HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[figment_jii]

It silly they don't send out an e-mail for this. I was just on the GoDisneyland site and it didn't say anything about the Halloween party (no dates or info listed). Maybe I wasn't logged in? Or does it just come up when you go to your annual pass holder page (with current daily events and hours)?

I didn't see anything listed on the AP website either. I think most of us found out about it through the post on Facebook or the tweet on Twitter that linked to the Disney Parks Blog. The rest of the info is posted on various pages in Disneyland.com, but they aren't all easy to find, nor is all of the info on one page. You just kind of have to look around or trust that most everything will be posted on the Disboard fairly quickly.

 

[sgrap]

I'm wondering if it is worth it to go to MHP for 2 nights. We are planning a trip Oct. 21-25/26 (haven't decided yet how long to stay) with me, dh, and 2 dd's. I was going to get tickets for Wednesday 10/22's MHP. However, our 20-year old ds had Friday 10/24 off as a 'Fall Break' from college, so we're debating whether he should fly down on Thursday night and stay the rest of the trip with us. This, of course, is throwing a kink in my MHP planning, but I know I only have a couple more years with him before he is completely off on his own (and an Army officer . . . so who know where . . :-( ), so I'm willing to uproot basically anything if he is willing to come with us for part of the time.

So questions:
1) Is MHP something that will really interest a 20-year old guy with his family?
2) Would it be worth it to buy tickets for both 10/22 and 10/24? It seems ridiculous one on hand, but I'm wondering what we will do Wednesday night if we don't do MHP. How late is DCA usually open on October weekdays? Do they keep it open later when there is a MHP going on in DL? Would DCA become ridiculously crowded with everyone hopping over there who isn't doing MHP?
3) Is a weeknight MHP (10/22) less crowded than a Friday?

 

[figment_jii]

So questions:
1) Is MHP something that will really interest a 20-year old guy with his family?
2) Would it be worth it to buy tickets for both 10/22 and 10/24? It seems ridiculous one on hand, but I'm wondering what we will do Wednesday night if we don't do MHP. How late is DCA usually open on October weekdays? Do they keep it open later when there is a MHP going on in DL? Would DCA become ridiculously crowded with everyone hopping over there who isn't doing MHP?
3) Is a weeknight MHP (10/22) less crowded than a Friday?

I think MHP is a lot of fun for adults, but it does matter a little if he likes Halloween. I think the Calvalcade is cute and the fireworks are fun. Does he normally like fireworks and Halloween themed events?

I did two MHP last year and it was great! It meant getting to see the Calvalcade and fireworks twice. It also meant I didn't feel rushed to get things done. I didn't feel like it was a waste of time or money to go twice.

Last year it looks like DCA closed at 8 pm on weekdays and until midnight on Fridays. From what I've read, DCA does seen an attendance increase when MHP starts and DL closes to non-party guests.

In terms of the crowds, almost all of them sold out last year. I went to a sold out Tuesday and Friday party and they felt about the same to me in terms of crowds. There were a lot of people in DL, but it didn't feel unmanageable or like a zoo. That being said, I didn't try to do many rides; I focused on the Halloween Party activities.

 

[mikana876]

Any tips on how to get a good spot for the Halloween fireworks? How early should we plan on reserving a spot? Can I lay a blanket down?

 

[figment_jii]

Any tips on how to get a good spot for the Halloween fireworks? How early should we plan on reserving a spot? Can I lay a blanket down?

I like watching from the end of Main Street, just past the last of the buildings. I would get there between 45-60 minutes early; I think you could cut it closer, but you might end up further back or off to the side. Make sure you can see the left side of the castle (the side closer to Frontierland) because that's where a lot of the projection effects appear. You can put down a blanket for some of the wait, but they will ultimately ask everyone to stand up and move forward. There might be some seating only areas close to the castle, but I've not been wiling to wait that long (I think folks up there start showing up hours in advance).

 

[laura&fam]

I like watching from the end of Main Street, just past the last of the buildings. I would get there between 45-60 minutes early; I think you could cut it closer, but you might end up further back or off to the side. Make sure you can see the left side of the castle (the side closer to Frontierland) because that's where a lot of the projection effects appear. You can put down a blanket for some of the wait, but they will ultimately ask everyone to stand up and move forward. There might be some seating only areas close to the castle, but I've not been wiling to wait that long (I think folks up there start showing up hours in advance).

Do they ever do a sort of half show if they can't do the fireworks due to high winds? Or are these lower fireworks that don't get cancelled? I'm just paranoid because the first time I went as an adult during the 50th we waited forever for the fireworks each night and they cancelled them every single night we were there. It was very disappointing.

 

[figment_jii]

Do they ever do a sort of half show if they can't do the fireworks due to high winds? Or are these lower fireworks that don't get cancelled? I'm just paranoid because the first time I went as an adult during the 50th we waited forever for the fireworks each night and they cancelled them every single night we were there. It was very disappointing.

As far as I know, it's all or nothing in terms of the fireworks. Either they do all elements of the show or none. I have never seen them only do the projections and lower fireworks. I have seen them do the first half of a show, in that they cancelled the show after it started due to changing weather conditions. Halloween Screams has been cancelled due to weather; it's not super common, but it does seems to happen at least once per year.

 

[DLmama]

As far as I know, it's all or nothing in terms of the fireworks. Either they do all elements of the show or none. I have never seen them only do the projections and lower fireworks. I have seen them do the first half of a show, in that they cancelled the show after it started due to changing weather conditions. Halloween Screams has been cancelled due to weather; it's not super common, but it does seems to happen at least once per year.

We went to one of the parties last year where they canceled the Halloween Screams fireworks. They ended up doing then the next day, on a non party night. I really wish we had known, because we decided to ride POTC and missed the beginning of them. We caught the end near the exit, but it would've been great to see from the front of the castle.

We didn't even think about the possibility that they would run the Halloween Screams fireworks on a non party night. So, if they do get canceled during your party and you're still there the next day, don't miss the fireworks. You might just get lucky.

 

[mikana876]

I like watching from the end of Main Street, just past the last of the buildings. I would get there between 45-60 minutes early; I think you could cut it closer, but you might end up further back or off to the side. Make sure you can see the left side of the castle (the side closer to Frontierland) because that's where a lot of the projection effects appear. You can put down a blanket for some of the wait, but they will ultimately ask everyone to stand up and move forward. There might be some seating only areas close to the castle, but I've not been wiling to wait that long (I think folks up there start showing up hours in advance).

Thank you!

So would the area in front of the Jolly Holliday Bakery be a good spot? Also the first calvacade starts 60 minutes for the fireworks... So should we just get a good spot before the parade and stay there for the fireworks?

 

[CassieF]

We went to one of the parties last year where they canceled the Halloween Screams fireworks. They ended up doing then the next day, on a non party night. I really wish we had known, because we decided to ride POTC and missed the beginning of them. We caught the end near the exit, but it would've been great to see from the front of the castle.

We didn't even think about the possibility that they would run the Halloween Screams fireworks on a non party night. So, if they do get canceled during your party and you're still there the next day, don't miss the fireworks. You might just get lucky.

The past several years they have consistently set them off the following night (much easier than unloading them) unless winds push them back again. It's a great thing to know so if you are local you can see the fireworks at least once a year without buying a party ticket. With Sanat Ana winds that time of year it's not uncommon for it to happen at least once, if not more. Bummer for party guests, great for people the next night!

 

[she who must read]

Thanks, figment jii, for your answer...guess we will just have to pick!

Wendy

 

[figment_jii]

Thank you!

So would the area in front of the Jolly Holliday Bakery be a good spot? Also the first calvacade starts 60 minutes for the fireworks... So should we just get a good spot before the parade and stay there for the fireworks?

What do you mean by "In front" of Jolly Holiday? If you mean in the area by the Jolly Holiday entrance near the Adventureland bridge, I would probably not watch from there. The globe where a lot of the projections appear is to the left of the castle, so if you cannot clearly see the left side, you'll miss out on some of the show.
http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/...Halloween 2012/MHP/Fireworks/DSC_0688_1-1.jpg

On a unrelated note, I just noticed that the Disneyland AP Facebook finally announced HalloweenTime and MHP.

 

[mikana876]

What do you mean by "In front" of Jolly Holiday? If you mean in the area by the Jolly Holiday entrance near the Adventureland bridge, I would probably not watch from there. The globe where a lot of the projections appear is to the left of the castle, so if you cannot clearly see the left side, you'll miss out on some of the show.
http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/...Halloween 2012/MHP/Fireworks/DSC_0688_1-1.jpg

On a unrelated note, I just noticed that the Disneyland AP Facebook finally announced HalloweenTime and MHP.

Just looking at the map, the Jolly Holliday bakery is the closest building on main street (closest to the castle) on the left side of main street. So I was thinking that was about where you talking about.

 

[figment_jii]

Just looking at the map, the Jolly Holliday bakery is the closest building on main street (closest to the castle) on the left side of main street. So I was thinking that was about where you talking about.

Ah, sorry, I tend to think of the buildings at the end of the Main Street as being Coke Corner and the Camera/Photopass shop. However, I can see where Jolly Holiday and Plaza Inn could be considered the end of Main Street (I think of them as being part of the hub area). I tend to watch from somewhere inside the red box area, with a slight preference to be slightly to the right of center).

It's worth noting that lots of folks have different opinions about where to watch the fireworks from. Some folks love to be between the Partners Statue and the castle, while others enjoy being closer to Tomorrowland/Frontierland entrances/bridges, over by Fantasmic, or Small World Mall. Basically, I do think where you normally like to watch the fireworks from is probably a good bet for Screams as well.

 

[mikana876]

Thank you!

 

[figment_jii]

And so begins another Monday...any guesses when the #GetHappier event will be announced today?

 

[sgrap]

And so begins another Monday...any guesses when the #GetHappier event will be announced today?

I was having that exact same thought 2 minutes ago!

 

[figment_jii]

First cryptic clue has been posted (3:35 pm):

A little 'extra' magic is in the air! We’ll announce our next #GetHappier surprise soon, so stay tuned!!

This one sounds fun and more folks get to participate (4:51 pm):

#GetHappier w/ an extra hour! First 1,500 to find us on Big Thunder Trail get access to select attractions after closing tonight from 12-1a!

And it lasted longer than any of the others (6:46 pm):

That completes today's #GetHappier distribution! Thank you for participating!! Stay tuned for more surprises each Monday this summer!

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]

 

[Amilo]

First cryptic clue has been posted (3:35 pm):

This one sounds fun and more folks get to participate (4:51 pm):

That's a good get happier prize! Too bad I am not there!

 

[Kilala]

I'm plannning on going on the first day of MHP or on the 3rd of October. Those are the cheepest Friday night. I kind of want to shoot for the 3rd. What do you guys think. I wanted to check it out before I go with my friends. I hope the Carousel will be open this year for MHP. Last year me and my friends were dissapointed that it wasn't open.