HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[BayGirl22]

I am going to the party this Friday with my 5 year old. YAY! So excited its finally here. He's excited too - to the point that he can't sit still in kindergarten (ooooops!) but I can't blame the kid right? We got lucky with him having an in-service day on the day of the first party.

So I'm trying to catch up on the thread since I planned a while ago.
1. Have we seen a treat trails map yet? I don't see on on the main page or the last few pages but I may have missed it.

2. Would love tips on our ride order. He's never done Big Thunder Mountain and of course we'll want to do SM and HM for the theming. We are entering at 4pm. Any suggestions for FPs vs. standby at that time? Our priorities for the party I think will be to catch the parade, fireworks, and treat trails. Beyond that I plan to leave it up to him and do what looks fun at the moment.
(Huge step for me, I'm a planner and usually have a detailed touring plan.) I'm thinking we will go in, head to BTM for a FP, do HM, then ride BTM and grab a FP for SM. If I'm estimating correctly we can get a SM FP before 7:00. In between there will be some buying of treat bags, wandering and shopping. And lots of dawdling because that's what 5yos do where ever they are.

3. Sounds like we still don't know about the Toon Town pre-party? We would go to that for sure if its happening so that affects #2

4. Donald is his favorite character. Can I expect to see him in the parade or in a specific spot?

Thanks in advance, love stopping in to this thread to stay excited!

 

[Sherry E]

New:

"Seasonal Delights at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland Park" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 24th, 2014 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer

​

I am going to the party this Friday with my 5 year old. YAY! So excited its finally here. He's excited too - to the point that he can't sit still in kindergarten (ooooops!) but I can't blame the kid right? We got lucky with him having an in-service day on the day of the first party.

So I'm trying to catch up on the thread since I planned a while ago.
1. Have we seen a treat trails map yet? I don't see on on the main page or the last few pages but I may have missed it.

2. Would love tips on our ride order. He's never done Big Thunder Mountain and of course we'll want to do SM and HM for the theming. We are entering at 4pm. Any suggestions for FPs vs. standby at that time? Our priorities for the party I think will be to catch the parade, fireworks, and treat trails. Beyond that I plan to leave it up to him and do what looks fun at the moment.
(Huge step for me, I'm a planner and usually have a detailed touring plan.)

3. Sounds like we still don't know about the Toon Town pre-party? We would go to that for sure if its happening so that affects #2

4. Donald is his favorite character. Can I expect to see him in the parade or in a specific spot?

Thanks in advance, love stopping in to this thread to stay excited!

BayGirl22 --

I hope that you have a great time at the MHP!

If this year's parties are like last year's parties, there should be a Pirate Pals or Pirate-Palooza area in Frontierland (on the dock), and Donald should be there. I think he's in the Cavalcade as well.

Earlier in the day -- before the MHP officially begins -- Donald should be at the Halloween Carnival in a pumpkin outfit.

There are no maps for 2014 yet. Unless the Parks Blog posts the MHP map tomorrow, there probably won't be any maps available until Friday.

There hasn't been any official word about the Toontown party in terms of an announcement, but I think that Car Toon Spin (and probablyToontown in general??) may be closing a bit earlier on 9/26, which seems to indicate that there could be something happening in Toontown on Friday, before the MHP begins. See perlster's post -- HERE.

I think that figment_jii or others will be able to advise on question #2 better than I can.

 

[Kilala]

The 3rd is sold out but on the off chance tickets are available when we get there, would any of you go twice? Seems like a lot of money since we have 5 day passes already + the party on Oct 6th. That said, I am feeling like we are going to miss out on some stuff on our last night there...just wondering if anyone else has gone twice in one season (well, one week in this case).

Stina

I agree with Sherry you don't get to see and do everything going on one day. I go 2 to 3 times each year. I know I'm going twice and mabey a 3rd day if that datte dosen't sell out.

 

[BayGirl22]

New:

BayGirl22 --

I hope that you have a great time at the MHP!

If this year's parties are like last year's parties, there should be a Pirate Pals or Pirate-Palooza area in Frontierland (on the dock), and Donald should be there. I think he's in the Cavalcade as well.

Earlier in the day -- before the MHP officially begins -- Donald should be at the Halloween Carnival in a pumpkin outfit.

There are no maps for 2014 yet. Unless the Parks Blog posts the MHP map tomorrow, there probably won't be any maps available until Friday.

There hasn't been any official word about the Toontown party in terms of an announcement, but I think that Car Toon Spin (and maybe Toontown in general??) may be closing a bit earlier on 9/26, which seems to indicate that there could be something happening in Toontown on Friday, before the MHP begins. See perlster's post -- HERE.

I think that figment_jii or others will be able to advise on question #2 better than I can.

Thanks so much Sherry! You are always really helpful. Donald as a Pirate AND as a pumpkin would make his day!

 

[perlster]

Anyone can check the hours and see that all of Toontown is closing two hours before Disneyland Park does on each MHP day , so "it" is happening. It might not be called the "Toontown Pre-party" this year, but shutting down a land early on already short days tells the story.

 

[Sew into Disney]

Sorry I don't have time to read through all of the pages What is the Toon Town Pre-party?

We are only getting two days in the park this trip. The second day will include the MHP. I don't want to miss anything that my kids might enjoy.

 

[Sherry E]

Sorry I don't have time to read through all of the pages What is the Toon Town Pre-party?

We are only getting two days in the park this trip. The second day will include the MHP. I don't want to miss anything that my kids might enjoy.

No need to read through all the pages when the answer is on page 1 of this thread, post #3 -- HERE (See question #22).!!

 

[Kittymomm]

Stina --

I've never gone twice in one season (yet) but I have always wanted to. I would easily be able to devote one party to seeing the fireworks and the Cavalcade, meeting some characters, and riding a few rides. I could devote a second party to hitting the treat trails, meeting more characters, shopping, taking photos, etc.

I think that there are quite a few people who have gone to more than one party in a year/season/week (figment_jii and Kilala, for example). I think that some people have even gone to 3 parties.

I think that you can have a great experience at one party, and you can get a bit of everything done. I don't think that 2 parties are absolutely necessary, but I think they could be helpful in allowing a bit more time for each activity.

Thanks Sherry...I think I will let fate take it's course (if tickets are available, I don't think I will resist). That said, I have an all day at DCA planned that day too...hmm

 

[mgpan]

Just wanted to be sure i have this correct. I'm already paying full price three days out of 6 for shorter park hours due to extra revenue Halloween Parties, now a part of the park during these shorter hours closes even earlier than that? It's not that big of a deal, but it will make other parts of the park even busier. Maybe next I'll hear SM and HM are only open to ticket holders starting at 3 or 4 p.m. on a party day. It's getting very frustrating going across country at $$$ for this trip and the hours/offerings get shorter and shorter. We booked the trip before MHP dates (the only time we can go) were announced and for 2014 they changed the early weeks of October to 3 parties instead of 2 like in 2013.

Anyone can check the hours and see that all of Toontown is closing two hours before Disneyland Park does on each MHP day , so "it" is happening. It might not be called the "Toontown Pre-party" this year, but shutting down a land early on already short days tells the story.

 

[2tinkerbell]

Just wanted to be sure i have this correct. I'm already paying full price three days out of 6 for shorter park hours due to extra revenue Halloween Parties, now a part of the park during these shorter hours closes even earlier than that? It's not that big of a deal, but it will make other parts of the park even busier. Maybe next I'll hear SM and HM are only open to ticket holders starting at 3 or 4 p.m. on a party day. It's getting very frustrating going across country at $$$ for this trip and the hours/offerings get shorter and shorter. We booked the trip before MHP dates (the only time we can go) were announced and for 2014 they changed the early weeks of October to 3 parties instead of 2 like in 2013.

The parks are opening 2 hours earlier on MHP days. This time of year the park hours are shortened anyway so if you look at it, even if you don't go to MHP you are getting about the same operating hours for the time of year. Toontown normally has shortened hours during an operating day. I suggest that if visiting Toontown is something you want to do, then visit before closing.

 

[laura&fam]

Hi Starshine! It's Kelly. I don't have any tips for you but I wanted to say hi and that we'll be there on the 3rd doing the party and a one day ticket to DCA on the 4th. It is hard planning for this knowing you only have 1 evening to fit it all in. Our focus is rides and some candy and of course the fireworks. We haven't been to DL in 2 years so we want to hit as many rides as possible. The kids want their candy bag filled to the top as they don't trick or treat at home anymore

You've got an advantage I think going on a weeknight rather than a Friday night. I think our party is going to be packed but its when we could go and we are so super excited..... counting down the days like when the kids were younger

Have fun and report back how it went!

I was thinking I was the only one only going to MHP and not the parks/Disneyland during the day, nice to know I'm not alone. We went to MHP two years ago and I'm still struggling to plan what to do. The trouble is I want to do it all and there just isn't time

I'm trying to prioritize on what I absolutely can't miss (fireworks, but I will take a far away spot), what is really high priority (a couple rides and at least a couple of treat stations), and then go with the flow after that.

 

[BayGirl22]

Just wanted to be sure i have this correct. I'm already paying full price three days out of 6 for shorter park hours due to extra revenue Halloween Parties, now a part of the park during these shorter hours closes even earlier than that? It's not that big of a deal, but it will make other parts of the park even busier. Maybe next I'll hear SM and HM are only open to ticket holders starting at 3 or 4 p.m. on a party day. It's getting very frustrating going across country at $$$ for this trip and the hours/offerings get shorter and shorter. We booked the trip before MHP dates (the only time we can go) were announced and for 2014 they changed the early weeks of October to 3 parties instead of 2 like in 2013.

Toontown always has shorter hours (opens an hour later than rope drop) and really doesn't have much capacity or adult rides. I don't think it being open or closed has much impact on park capacity at all. It sounds like you haven't been there before, but I view TT more as a little kids area to walk through, and even with 2 little kids we spend about 1 hour there per trip. We go right at TT rope drop, do everything, and are done. From my perspective this is not a big deal at all. The fact that they are opening the park earlier balances out the early closure from a ticket cost perspective.

I'm not sure I agree with the comment above that since TT is closing earlier there is for sure a party there. Couldn't they just close it earlier to prep for MHP with the characters, etc.? I guess I'll find out at the gate tomorrow afternoon but I'm still not getting my hopes up.
Although my DS already said he wants to play on Donald's Boat so I'm hoping there's something good going on back there to make it worth the walk.

 

[Sherry E]

What's new in Pumpkin Pandemonium/Halloween Hoopla today?

1. Tru Moo Orange Scream Milk -- HERE; and

2. Angie's Pumpkin Spice-flavored popcorn -- HERE.

​

Just wanted to be sure i have this correct. I'm already paying full price three days out of 6 for shorter park hours due to extra revenue Halloween Parties, now a part of the park during these shorter hours closes even earlier than that? It's not that big of a deal, but it will make other parts of the park even busier. Maybe next I'll hear SM and HM are only open to ticket holders starting at 3 or 4 p.m. on a party day. It's getting very frustrating going across country at $$$ for this trip and the hours/offerings get shorter and shorter. We booked the trip before MHP dates (the only time we can go) were announced and for 2014 they changed the early weeks of October to 3 parties instead of 2 like in 2013.

mgpan --

I get the feeling that Disney was trying to be clever by having 13 parties in 2013, and 14 parties in 2014. Quite possibly, there could be 15 parties in 2015. Of course, when this year began we didn't know that they were going to have 14 parties.

The slightly earlier Toontown closure on MHP days will probably not affect the crowds in other areas of the park too much. The crowds will already be pretty substantial in that 3 hours of crossover time in which the non-party people and the party people can be in Disneyland together. Toontown won't have too much of an impact on that situation, one way or the other.

...I'm not sure I agree with the comment above that since TT is closing earlier there is for sure a party there. Couldn't they just close it earlier to prep for MHP with the characters, etc.? I guess I'll find out at the gate tomorrow afternoon but I'm still not getting my hopes up.
Although my DS already said he wants to play on Donald's Boat so I'm hoping there's something good going on back there to make it worth the walk.

BayGirl22 --

I am not entirely sure what's happening in or near Toontown. It could be that it is just closing earlier than usual for no real reason other than to prep for MHP in nearby areas, but I tend to think that there will at least be some sort of temporary treat trail or temporary character photo spot in place. As perlster said, it may be called something else or it may not be referred to as an actual Pre-Party, but I think that Disney put the orange bunting on the gazebo in Toontown and the Mickey pumpkin heads at the entrance for a reason -- which is probably because they plan to have a treat station and a character or two in that location, for a brief time, and they wanted to display some semblance of Halloween décor (however minimal) in the area.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

What's new in Pumpkin Pandemonium/Halloween Hoopla today?

1. Tru Moo Orange Scream Milk -- HERE; and

2. Angie's Pumpkin Spice-flavored popcorn -- HERE.



The slightly earlier Toontown closure on MHP days will probably not affect the crowds in other areas of the park too much. The crowds will already be pretty substantial in that 3 hours of crossover time in which the non-party people and the party people can be in Disneyland together. Toontown won't have too much of an impact on that situation, one way or the .

I agree. To the poster who was worried about the crowds in other lands during the TT closure- I wouldnt stress over it. We have been in the park with TT closed for various reasons and have not noticed it impacting crowds elsewhere. As the above poster said, crowds will be heavy anyways during that 3 hours before the parties start.

 

[BayGirl22]

BayGirl22 --

I am not entirely sure what's happening in or near Toontown. It could be that it is just closing earlier than usual for no real reason other than to prep for MHP in nearby areas, but I tend to think that there will at least be some sort of temporary treat trail or temporary character photo spot in place. As perlster said, it may be called something else or it may not be referred to as an actual Pre-Party, but I think that Disney put the orange bunting on the gazebo in Toontown and the Mickey pumpkin heads at the entrance for a reason -- which is probably because they plan to have a treat station and a character or two in that location, for a brief time, and they wanted to display some semblance of Halloween décor (however minimal) in the area.

Oh a Treat Trail back there would be perfect! That will give me something fun to do and my DS a chance to go back there. I don't think I've ever seen Toontown at night, we always go at rope drop, so it would be kinda cool if they have it open during the party.

Either way I'm sure many of us will be reporting back tomorrow when we find out from the source!

 

[momof6princesses]

I'm so excited to hear how the party goes tomorrow! Hope we hear from lots of you.

We leave in 21 days and will be at the park in 22 days, can't wait.

 

[mgpan]

Your description makes me feel much better. It is just a very busy week with three parties and we can't just hop on over for the weekend later! We'll check out Toontown earlier, and being from the East Coast with a two hour time change, and a 5 year that doesn't sleep late anyway, we'll definitely be rope droppers anyway!

Toontown always has shorter hours (opens an hour later than rope drop) and really doesn't have much capacity or adult rides. I don't think it being open or closed has much impact on park capacity at all. It sounds like you haven't been there before, but I view TT more as a little kids area to walk through, and even with 2 little kids we spend about 1 hour there per trip. We go right at TT rope drop, do everything, and are done. From my perspective this is not a big deal at all. The fact that they are opening the park earlier balances out the early closure from a ticket cost perspective.

I'm not sure I agree with the comment above that since TT is closing earlier there is for sure a party there. Couldn't they just close it earlier to prep for MHP with the characters, etc.? I guess I'll find out at the gate tomorrow afternoon but I'm still not getting my hopes up.
Although my DS already said he wants to play on Donald's Boat so I'm hoping there's something good going on back there to make it worth the walk.

Hope the parties are wonderful!

What's new in Pumpkin Pandemonium/Halloween Hoopla today?

1. Tru Moo Orange Scream Milk -- HERE; and

2. Angie's Pumpkin Spice-flavored popcorn -- HERE.

​

mgpan --

I get the feeling that Disney was trying to be clever by having 13 parties in 2013, and 14 parties in 2014. Quite possibly, there could be 15 parties in 2015. Of course, when this year began we didn't know that they were going to have 14 parties.

The slightly earlier Toontown closure on MHP days will probably not affect the crowds in other areas of the park too much. The crowds will already be pretty substantial in that 3 hours of crossover time in which the non-party people and the party people can be in Disneyland together. Toontown won't have too much of an impact on that situation, one way or the other.





BayGirl22 --

I am not entirely sure what's happening in or near Toontown. It could be that it is just closing earlier than usual for no real reason other than to prep for MHP in nearby areas, but I tend to think that there will at least be some sort of temporary treat trail or temporary character photo spot in place. As perlster said, it may be called something else or it may not be referred to as an actual Pre-Party, but I think that Disney put the orange bunting on the gazebo in Toontown and the Mickey pumpkin heads at the entrance for a reason -- which is probably because they plan to have a treat station and a character or two in that location, for a brief time, and they wanted to display some semblance of Halloween décor (however minimal) in the area.

 

[figment_jii]

Just some quick notes/observations...
1. Zero popcorn bucket is super cute and appears very popular. The nose lights up! He's only available at the popcorn stand in NOS by HMH.
2. The "white" Mickey Hatbox ghost popcorn bucket appears to only be available at the Buena Vista Street popcorn stand (I haven't explored all of DCA yet). The "white" part glows in the dark!
3. The "blue" Mickey Hatbox Ghost is pretty readily available throughout DL. (No Dumbos or Darth Vaders on the other hand).
4. The Skeleton Dance popcorn bucket is readily available. They still have the Disney character stretching portrait popcorn bucket (HM 45th) at the NOS popcorn stand.
5. The Jack Skellington Glow Cube is at the NOS lemonade stand, the Mickey pumpkin one at the Frontierland lemonade/turkey leg stand and the lemonade stand on Small World Mall. Still haven't found the Poison Apple one.
6. Maleficent sipper is pretty readily available at lots of locations in DL and at least one place (Award Weiner) in DCA.
7. No black and orange Minnie Halloween headbands in the park (at least not that I've seen). The witch's hat is pretty common along with the purple/green sequin headband.
8. The MS lockers are still closed.
9. The Time Guide goes through today, so no information about Toontown (yet).
10. The Monkey Bride is again in HMH!

 

[Sherry E]

I couldn't get back here to post earlier, so everyone may have already seen this blog -- but for anyone who hasn't seen it, this was a new installment from the Disney Parks Blog today:

"Halloween Time Snacks and Sweets at Disneyland Resort" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on September 25th, 2014 by Rachel Brent, Food & Beverage Marketing Communications Coordinator

​

Thank you for the update, figment_jii! Have a great trip!

​

 

[2tinkerbell]

Just some quick notes/observations...
1. Zero popcorn bucket is super cute and appears very popular. The nose lights up! He's only available at the popcorn stand in NOS by HMH.
2. The "white" Mickey Hatbox ghost popcorn bucket appears to only be available at the Buena Vista Street popcorn stand (I haven't explored all of DCA yet). The "white" part glows in the dark!
3. The "blue" Mickey Hatbox Ghost is pretty readily available throughout DL. (No Dumbos or Darth Vaders on the other hand).
4. The Skeleton Dance popcorn bucket is readily available. They still have the Disney character stretching portrait popcorn bucket (HM 45th) at the NOS popcorn stand.
5. The Jack Skellington Glow Cube is at the NOS lemonade stand, the Mickey pumpkin one at the Frontierland lemonade/turkey leg stand and the lemonade stand on Small World Mall. Still haven't found the Poison Apple one.
6. Maleficent sipper is pretty readily available at lots of locations in DL and at least one place (Award Weiner) in DCA.
7. No black and orange Minnie Halloween headbands in the park (at least not that I've seen). The witch's hat is pretty common along with the purple/green sequin headband.
8. The MS lockers are still closed.
9. The Time Guide goes through today, so no information about Toontown (yet).
10. The Monkey Bride is again in HMH!

Thanks for the tips and information. I didn't realize that you were in the Parks.
Have a GREAT time!

Oh my, that Apple Pie Funnel Cake looks too delicious to pass up. I might find myself eating my way through DLR.