel restrooms.

I'm sure that people have changed while in Disneyland, but I don't know if they timed it to be in costume after 3 p.m. and then went to show their MHP tickets and get their wristbands. I would assume they did.

As far as I know, the Main Street lockers are not open yet and will not be open for a while, so if you had your costume in a bag or something you might have to store it in the Esplanade lockers, which would require you to leave Disneyland anyway, and then reenter. You could go out, get your costume from the locker, and change in a DTD or hotel bathroom.

For what it's worth, when I called in regards to my tickets the CM told me we were allowed to show up and wear costumes all day. Maybe someone else can confirm or shoot down that info

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That could very well be true, Dena! I wouldn't be shocked if something suddenly changed on that front. If that's true, I wasn't aware of it but we definitely need to know it if people are allowed to wear costumes all day! It would probably be a lot more convenient (depending on the costume) than having to worry about changing in the middle of the day!

The last time I went to the MHP they were only allowing guests in costume in at 3 or 4 p.m., but again -- they could have easily changed that rule and it would be good to know for sure, once and for all!

 

[castmember19]

castmember19 --

There's never a need to go through all the pages here! Most information can be found on page 1 -- within the first few posts -- but if not, then please feel free to just jump in anytime and ask! We're here to help.

As to your question -- If your party begins at 6 p.m., you can actually go into the park with your MHP ticket at 3 p.m. If your party begins at 7 p.m. you can enter Disneyland with your MHP ticket at 4 p.m. So you can wear your costume into Disneyland at 3 or 4 p.m., depending on when the party begins. If the hotel is not far I would probably change there. If you're not staying at a Disney hotel you could change in one of the hotel restrooms.

I'm sure that people have changed while in Disneyland, but I don't know if they timed it to be in costume after 3 p.m. and then went to show their MHP tickets and get their wristbands. I would assume they did.

As far as I know, the Main Street lockers are not open yet and will not be open for a while, so if you had your costume in a bag or something you might have to store it in the Esplanade lockers, which would require you to leave Disneyland anyway, and then reenter. You could go out, get your costume from the locker, and change in a DTD or hotel bathroom.

Thank you so much for the quick reply! Truly is helpful.

Wearing our costumes all day long would be tiring, so we were planning to change mid day anyway. I didn't realize the lockers were closed-but surely helps us make our decision. We will walk back to the hotel and change sometime around three... Good thing the hotel is in walking distance!

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! Truly is helpful.

Wearing our costumes all day long would be tiring, so we were planning to change mid day anyway. I didn't realize the lockers were closed-but surely helps us make our decision. We will walk back to the hotel and change sometime around three... Good thing the hotel is in walking distance!

You're very welcome, castmember19!

I will be very curious to find out if what Dena was told turns out to be true, and that people can wear costumes all day. I think it would be hilarious to see giant bananas or enormous, feathered chickens walking around at noon.

Yes, to my knowledge the Main Street lockers are still closed -- they have been closed for a while as the alley behind Main Street is prepped to eventually handle more traffic flow. I think that the lockers are supposed to open sometime in the late Fall, but I don't know how late in the Fall. Hopefully they will open earlier than scheduled.

In the meantime, I guess a lot of folks are using the Esplanade lockers.

 

[MarchMadness2011]

HELP!!!!!! My family and I will be going down to Disneyland for Halloween (10/31) however we will not be attending the Halloween Party. Im curious can we still wear costumes at night? (Kids ages 2, 7, and 7 + 2 Adults...

 

[Sherry E]

HELP!!!!!! My family and I will be going down to Disneyland for Halloween (10/31) however we will not be attending the Halloween Party. Im curious can we still wear costumes at night? (Kids ages 2, 7, and 7 + 2 Adults...

MarchMadness2011 --

Well, if you're not going to the Halloween Party you'll have to leave Disneyland at 7 p.m. Are you planning to head to California Adventure once you leave Disneyland?

As far as I know -- and someone please correct me if I'm wrong -- I think that kids can wear some sort of costume or dress up any time. Adults, however, can't be in costume in either park outside of a hard ticket event or some sort of event that allows costumes. So your kids could probably wear something costume-ish if you went to California Adventure, but you couldn't. You may want to call Disneyland and double check on that one, though, just to be sure.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Okay, I can't stand it anymore! I just priced out PPH for 10/7 - 10/11, 2015... and the price doesn't seem horrible. I know that is a busy weekend... I am hoping that if we fly down on Wed, we'd have half Wed and all Thursday as fairly quiet! Then just bob and weave Fri-Sun morning? What'cha all think?

 

[MarchMadness2011]

Yes that's the plan. I read that adults can wear costumes as long as they don't pose for pictures or sign autograph books. Hmppp... I'll call tomorrow..

 

[Sherry E]

Okay, I can't stand it anymore! I just priced out PPH for 10/7 - 10/11, 2015... and the price doesn't seem horrible. I know that is a busy weekend... I am hoping that if we fly down on Wed, we'd have half Wed and all Thursday as fairly quiet! Then just bob and weave Fri-Sun morning? What'cha all think?

Mommy2PrincessAbby --

If it is affordable and not too much trouble to make the trip, why not? You've been to DLR for Halloween Time before. You enjoyed it. Live on the edge! Take a walk on the wild side!

You will be out of there before the CHOC Walk, so that's good timing! You may see some Columbus Day weekend crowds, but you'll be bobbing and weaving during that time so hopefully you can avoid a lot of it.

Yes that's the plan. I read that adults can wear costumes as long as they don't pose for pictures or sign autograph books. Hmppp... I'll call tomorrow..

MarchMadness2011 --

Adults can dress up during the party as Disney characters, as long as they don't pose for pictures or sign autographs. They're not supposed to be in costume outside of the party or outside of any events that allow costumes -- unless that rule has changed without my knowledge. If Disney is allowing people to be in costume all day long on party days (even if they aren't attending the party), that's a different, new thing! (New to me, anyway!) Let us know what they say.

 

[2tinkerbell]

The secret is out! It turned out better than I thought it would. My DD was totally surprised. She opened her most coveted gift first - the one she thought that I purchased for her. She was kind of surprised that her Aunt had purchased it. She was then looking at this huge box. She opened it up and then I pulled off the tape (sealed it with one end folded over). It was perfect because the balloon popped out but stayed low because of the tag. She looked at me like "you got me a balloon?" Then she saw the tag and read it. My DD got the biggest grin on her face but it hadn't sunk in yet. I gave her a notebook with all the stuff (first page was the air tickets, Costco travel confirmation, and then the 3 page was pictures of the DLH…etc). She opened the book and started reading when my younger brother ask when she was leaving. She said, "September 30th" Then she turned to the page with the DLH and I said, "So where are you staying?" She held up the picture with the biggest grin on her face. It took a bit for it to sink in and she just sat on the couch reading everything. It was perfect! Tonight as she was getting into bed, she gave me a huge hug and told me she was excited!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Mommy2PrincessAbby --

If it is affordable and not too much trouble to make the trip, why not? You've been to DLR for Halloween Time before. You enjoyed it. Live on the edge! Take a walk on the wild side!

You will be out of there before the CHOC Walk, so that's good timing! You may see the some Columbus Day weekend crowds, but you'll be bobbing and waving during that time so hopefully you can avoid a lot of it.

It really is killing me not to be down there this Halloween... I feel like every commercial is directed right at me--egging me into a trip. SO maybe if I book for next year I can start planning and that will take the edge off!

Here is a big IF for you... IF the parties are the same nights next year as they were this year, there could be a Wed night and a Friday night party in my future. My gut says to go with the Friday night MHP because its Friday night, and everyone without a ticket will have to go to DCA... and use Wed night to do WOC and have fun over at DCA in the dark. You think my instinct is correct?

 

[Sherry E]

The secret is out! It turned out better than I thought it would. My DD was totally surprised. She opened her most coveted gift first - the one she thought that I purchased for her. She was kind of surprised that her Aunt had purchased it. She was then looking at this huge box. She opened it up and then I pulled off the tape (sealed it with one end folded over). It was perfect because the balloon popped out but stayed low because of the tag. She looked at me like "you got me a balloon?" Then she saw the tag and read it. My DD got the biggest grin on her face but it hadn't sunk in yet. I gave her a notebook with all the stuff (first page was the air tickets, Costco travel confirmation, and then the 3 page was pictures of the DLH…etc). She opened the book and started reading when my younger brother ask when she was leaving. She said, "September 30th" Then she turned to the page with the DLH and I said, "So where are you staying?" She held up the picture with the biggest grin on her face. It took a bit for it to sink in and she just sat on the couch reading everything. It was perfect! Tonight as she was getting into bed, she gave me a huge hug and told me she was excited!

2tinkerbell --

Oh, that's so awesome! I know you were really excited to do the "big reveal" so she could start reading and absorbing all of the information (like she does with the Birnbaum Guides!). And now she can get in on the planning and the excitement too! What a great trip it will be, for both of you.

It really is killing me not to be down there this Halloween... I feel like every commercial is directed right at me--egging me into a trip. SO maybe if I book for next year I can start planning and that will take the edge off!

Here is a big IF for you... IF the parties are the same nights next year as they were this year, there could be a Wed night and a Friday night party in my future. My gut says to go with the Friday night MHP because its Friday night, and everyone without a ticket will have to go to DCA... and use Wed night to do WOC and have fun over at DCA in the dark. You think my instinct is correct?

Mommy2PrincessAbby --

A lot of people say that if they have another trip to plan it makes them feel better about not being able to go this year, or go for a certain season, or for a certain event or whenever. I guess it does take the edge off!

I think there will definitely be a Friday party during your trip. The Wednesday party -- maybe or maybe not. They could have the party on Tuesday of that week. If there is a Wednesday party, there will be a lot of people heading to DCA then too (the ones who are not going to the MHP). But I think I would still stick with the MHP on Friday, and go to DCA on Wednesday night, as you felt you should do.

 

[figment_jii]

I just got home and it'll take a while to process the photos and write-up the review, but some quick things.

I scanned the map...not the best scanner in the world, but hopefully legible.

A note about the Cavalcade...there was a few changes...the Anna & Elsa pre-parade float stepped off about 5-10 minutes for the Calvacade (both times). Following behind the float were kids that came to the party dressed as a Frozen character (mostly Elsas and a few Annas). I didn't see any of the adults that were dressed Anna or Elsa included in this bunch, so I think the CMs are focused on finding kids.

In terms of the Cavalcade, most of it was the same, but Duffy is gone and they no longer have the Main Street vehicle with the costumed guests in it.

So I read on another thread that is the Halloween fireworks are canceled during MHP, they show them the following night, which makes sense. My question is, what kind of show will they have tonight, due to the abbreviated show from last night? I'm thinking about heading over for the evening, and want to know what to expect.

The ran the normally scheduled fireworks show (Remember)...it also stopped about half way through due to winds. I asked at guest services earlier in the day and they said that they will show Screams only when the show was cancelled before it started. Otherwise, they defuse the remaining fireworks from Screams and load Remember. The CM said do not run half of a show and they will not run Screams during non-party nights unless the show did not start at all on the party night.

Do you have to ask for the alternatives? Or are they just at certain stations?

Not all, but many of the stations did have an alternative item (e.g., Crasins, potato chips, Pirates Booty, Graham Crackers, etc.). You had to ask for it because the CMs were giving out the candy by default.

For what it's worth, when I called in regards to my tickets the CM told me we were allowed to show up and wear costumes all day. Maybe someone else can confirm or shoot down that info.

I did see adults dressed in costumes from nearly park opening. The ticket clearly states that adults can only be in costume during the party, so I think it's one of those things they let slide, but if it becomes problematic, they can always fall back on the rules posted on the ticket and deny adult wearing costumes entrance into DL until 3:00/4:00 pm.

Yes, to my knowledge the Main Street lockers are still closed -- they have been closed for a while as the alley behind Main Street is prepped to eventually handle more traffic flow. I think that the lockers are supposed to open sometime in the late Fall, but I don't know how late in the Fall. Hopefully they will open earlier than scheduled.

In the meantime, I guess a lot of folks are using the Esplanade lockers.

Yes, the lockers are still closed. I visited First Aid and asked about how long they'll remain in their current location and the nurse said for a few more weeks.

HELP!!!!!! My family and I will be going down to Disneyland for Halloween (10/31) however we will not be attending the Halloween Party. Im curious can we still wear costumes at night? (Kids ages 2, 7, and 7 + 2 Adults...

Yes, children ages 9 and under can wear costumes in either park, all day. Adults can technically only wear costumes during MHP at DL.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

A note about the Cavalcade...there was a few changes...the Anna & Elsa pre-parade float stepped off about 5-10 minutes for the Calvacade (both times). Following behind the float were kids that came to the party dressed as a Frozen character (mostly Elsas and a few Annas). I didn't see any of the adults that were dressed Anna or Elsa included in this bunch, so I think the CMs are focused on finding kids.

.

We have never stopped to watch the Cavalcade, so I have no idea how it goes. Do they typically pick guests to walk in it? If so, how do they pick them? Or is this just a Frozen thing? My girls are not going as Frozen characters but would love to try to get picked to walk!

 

[DenaRox]

Thanks so much figment_jii for your post and the scans. Made me giddy to see them lol

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[Kilala]

I can't wait untill tomorrow night!!! It has been nice and cool at night around sunset. I plan on eating around 2pm tomorrow afternoon and then get into costume. I should hopefully be done and getting ready to leave no later then 4:30pm. I couldn't sleep past 7:30 am this morning. Also I almost forgot to put snaps on my leg warmers for my Autumn Mist unitard. I will take pictures in the unitard this morning. I might take some pictures in the wig and with makeup on today so I can practice on the face painting.

 

[ToodlesRN]

What do the halloween bags look like this year that they are giving out during the party? When we went in 2011 they were small bags and the kids had to keep dumping the candy out into a bigger DL bag or the CM's were being very generous to the kids! Thinking about bringing our own big bags for the kids if they are small bags again.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

We attended the first Halloween party in Friday and overall it went well. Time went by wayyyy to fast and we didn't do everything we planned. The biggest disappointment is the fire works were stopped half way through because of wind and the times between 4-7 were super packed. The parade in my opinion was ok I wish it was longer. We only got in line about Five times for candy and it was plenty so happy about that. I loved the ghost men Cadaver dans singing on the boat in New Orleans and the talking
scarecrows, funny guys.
We also had a great meet and greet with captain hook, Peter Pan and Wendy at the same time and took a picture with all three of them.

 

[figment_jii]

We have never stopped to watch the Cavalcade, so I have no idea how it goes. Do they typically pick guests to walk in it? If so, how do they pick them? Or is this just a Frozen thing? My girls are not going as Frozen characters but would love to try to get picked to walk!

In the past, they would select a few guests that were in pretty elaborate costumes to ride in one of the vehicles in the parade. This year, they eliminated this element and instead had a group of children (and their adults) walk behind the Frozen pre-parade float. The kids (and adults) were pretty universally dressed as a Frozen character, so I think they're looking for Frozen costumes.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

In the past, they would select a few guests that were in pretty elaborate costumes to ride in one of the vehicles in the parade. This year, they eliminated this element and instead had a group of children (and their adults) walk behind the Frozen pre-parade float. The kids (and adults) were pretty universally dressed as a Frozen character, so I think they're looking for Frozen costumes.

Thanks for explaining! What a cute idea. Too bad they are only doing Frozen this year!

 

[figment_jii]

What do the halloween bags look like this year that they are giving out during the party? When we went in 2011 they were small bags and the kids had to keep dumping the candy out into a bigger DL bag or the CM's were being very generous to the kids! Thinking about bringing our own big bags for the kids if they are small bags again.

The CMs are pretty consistent at handing out three pieces of candy at a time. I was talking with a CM who said she had just finished going through the MHP training and they're told to hand out three per time. The bags had an ad for Sleeping Beauty on side and Big Hero Six on the other side. They're pretty much the same size as last year (about 9” tall, by 7” wide, by 3” deep).

I also just noticed that the Wednesday, October 8th party is showing as sold out! I'll update the tracking post to reflect that both 10/14 and 10/8 are now sold out.