HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[Abbey1]

Hmm... Good question. So your party would begin at 6 p.m., correct? You can enter Disneyland with the MHP ticket at 3 p.m., but, honestly, that time frame from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. is going to be super crowded, because all of the people who are not going to MHP will still be in the park until 6 p.m. I would think that Fantasyland will be a madhouse during that time, though I could be wrong.

I would plan to eat before the party, to maximize your time, as you say. In fact, you could plan to eat before 6 p.m., during that overlap time.

Keep in mind that there could be a Toontown pre-party again -- which would start about one hour before the actual MHP began, if I recall correctly. There would be characters there and treat stations. We probably won't find out if the pre-party is happening until next month, but I think it is likely.

​

Not only has Pumpkin Pandemonium started to creep into all the craft stores, into Walgreens, Target and Costco, it is also now creeping into Disney Parks!

Halloween pins have been spotted today! See Laughing Place's Twitter page - https://twitter.com/laughing_place

Notice that they all just say "Halloween" and not "Halloween Time." Is that what happened last year? I didn't pay attention to what was on the seasonal pins last year, but I know that they used to say "Halloween Time" in the past (and the MHP-specific ones will say "Mickey's Halloween Party").

Anyway, the Halloween and fall-ish goodies/treats should begin to slowly appear in August, and if there are going to be any Halloween window displays they would appear in August too.


Edited to add: When I first saw a mention of this on LP's website, I could have sworn it said that these pins were spotted in Disneyland today. But now I don't see the initial mention of it, and the Twitter feed makes me think that the pins are at WDW -- which would explain why they say "Halloween" and not "Halloween Time." WDW does not call its Halloween "season" Halloween Time.

In any case, if you happen to be at Disneyland today, take a peek in the Emporium or Disney Showcase and see if you see any early signs of Halloween merchandise.

​

Thanks for always taking the time to answer my questions, Sherry E! Would Tomorrowland likely be a bit less crowded before the party? We will definitely plan on eating an early dinner pre-party.

One more question, what kinds of wait times can I expect for during the party? I am starting to make a semi-schedule, and right now I am thinking around 20 minutes for most rides. Does that sound about right?

Thanks again! I seriously love this thread. I just bought my son his costume for the party for a steal from the Disney Store. We got last season's Darth Vader costume for only $20. I am thinking of ordering these ears to wear to the party from Etsy. Is it frowned upon to wear non-Disney branded ears to the parks? Lol. I don't want to do a full costume, but fell in love with these ears!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Halloween pins have been spotted today! See Laughing Place's Twitter page - https://twitter.com/laughing_place

What a shame. None of them really grab me. I hope that they will have a pin for MNSSHP that I like.

I was expecting one on the first Friday but not the Wednesday based off last year

I am pretty sure that in the wake week last year there were only two parties: Tuesday and Friday.

Is it frowned upon to wear non-Disney branded ears to the parks? Lol. I don't want to do a full costume, but fell in love with these ears!

I don't think so. It better not be as I have custom ears as part of two of my Halloween costumes.

Corinna

 

[jammyjam25]

People wear homemade ears they purchase from Etsy, etc. in the parks all the time, I think you'll be just fine!

 

[Sherry E]

Thank you Sherry!! I will keep an eye out. Still on the fence whether to but tix to the MHP.

You're very welcome! It can be a tough choice, whether or not to get tickets. The tickets are not inexpensive, and I think a lot of the decision really comes down to how much MHP will or won't enhance your trip in any way, how much of a fan of Halloween (as a holiday and season) you are, if there is anything in the party that is necessary to see/do, etc.

Thank you Sherry & theluckyrabbit!! That's good to know about potentially higher crowds on Halloween. We went ahead and bought tickets for the 31st, and although it might be a bit more crowded than the other party dates, it will be exciting attending a party on actual Halloween this year. We always liked the pre-parties in the past, and I hope Toon Town will still have one this year!

Halloween is the night I have my eye on too, though that price tag makes it a bitter pill to swallow, quite frankly. I can't see why there wouldn't be a pre-party this year, somewhere (even if not in Toontown).

I tend to think that even if there were not more tickets sold for 10/31, a lot of people would be able to stay for the duration of the party on a Saturday night (or a Friday). I picture earlier weeknight party crowds as thinning out before the end of the night, as they may have school or work the next day. But a Saturday night Halloween party probably means that people will be in it for the long haul, so it will seem crowded throughout the night.

So we will be at disney from sept 25th until oct 2nd. We are considering to do a party on the 28th or the 30th sept. I origionally though the wed party would be the best to do as quieter, but it seems that everyone going around the same dates as us in this thread are also going that wednesday. So no im wondering if maybe the Monday would be better to go? Or am i just over thinking this lol

Maybe overthinking it... but you have a point! Also, last year the second party night of the season (which was Tues., 9/30) did not sell out, for whatever reason. It is possible that the second party night of this season -- Mon., 9/28, won't sell out either. Then again, it might. There is really no way to tell. You might as well stick with Wednesday!

Ok, I went to the ticket booth tonight on the way back to our hotel. It took some time, and three CMs/leads, but I now have my tickets for the MHP on 9/28 and 10/2. Now I just have to keep track of them! They said the tickets cannot be replaced if lost.

In order to give me the tickets, they needed to see the original email I received (that stated the order was not complete), the email from ticketing with my confirmation number, and my ID.

I feel so much better now that I have them in hand!

I'm so glad you got that taken care of and can now breathe a sigh of relief!

I think that as long as you have the confirmation number so that they can look up your order, the initial email to show there was an error, and your ID, they should be able to help you. We are not the only ones with this issue. The closer it gets to the party date, the more familiar they will be with the issue.

Last year and this year, it seems a lot of people have run into the issue of either not getting their tickets via email, or not getting the confirmation #. The CMs should be very accustomed to this issue by now. I don't even know why the problem keeps happening -- you'd think that their IT people could figure something out to avoid this issue.

You are a genius!!! I didn't even think about that! I have the confirmation number but this is better. I feel much better about keeping track of them.

The confirmation # is essential too, though, in case you have to call!

Thanks for always taking the time to answer my questions, Sherry E! Would Tomorrowland likely be a bit less crowded before the party? We will definitely plan on eating an early dinner pre-party.

One more question, what kinds of wait times can I expect for during the party? I am starting to make a semi-schedule, and right now I am thinking around 20 minutes for most rides. Does that sound about right?

Thanks again! I seriously love this thread. I just bought my son his costume for the party for a steal from the Disney Store. We got last season's Darth Vader costume for only $20. I am thinking of ordering these ears to wear to the party from Etsy. View attachment 112811 Is it frowned upon to wear non-Disney branded ears to the parks? Lol. I don't want to do a full costume, but fell in love with these ears!

You're welcome, and thank you for hanging in there with us! It's possible that Tomorrowland could be less crowded than Fantasyland before the party begins, but not in the Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy area. I think that a lot of people who are not going to the party will be trying to squeeze in whatever rides they can manage in those hours leading up to 6 p.m.

A ride like POTC can often have a very long line that looks incredibly ominous, but the line tends to move quickly. So that one might be worth getting on before the party.

These were the rides/attractions that were not open during MHP last year, so if you are interested in any of these you might need to do them before MHP begins:

•Main Street Vehicles
•Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
•Enchanted Tiki Room
•Pirate’s Lair/Tom Sawyer’s Island
•Anything on the Rivers of America (i.e., Mark Twain, Columbia, Canoes)
•Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
•Tarzan's Treehouse
•Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch (which probably won't even be open this year at all!)
•Toontown (e.g., Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Gadget’s Go Coaster, etc.) -- The Toontown rides were not operating during the actual MHP, but Car Toon Spin was open during the Toontown Pre-Party
•Innoventions (the building was used for a treat trail and non-Marvel character meet & greet -- don't know what the plan is for this building later this year)
•Pixie Hollow (the path is used for a treat trail)
•Main Street Cinema (used for a treat trail)


At the party, some of the rides will be walk-ons, not even 20 minutes. I remember once going past Splash Mountain and thinking it was closed, only to discover that it was open but there was simply no line! Things like Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy could have a long wait, and Haunted Mansion Holiday could have a wait of 20 minutes or more.

I think those ears will be fine!

What a shame. None of them really grab me. I hope that they will have a pin for MNSSHP that I like.



Corinna

I thought the same thing! Well, first I was trying to deduce whether those pins were at WDW or at DLR, and I figured they must have been spotted at WDW because they only say "Halloween" and not "Halloween Time." But, regardless, I'm sure there are now pins at DLR too, since DLR's Halloween fun is kicking off earlier than WDW's Halloween fun this year!

None of them jumped out at me at all. I mean, years ago the designs would have been new and fresh, but now it just seems like "same old same old." Hopefully some of DLR's pins will be better!

 

[Kilala]

Well It looks like I'm only doing 2 parties this year Oct 14th ans Oct 16th. I have the day off of work since the school I work at has no kids that day. So that way I can get in early and try to get in photos in with Jack and Sally if Sally's there.

 

[Sandi E]

I don't have an AP, so I bought my MHP tickets with my Disney Visa over the phone on the 22nd. Has anyone else received theirs yet? I thought they would have arrived by now.

 

[focusondisney]

I don't have an AP, so I bought my MHP tickets with my Disney Visa over the phone on the 22nd. Has anyone else received theirs yet? I thought they would have arrived by now.

I ordered mine on the 22nd too. They said 8 - 10 days. Tomorrow is 8 days, so should be here soon.

 

[seobaina]

I don't think you'll be sitting on hold for ages at this point, or tomorrow. If you can't check the card's transactions to be sure the money was taken out, then it probably would be a good idea to call DLR -- if for no other reason, just to get an official confirmation number for your purchase. It sounds like a lot of people's transactions were somehow delayed or held up in the system for some reason. If the e-tickets never show up in your email, you will still need a confirmation number to bring with you to the ticket window on the day of the party.

I emailed them on wed with as much info as possible asking for confirmation etc. not heard yet but the money has gone from my account so I assume that means I have tickets. If I don't hear soon or properly I'll phone. Thanks

 

[Skipper03]

I'm not an AP or Disney Visa holder - and I purchased tix for Wed. Sept. 30 on the morning of Wed. July 29 when they were open to the public.

Almost immediately I received the etickets email, and was able to download and print the tix off at home. They really pushed your phone being your ticket once you save it, but I'm cautious enough to not let a tech failure mess with my Halloween Party experience! So we're all set to go!

 

[lorijohnhill]

Maybe a tidbit of hope for the Carnival. I was talking with a CM tonight while waiting for the parade to begin. This CM is working on developing the Halloween Haunts tour. I asked him about the Carnival and he said it would absolutely be happening this year.

So, there is some hope!

ETA: I am definitely booking the tour this year also!

 

[Sherry E]

Maybe a tidbit of hope for the Carnival. I was talking with a CM tonight while waiting for the parade to begin. This CM is working on developing the Halloween Haunts tour. I asked him about the Carnival and he said it would absolutely be happening this year.

So, there is some hope!

ETA: I am definitely booking the tour this year also!

I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble or be a killjoy, but I am realistic -- and I don't like anyone to get their hopes up when all signs are pointing to a different end result. Also, I try very hard to let people know which info to actually pay attention to, which info to take with a grain of salt and which to disregard.

Remember, it was also supposedly a CM in the park last year who said that MHP would be moving back to DCA in 2015. We see how that went. The CM to whom you spoke likely had no clue (on his own) that the main pumpkin carver has not been contacted, and that the decorators were told that nothing is happening.

Unfortunately, there are so many different CMs and employees involved in the Disney company, and they are not all on the same level or in possession of the same knowledge. Some know more than others. Some don't know anything. Some work in different areas of DLR -- both in the parks and behind the scenes. Some of them assume that they know what is happening, but they don't have updated info.

All I can tell you is that 3 different people revealed 3 different pieces of info -- one of which flat out said that the decorators were told that they are not having anything there (in the Carnival/Festival location) -- and all 3 of those bits of info point to the Carnival not taking place this year, at least in the format we know it. Add to that the fact that Erin did not mention the Carnival as returning in her Halloween Time Parks Blog, and it is not mentioned on the DLR website.

Also, the fact that Santa Claus is supposed to be back in his log cabin this year would indicate that the Festival area (where the Carnival takes place) is not going to be used for the Jingle Jangle Jamboree either.

There are way too many signs pointing to no Halloween Carnival. :

But, as I have said before, the little cabin on the outskirts of the Carnival -- meaning the Scare-Dy-Crow Shack, which is technically part of what used to be called the Halloween Round-Up, could have some decorations, and there could be décor in the general area of the petting zoo (which is how it used to be pre-Carnival). The characters will be moved somewhere. There will probably be a daytime Villain photo spot of some sort, away from that location. Pirates League may even return somewhere -- although Michelle did not mention PL in her Halloween Time blog from today - http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ring-halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/.

Or, there could be a surprise in store and the "Carnival" -- in some different format -- could move to DCA. There is still plenty of time for surprises and unexpected revelations. But I have a feeling that that the Festival area -- where the Carnival and the Jamboree take place -- is going to be used for something else this time around. It might not be anything that we can see and enjoy, but Disney might need that space for something.

 

[mummabear]

All I can tell you is that 3 different people revealed 3 different pieces of info -- one of which flat out said that the decorators were told that they are not having anything there (in the Carnival/festival location) -- and all 3 of those bits of info point to the Carnival not taking place this year, at least in the format we know it. Add to that the fact that Erin did not mention the Carnival as returning in her Halloween Time Parks Blog, and it is not mentioned on the DLR website

Erin also didnt reply to my question asking if the carnival was returning.
They seem to "answer" lots of questions but ignore any that are too hard or they dont want to answer.



I want it!

 

[Sherry E]

Erin also didnt reply to my question asking if the carnival was returning.
They seem to "answer" lots of questions but ignore any that are too hard or they dont want to answer.

Also... they probably just don't know. The Parks Blog doesn't find things out too much in advance of when the CMs on the phones at DLR find them out. So unless they are specifically given the information about the Carnival not returning -- which they would not want to draw attention to in their blogs -- they would have to take the time to look it up or go asking someone else. Chances are, the writers are all busy working on future pieces and don't have a lot of time to look things up to answer additional questions. They're not there to help people plan trips, but just to report on "news." So they often end up just giving us the usual, frustrating "Stay tuned..." replies!

 

[Davidg83]

Pumpkin pandemonium is in full swing at Target now! In addition to the pepperidge farm cookies that were seen earlier there is now pumpkin yogurt, pumpkin coffee creamer and pumpkin pjs in the baby department. Halloween is getting closer!

 

[Sherry E]

Pumpkin pandemonium is in full swing at Target now! In addition to the pepperidge farm cookies that were seen earlier there is now pumpkin yogurt, pumpkin coffee creamer and pumpkin pjs in the baby department. Halloween is getting closer!

Woohoo! That's what I like to hear! Bring on Pumpkin Pandemonium! Thank you for reporting in with that bit of good news! I'm over summer. It's July 31st -- time to roll out the harvest/autumn/Halloween goodies.

Have you guys gotten a peek at any new Fall or Halloween flavors of Oreos? Every year there seems to be a Target exclusive -- but, really, Oreo has already covered Caramel Apple, Candy Corn and Pumpkin Spice. What else could there be that's new (as far as Fall/Halloween flavors)? M&M's have covered everything too. I think that all of the big brands are running out of seasonal flavors!

I have a City Target that is near me. It's pretty big -- but supposedly City Targets don't have a lot of things that the regular Targets have (for example, Boston Market frozen meals are sold at Target -- or they were -- but they were nowhere to be found at City Target when I looked). Do you think City Target would have the Target exclusives during Halloween Time and the Holidays?

 

[Davidg83]

Woohoo! That's what I like to hear! Bring on Pumpkin Pandemonium! Thank you for reporting in with that bit of good news! I'm over summer. It's July 31st -- time to roll out the harvest/autumn/Halloween goodies.

Have you guys gotten a peek at any new Fall or Halloween flavors of Oreos? Every year there seems to be a Target exclusive -- but, really, Oreo has already covered Caramel Apple, Candy Corn and Pumpkin Spice. What else could there be that's new (as far as Fall/Halloween flavors)? M&M's have covered everything too. I think that all of the big brands are running out of seasonal flavors!

I have a City Target that is near me. It's pretty big -- but supposedly City Targets don't have a lot of things that the regular Targets have (for example, Boston Market frozen meals are sold at Target -- or they were -- but they were nowhere to be found at City Target when I looked). Do you think City Target would have the Target exclusives during Halloween Time and the Holidays?

I saw an upcoming display for late August titled Caramel Apple Oreo, but that could just be a generic name given to it if they don't know what this years seasonal flavor will be. I have no clue what they could come up with this year! It's nothing to do with Halloween but I do know the next "limited edition" Oreo is brownie batter. I guess that's a decent option to get me by till the fall flavor comes out!

City Target should get a majority of the fall foods in, however, I know they get much less decor in than the bigger stores. The only ones that probably don't have the full seasonal food offerings are probably Target Express stores (think of a Target about the size of a Walgreens or CVS).

 

[CassieScraps]

I just received an email from Disneyland that read:
This fall, experience the dazzle of the Diamond Celebration mixed with the spooky fun of Halloween Time during this private, after-hours bash in Disneyland® Park, featuring:
• Exclusive Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular and special Paint the Night Parade performances
• Trick-or-treating at nearly 50 locations throughout the Park—come in costume if you like!
• Halloween Time attractions Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Dazzling décor inspired by the Disneyland® Resort Diamond Celebration
• Special Disney Character Appearances, including Jack Skellington and Sally, plus some rarely seen Disney villains

So, no mention of carving pumpkins or a carnival (bummer), but what caught my eye was the phrase "special Paint the Night Parade performances" so maybe they are changing it a bit for party nights? Fingers crossed anyway.

Quite honestly, if we can meet Jack Skellington and Sally, my party bucket list is checked off, hahaha. My daughter will love it too, because she loves that movie, except Oogie Boogie, and she has not stopped asking me to take her the HM to see NBC again.

 

[Sherry E]

I saw an upcoming display for late August titled Caramel Apple Oreo, but that could just be a generic name given to it if they don't know what this years seasonal flavor will be. I have no clue what they could come up with this year! It's nothing to do with Halloween but I do know the next "limited edition" Oreo is brownie batter. I guess that's a decent option to get me by till the fall flavor comes out!

City Target should get a majority of the fall foods in, however, I know they get much less decor in than the bigger stores. The only ones that probably don't have the full seasonal food offerings are probably Target Express stores (think of a Target about the size of a Walgreens or CVS).

Brownie batter? My goodness -- those people who work for Nabisco (and, specifically, Oreo) are constantly coming out with new flavors, all year long! I just read a review of the Key Lime Pie Oreos the other day. It seems they have an endless stream of flavor ideas -- but when they get to Fall/Halloween and Winter/Holiday Season flavors, they get backed into a corner because there are only so many flavors associated with those holidays.

I've never seen a Target Express, but it would be small if it is about the size of a CVS or Walgreens! I was so happy when City Target opened up in my neighborhood early last year, because this area is chock full of all kinds of stores -- and the one thing that was missing for years was a Target. The nearest Target (a regular store, not City Target) is in West Hollywood. So, the City Target was a welcome addition. But I was instantly skeptical when I heard that City Targets have fewer items than regular Targets, so I am glad to hear that they should probably get in most of the Target-exclusive seasonal food items!

I just received an email from Disneyland that read:
This fall, experience the dazzle of the Diamond Celebration mixed with the spooky fun of Halloween Time during this private, after-hours bash in Disneyland® Park, featuring:
• Exclusive Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular and special Paint the Night Parade performances
• Trick-or-treating at nearly 50 locations throughout the Park—come in costume if you like!
• Halloween Time attractions Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Dazzling décor inspired by the Disneyland® Resort Diamond Celebration
• Special Disney Character Appearances, including Jack Skellington and Sally, plus some rarely seen Disney villains

So, no mention of carving pumpkins or a carnival (bummer), but what caught my eye was the phrase "special Paint the Night Parade performances" so maybe they are changing it a bit for party nights? Fingers crossed anyway.

Quite honestly, if we can meet Jack Skellington and Sally, my party bucket list is checked off, hahaha. My daughter will love it too, because she loves that movie, except Oogie Boogie, and she has not stopped asking me to take her the HM to see NBC again.

Good point -- they may add in some sort of Halloween-ish float to PtN, or add in some sort of brief Halloween element. Let's hope!

 

[lorijohnhill]

I know someone somewhere was asking about the Halloween pins that are now available at DLR. Here is a snapshot from the Grizzly Peak Airfield store. It's not a frat shot, but should give you some idea. Two of them are Star Wars Halloween pins.

 

[Kilala]

I just went to Wal-Mart in Orange, CA where I live and I did not see any fall candy or Oreos. I will be going shopping on Monday morning I will take my camera with me so if I see any signs of Fall/Halloween things I will take photos for everyone