HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[Imdboss]

I went to last night's party, 10/6 and it was a very different experience from the pervious one I went to on 9/30. It was sold out, yet we stayed in town square the whole night and it felt surprisingly empty. We lined up for the villains about 20 minutes before they started and got Dr. Facilier, Maleficent, and Cruella. One new villain down!

We saw the Tremaines and headed over...they had a mob of people and no line, just Lady T picking the next visitor (with the host helping direct if a family had been there a while). 3 more new characters down! We tried to see the Queen of Hearts again since my niece remembered walking around with her last week but she was wandering and it never seemed to work out. The line was too long to make it to see the second set of villains, including Hades who we "needed" to see, so we did the treat trail (it opened late, like after 7).

We saw the Tremaines again (my niece was rag dress Cinderella!), waved to Cruella and Maleficent (my niece could just watch them all night!) and got in line for the villains again, hoping to time seeing Hades right. We missed him by 5 minutes (they did a short set) and saw the Tremaines and Queen of Hearts. I was getting nervous about not seeing Hades and the only time they said he'd be back was right after the fireworks but it would be a short set and they'd close the line early. We watched the fireworks from midway down mainstreet, walked back to the pumpkin once Oogie took over, then ran to the line the second they were over and made it! We saw Evil Queen, Jafar, and Hades.

We walked the treat trail in between seeing characters all night and needed up with way more candy than last week...although there were two of us, so it was probably about the same per person. We finished the night off with the end of party show (super fun!) but my niece was asleep about 15 minutes before it started.

I had her in the carrier and took advantage of her being asleep to get great atmosphere pictures, mostly the castle, then took the tram out (at 11:30 lines were still 3 trams deep) and got her successfully transferred to bed , still asleep!

It was very different from before, running around the park and all the great trails. We saw 8 sets of villains tonight, plus two extra visits with the Tremaines, and got an assured amount of candy. It was more relaxed (except when trying to get to see Hades!) which worked well with my tired state!

Thanks for the report, sounds like a wonderful time. That's awesome that you did two parties and got to experience them in different ways. By staying in town square the whole time sounds great to just be able to "take it all in". We go to the party on Friday and I can hardly wait. With each report I read I get more excited.

 

[BigCheese]

Thank you to everyone for posting their experiences at the MHP. We've been to DLR during Halloweentime, but never to the MHP. The 20th will be our first time, and everything sounds like fun! Has anyone been to Rancho del Zocalo during the party? I've seen some pictures of pirate Chip & Dale and pirate Goofy with a pirate backdrop. Is that a M&G there for pirate costumed characters? I know in the past it was more of an informal dance party (or something along those lines), but was just wondering if anyone experienced that this year.

 

[adudeinblue]

Thanks guys for the feedback! I was able to convince the GF to save the Maggie and Glen costume for another year and try to do Honey Lemon and Hiro Hamada from Big Hero 6 instead. Our MHP is on the last day and on Halloween, so we still have a lot of time to change our costumes. Definitely don't want to draw negative attention nor cause trouble.

 

[figment_jii]

Thank you to everyone for posting their experiences at the MHP. We've been to DLR during Halloweentime, but never to the MHP. The 20th will be our first time, and everything sounds like fun! Has anyone been to Rancho del Zocalo during the party? I've seen some pictures of pirate Chip & Dale and pirate Goofy with a pirate backdrop. Is that a M&G there for pirate costumed characters? I know in the past it was more of an informal dance party (or something along those lines), but was just wondering if anyone experienced that this year.

Rancho del Zocalo was being used a treat trail/character meet and greet on the 26th. They had set up some PotC-themed decorations in the area. The treat trail winds through the main courtyard seating area and then you can either opt to exit or get in line to see the character (I think i saw pirate Donald and Goofy while I was there). There was no dance party this year; I remember reading it made it kind of chaotic in that area last year with the dance party and treat trail in one location. This set-up seemed to move pretty smoothly.

Thanks guys for the feedback! I was able to convince the GF to save the Maggie and Glen costume for another year and try to do Honey Lemon and Hiro Hamada from Big Hero 6 instead. Our MHP is on the last day and on Halloween, so we still have a lot of time to change our costumes. Definitely don't want to draw negative attention nor cause trouble.

I think Big Hero 6 sounds like a good plan!

 

[BigCheese]

Rancho del Zocalo was being used a treat trail/character meet and greet on the 26th. They had set up some PotC-themed decorations in the area. The treat trail winds through the main courtyard seating area and then you can either opt to exit or get in line to see the character (I think i saw pirate Donald and Goofy while I was there). There was no dance party this year; I remember reading it made it kind of chaotic in that area last year with the dance party and treat trail in one location. This set-up seemed to move pretty smoothly.

Thanks! Sounds perfect for meeting the pirate themed costumed characters!

 

[Sjwillia]

Thank you all for sharing your party experiences. I will be going to my first MHP on October 24th. Clearly I will not get to experience everything, so I am going to need to prioritize. The Monsters U dance party and Cadaver Dans perform 4 times. Can anyone tell me how long the performances are? Also, of the 10 treat trails, which do you think are the top 3 or 4 to hit? Any you wished you had not spent time on? I appreciate everyone's perspective.

 

[Crisi83]

I have a couple of questions about Halloween time.

We went in 2011 (I think) and during the day you could also meet the villians in the park, is that still true? We will be there for 3 days a head of time and I want to do as much stuff (like ride the special rides) before the party, so we can just focus on party specific stuff (Mickey and Minnie in costume is important to me, are they in toontown all night?)

Also, are Mike and Sully at the Monsters Inc dance party? Have a 7 yr old who used to have a big crush on Mike

Thanks for any advice!

 

[figment_jii]

Thank you all for sharing your party experiences. I will be going to my first MHP on October 24th. Clearly I will not get to experience everything, so I am going to need to prioritize. The Monsters U dance party and Cadaver Dans perform 4 times. Can anyone tell me how long the performances are? Also, of the 10 treat trails, which do you think are the top 3 or 4 to hit? Any you wished you had not spent time on? I appreciate everyone's perspective.

The Cadaver Dans don't really have a long set (maybe five songs or so). I would say not much more than 10 minutes.

In terms of the treat trails, I would say that the one at the Golden Horseshoe and Rancho del Zocalo are the most detailed/themed. The other trails are all similar, in that there are multiple candy stops, but no additional decor. I like the one at Villains Square (Town Square) because it has Werther's Caramels. I would skip the monorail trail, because it's a long walk! Innoventions was a pretty good trail as well (you might get a glimpse of Phineas & Ferb or Agent P, depending on the timing).

We went in 2011 (I think) and during the day you could also meet the villians in the park, is that still true? We will be there for 3 days a head of time and I want to do as much stuff (like ride the special rides) before the party, so we can just focus on party specific stuff (Mickey and Minnie in costume is important to me, are they in toontown all night?)

There is a villain (single) meet and greet in the Halloween Carnival area during the day (Conjure a Villain). You only get one villain at a time and you don't know which one it will be. I did see Cruella out in Town Square in the afternoon, but she might not always be there. If seeing villains are important, I would make an effort to get in line for them at MHP (get in line before the party starts to minimize your "during the party" wait time).

Mickey and Minnie are in their Halloween costumes at the Halloween Carnival during the day. Toontown is open before the party, but I think it closes during the party (it did last year).

 

[darlenesmommy]

What characters can we expect to see out at Halloween time when not going to a party? I heard of something going on at big thunder for Halloween. What is it and is it something we can do when not eating there? My kids wont eat the food there. What else goes on during Halloween time that's not only for party guests?

 

[figment_jii]

Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch
The Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch was a fun place to check out the pumpkin carvers, watch a magic show, and meet some characters in their Halloween costumes. The Halloween Carnival is open to all guests of Disneyland. The Big Thunder Ranch area is roughly divided into three section: the petting zoo, the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (restaurant), and the Halloween Carnival.

The banner at the entrance:

More decorations at the entrance, plus the schedule of events:

The “ticket-taker”:

A decorated wagon on the walkway between the Big Thunder Ranch and the Big Thunder BBQ.

Decorations at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ:

More decorations around the Carnival:

Inside the Scaredy Shack décor.

Characters
Several different characters wander around the Halloween Carnival, dressed in their Halloween costumes. We saw Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale, Donald, and Goofy while we were there. They don’t have a set meet and greet area and just “wander” so you have to go up to them and say “hi”.

Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween Costumes

Figment got to meet Mickey!

On a side note, I was waiting for the Magic Show to begin and I noticed someone dressed kind of like a ghost, walk through the Carnival Area. After a while, I realized, that’s how the Villain from Conjure a Villain gets to and from the tent! Figment did not go to Conjure a Villain (he saw plenty of Villains at MHP), but it's a popular area of the Carnival. The line appears to move slowly, but each group that they let in is pretty big (the rule of thumb I overheard was that pretty much everyone inside the hay bale waiting area will fit into the tent).

 

[darlenesmommy]

The Cadaver Dans don't really have a long set (maybe five songs or so). I would say not much more than 10 minutes.

In terms of the treat trails, I would say that the one at the Golden Horseshoe and Rancho del Zocalo are the most detailed/themed. The other trails are all similar, in that there are multiple candy stops, but no additional decor. I like the one at Villains Square (Town Square) because it has Werther's Caramels. I would skip the monorail trail, because it's a long walk! Innoventions was a pretty good trail as well (you might get a glimpse of Phineas & Ferb or Agent P, depending on the timing).


There is a villain (single) meet and greet in the Halloween Carnival area during the day (Conjure a Villain). You only get one villain at a time and you don't know which one it will be. I did see Cruella out in Town Square in the afternoon, but she might not always be there. If seeing villains are important, I would make an effort to get in line for them at MHP (get in line before the party starts to minimize your "during the party" wait time).

Mickey and Minnie are in their Halloween costumes at the Halloween Carnival during the day. Toontown is open before the party, but I think it closes during the party (it did last year).

I just noticed the end of your post. Did not see this as I posted.

Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch
The Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch was a fun place to check out the pumpkin carvers, watch a magic show, and meet some characters in their Halloween costumes. The Halloween Carnival is open to all guests of Disneyland. The Big Thunder Ranch area is roughly divided into three section: the petting zoo, the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (restaurant), and the Halloween Carnival.

The banner at the entrance:

More decorations at the entrance, plus the schedule of events:

The “ticket-taker”:

A decorated wagon on the walkway between the Big Thunder Ranch and the Big Thunder BBQ.

Decorations at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ:

More decorations around the Carnival:

Inside the Scaredy Shack décor.

Characters
Several different characters wander around the Halloween Carnival, dressed in their Halloween costumes. We saw Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale, Donald, and Goofy while we were there. They don’t have a set meet and greet area and just “wander” so you have to go up to them and say “hi”.

Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween Costumes

Figment got to meet Mickey!

On a side note, I was waiting for the Magic Show to begin and I noticed someone dressed kind of like a ghost, walk through the Carnival Area. After a while, I realized, that’s how the Villain from Conjure a Villain gets to and from the tent! Figment did not go to Conjure a Villain (he saw plenty of Villains at MHP), but it's a popular area of the Carnival. The line appears to move slowly, but each group that they let in is pretty big (the rule of thumb I overheard was that pretty much everyone inside the hay bale waiting area will fit into the tent).

Than you for the info and photos. I'm excited to see everything. We have seen normal disneyland, Christmas time and now going at halloween time.

 

[Crisi83]

Another question - Me and my daughter are going dressed as Rapunzel and Mother Gothel. We plan to get there when they first let MHP in (though I have an annual pass, so I guess I could get in earlier. Do they enforce adults not in halloween costumes ahead of time?)


So what is our best chance of meeting Rapunzel (and Flynn would be great too). Should we go before, or will she be at the party?

 

[figment_jii]

Another question - Me and my daughter are going dressed as Rapunzel and Mother Gothel. We plan to get there when they first let MHP in (though I have an annual pass, so I guess I could get in earlier. Do they enforce adults not in halloween costumes ahead of time?)

The rules and what happens in practice are two different things in this case. Technically, adult guests are not allowed to wear costumes into Disneyland prior to the time when the MHP ticket is valid. In practice, I saw adults dressed in costume in the morning. So you could probably come in earlier in costume, but if Disney opted to enforce the rules, you may be asked to change your outfit.

So what is our best chance of meeting Rapunzel (and Flynn would be great too). Should we go before, or will she be at the party?

I thought they did a short meet and greet after the Tangled show at Princess Fantasy Faire. Hopefully someone who's checked out the area recently can report back on that.

 

[Crisi83]

How does Princess Fantasy Faire work now? Last time I was there, I think it was simply meetings and Tangled still had its own dedicated meet anyways.

 

[figment_jii]

How does Princess Fantasy Faire work now? Last time I was there, I think it was simply meetings and Tangled still had its own dedicated meet anyways.

Hi Crisi83 - I have not had much experience with Princess Fantasy Faire, so hopefully someone with more experience will chime in (or you might consider asking this question on it's own thread). From what I know, there is the traditional meet and greet for some princesses inside the Fantasy Faire building. There is also a performance stage area where they do a comic retelling of Tangled (and maybe Beauty and the Beast). Last I read, Rapunzel and Flynn rider come out to meet guests of the show after the performance ends (except the last performance, I think). This is not a published meet and greet, so you won't find it on any schedule. Merida also meets on the walkway in the Fantasy Faire area. The old Tangled meet and greet area was re-purposed and is now where Anna & Elsa meet guests.

 

[Crisi83]

Okay, I'll try to investigate Princess Fantasy Faire more... I figure out first day since we will only be there in the later part of the day, I will try to track down as much information as I can about when to meet the important characters. Merida is also high on the list.

I knew Tangled was now Anna and Elsa, which makes me sad cause the tower was a great picture spot Oh well, if I can even get my toddler to stay still for a pic, we will get other ones...

 

[pycees312]

of all my years of going to Disneyland I have NEVER been to this event. I am going on Friday and i feel like such a newbie! i am so excited and have no idea where to start lol. Even looking at this thread is overwelming lol. I am so happy to finally get to experience it now that all my kids are older, i figured i better go now as my last lil guy is now 11 and on to Universal Studios now. He is being a trooper and going with me for this last trip. Bitter sweet but im sure it will be a super blast!! Thanks Sherry for all your hard work throughout the years!!!

 

[Sherry E]

of all my years of going to Disneyland I have NEVER been to this event. I am going on Friday and i feel like such a newbie! i am so excited and have no idea where to start lol. Even looking at this thread is overwelming lol. I am so happy to finally get to experience it now that all my kids are older, i figured i better go now as my last lil guy is now 11 and on to Universal Studios now. He is being a trooper and going with me for this last trip. Bitter sweet but im sure it will be a super blast!! Thanks Sherry for all your hard work throughout the years!!!

Well, hello there, pycees312! Welcome!

Thank you for the kind words!

You know, I think I mentioned you in my Catalina/Free Catalina Express boat ride thread (it's in the Southern California forum) quite a while back, as I was telling people that I had been looking at the photos from your trip on Facebook, and that you and your group seemed to be having a great time!

Am I imagining it, or weren't you trying to go to Mickey's Halloween Party last year? I am guessing I am remembering incorrectly, or your plan just fell through. I remember that you posted in the previous Halloween Time Superthread and had been considering the party.

You know, I just peeked over on MiceChat a while ago, and I noticed that someone claimed to have overheard a CM saying that this is the last year of the Halloween Party at Disneyland, as it is supposedly moving back to DCA next year. Of course, the person who reported hearing that could have easily misunderstood or misheard the information, and everyone who replied in that thread seemed to have a bit of doubt about it. So it is very much a rumor and not factual for now.

Nonetheless, next year IS Disneyland's 60th anniversary, and it could be possible that the Halloween Party moves back to DCA for at least one year while Disneyland focuses on more anniversary-specific things. Goodness knows that DCA is lacking in any and all Halloween fun and it needs something. So they would have to roll out a whole Halloween decorations package for at least a couple of lands in DCA (like A Bug's Land or Cars Land??) to make the atmosphere festive if that were the case.

In any event, it's a good thing you're finally going to the MHP in Disneyland -- just in case it happens to move back to DCA in 2015!

I don't know if you caught the post in which I had compiled all of the MHP reviews so far this season (from everyone who has kindly provided them), but if you didn't see it I will re-post it, so you can glance at some of the reviews and get an idea of what to expect!

 

[TinkerJR]

The DisneyStore.com has a Mr. Incredible t-shirt 'costume' that might work. I bet that a t-shirt would be cooler than a full body Olaf costume (although, that sure looked cute). Add in some red pants and black shoes and you'd be pretty close without having do to anything too elaborate.
http://www.disneystore.com/mr-incredible-costume-tee-for-men/mp/1355647/1000228/

15 days until we leave!

We decided on The Incredibles (and it was surprisingly easy to get everyone to agree). Since the Disney Store only had Mr. Incredible, I decided to make them!

I also finished the leggings on Sunday and our shorts came in today's mail. Now all I need are eye masks and we (I) will be done.

 

[figment_jii]

Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch

One the most interesting things at the Halloween Carnival are the pumpkin carvers. This year, there seemed to be more etched and painted pumpkins. The carvers said they last longer this way and are less prone to molding.

Haunted Mansion Wallpaper Pumpkin

Tinkerbell Pumpkin

It’s a Small World and Winnie the Pooh Pumpkins

Pearly Band from Mary Poppins Pumpkin

Anna and Elsa Pumpkin

Olaf Pumpkin

Mickey Pumpkins

The Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland Pumpkin

The Doorknob from Alice in Wonderland Pumpkin

Jack Skellington with Spider Pumpkin

Scar Pumpkin

Maleficent Pumpkin

Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy Pumpkin

Flik Pumpkin

Hatbox Ghost Pumpkin