HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[SusanMatt]

I hear you! Our park hours just got released & I've been booking and rearranging things as the hours weren't the same as historical ones. They are better but it changes my plans

Yes, I noticed that the parks are opening earlier most days of the week we are there than the parks opened last year. That's good for us since we are choosing not to go to MHP. Did anyone notice the parks closing awfully early on October 1st, a non-MHP day? There might be a private event, but that's disappointing for us.

 

[Sherry E]

I do hope that all of our Northern California friends are doing well this morning after the big earthquake, and that no one suffered any damage or injury.

I must admit that, yesterday, when there was a very small quake in the Big Bear area (which was the site of a much larger quake back in 1992), as well as after a couple of recent small quakes off the coast of Malibu, I thought, "Oh dear...it's probably time for another significant quake." (I hate any and all quakes.) However, I expected that it would be here in SoCal and not in NorCal! NorCal is just as susceptible to quakes as SoCal is, and they can do major damage, often because of liquefaction.

​

Today, the 'glimpses of Fall and Halloween' in the Sunday newspaper coupon inserts were less obvious than they were in the 2-page Glade "Fall Collection" layout in the coupons last weekend. This time, there was just a very small ad with a coupon for the Halloween/Harvest versions of candy (can't recall if it was Hershey's or Mars, but I think it was Mars).

My Rite Aid circular didn't show any "Fall décor" this week, but it showed a small picture of the White Chocolate Candy Corn M&M's, as did the CVS circular. The Cost Plus World Market flyer didn't really show anything blatantly Fall-like. I don't think there was anything Fall-ish in the Target circular either.

So, the early signs of Autumn are still quietly sneaking in, but in a very subtle way. Nothing too obvious yet.

Nonetheless, I am so anxious for August to be over and for Halloween Time to arrive (even though it arrives while it is still Summer)!

​

Yes, I noticed that the parks are opening earlier most days of the week we are there than the parks opened last year. That's good for us since we are choosing not to go to MHP. Did anyone notice the parks closing awfully early on October 1st, a non-MHP day? There might be a private event, but that's disappointing for us.

SusanMatt --

Well, one thing we can be certain of is that Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon will not be renting out Disneyland again for another private event to celebrate their marriage...so they can't be the cause of the closure.

 

[Kristina4109]

Legends was AMAZING! Gecko Adams, Coyote Brown and Lamb had a great time. My daughter loved it so much that we played it pretty much non stop from 11:30am until the game wrapped up.

And, here's the best part, at the closing of the game ceremony in the Golden Horseshoe, my daughter was called up to be named a Hero of Frontierland! She's got her Hero coin upstairs in her treasure box.

What an awesome experience.

 

[Sherry E]

Legends was AMAZING! Gecko Adams, Coyote Brown and Lamb had a great time. My daughter loved it so much that we played it pretty much non stop from 11:30am until the game wrapped up.

And, here's the best part, at the closing of the game ceremony in the Golden Horseshoe, my daughter was called up to be named a Hero of Frontierland! She's got her Hero coin upstairs in her treasure box.

What an awesome experience.

Kristina4109 --

That is awesome! Congratulations to your daughter! It sounds like it was a great, rewarding and fun day.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We are pretty close to the epicenter and it was a big one! Woke us all up (well except for my son) and really scared the girls. We don't have any reported damage in our city, and personally just some things off shelves and picture frames knocked over. However, Napa, our neighbor to the east was hit very hard. It was very reminiscent of the Loma Prieta quake in '89 - except this time I'm the parent!

 

[mgpan]

Maybe others will chime in with specific recommendations on how to go "against the flow". The trip seems to be more and more planning and stress than it should be.

The closer we get to our travel dates, the worse things seem to get. Touring plans just now went from 3,2,2 on three of our travel dates to 6,5,4. Perhaps it's due to the fact they begin using "Crowd Calendar 4" today, whatever that is (would have been nice to get an email or posting to the dashboard of paying subscribers that this was happening don't you think?) Between the increasing crowd levels (I'm beginning to wonder if I need to ask for a refund from TP if they can't predict crowds any better than this, in fact Labor Day is listed as lower crowds), 3 parties with early park close over our travel dates when last year there would have only been two, etc. is making it nearly impossible to plan which days we should go to parks and which to other sites in the area.

I've gone back and forth and have multiple lunch reservations that I need to let go so someone else can have them, and the planning of trying to do what's best is worse than planning for WDW! So much for the "Oh it's DL, just go with the flow" attitude! Being from the East Coast, and with airfare, rental car expenses,I don't have the luxury of just enjoying Halloween time and then "dropping back by" later to enjoy attractions if it's too busy. I was much more excited for the trip several weeks ago.

mgpan --

Maybe figment_jii or Cheshirecatty can weigh in on this as well.

I don't think going in October is a mistake at all! I think you'll have a great time, even without the MHP! The Halloween Carnival is a lot of fun in and of itself.

October is really only "slower" in that it is not considered the peak season by DLR, and there are fewer people in the parks during that whole time frame than during a peak season. (Random days here and there can be quite busy.) Peak seasons or periods would be Spring Break, summer and the holiday season. September (after Labor Day) and October are technically considered to make up the off-peak season at DLR, but the thing is that Halloween Time has become so popular over the last several years that when you're there, walking around, it doesn't really appear to be slow or off-peak!

Now, that doesn't mean that October is ridiculous New Year's Eve-crazy or something. It's not anywhere near that bad. But there will be a lot of people in the parks at certain times of that month, and then it will probably quiet down a little bit after mid-month and before the week of Halloween.

There will be a lot of people in Disneyland during those 3 hours of "crossover time" on party days. So, once the party guests enter DL at 3 or 4 p.m., expect to see a lot of people milling about on Main Street, in New Orleans Square, in Adventureland, etc. If you're concerned that the crowds will be too annoying, you could just leave at 3 or 4 p.m. and head to DCA then.

People have said -- in fact, someone said it earlier in this thread, I think -- that DCA does see an increase in crowds from the exodus of non-MHP people. I think those crowds probably thin out after a while, though...maybe. At the very least, DCA handles crowds a lot better in some ways because many of the paths and walkways are wider and easier to get through, so it doesn't always seem as packed in DCA as it does in DL (in my opinion).

 

[sgrap]

We are finally less than 60 days out and I want to make dining reservations. We have 2 MHP days with tickets: October 22nd and 24th. Would it be a good idea to make reservations for times during the 3-hour window where MHP ticket holders can enter and when MHP actually starts? I'm trying to figure out the best use of that window of time.

I'm also thinking we will want to go back to our room (GCH, yay!) and regroup for a late night/chilly weather. When is the best time to do that and re-enter for MHP without it being insanely busy trying to get in? We will have AP's/PH's so we can enter/re-enter whenever during the day. This will be our first October trip and first MHP's, so I really have no clue what to expect--except what I have learned on here already (which is quite a bit of knowledge. ;-) ).

What should be our top priorities during MHP? We will have 4 full days plus 2 partial days in the parks, plus 2 MHP's, so I'm not worried about doing anything during MHP that we can do at any other time. For the first one, we'll have me, dh, dd 13 and dd 12. For the second one, ds 20 will be with us as well. No little kiddie stuff anymore . . . :-( . So I'd love to hear what everyone has to recommend for MHP priorities! Thanks!

 

[pattyduke34]

Sherry,
Felt it pretty good here! Pictures sideways on walls, few things fell of the shelves and water all over the place from splashing out of our 55 gallons fish tank! I never woke up so fast in my life!!!! After spending all day at the Walt Disney Family Museum yesterday I was exhausted could not believe it jumped so high when it happened!

 

[Davidg83]

I do hope that all of our Northern California friends are doing well this morning after the big earthquake, and that no one suffered any damage or injury.

I must admit that, yesterday, when there was a very small quake in the Big Bear area (which was the site of a much larger quake back in 1992), as well as after a couple of recent small quakes off the coast of Malibu, I thought, "Oh dear...it's probably time for another significant quake." (I hate any and all quakes.) However, I expected that it would be here in SoCal and not in NorCal! NorCal is just as susceptible to quakes as SoCal is, and they can do major damage, often because of liquefaction.

I would have slept right through it if the dog wasn't going crazy and barking. Thankfully I'm far enough away that it was just enough to rattle things and shake the bed a bit.

 

[dnamertz]

What should be our top priorities during MHP? We will have 4 full days plus 2 partial days in the parks, plus 2 MHP's, so I'm not worried about doing anything during MHP that we can do at any other time. For the first one, we'll have me, dh, dd 13 and dd 12. For the second one, ds 20 will be with us as well. No little kiddie stuff anymore . . . :-( . So I'd love to hear what everyone has to recommend for MHP priorities! Thanks!

Your top priorities during the MHP depend on what you are interested in. Since you are going to 2 MHPs, I think you'd be able to get a taste of most of the party specific activities. We went to 1 part last year (on Monday night in mid/late October) and I thought we did quite a lot during the 6 hours (including the 1 hour pre-party in ToonTown...not sure if they are doing that this year). We did about 6 trick-or-treat lines, 8 rides (including Space Mt twice), 3 character meet-n-greets with Woody, Stormtroopers, and Mickey/Minnie in costume in ToonTown (that was our only long wait...at least 30 minutes), and got a good view of the fireworks (waited about 20 minutes).

Since you are not worried about doing things you can do at other times, then skip the rides. My priorities if I went again would be the fireworks show (with view of front of castle), character meet-n-greets if there are characters you want photos with that you aren't available outside the MHP, and just checking out the atmosphere (some trick-or-treat lines have additional decor). The fog over Rivers of America is cool, and try to be in that area when the Cadaver Dans are performing, and the Big Thunder Trail has a good vibe. Also check out one of the dance parties, and all the additional lighting and decor around the park that makes the MHP a whole new way to see Disneyland.

 

[laura&fam]

My daughter came home Friday from the second day of school and informed me that her choir concert is the night of the day we were suppose to be leaving on our trip. They get out of school early on Wednesday, they have Thursday, Friday and Monday off of school and the choir teacher thought Wednesday night would be a good time to have the concert? Not sure what he was thinking.

So, we may be down one day at Legoland since it closes at 5 pm daily (not used to that since DL is open so much later). Luckily it doesn't affect our MHP since that's at the end of our trip. We're still trying to decide if we want to drive most of the night or just arrive in the evening. Driving while the kids are sleeping sounds very appealing but DH and I would be tired the next day.

 

[sgrap]

Your top priorities during the MHP depend on what you are interested in. Since you are going to 2 MHPs, I think you'd be able to get a taste of most of the party specific activities. We went to 1 part last year (on Monday night in mid/late October) and I thought we did quite a lot during the 6 hours (including the 1 hour pre-party in ToonTown...not sure if they are doing that this year). We did about 6 trick-or-treat lines, 8 rides (including Space Mt twice), 3 character meet-n-greets with Woody, Stormtroopers, and Mickey/Minnie in costume in ToonTown (that was our only long wait...at least 30 minutes), and got a good view of the fireworks (waited about 20 minutes).

Since you are not worried about doing things you can do at other times, then skip the rides. My priorities if I went again would be the fireworks show (with view of front of castle), character meet-n-greets if there are characters you want photos with that you aren't available outside the MHP, and just checking out the atmosphere (some trick-or-treat lines have additional decor). The fog over Rivers of America is cool, and try to be in that area when the Cadaver Dans are performing, and the Big Thunder Trail has a good vibe. Also check out one of the dance parties, and all the additional lighting and decor around the park that makes the MHP a whole new way to see Disneyland.

Great helpful ideas, thank you! That is exactly the type of thing I was looking for!

 

[Kilala]

Did you guys see this yet? http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/08/24/...eaves-guests-in-long-lines-most-of-the-night/
I's about unleash the villans

 

[Jennafoo]

So my first-ever trip, solo, birthday trip to Disneyland during Halloweentime is getting closer to reality. I have had to cut down on expenses and time due to a bunch of work and personal stuff, but I'm still determined to make it happen.

I have my MHP tickets and dining reservations for my first two days. Here are my plans so far:

Wednesday, 10/22 - Fly down in the afternoon from SF and get settled. Go to DCA that evening. No dinner reservations.

Thursday, 10/23 - DL. Dinner at Cafe Orleans.

Friday, 10/24 - DL during the day. Birthday lunch at 11:30 at Blue Bayou. MHP.

Saturday, 10/25 - DL or DCA. Brunch at carnation cafe at 10-10:30. Dinner at Carthay Circle at 6pm. Mad T Party.

Sunday, 10/26 - Depart. Maybe go to Goofy's Kitchen on the way out.

I plan to meet friends one day (not sure which), do a "Halloween pumpkin treats crawl" and maybe do the JuJu game. So excited!

 

[Sherry E]

A few things...

1. Here is another article/blog from Dateline Disneyland (on our competing site, MiceAge) -- "Halloween Time creeps in across the Disneyland Resort as summer comes to an end" - Written by Andy Castro; Published on August 25, 2014 at 5:05 am;

2. They make Pumpkin Spice Gum??? I had no idea, but here is the proof! ; and

3. A review of the Caramel Apple Oreos, from the Junk Food Guy -- Here.




That's our Halloween Time/Halloween-Fall fun for Monday, August 25, 2014!

​

So my first-ever trip, solo, birthday trip to Disneyland during Halloweentime is getting closer to reality. I have had to cut down on expenses and time due to a bunch of work and personal stuff, but I'm still determined to make it happen.

I have my MHP tickets and dining reservations for my first two days. Here are my plans so far:

Wednesday, 10/22 - Fly down in the afternoon from SF and get settled. Go to DCA that evening. No dinner reservations.

Thursday, 10/23 - DL. Dinner at Cafe Orleans.

Friday, 10/24 - DL during the day. Birthday lunch at 11:30 at Blue Bayou. MHP.

Saturday, 10/25 - DL or DCA. Brunch at carnation cafe at 10-10:30. Dinner at Carthay Circle at 6pm. Mad T Party.

Sunday, 10/26 - Depart. Maybe go to Goofy's Kitchen on the way out.

I plan to meet friends one day (not sure which), do a "Halloween pumpkin treats crawl" and maybe do the JuJu game. So excited!

Jennafoo --

It sounds like it will be an awesome trip. You've got some good meals planned and a pumpkin crawl to boot! (I hope you saw the list I posted a while back, with all of the different seasonal, sweet and savory foods, so you don't miss anything on the crawl!)

Did you guys see this yet? http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/08/24/...eaves-guests-in-long-lines-most-of-the-night/
I's about unleash the villans

Kilala --

I only read the whole blog after you posted the link (prior to that -- knowing it wasn't about DLR -- I had only read the first few sentences).

It appears that the Villains event was a mess yet again -- even though it had a few good points. I am certain that if DLR decided to do the same event, it, too, would have been a mess.

It sounds like Disney just oversells tickets to all of its hard ticket events, and it results in crowds that people are not expecting. In the comments under the article someone mentioned the WDW Christmas Party and what it's like when it is sold out (too crowded). Many people have felt that Mickey's Halloween Party was getting too crowded in the last couple of years. The overselling of tickets takes away the feeling of exclusivity a bit, and makes things unpleasant in the parks.

 

[elamarca]

This has been such a great thread to read - thanks for all the info everyone! Though I consider myself a Disneyland fan, to a ridiculous extent, I've never been during Halloween time. I've always wanted to, but can never bring myself NOT to go during Christmas, so Halloween takes a back seat. This year, I finally talked my husband into going to MHP, while still keeping our Christmas plans. YAY!!! We will only be down in SoCal on October 3rd, and I just saw the party sold out. Holy smokes, that was fast. Thankfully I bought our tickets just last week, right before. I can't wait!!

 

[Davidg83]

The latest fall food find: pumpkin cheesecake with graham cracker swirl ice cream from Ben and Jerry's.

I'm in the middle of packing for my trip this weekend. I'm really, really tempted to pack my Halloween Mickey ears. I keep telling myself it's too early but it might happen!

 

[Sherry E]

The Halloween candy angels are really ramping things up now -- I don't know why I doubted that there would be early signs of Fall/Halloween.

Behold...Hershey's Candy Corn Crème Bars!!!! Candy corn creme with candy bits!!!! See the photo HERE.

Now, for some strange reason, this Hershey's candy corn crème concoction sounds good to me -- better than the Candy Corn Oreos, in fact! I'm not a huge candy corn fan (too sweet), but I would bet that Hershey's did a good job with it!

​

This has been such a great thread to read - thanks for all the info everyone! Though I consider myself a Disneyland fan, to a ridiculous extent, I've never been during Halloween time. I've always wanted to, but can never bring myself NOT to go during Christmas, so Halloween takes a back seat. This year, I finally talked my husband into going to MHP, while still keeping our Christmas plans. YAY!!! We will only be down in SoCal on October 3rd, and I just saw the party sold out. Holy smokes, that was fast. Thankfully I bought our tickets just last week, right before. I can't wait!!

Welcome, elamarca!

I know what you mean -- to be very honest, I would never miss a holiday season trip. Even if it were just for one day, Christmas time is my top choice because there is soooooo much to see and do during that time.

That said, Halloween Time is great fun -- and it could be a lot more fun if DLR would ever put more effort into it -- and should be experienced at least once. The decorations on Main Street and in Frontierland are great. The treats are fun. The MHP is fun. It's a good time!

I'm so glad you joined us, and that you are finally getting to experience your first Halloween Time at Disneyland!

The latest fall food find: pumpkin cheesecake with graham cracker swirl ice cream from Ben and Jerry's.

I'm in the middle of packing for my trip this weekend. I'm really, really tempted to pack my Halloween Mickey ears. I keep telling myself it's too early but it might happen!

Davidg83 --

Ben & Jerry's already put out their pumpkin product? Wow!

If you don't have time to check in again before you leave, I will wish for you an awesome trip now, and I hope have a great time! Be sure to check in with us when you return. So far, only reports of decorations are trickling in, but no one has reported on any Fall goodies/treats in Disneyland yet. Hopefully there will be some when you're there!

 

[Jennafoo]

SherryE, I can't find the pumpkin treats post you mentioned! Is it in this thread?

 

[Sherry E]

SherryE, I can't find the pumpkin treats post you mentioned! Is it in this thread?

Jennafoo --

Here is the list of Sweet and Savory foods to look for on your Halloween Time trip (some of them may change in design from year to year, but these are the basic things you will be looking for), and where to find them.