We recently got back from an Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic trip and I am in the middle of writing a trip report. Sherry asked for Mickey's Halloween Party reports, so here are two. They are pretty different as one hasn't been put into the trip report yet. Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to answer!
10/14
Part of the ABD trip
Yay!! Mickeys Halloween Party! We stopped for a quick talk and surprises once we had gotten our party bracelets and goodie bags. Surprise #1 - We were given 1 Fast Pass. Surprise #2 We would have a surprise at 11:30 pm after the park had closed. We were also reminded about the VIP seating for the calvalcade and fireworks. We joined up with a couple from Canada as this was their first trip to
Disneyland. We started with rides: Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana Jones. (Yes, after every ride I asked how it compared to Disney World!) We headed over to the awesome VIP parade seating. We had a lot of fun with everyone as we waited for the cavalcade to begin. There were a lot of people trying to get into our reserved section and had to be (politely) asked to move by our guides or Disneyland Cast Members. At one point even Summer-Rose was almost asked to leave the area! After the cavalcade, the Canadians and I weaved our way quickly through the crowds to Star Tours before the fireworks, while my husband stayed at the benches.
We watched the fireworks and had a great view of the big ball (what would you call it?) and Zero flying. Before we separated again, we were told that we needed to meet at the Haunted Mansion at 11:00 pm. Then we went through our first treat trail while waiting for Fantasyland to open. We decided to use our Fast Passes for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. I am not a fan of this version and it was not a big hit with the other couple. My husband passed on this ride and gave his Fast Pass to a single rider he found. Walking toward Fantasyland I saw the Storybook Land Canal Boats only had about 5 people in the line. We rushed over there and were on a boat within a couple minutes. A young woman on our boat had a large bag of candy and offered some to the Cast Member piloting the boat. Because she was so nice, the Cast Member said she would show us a hidden Mickey in the Cave of Wonders. Its on the right near the very beginning of the cave. She stopped the boat and pointed her flashlight at the spot until everyone saw it!
We went through our second treat trail and the Cast Members said something about guests not liking the Peanut Chews. My husband and I mentioned how much we liked them and received huge handfuls. Mr. Toads Wild Ride (why do I keep going on rides that I do not like?) was next and then I led everyone to the treat trail through the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant. I really love what they do for atmosphere there! We walked over to Big Thunder Ranch for the treat trail and I was the last guest through one of the Cast Members lines. He asked what my favorite was, I looked at the candy bin and said everything, so he scooped up a large amount of candy and put it in my bag! We continued on toward the Haunted Mansion and did the Rivers of America treat trail while listening to the Cadaver Dans. Even without trying, our goodie bags were full by this time!
We met at the Haunted Mansion and we were given the news once everyone was there
We would go on a private ABD ride and then have a talk with the Head Technical person, Joseph. That was really special and very informative. My highlight was when I asked about the Monkey Bride (Yes, I saw it during the ride) and learned about the history from the beginning and a couple other secrets I didnt know about, including that about 95% of the Haunted Mansion decorations are actually stored in the mansion itself.
We enjoyed the walk back to the hotel and I was surprised at how many people were still in the park!
10/17
On our own
We got there early and waited for ToonTown to open
My husband got candy while I asked about where the characters would be
Horace & Clarabelle were first and my husband ran up just in time
We trick-or-treated from Minnie's house to Mickey's house and then Donald's boat
I took a picture with Chip & Dale while my husband got more candy
We both took a picture with Mickey & Minnie (loved their costumes!)
I took a picture with Donald
We got in line for the villains in separate spots to get both groups first was Dr Facilier, Maleficent, Cruella (I was wearing an Abby Cadabby shirt and she said she had always wanted a Muppet coat, but I said there was not much fur. She was upset that I already been shaved and said she would have to wait for the fur to grow back.) Second group was Jafar, Evil Queen, Hades.
Pictures with Hook & Smee
Pictures with Belle, Tiana, Aurora
Pictures with Genie
Pictures with Tigger, Pooh
Treat Trail
Treat Trail with pictures with Phineas & Ferb
Treat Trail with pictures with Agent P
Treat Trail
We were exhausted and left around 11
Next thing you know it will be Thanksgiving.
The atmosphere was %100 awesome. Some of the treat trails I really loved because they wound around really well decorated areas and through buildings. I also really enjoyed the lights/sounds in that back trail by BTMRR, and the various little side areas that were given attention just for those that take the time to look around. The Dapper Dans on the foggy river was also really enjoyable.
I'm glad that your Halloween Time trip was a great one, and I know what you men about the party. It's fun, and it definitely enhances the range of Halloween-related activities at Disneyland, but it's more crowded than it probably should be and it is definitely not going to be worth it for everyone. I think it will be a one-time thing for many people, or maybe just a once-every-other-year sort of thing.
