HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[Sherry E]

Oh, I forgot to mention to everyone who is planning to do the Happiest Haunts tour -- unless something changes, you should be able to start booking it for at least the first day of tours (which should be September 12th) within the next couple of days or so (by tomorrow or Wednesday, I would guess).

I don't know if you'd be able to book the tours that take place past 9/12 just yet, but the booking window for the first day of the HH tour should open up this week. We're right around that 30-day time frame.

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Yay very first post!! I feel like I can actually post now that we booked our hotel for Oct 12-16! First time staying at the GCH so hoping its worth all the over time my Husband has been working This will also be the first time back at Halloween time with our two kids, last time was in 2009 when my Husband and I were dating! Halloween Time is my absolute favorite but we normally go at Christmas time for the kids but can't this year since Baby 3 will be arriving in December!! Please excuse my rambling, I'm so excited!!

clydeisme --

Welcome! Thank you for joining us.

I don't blame you for being excited (though you're not rambling at all!)! I'm happy for you that are finally getting to return to DLR during your favorite time!

Congratulations on your upcoming holiday arrival! Another one of our DIS'ers is expecting a holiday bundle of joy too, as I recall.

Many, many people love staying at the GCH. The location can't be matched!

Halloween Time is still a lot of fun, but it has changed a lot since you last enjoyed it in 2009! As you probably know, there is no more Candy Corn Acres in California Adventure, sadly. The floral, masked Halloween Mickey at the entrance to Disneyland is sometimes there and sometimes not there. The Villains no longer have a daytime photo spot in the traditional sense (rather, you can "Conjure a Villain" at the Halloween Carnival and meet one at a time). Halloween Screams fireworks is now a hard ticket party exclusive.


On the positive side, Mickey's Halloween Party in Disneyland offers a lot of cool effects and lots of treat trails and stations (more than there were when the party was in DCA, I think)! The Halloween Carnival in Frontierland is the new version of the Halloween Roundup. The Roundup is still there, for all intents and purposes, but some things have been moved around and the whole general area was expanded. The Carnival now features the pumpkin carvers, some sort of musical entertainment, Halloween-themed crafts and games, candy corn-colored cotton candy, characters in Halloween-ish attire, etc. It's a highlight of the season, I think.

And -- if you saw the list I posted on the previous page -- there seem to be more Fall/Halloween meals, snacks and beverages at DLR than there were several years ago (though maybe that is just wishful thinking on my part)!

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[figment_jii]

MiceAge/MiceChat's latest Dateline Disneyland article/blog features some photos of some of the Halloween merchandise that has appeared at DLR so far (in the last week) -- which, to be honest, looks like pretty much the standard Halloween Time fare, with different designs for some items. I don't see anything new and interesting so far that is much different from what has been available in the past.

Hopefully this is just the first wave of Halloween merchandise. I agree that the basic logo (thus far) appears to be the same as the last two years (just a new date). I do kind of like the Mickey Mouse ears this year (it was the same as the pair featured on the Disney Florist site!)...at least they're kind of different. I've got my fingers crossed that there is still more merchandise to come!

 

[Sherry E]

Hopefully this is just the first wave of Halloween merchandise. I agree that the basic logo (thus far) appears to be the same as the last two years (just a new date). I do kind of like the Mickey Mouse ears this year (it was the same as the pair featured on the Disney Florist site!)...at least they're kind of different. I've got my fingers crossed that there is still more merchandise to come!

I agree -- it's definitely still early yet, so there is lots of time to get more items in the shops. It's fantastic that anything is even appearing now at all, before we even hit mid-August!

The ears are cute -- I especially like the Mickey eyes (do they glow in the dark, I wonder?) on the actual round ears. I also really like the Mickey pumpkin ears ornament.

In fact, I don't know if DLR does for Halloween Time what they do for the holidays, but they seem to get big shipments of holiday season merchandise in two waves -- one wave is the one that covers the early part of the holiday season (including the things that start to appear before Halloween Time is over), and the second wave is the one that is supposed to cover the Thanksgiving-ish time frame on through the New Year (of course, certain items sell out along the way).

If Halloween Time is handled the same way, right now they're in the first major wave of merchandise at DLR, I suppose (I think that more things have to be unpacked, logged and then put on the shelves this week). Maybe a second major wave of Halloween merchandise would hit right before the first MHP, and then last through 10/31??

 

[figment_jii]

If Halloween Time is handled the same way, right now they're in the first major wave of merchandise at DLR, I suppose (I think that more things have to be unpacked, logged and then put on the shelves this week). Maybe a second major wave of Halloween merchandise would hit right before the first MHP, and then last through 10/31??

I'm keeping my fingers crossed! If nothing else, they have to put out the MHP merchandise at that point (I'm guessing a t-shirt and pins at a minimum). Hopefully there will be some new (and neat) stuff coming out for the Halloween season. (And hopefully lots of food!)

 

[mvf-m11c]

My DA and I made our reservations at the DLR during the Halloween season next month and we will be there just a couple of days when the Halloween season starts. It will be a shame not to go during MHP but it is always fun to go during the Halloween season.

You are the best Sherry to write up all the different types of the Halloween food at the DLR last year (from what you gathered). There were some I remembered at specific restaurants and I wasn't able to try any last year. This year I will be trying something from the list when I go back in September.

When I checked out MiceChat Dateline Disneyland today and looked at the Halloween merchandise, most of it almost looks the same from years past. Just like what you and figment said that it will only be the first wave and new ones when we get closer to the Halloween season. I'm hoping they have a new popcorn bucket this year where the Ghost Mickey Popcorn Bucket is very nice.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

bought our MHP tickets yesterday wooohooo, looking forward to everything the night will have to offer.

I am still brain storming a family theme costume idea for my family.

 

[figment_jii]

I'm hoping they have a new popcorn bucket this year...

I'm banking on a new round bucket and hopefully a new round HMH bucket, but I kind of doubt there is going to be a new premium bucket this year. The Hatbox Ghost Mickey bucket was new last year and most designs seem to last more than one year. Still, we'll probably get our first hints on September 1st when the first MNSSHP occurs in WDW (they debuted the Hatbox Mickey bucket there first last year).

Hopefully they'll have a new demitasse cup this year. So far, I have a Mickey, a Minnie, and a Donald. Wouldn't it be cool if they did Goofy or Pluto? One can hope, right?

 

[mvf-m11c]

I'm banking on a new round bucket and hopefully a new round HMH bucket, but I kind of doubt there is going to be a new premium bucket this year. The Hatbox Ghost Mickey bucket was new last year and most designs seem to last more than one year. Still, we'll probably get our first hints on September 1st when the first MNSSHP occurs in WDW (they debuted the Hatbox Mickey bucket there first last year).

Hopefully they'll have a new demitasse cup this year. So far, I have a Mickey, a Minnie, and a Donald. Wouldn't it be cool if they did Goofy or Pluto? One can hope, right?

We are all hoping for the same thing. But with everything going on the last couple of years, it will be hard but Disney can surprise us.

I tried to find the hatbox bucket last year in September but was unsuccessful. Maybe they will have it when I go in September. It will be nice to hear any new information about the Halloween merchandise. The demitasse cup from last year was nice which I got the Mickey cup. That will be neat if they have a Goofy or Pluto. We can only hope that Disney will do new merchandise to keep the guests coming back.

I am also looking forward to what the new gingerbread house will be like at the HMH this year.

 

[figment_jii]

I tried to find the hatbox bucket last year in September but was unsuccessful. Maybe they will have it when I go in September.

Disneyland was weird about the Hatbox Ghost buckets; at least initially. I was there in early-October and I remember seeing it on display at one stand (by the Mark Twain) on a Tuesday morning. When I went to order it, the CM said they were not selling them that day. I thought maybe they were going to be only available at MHP, but they weren't on sale at that night's party either. Ultimately I did see them for sale at the stand across from City Hall the next day. By the end of of the week, they were more readily available, but on the flip side, the Dumbo premium buckets were no longer on display at any of the carts. Hopefully, whatever they do this year, it'll be easier to get any new style buckets they come out with.

It's mostly the same items, but DisneyGeek.com has also posted photos of the Halloween displays at WoD.
http://disneygeek.com/disneyland/pictures/2014/08/08/31

 

[mvf-m11c]

Disneyland was weird about the Hatbox Ghost buckets; at least initially. I was there in early-October and I remember seeing it on display at one stand (by the Mark Twain) on a Tuesday morning. When I went to order it, the CM said they were not selling them that day. I thought maybe they were going to be only available at MHP, but they weren't on sale at that night's party either. Ultimately I did see them for sale at the stand across from City Hall the next day. By the end of of the week, they were more readily available, but on the flip side, the Dumbo premium buckets were no longer on display at any of the carts. Hopefully, whatever they do this year, it'll be easier to get any new style buckets they come out with.

It's mostly the same items, but DisneyGeek.com has also posted photos of the Halloween displays at WoD.
http://disneygeek.com/disneyland/pictures/2014/08/08/31

That was weird that the Hatbox Ghost buckets were on the stands and they weren't selling them even during MHP last year. Hopefully they will be there in mid September or a new bucket this year.

Thanks for the link figment.

 

[TulipsNZ]

I'm hoping there will be something small light and fun to buy. I want to get the boys the glow with the show ears so they will take up room. With Disney being the end of a world trip I think we will be running out of luggage room.

 

[figment_jii]

I'm hoping there will be something small light and fun to buy. I want to get the boys the glow with the show ears so they will take up room. With Disney being the end of a world trip I think we will be running out of luggage room.

There is also lots of things to buy at DLR! If nothing else, they should be some Halloween pins. They might have glow necklaces (they had Mickey pumpkins last year). They also have t-shirts, which can be worn, so they're useful! And there are always the non-permanent souvenirs...Halloween treats!

 

[Sherry E]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed! If nothing else, they have to put out the MHP merchandise at that point (I'm guessing a t-shirt and pins at a minimum). Hopefully there will be some new (and neat) stuff coming out for the Halloween season. (And hopefully lots of food!)

figment_jii --

Well, we know that we can probably count on at least one or two (most likely more) new savory seasonal dishes/meals (in place of whatever was there last year) at some of the restaurants -- but who knows if those will appear earlier or later in the season?

And we know that some of the designs of some of the returning snacks/treats will have changed -- there will probably be a new cupcake design, a new cake pop design, a new apple design, a new marshmallow wand a pretzel rod, etc. (along with items with familiar designs returning too). So there will also be something to scout out on the edible horizon!

My DA and I made our reservations at the DLR during the Halloween season next month and we will be there just a couple of days when the Halloween season starts. It will be a shame not to go during MHP but it is always fun to go during the Halloween season.

You are the best Sherry to write up all the different types of the Halloween food at the DLR last year (from what you gathered). There were some I remembered at specific restaurants and I wasn't able to try any last year. This year I will be trying something from the list when I go back in September.

When I checked out MiceChat Dateline Disneyland today and looked at the Halloween merchandise, most of it almost looks the same from years past. Just like what you and figment said that it will only be the first wave and new ones when we get closer to the Halloween season. I'm hoping they have a new popcorn bucket this year where the Ghost Mickey Popcorn Bucket is very nice.

Bret --

Thank you for the kind words! Some of the food items may vary a bit (or drastically) from year to year, but at least we know the types of things to look for in various places around DLR.

That's great to hear that you and your DA made a plan to visit DLR again for Halloween Time. Were you not interested in attending the MHP again, or is your schedule not open for you to go to DLR later in September or October??

 

[kim3339]

I saw on the other page talk of the popcorn buckets; do you think they would still have the 45th for HM available at the end of Sept/beginning of Oct or is there a completely separate one for Halloween?

 

[TinkerJR]

I am SO excited! I just bought our MHP tickets!!!!

I can't wait until October 22nd!! Now I just have to get everyone to decide on their costumes.......

 

[Sherry E]

I saw on the other page talk of the popcorn buckets; do you think they would still have the 45th for HM available at the end of Sept/beginning of Oct or is there a completely separate one for Halloween?

kim3339 --

Hopefully figment_jii will offer some thoughts.

I think there will definitely be some sort of separate Halloween-themed bucket (whatever that design may be is anyone's guess) for the whole season, but it's possible, I suppose, that they could keep the HM bucket available too (unless it has been designated as a "limited time" deal).

I am SO excited! I just bought our MHP tickets!!!!

I can't wait until October 22nd!! Now I just have to get everyone to decide on their costumes.......

TinkerJR --



What are the ideas for costumes so far?

You'll have an amazing trip and a fun party! October is a great time to go. Even though my last couple of Halloween Time visits to DLR have been during September, and I can't wait for September to get here simply because it will mean the end of summer, I actually prefer doing Halloween-ish things (like the Halloween Party) in October. September tends to feel too summer-ish, while October seems more Halloween-ish.

 

[kim3339]

kim3339 --

Hopefully figment_jii will offer some thoughts.

I think there will definitely be some sort of separate Halloween-themed bucket (whatever that design may be is anyone's guess) for the whole season, but it's possible, I suppose, that they could keep the HM bucket available too (unless it has been designated as a "limited time" deal).

Thanks Sherry!

 

[figment_jii]

I saw on the other page talk of the popcorn buckets; do you think they would still have the 45th for HM available at the end of Sept/beginning of Oct or is there a completely separate one for Halloween?

I'm hoping they'll still have the 45th HM bucket for HalloweenTime, but the NOS popcorn stand is where they've historically had the HMH popcorn buckets. I doubt they'd have two different round buckets at the same stand (but you never know), so my guess is that if the 45th is still available at HalloweenTime, they won't have a HMH one or vice-a-versa. (Or they could still have both and just alternate which one they sell. Or they could move one of the two buckets to a different location. Basically, it's hard to say what will happen.) There should still be a general Disney Parks Halloween bucket that is sold at both DLR and WDW. That one will probably be available at popcorn stands throughout the resort.

 

[perlster]

from page 1:
In 2013 the following rides and attractions were not operating during MHP:
Main Street Vehicles
...
Toontown (e.g., Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Gadget’s Go Coaster, etc.)

Well ... RRCTS was running during the "pre-party" I attended last year
--------------------------------------------------------------------
minor correction to same post - It's highly unlikely that Merida will be appearing near iasw this yar

 

[Sherry E]

from page 1:
In 2013 the following rides and attractions were not operating during MHP:
Main Street Vehicles
...
Toontown (e.g., Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Gadget’s Go Coaster, etc.)

Well ... RRCTS was running during the "pre-party" I attended last year
--------------------------------------------------------------------
minor correction to same post - It's highly unlikely that Merida will be appearing near iasw this yar

figment_jii is the person to ask.

figment_jii?