HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[scrappymel]

Purchased my MHP tickets today... We are going on 10/14. Woohoo! DH and I will be pirates. DD is an "evil" mermaid.

 

[zanzibar138]

My girlfriend and I (25 and 22) are going to our first holiday theme visit to DLR and DCA. She's excited because its her favorite holiday. Because of how work and school played out for us, we are only able to go during the busiest time of the Halloween Festivals (Oct 30 - Nov 1). Trying to budget ourselves but our game plan is:

• Staying at the Camelot Hotel Inn across the street
• Oct 30th, Thursday: DLR Single Park Pass;
  Girlfriend hasn't seen the World of Color yet and I don't know if DCA would have it on a weekday, or even if its open late enough. But then again it's the day before Halloween, so there's a chance. But we're hoping to spend as much time at Disneyland with the Halloween decorations first.
• Oct 31st, Friday, Halloween: DLR MHP Pass;
  I hope I am understanding the MHP Pass correctly that we wouldn't need to purchase a normal park day pass to enter the MHP. Since we would be able to enter the park around 4PM, we can sleep in a little and get our costumes ready and not be as tired for the whole night. I'm still debating if we should do the Halloween Tour, but I'm certain then we would need to an actual day park pass.
• Nov 1st, Saturday: DCA Single Park Pass;
  I liked DCA a lot more after all the renovations, but it's definitely something we can do within a day. And for certain we would be able to catch the

Any suggestion or tips?

I feel like the Park Hopper would be nice to have, but not necessary since we are only spending 2 whole days and half a day on our trip. The park hopper would also be rushing us between both parks. Not buying it would limit ourselves (and saving a few dollars) and force us to take our time and enjoy ourselves more.

Girlfriend also wants to dress up as Wilderness Exolorers like Russell from Up for Halloween. It's going to be a little weird for me because I haven't dressed up for Halloween since I was like 13, but she's so excited with the costume that it's starting to rub off on me as well.

I agree with Figment - I would switch your park days. You are very likely to get to see WOC on a Thursday, but definitely not F! or the non-holiday fireworks. Saturday will be your only chance for that.

 

[figment_jii]

I know folks are not as interested in the #GetHappier promotion anymore, but they've announced today's. Rather like the one the 7th, they're "giving way" an extra hour in DCA (select attractions). No secret word required. I think things like this one is fun...it's kind of like the AP EMH that they had for Limited Time Magic, except this is from the first 1,500 guests that find them in Paradise Bay.

Update: someone just tweeted a photo of the flyer. It's basically the rides in Paradise Pier that will be open: Screamin', Games of the Midway, Goofy's Sky School, Carousel, Silly Symphony Swings, and TSMM.

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]

7/21 4:24 pm - 7:09 pm Extra Hour in DCA (-) [1,500]

7/28 1:44 pm - 2:03 pm Non-Ride/Non-Time Specific DL Fastpass (-) [100]
7/28 4:14 pm - 4:26 pm Non-Ride/Non-Time Specific DCA Fastpass (-) [100]

8/4 4:43 pm - 6:39 pm Extra Hour in DL (-) [1,500] (Buzz, Space, Star Tours)

8/11 11:20 am - 11:31 am VIP Viewing to Disney's Aladdin (-) [100]

8/18 5:00 pm - 6:42 pm Extra Hours in DL (-) [1,500] (Fantasyland)

8/25 1:40 pm - 2:28 pm Clarabelle's Ice Cream Sundae (~$12) [50]

9/01 1:35 pm - 1:44 pm Churro (~$4) [100] (DL)
9/01 4:12 pm - 4:19 pm Churro (~$4) [100] (DCA)

 

[zanzibar138]

Rather like the one the 7th, they're "giving way" an extra hour in DCA (select attractions). No secret word required. I think things like this one is fun...it's kind of like the AP EMH that they had for Limited Time Magic, except this is from the first 1,500 guests that find them in Paradise Bay.

I think the 'experience' giveaways are fun too I think I prefer when it's something you can't get otherwise (ie anyone can buy a vinylmation or a cookie, but you HAVE to be part of this promotion to get an extra hour in the park).

 

[ashleysev]

A really tall friend of mine dressed up as the cat in the hat one year. It looked pretty simple. I think it was a hat, red bow tie, white shirt, black jacket, and a cane. No green tights involved. Just an idea.

Great idea! I'll see what he says about that one.

 

[Kilala]

It looks as if I'm only going two days this year. Unless if I can sneak in a 3rd date.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm checking in to say that I'll be checking in again later!

Oh, and I also wanted to say that it looks like I missed another lackluster Get Happier Monday. The extra time in the parks is only good for people who are in the parks, and only if people CAN stay that long!

And, once again, Paradise Pier was at the center of the giveaway action later on. Yawn.

Let's not forget the Get Happier contest announced on the Parks Blog yesterday too -- http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...u-happy-about-disneyland-resort-on-instagram/.

Now they are only limiting it to Instagram! The photo/decades contest for the 60th anniversary at least involves Twitter too (which is bad enough, as I hate Twitter).

But this new Get Happier photo contest is ONLY for Instagram. So they finally do a Get Happier thing online, and it is only for Instagram users...which does not include me.

Sigh.

I was interested in Get Happier at first, because I thought it could involve some sort of Halloween Time/MHP dates announcement. Unless and until Get Happier involves Halloween Time, or involves news of/dates for the holiday season, or unless it involves something I can actually participate in, they are rapidly losing me and my interest!

Oh well. Enough of that silly Get Happier business. I am sick of summer and am looking forward to fall and to Halloween Time!!

 

[zanzibar138]

I was interested in Get Happier at first, because I thought it could involve some sort of Halloween Time/MHP dates announcement. Unless and until Get Happier involves Halloween Time, or involves news of/dates for the holiday season, or unless it involves something I can actually participate in, they are rapidly losing me and my interest!

I actually enjoy hearing about unique experiences given away through the Get Happier promotion, so this week was a good one for me However, I am still waiting for something I can participate in. I saw the announcement for the Instagram competition and didn't even bother reading as (A) I don't do Instagram and (B) most of those competitions are for US residents only.

 

[Sherry E]

I actually enjoy hearing about unique experiences given away through the Get Happier promotion, so this week was a good one for me However, I am still waiting for something I can participate in. I saw the announcement for the Instagram competition and didn't even bother reading as (A) I don't do Instagram and (B) most of those competitions are for US residents only.

I will still be following what kinds of surprises are given out, but there should be separate Get Happier thread (if there is not one already). I don't want to be tempted to keep talking about it here in this thread unless and until it has something to do with Halloween.

A few mentions early on in the Get Happier promo were okay, but now it's carried on a while and, so far, Get Happier has nothing to do with Halloween Time at all. We've still got all the way to Labor Day to go with the Monday Surprises, and that will be a lot more Get Happier mentions.

Plus, if we don't keep this thread at least 98% focused on Halloween, or related Halloween-ish topics (like, for example, last year a lot of us were discussing various spooky TV shows we like, and strange occurrences we had experienced), people who just occasionally tune in could end up getting confused and thinking that Get Happier is somehow involved with Halloween Time (which, so far, it is not).

That is also the reason why I kind of stopped the Get Happier talk in the Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread -- so far, at the moment, Get Happier has nothing to do with the holidays. It might at some point, if something is announced, but right now...it doesn't. I didn't want anyone who pops into that thread to get confused and think that the Monday Surprises would be carrying over into the holiday season.

 

[zanzibar138]

I will still be following what kinds of surprises are given out, but there should be separate Get Happier thread (if there is not one already). I don't want to be tempted to keep talking about it here in this thread unless and until it has something to do with Halloween.

A few mentions early on in the Get Happier promo were okay, but now it's carried on a while and, so far, Get Happier has nothing to do with Halloween Time at all. We've still got all the way to Labor Day to go with the Monday Surprises, and that will be a lot more Get Happier mentions.

Plus, if we don't keep this thread at least 98% focused on Halloween, or related Halloween-ish topics (like, for example, last year a lot of us were discussing various spooky TV shows we like, and strange occurrences we had experienced), people who just occasionally tune in could end up getting confused and thinking that Get Happier is somehow involved with Halloween Time (which, so far, it is not).

That is also the reason why I kind of stopped the Get Happier talk in the Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread -- so far, at the moment, Get Happier has nothing to do with the holidays. It might at some point, if something is announced, but right now...it doesn't. I didn't want anyone who pops into that thread to get confused and think that the Monday Surprises would be carrying over into the holiday season.

Sorry, seems like I misunderstood again I don't think we need to keep tabs on it in this thread either. But I will still be following along for now on FB.

 

[figment_jii]

I also apologize for continuing to post about the GetHappier events. I just thought it was something fun to talk about as we wait for Halloween to get going.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

When we did the Halloween party two years ago, there weren't many food places open during the party - and we didn't want to waste valuable party time eating. It seems last year there was more open? So advice needed - would you eat in DTD prior to coming in or eat in DL? What time would you pick? And any suggestions on where to eat? All but one of us will have APs, but that last person will be coming in at 4pm on the ticket only that day. We ate at Cafe Orleans two years ago, but since we're doing BB the following day, I think they may be too much like each other?

My thought is we could do a late morning breakfast and an earlier dinner and then grab a snack later in the night if needed. I know how to plan a regular day at DLR, but I feel a little lost with the MHP since we've only done it once!

 

[figment_jii]

When we did the Halloween party two years ago, there weren't many food places open during the party - and we didn't want to waste valuable party time eating. It seems last year there was more open? So advice needed - would you eat in DTD prior to coming in or eat in DL? What time would you pick? And any suggestions on where to eat? All but one of us will have APs, but that last person will be coming in at 4pm on the ticket only that day. We ate at Cafe Orleans two years ago, but since we're doing BB the following day, I think they may be too much like each other?

My thought is we could do a late morning breakfast and an earlier dinner and then grab a snack later in the night if needed. I know how to plan a regular day at DLR, but I feel a little lost with the MHP since we've only done it once!

It depends on what you plan to order...the Monte Cristo is pretty similar, but I think the rest of the venue is different enough that you could enjoy eating at both. Otherwise, maybe a late lunch or early dinner at Carnations? They're pretty good and very different from BB and CO. You could go big and eat at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (if they're open); that should keep you pretty full until well into the party!

Otherwise, I like the idea of a late breakfast, early dinner and then snacking during the party. There is always all of the candy from trick-or-treating (gotta make room on the bag to get more candy, right?) and the usual Disney snacks (pretzels, ice cream, popcorn, churros, sweets from the Candy Palace, etc.).

 

[2tinkerbell]

This is a surprise birthday trip for my DD. I am planning on purchasing the tickets for MHP on 7/30. Do you get the actual tickets mailed to you or do you print out your email or voucher to pick up at the Ticket Booth?

I really don't want them mailed to me, for obvious reasons.

 

[figment_jii]

This is a surprise birthday trip for my DD. I am planning on purchasing the tickets for MHP on 7/30. Do you get the actual tickets mailed to you or do you print out your email or voucher to pick up at the Ticket Booth?

I really don't want them mailed to me, for obvious reasons.

It depends on which option you select. When I purchased tickets there were four options: Disney eTicket ($0), US Domestic Standard ($5), US Domestic Express ($15), and International Express ($25). If you select the Disney eTicket option, you should be an email confirmation. On the bottom of the confirmation is a link that will take you to your tickets. You'll need to print them and then bring them with you to DL. These are you actual tickets, so you'll use them to enter the park.

 

[2tinkerbell]

It depends on which option you select. When I purchased tickets there were four options: Disney eTicket ($0), US Domestic Standard ($5), US Domestic Express ($15), and International Express ($25). If you select the Disney eTicket option, you should be an email confirmation. On the bottom of the confirmation is a link that will take you to your tickets. You'll need to print them and then bring them with you to DL. These are you actual tickets, so you'll use them to enter the park.

Thanks! It looks like I will be choosing the e-ticket option.

When you print out your tickets, are they designed so that I can scrapbook them later? Do they keep them when you enter the park?

Okay - I've got to stop. I think I am beginning to over plan.

 

[figment_jii]

When you print out your tickets, are they designed so that I can scrapbook them later? Do they keep them when you enter the park?

I don't know about the Scrapbooking part, because they're a regular 8.5" by 11" piece of paper. Mine had a drawing of Oswald on one side and the ticket information on the rest of the page.

They keep the page when you enter DL (at least they did last year). If you want to scrap book the page, I would just print to a pdf and then print out the copies to take to the park and another set to scrap book. You can print as many copies as you want, but you can only the ticket once to enter.

 

[Vala]

You got to keep the page? They kept mine.

 

[figment_jii]

You got to keep the page? They kept mine.

Um...no...I said "they keep the page" in reference to 2tinkerbell question about the print at home tickets. I suppose if you bought the ticket at the ticket gates and were already issued one of the credit card sized tickets, that you probably got to keep, but it's just a regular park ticket (so nothing Halloween(ish) about it).

 

[yeheyprincex2]

As I plan this trip things activities have been added/ taken off the itinerary.
so far I have: 3 day hopper passes with MHP for Sept 26

Sept 23 arrive, maybe half day at a park
Sept 24 Start day RD at Disneyland, late character breakfast, dinner at Cafe Orleans
Sept 25 Start day RD at DCA, WOC, lunch or dinner at Carthay Circle
Sept 26 MHP(thinking maybe a beach during the morning for a few hrs, or hotel pool)
Sept 27 leave for San Diego (maybe beach)
Sept 28 Legoland
Sept 29 beach day or half day at a park Dont know
Sept 30 Leave for home
Trying to get my DH to stay in Anaheim area since we are no longer going to San Diego zoo, but he loves San Diego
Trying to figure out how to best use the three day hoppers