HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[Sherry E]

quick question, do most of the people dress up at the halloween party? What would you say is the percentage of people that dress up? 10%? 90%!?

D23Ry --

To me, it seems to be about a 50/50 split (at least, that's my perception of it). Or, maybe it could be 60% in costume and 40% not in costume in some years.

 

[figment_jii]

I have a question about watching the MHP fireworks from main street. If we arrive about 20-25 minutes before the fireworks could we get a spot near the back edge of the hub (not necessarily in it) towards the main street photo store and would me and my short kids be able to see there?

Also I thought I read a suggestion to arrive about 30 minutes before 3pm (for a 6 pm party) to get in quicker for the party. Is that correct?

I also agree that is you wait until 20-25 minutes before the start of the fireworks, it is unlikely you'll get a good spot anywhere near the hub unless you're lucky. If you want a spot anywhere at the end of Main Street, I think you need to get there at least 45 minutes early, more if you want to b closer to the castle. You can wait until 20-25 minutes if you're okay with being further down Main Street (I'd say somewhere around the Starbucks).
At every partying gone to, there has been a line of guests waiting to get in with their party tickets. Last year, I vaguely recall seeing the line extend to the middle of the Esplanade at 3:00 pm when they started letting folks in. The MHP will only be accepted at specific ticket gates (they'll have signs). If you get there 30 minutes early, I would guess you'll be near the front/middle of the line.

quick question, do most of the people dress up at the halloween party? What would you say is the percentage of people that dress up? 10%? 90%!?

I agree with Sherry that it seems like 50/50. It's an even enough split that neither group (those in costume and those not in costume) will feel out of place.

 

[MermaidHair]

Hey all, I need some advice. We are going to DLR 10/31-11/2, my sister's family of 4 and my family of 4. We will go to the party in 10/31- got tix already! I am trying to convince my mom to join us but I think she will want to wait till October to decide. If I were to buy her a Halloween party tix now and she decided to pass would I be able to resell the ticket(for face value of course!)? I can't afford to buy the tix if she does not come.

 

[figment_jii]

If I were to buy her a Halloween party tix now and she decided to pass would I be able to resell the ticket(for face value of course!)? I can't afford to buy the tix if she does not come.

No...the tickets clearly state "Not for resale. Non-refundable. Non-transferable."

 

[Sherry E]

Did anyone here (who is on Facebook) get the email from Facebook about the upcoming Disney-related pages that are going to merge?

In case you didn't get it, basically all of the separate "event" pages related to WDW -- the F&W Festival page, the Flower and Garden Festival page, the WDW Holidays page and the MNSSHP page -- will be merged into the main WDW Facebook page.

On the Disneyland side of things, the totally useless Halloween Time page and the even more useless Holidays Facebook page will be merged into the main Disneyland page (not the Disneyland Today page, but just regular Disneyland).

The good news is that at least there is a chance that someone from Disney might actually answer Halloween and Holidays-related questions, now that allllllllllll of the Mickey's Halloween Party questions and allllllllllll of the Halloween Time questions and allllllllllllllll of the Holidays questions will end up on the main Disneyland page, or perhaps on Disneyland Today's page. I notice that the Disneyland Today folks seem to try to answer things -- however canned, generic and non-specific those answers may be -- when they can.

All of the page merging will be done by September 13th.

​

Hey all, I need some advice. We are going to DLR 10/31-11/2, my sister's family of 4 and my family of 4. We will go to the party in 10/31- got tix already! I am trying to convince my mom to join us but I think she will want to wait till October to decide. If I were to buy her a Halloween party tix now and she decided to pass would I be able to resell the ticket(for face value of course!)? I can't afford to buy the tix if she does not come.

MermaidHair --

Well, here's the thing. As figment_jii pointed out above, technically the tickets are not supposed to be resold unless they are sold/resold through a Disney-authorized merchant. However, we know the ticket sales happen a lot, and I'm sure Disney knows they happen a lot.

Even beyond that issue of whether or not Disney would be okay with it, we don't allow any sales-related posts here on this board/website, about anything Disney-related or non-Disney-related. It's one of the rules. So, in other words, no "I'm selling a ticket" posts, and no "I need to buy a ticket" posts are allowed. Every year there are people who try to sell MHP tickets here and we have to end up deleting the posts or closing them down. Other boards may be okay with it, but we can't allow it here.

I'm glad you asked about it, though -- just so you know what to expect!:

 

[CassieF]

You guys have been so helpful... And now I have another question! I've never done conjure a villain but now we will Venice my niece loves the villains. How often are the "shows" done? From my reading I know a line forms, but is it just waiting for the next show to start or do they get long enough that it can be a cycle or two before entering? And typically, it's just two villains flip flopping right? Is it possible to leave one show and get into the one immediately following?

 

[Sherry E]

You guys have been so helpful... And now I have another question! I've never done conjure a villain but now we will Venice my niece loves the villains. How often are the "shows" done? From my reading I know a line forms, but is it just waiting for the next show to start or do they get long enough that it can be a cycle or two before entering? And typically, it's just two villains flip flopping right? Is it possible to leave one show and get into the one immediately following?

Cassie --

Those are excellent questions, and I hope that figment_jii, laura&fam, pudinhd and all the others who waited in the Conjure line will chime in and help because I am curious to know too!

I spent a lot of time at and around the Halloween Carnival, but I did not get in the Conjure line (it was too long and I didn't have the patience)! The only thing I know is that there is a tent, and around the tent there are pictures of the supposed Villains you might be able to "conjure" while there (some of whom were never conjured, apparently).

In the last couple of years have they been selling Minnie Mouse Witch Hat? The last time I went at Halloween (2009) it's all I wanted but could never find one to buy. I'm not sure if it's a normal idem they carry annually in the resort or if I should find one online?

clydeisme --

I've seen what appeared to be slightly different versions of the Minnie Witch ears/hat in different years.

I saw this pair last year (2013):

Were those ^^^ the ones you were interested in?

 

[MermaidHair]

technically the tickets are not supposed to be resold unless they are sold/resold through a Disney-authorized merchant. However, we know that ticket sales happen a lot, and I'm sure Disney knows they happen a lot.

Sherry E & figment - thanks for the insight! I understand the policy I just think for a limited ticket event if we had an extra there would likely be *someone* who would be happy to have it. Not that I would know how to find them. Well no matter what we decide I will definitely respect the DIS policies!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry E & figment - thanks for the insight! I understand the policy I just think for a limited ticket event if we had an extra there would likely be *someone* who would be happy to have it. Not that I would know how to find them. Well no matter what we decide I will definitely respect the DIS policies!

MermaidHair --

You're very welcome! It's always good to ask to be sure before you do anything, just so you know what you're getting into. A lot of people don't ask and they just burst on to this board with "I'm selling tickets" posts, or they try to find clever ways to get away with selling, thinking that we won't catch on!

In 2013 I noticed a lot of people flooding the aforementioned useless Halloween Time Facebook page (useless because Disney doesn't update it or maintain it) with posts about needing to buy or sell tickets. I have also heard stories of people having unsuccessful transactions on Craig's List, where one party backed out or didn't deliver. So it can turn ugly -- which is probably one major reason why sales aren't allowed on this board.

These days, Disney seems to really be cracking down on ticket and Hopper issues (because there are so many cases of people selling unused days on Hoppers to other people). The MHP is still a single ticket/single park event for the time being, and I'm sure lots of people buy tickets early on for the rest of their party, only to have something come up later that prevents someone from going. It probably happens a lot.

 

[CassieF]

Cassie --

Those are excellent questions, and I hope that figment_jii, laura&fam, pudinhd and all the others who waited in the Conjure line will chime in and help because I am curious to know too!

I spent a lot of time at and around the Halloween Carnival, but I did not get in the Conjure line (it was too long and I didn't have the patience)! The only thing I know is that there is a tent, and around the tent there are pictures of the supposed Villains you might be able to "conjure" while there (some of whom were never conjured, apparently).

We know some of the villains' friends so if they are there on a particular day we'd like to be able to see them instead of missing them by getting stuck in line...plus she's 2.5years old and while she loves her villain friends waiting for a long time isn't going to be super easy! We just want our villains, why do they have to make it so difficult!

 

[laura&fam]

You guys have been so helpful... And now I have another question! I've never done conjure a villain but now we will Venice my niece loves the villains. How often are the "shows" done? From my reading I know a line forms, but is it just waiting for the next show to start or do they get long enough that it can be a cycle or two before entering? And typically, it's just two villains flip flopping right? Is it possible to leave one show and get into the one immediately following?

I went 2 years ago and was very unimpressed with the conjure a villain so I think I blocked it from my mind but I'll answer what I can. The line goes nowhere for a long time then they let about 20 people into the tent, do a short (5 minute?) show with a CM, and the villain appears. The villain then poses for photos and interacts with all 20 people, which takes a while. I would be astounded if you were able to leave with a villain and get in with the next villain. The park wasn't very busy the day we were there and the line seemed short and I think we waited 45 minutes. I think it was the 3rd or 4th villain after we got into line that we got to see. It would be difficult with small children because the line literally doesn't move for a long time and then it moves a lot and you get excited but still don't get in.

If you have the time you might want to try it but be prepared for a long wait. I am glad I did it once to see what it was but I have no desire to do it again.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I went 2 years ago and was very unimpressed with the conjure a villain so I think I blocked it from my mind but I'll answer what I can. The line goes nowhere for a long time then they let about 20 people into the tent, do a short (5 minute?) show with a CM, and the villain appears. The villain then poses for photos and interacts with all 20 people, which takes a while. I would be astounded if you were able to leave with a villain and get in with the next villain. The park wasn't very busy the day we were there and the line seemed short and I think we waited 45 minutes. I think it was the 3rd or 4th villain after we got into line that we got to see. It would be difficult with small children because the line literally doesn't move for a long time and then it moves a lot and you get excited but still don't get in. If you have the time you might want to try it but be prepared for a long wait. I am glad I did it once to see what it was but I have no desire to do it again.

We had a similar experience. Went back there midday and I waited with the older two, while DH did other stuff back there with the little two. I think we waited in line 3-4 cycles before getting to go in. Even more of a disappointment was our villain was Cruella de Ville, somebody who usually isn't hard to find around the parks.

 

[laura&fam]

I also agree that is you wait until 20-25 minutes before the start of the fireworks, it is unlikely you'll get a good spot anywhere near the hub unless you're lucky. If you want a spot anywhere at the end of Main Street, I think you need to get there at least 45 minutes early, more if you want to b closer to the castle. You can wait until 20-25 minutes if you're okay with being further down Main Street (I'd say somewhere around the Starbucks).
At every partying gone to, there has been a line of guests waiting to get in with their party tickets. Last year, I vaguely recall seeing the line extend to the middle of the Esplanade at 3:00 pm when they started letting folks in. The MHP will only be accepted at specific ticket gates (they'll have signs). If you get there 30 minutes early, I would guess you'll be near the front/middle of the line.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping to get close to the photo store for the fireworks but I'll have to decide if I'm willing to wait longer or just want a worse view. I hadn't noticed Starbucks last trip and it isn't listed on the map I found online. Can you tell me what it's by?

 

[pudinhd]

Cassie --

Those are excellent questions, and I hope that figment_jii, laura&fam, pudinhd and all the others who waited in the Conjure line will chime in and help because I am curious to know too!

I spent a lot of time at and around the Halloween Carnival, but I did not get in the Conjure line (it was too long and I didn't have the patience)! The only thing I know is that there is a tent, and around the tent there are pictures of the supposed Villains you might be able to "conjure" while there (some of whom were never conjured, apparently).

Conjure a Villain... My favorite!

You get in line and about 20-30 people go into the tent. A CM starts the mini-show with a child waving a wand over a bubbling cauldron and a villain will appear. It is only about 5 minutes or so once everyone is in the tent. But, then everyone in the tent has the opportunity to meet the villain.

Depending on how long the line is and how many villains are available, you could potentially see the same villain.

Also, there are villain posters displayed on the tents. Unfortunately, I was never able to see some of those villains, nor did I hear of anyone else meeting them.

I don't mean to imply this isn't a fun thing to do. I just went in with the hope of meeting a rare character and was disappointed. Hope this helps!

 

[CassieF]

Thanks for the help! It sounds like we are going to do a lot of waiting around... I guess I'll have to get specific times that our friends will be there and if we don't make it for one we'll have to let others go ahead until it's time for the next one. Bummer!

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you, laura&fam and pudinhd, for helping Cassie with the details about the Conjure a Villain fiasco. Oops! I meant 'Conjure a Villain experience.'

I was really hoping that Disney would decide to put 2 or 3 Villains back in a regular photo spot (like they had pre-2012), where everyone in line could see exactly who they were going to be meeting. But, alas, no. They insist on making the Villains more exclusive and elusive, little by little, over time -- to try to make the MHP seem more valuable when it comes time to buy tickets.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thank you, laura&fam and pudinhd, for helping Cassie with the details about the Conjure a Villain fiasco. Oops! I meant 'Conjure a Villain experience.'

I was really hoping that Disney would decide to put 2 or 3 Villains back in a regular photo spot (like they had pre-2012), where everyone in line could see exactly who they were going to be meeting. But, alas, no. They insist on making the Villains more exclusive and elusive, little by little, over time -- to try to make the MHP seem more valuable when it comes time to buy tickets.

At least they didn't take those villains out to put into a more exclusive "paid event within a paid event" like they appear to be doing over on the WDW side of things.

 

[pudinhd]

Thank you, laura&fam and pudinhd, for helping Cassie with the details about the Conjure a Villain fiasco. Oops! I meant 'Conjure a Villain experience.'

I was really hoping that Disney would decide to put 2 or 3 Villains back in a regular photo spot (like they had pre-2012), where everyone in line could see exactly who they were going to be meeting. But, alas, no. They insist on making the Villains more exclusive and elusive, little by little, over time -- to try to make the MHP seem more valuable when it comes time to buy tickets.

If that rumor about replacing the ranch area and ToonTown becomes a reality, I will be really curious to see what Disney does with the fun events they have at the ranch with the characters.

 

[Sherry E]

At least they didn't take those villains out to put into a more exclusive "paid event within a paid event" like they appear to be doing over on the WDW side of things.

Janet --

It's coincidental that you posted here, as I was just over in your TR thread, looking at the latest installment. (I agree with you about the Critter Breakfast at Storytellers -- lovely setting, especially during the holiday season, but the characters are not that interesting. Chip and Dale can be found at other meals!)

Yes, I am still getting a kick out of that "paid event within a paid event" deal that is happening at WDW this year (because it verges on greed)! Of course, I am only getting a kick out of it until it ends up happening in DLR too! Then I won't be getting a kick out of it!

I would be fine with the Villains' exclusivity if the Villains that were part of the paid events within paid events, or paid events in general, were truly rare or scarce. However, many of the Villains are Villains that one might meet on a regular day in spring, perhaps -- like Cruella or the Queen of Hearts. Other Villains at the paid events are Villains that were just available throughout the year until fairly recently -- and then removed 2 seconds ago, such as the Evil Queen.

 

[CassieF]

Janet --

It's coincidental that you posted here, as I was just over in your TR thread, looking at the latest installment. (I agree with you about the Critter Breakfast at Storytellers -- lovely setting, especially during the holiday season, but the characters are not that interesting. Chip and Dale can be found at other meals!)

Yes, I am still getting a kick out of that "paid event within a paid event" deal that is happening at WDW this year (because it verges on greed)! Of course, I am only getting a kick out of it until it ends up happening in DLR too! Then I won't be getting a kick out of it!

I would be fine with the Villains' exclusivity if the Villains that were part of the paid events within paid events, or paid events in general, were truly rare or scarce. However, many of the Villains are Villains that one might meet on a regular day in spring, perhaps -- like Cruella or the Queen of Hearts. Other Villains at the paid events are Villains that were just available throughout the year until recently -- and then removed 2 seconds ago, such as the Evil Queen.

Awww, the Evil Queen. I'm really hoping she'll be available outside conjure a villain! Hopefully they'll have a villain or two in town square in addition to conjure a villain. It will be unfortunate if they are more scarce during Halloween time due to conjure than regular times...