HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread #4

[justgrace]

I haven't heard anything. I certainly hope there aren't too many restrictions placed on the MHP costumes (beyond what's already in place), since dressing up is a major part of the fun for guests.

I hope not either! I know that other sites were addressing the costume restrictions and some posters were suggesting that Dapper Day would have restrictions and Mickey's Halloween Party would have further restrictions on costumes.

 

[TamaraH]

So we just booked our stay and GCH for 10/3-10/7. We are SoCal natives but now are AZ residents (since 2004). So we've never actually stayed at the resort. It's been so long since we've been to the parks. I know so much has changed! In fact I grew up going all the time as a small child as my grandfather was the Controller for Disneyland...his picture is somewhere in the Hall of Fame.

Anyway we've done Halloween a couple of times on the Fantasy but the cruises are so much different than the parks. I'm going in blind on this so I need to gather as much knowledge about planning our stay and approach to getting the most out the parks as possible. I imagine I will be lurking through this thread a lot! LOL.

My first question is, if we are only going to the parks midweek will we be missing out on anything? And what are the chances of there being a Halloween Party that Monday (10/3)?

I would be very grateful for any and all tips/tricks/advice! Thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

So we just booked our stay and GCH for 10/3-10/7. We are SoCal natives but now are AZ residents (since 2004). So we've never actually stayed at the resort. It's been so long since we've been to the parks. I know so much has changed! In fact I grew up going all the time as a small child as my grandfather was the Controller for Disneyland...his picture is somewhere in the Hall of Fame.

Anyway we've done Halloween a couple of times on the Fantasy but the cruises are so much different than the parks. I'm going in blind on this so I need to gather as much knowledge about planning our stay and approach to getting the most out the parks as possible. I imagine I will be lurking through this thread a lot! LOL.

My first question is, if we are only going to the parks midweek will we be missing out on anything? And what are the chances of there being a Halloween Party that Monday (10/3)?

I would be very grateful for any and all tips/tricks/advice! Thanks!

Hello and welcome!

Your grandfather must have had lots of wonderful stories during his time at Disneyland!

The GCH is such a nice hotel. I have not stayed there in many years, but I enjoy that lobby any chance I get! I was there a few days ago, and it was a wonderful moment when the lobby was not packed with people. I plunked down in one of the deceptively comfortable chairs to rest my tired legs and feet -- and I did not want to get up or move! Those chairs are heavenly after a long day.

If this year's Halloween Time season repeats last year's season, there should be some sort of Halloween tree or other creation in the GCH lobby, like this one -- https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...in-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa-lobby/.

Was the last time you were at Disneyland in 2004, or have you been there since then? If 2004 was the last time, then yes -- lots of changes! California Adventure has changed, especially.

Okay, as for Halloween Time (one of my favorite times of year at Disneyland)... I think that there is a good chance of a Halloween party taking place on either Mon., 10/3 or Tuesday, 10/4. So you should definitely be able to catch at least one party during your trip.

This year there is some mystery as to whether or not Mickey's Halloween Party will continue on in Disneyland, or if it will move back over to California Adventure (where it hasn't taken place since 2009). California Adventure has pretty much been lacking in anything too Halloween-ish for the last 6 years. With all of the construction that is going to go on in Disneyland around the Big Thunder Trail and former Ranch area this year, and the draining of the Rivers of America that will eventually take place, some of the locations for fog and spooky lighting will be compromised if the party is held in Disneyland (the Cadaver Dans would not be able to sail along the River, for example). The party may still be held there, but I also think there is a good chance that it could move to California Adventure for a year or two, until Disneyland is back to normal.

I don't think you will miss out on anything noteworthy by going mid-week. I'm not sure what exactly Halloween Time season will entail this year. One major part of it -- the Halloween Carnival -- where pumpkin carvers and a bunch of other stuff could be found, is gone. Anything else outside of the actual party and the ride overlays (Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy) would just be decorations (pumpkins on Main Street and some decorations in Frontierland) unless something brand new is added in.

We should find out the dates and confirmed location of Mickey's Halloween Party by mid-July, if not sooner. The tickets would go on sale shortly thereafter as well. If there are any new events coming to the Halloween Time season even outside of the party, we could find out as early as May (very unlikely) or as late as August! Disneyland is terrible at giving dates and details well in advance.

Any time any little bits of news, rumors or other info trickles out, we will chat about it and analyze it here, so stick with us!

 

[TamaraH]

Hello and welcome!

Your grandfather must have had lots of wonderful stories during his time at Disneyland!

The GCH is such a nice hotel. I have not stayed there in many years, but I enjoy that lobby any chance I get! I was there a few days ago, and it was a wonderful moment when the lobby was not packed with people. I plunked down in one of the deceptively comfortable chairs to rest my tired legs and feet -- and I did not want to get up or move! Those chairs are heavenly after a long day.

If this year's Halloween Time season repeats last year's season, there should be some sort of Halloween tree or other creation in the GCH lobby, like this one -- https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...in-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa-lobby/.

Was the last time you were at Disneyland in 2004, or have you been there since then? If 2004 was the last time, then yes -- lots of changes! California Adventure has changed, especially.

Okay, as for Halloween Time (one of my favorite times of year at Disneyland)... I think that there is a good chance of a Halloween party taking place on either Mon., 10/3 or Tuesday, 10/4. So you should definitely be able to catch at least one party during your trip.

This year there is some mystery as to whether or not Mickey's Halloween Party will continue on in Disneyland, or if it will move back over to California Adventure (where it hasn't taken place since 2009). California Adventure has pretty much been lacking in anything too Halloween-ish for the last 6 years. With all of the construction that is going to go on in Disneyland around the Big Thunder Trail and former Ranch area this year, and the draining of the Rivers of America that will eventually take place, some of the locations for fog and spooky lighting will be compromised if the party is held in Disneyland (the Cadaver Dans would not be able to sail along the River, for example). The party may still be held there, but I also think there is a good chance that it could move to California Adventure for a year or two, until Disneyland is back to normal.

I don't think you will miss out on anything noteworthy by going mid-week. I'm not sure what exactly Halloween Time season will entail this year. One major part of it -- the Halloween Carnival -- where pumpkin carvers and a bunch of other stuff could be found, is gone. Anything else outside of the actual party and the ride overlays (Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy) would just be decorations (pumpkins on Main Street and some decorations in Frontierland) unless something brand new is added in.

We should find out the dates and confirmed location of Mickey's Halloween Party by mid-July, if not sooner. The tickets would go on sale shortly thereafter as well. If there are any new events coming to the Halloween Time season even outside of the party, we could find out as early as May (very unlikely) or as late as August! Disneyland is terrible at giving dates and details well in advance.

Any time any little bits of news, rumors or other info trickles out, we will chat about it and analyze it here, so stick with us!

Thanks for the warm welcome and all the insight! Yes we are super excited to stay at GCH. We remember when it was first built and we walk in and just say how much we'd love to be able to stay there some time. Fast forward many years and here we are. We moved to AZ in 2004 so the last time we visited both parks was in the spring of 2006 and then again in 2008 and already at that time a lot had changed.


Hmmm so there is speculation about moving MHP back to DCA? I'm kind of hoping that doesn't happen as we'd love to be able to take advantage of some possibly shorter lines at Disneyland and experience the park at night. So the parks close early during the fall, correct? The only time you are in the park late at night is during the Halloween Party? What about fireworks and the Paint the Night parade? I had posted the question on the main forum and someone had said that in their opinion, they could see PtN continue for potentially years to come because of the popularity even though it was created for the 60 year celebration. Since the 60 celebration is ending before our trip this fall, are there any other changes we might be able to expect?

Thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks for the warm welcome and all the insight! Yes we are super excited to stay at GCH. We remember when it was first built and we walk in and just say how much we'd love to be able to stay there some time. Fast forward many years and here we are. We moved to AZ in 2004 so the last time we visited both parks was in the spring of 2006 and then again in 2008 and already at that time a lot had changed.


Hmmm so there is speculation about moving MHP back to DCA? I'm kind of hoping that doesn't happen as we'd love to be able to take advantage of some possibly shorter lines at Disneyland and experience the park at night. So the parks close early during the fall, correct? The only time you are in the park late at night is during the Halloween Party? What about fireworks and the Paint the Night parade? I had posted the question on the main forum and someone had said that in their opinion, they could see PtN continue for potentially years to come because of the popularity even though it was created for the 60 year celebration. Since the 60 celebration is ending before our trip this fall, are there any other changes we might be able to expect?

Thanks!

There is no official info to indicate that this is what's happening, but I fully believe that Paint the Night will stick around in some capacity -- perhaps on a more limited schedule -- beyond the "end" of the Diamond Celebration. All we know is that the Diamond Celebration ends in very early September, but what parts of it will be "ending" is the thing that is up in the air. The Diamond Mad T Party is ending long before that, so that is one thing that is being phased out. Maybe World of Color -- Celebrate might end.

I also have a hard time thinking that the Disneyland Forever fireworks will end completely in September, but I think there is more of a chance of that going away than there is a chance of Paint the Night going away. Disneyland Forever is such a nostalgic, sometimes heartstring-tugging, ode to Disneyland. It's really -- for lack of a better phrase -- a love letter or Valentine to Disneyland and Walt Disney, and all of the wonder and inspiration Disney has brought to our lives. It fits perfectly with the theme of the Diamond Anniversary, but to me it seems like it could stick around on a limited schedule even beyond early September. I guess we shall see.

The park hours and entertainment schedules are generally a bit more limited after Labor Day and through October, which can be a problem. And people who do not attend Mickey's Halloween Party are generally not thrilled about having to leave Disneyland at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. (though California Adventure will stay open for a while to accommodate them). The funny thing is that, as popular and busy as Halloween Time is, October is still technically considered the off-peak season for the parks. That's why the hours are shorter then -- it's not a peak season (like Spring Break, summer or the Holidays).

Mickey's Halloween Party usually lasts until 11 p.m. or 12 a.m., depending on the night of the week, but Saturdays and Sundays (without parties) should have late hours.

It is very possible that MHP could stay in Disneyland this year -- I just don't know how Disney would get around the drained Rivers of America (it's not drained right now, but it will be by October). That location is usually a big part of the party's atmosphere and ambiance, as they pump fog into it and there is eerie lighting. The Cadaver Dans float along the river, singing Halloween-ish songs. Likewise, the Big Thunder Trail -- parts of which should be under construction at that point -- is a big spot for fog and spooky lighting.

Last year there was speculation that MHP would move to DCA as well -- mainly because it was assumed that the Diamond Anniversary entertainment would interfere with the MHP or vice versa (no one thought that they would add Paint the Night to the Halloween party!). However, not only did the party stay in Disneyland, but there were extra party nights added in -- more parties than ever.

So, you never know. While it seems like this would be as good a year as any to move the party back to California Adventure for a couple of years, while construction is going on in Disneyland, it could very well stay in Disneyland. They may come up with a clever way to divert attention away from the Rivers of America.

I have been wondering for years if Disney would do a Halloween version of World of Color and possibly make that a centerpiece/selling point of a Halloween Party -- just assuming that the party had to move back to DCA for a year or two. People would miss the Halloween Screams fireworks, though. They could also come up with some clever Halloween decorations and activities in Cars Land, on Buena Vista Street, in Hollywood Land, in Grizzly Peak and even in the Paradise Pier area of the park. They could trot out the Toy Story Midway Mania Halloween edition (for which Mr. Potato Head's dialogue/banter was supposedly recorded many years ago). There are definitely ways to bring Halloween back to DCA if they are trying to shift the focus away from Disneyland for a while, as all of the construction goes on. I just don't know if any of that will ever happen!

 

[Sherry E]

I wanted to mention that I learned that, so far, as of now, there are still no plans to bring back the pumpkin carvers (who create amazing Disney character pumpkins) this year. I knew it was a bad sign when the egg artists did not return this month -- because the egg artists were normally stationed in the same general area where the carvers would be later in the year. I had hoped that the removal of the carvers was only going to be temporary.

This situation could change -- it is still early enough to where something could change, but I think the plans would have to be in place for the Halloween Time season in the next few months. One of the carvers is trying to convince Disney that there are other locations around the parks that could work (as a replacement to where they used to be set up, at the Ranch). So far, Disney/DLR is not going for it. Madness!

 

[AussieCaribou]

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited. My daughter and I will be at Disneyland from 4 to 8 October. It's been 5 years, I think, since we got to go to Halloween Time! I know that I have to wait to hear details of what is going to happen during this season...but I am still really excited.

Sadly, my daughter (who is now 17) isn't as excited by the Halloween party this year. She is bummed that she wouldn't get to dress up (that was the big draw last time). I am going to work on her though.

Anyway, I was just checking in. Can't wait to see who else will be around when we are there.

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited. My daughter and I will be at Disneyland from 4 to 8 October. It's been 5 years, I think, since we got to go to Halloween Time! I know that I have to wait to hear details of what is going to happen during this season...but I am still really excited.

Sadly, my daughter (who is now 17) isn't as excited by the Halloween party this year. She is bummed that she wouldn't get to dress up (that was the big draw last time). I am going to work on her though.

Anyway, I was just checking in. Can't wait to see who else will be around when we are there.

Welcome back! In about 4 months we should know dates, but hopefully rumors and tidbits of info about season-specific things will trickle in before July.

Although Halloween Time has been kind of scaled down in the last few years, I am hoping that something is added to it this year that expands it back into DCA a bit. The Halloween Tree ("Tree-t") in the GCH last year was a good sign that something Halloween-ish might occur outside of Disneyland itself, even if it means just a decoration or two.

 

[Abbey1]

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited. My daughter and I will be at Disneyland from 4 to 8 October. It's been 5 years, I think, since we got to go to Halloween Time! I know that I have to wait to hear details of what is going to happen during this season...but I am still really excited.

Sadly, my daughter (who is now 17) isn't as excited by the Halloween party this year. She is bummed that she wouldn't get to dress up (that was the big draw last time). I am going to work on her though.

Anyway, I was just checking in. Can't wait to see who else will be around when we are there.

I was chatting with a CM a few weeks ago about the costume restrictions. She told me that the employees all think that they will be allowed for all ages at the Halloween Party. She also mentioned that they had recently had a Run Disney event (not sure which one), and tons of people were dressed in costume as they have always been in years past, and no one was sent away for it.

So hopefully there will be some clarification and costumes WILL be allowed- fingers crossed! Seeing everyone's awesome costumes was one of my favorite parts of the party when we went last year!

 

[lindyv321]

We were in the parks for Halloween time in 2013 and will be there again for 2016!!! We will be there the last week in September so we may have the chance to go to the Halloween party! If so I am thinking king of Disney Bounding rather then doing a whole costume. So EXCITED!!!

 

[DisFan84]

MHP question-

We haven't been to DL in three years and am SO excited to go beginning of October, never been during Halloween time. As far as the party, It's a separate ticket from regular DL entry, right? Can the tickets to the party be purchased for a night we wouldn't have otherwise attended the park? We'll have our two year old with us this visit and would love to be in the parks two days and attend the MHP on a day we are not going to be active and in the parks.

Thanks!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

MHP question-

We haven't been to DL in three years and am SO excited to go beginning of October, never been during Halloween time. As far as the party, It's a separate ticket from regular DL entry, right? Can the tickets to the party be purchased for a night we wouldn't have otherwise attended the park? We'll have our two year old with us this visit and would love to be in the parks two days and attend the MHP on a day we are not going to be active and in the parks.

Thanks!!

Yes, you can and the park ticket will allow you into the park 3 hours before the party starts.

Corinna

 

[Sherry E]

We were in the parks for Halloween time in 2013 and will be there again for 2016!!! We will be there the last week in September so we may have the chance to go to the Halloween party! If so I am thinking king of Disney Bounding rather then doing a whole costume. So EXCITED!!!

I think you should have the chance to attend the party, for sure. There is no real reason why it shouldn't begin in late September again. If anything, Disney may try to start it earlier. Typically we can expect it to begin on the last Friday in September, and then there would be another party a few days later -- on Monday or Tuesday.

MHP question-

We haven't been to DL in three years and am SO excited to go beginning of October, never been during Halloween time. As far as the party, It's a separate ticket from regular DL entry, right? Can the tickets to the party be purchased for a night we wouldn't have otherwise attended the park? We'll have our two year old with us this visit and would love to be in the parks two days and attend the MHP on a day we are not going to be active and in the parks.

Thanks!!

Yes -- Mickey's Halloween Party is a separate ticket from the regular park entry. You can absolutely buy MHP tickets for nights when you otherwise wouldn't have been in Disneyland. Unless something changes this year, on the nights when the party begins at 6 p.m., you can use your Halloween Party ticket to enter Disneyland at 3 p.m., and the park will close/party will end at 11 p.m. On the nights when MHP begins at 7 p.m., you can enter Disneyland at 4 p.m. and the park will stay open until midnight.

 

[IAmElsan]

This is quite the long thread so forgive me for not combing through all the pages and whatnot. My partner and I are planning to head to the park from Oct 30th-Nov 4th. Is that too late to catch a Halloween Party at the park since it would be the last 2 days of the month? Should we maybe plan to head out the week before? Any and all help as well regarding everything about Halloween time at DLR and CA would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

This is quite the long thread so forgive me for not combing through all the pages and whatnot. My partner and I are planning to head to the park from Oct 30th-Nov 4th. Is that too late to catch a Halloween Party at the park since it would be the last 2 days of the month? Should we maybe plan to head out the week before? Any and all help as well regarding everything about Halloween time at DLR and CA would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks!!

There should definitely be a party on October 31st.

Corinna

 

[Sherry E]

This is quite the long thread so forgive me for not combing through all the pages and whatnot. My partner and I are planning to head to the park from Oct 30th-Nov 4th. Is that too late to catch a Halloween Party at the park since it would be the last 2 days of the month? Should we maybe plan to head out the week before? Any and all help as well regarding everything about Halloween time at DLR and CA would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks!!

Welcome!

Oh, don't worry -- no one is expected to comb through all the pages, so you did the right thing by just jumping in and joining us! There is some basic information on page 1 of the thread -- and some of it may change from year to year -- that could be useful. But otherwise, feel free to ask a question at any time, or just join us to chat about what's happening for the Halloween Time season this year (none of which is really known at this point, but I and other people will post updates, news, rumors, etc., if we find out anything). In fact, I will soon be switching us over to a new thread just because of the page limit issue on this one.

As Corinna mentioned, there will be a party on Halloween night. There is always a party on October 31st, so you will be able to catch that one for sure. Otherwise, most likely there won't be any other Halloween parties during your trip -- though that could always change. Last year Disney threw in a random Sunday night party that I was not expecting, so you never know -- they could very well add in a party on 10/30 too. But, if not, you will have 10/31.

You could head out the week before and possibly have a couple of extra party nights from which to choose, but at this rate we don't know what those dates would be.

The specific party dates should be released in early-to-mid July, via the Disney Parks Blog. That's also when the Cast Members on the phone at Disneyland will get the information, but they don't get it any sooner than when the Parks Blog gets it. All tickets should go on sale to Annual Pass holders, Disney Visa Card holders and Disney Vacation Club members within a week or two of the announcement of the dates, and many of those tickets will be slightly discounted. The tickets for the general public should go on sale one week after that.

As for general Halloween Time dates and info, unless there is any kind of significant change to the offerings this year -- and I guess that would apply to the Halloween Party as well -- that, too, should be released in July. if there is anything out of the ordinary happening for the season, the Parks Blog may do a blog about it earlier than July, but July is probably the safest bet for official info.

California Adventure -- from 2010 and beyond -- has pretty much been stripped of any Halloween fun, for the most part. There are some loaves of bread shaped into pumpkins and other edible goodies, and merchandise, of course, but as far as Halloween decorations and entertainment in California Adventure... the pickins are slim!

Disneyland is where you will find the bulk of the Halloween Time fun -- again, unless something changes this year. There are Halloween decorations and things to see on Main Street and in Frontierland. Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy is in Tomorrowland. Haunted Mansion Holiday will be going on at that time. Characters will be out in Halloween attire. There used to be a Halloween Carnival with pumpkin carvers, games, and lots of rustic decor -- but that is gone forever.

At the Disney hotels, so far there isn't much to see or do that is Halloween-themed, although the hotels do give out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween, and the Grand Californian Hotel may or may not have another one of these in the lobby -- https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...in-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa-lobby/.

Edited to add: One thing I forgot to mention is that you will probably see the beginning of the crossover time, when the parks transition from Halloween Time into the holiday season. The holidays won't officially begin for at least another 10 days after Halloween, I would guess, but the holiday decor slowly begins to go up even before 10/31 in some spots, and then it picks up steam after 10/31, with more holiday decorations appearing every day.

 

[IAmElsan]

Welcome!

Oh, don't worry -- no one is expected to comb through all the pages, so you did the right thing by just jumping in and joining us! There is some basic information on page 1 of the thread -- and some of it may change from year to year -- that could be useful. But otherwise, feel free to ask a question at any time, or just join us to chat about what's happening for the Halloween Time season this year (none of which is really known at this point, but I and other people will post updates, news, rumors, etc., if we find out anything). In fact, I will soon be switching us over to a new thread just because of the page limit issue on this one.

As Corinna mentioned, there will be a party on Halloween night. There is always a party on October 31st, so you will be able to catch that one for sure. Otherwise, most likely there won't be any other Halloween parties during your trip -- though that could always change. Last year Disney threw in a random Sunday night party that I was not expecting, so you never know -- they could very well add in a party on 10/30 too. But, if not, you will have 10/31.

You could head out the week before and possibly have a couple of extra party nights from which to choose, but at this rate we don't know what those dates would be.

The specific party dates should be released in early-to-mid July, via the Disney Parks Blog. That's also when the Cast Members on the phone at Disneyland will get the information, but they don't get it any sooner than when the Parks Blog gets it. All tickets should go on sale to Annual Pass holders, Disney Visa Card holders and Disney Vacation Club members within a week or two of the announcement of the dates, and many of those tickets will be slightly discounted. The tickets for the general public should go on sale one week after that.

As for general Halloween Time dates and info, unless there is any kind of significant change to the offerings this year -- and I guess that would apply to the Halloween Party as well -- that, too, should be released in July. if there is anything out of the ordinary happening for the season, the Parks Blog may do a blog about it earlier than July, but July is probably the safest bet for official info.

California Adventure -- from 2010 and beyond -- has pretty much been stripped of any Halloween fun, for the most part. There are some loaves of bread shaped into pumpkins and other edible goodies, and merchandise, of course, but as far as Halloween decorations and entertainment in California Adventure... the pickins are slim!

Disneyland is where you will find the bulk of the Halloween Time fun -- again, unless something changes this year. There are Halloween decorations and things to see on Main Street and in Frontierland. Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy is in Tomorrowland. Haunted Mansion Holiday will be going on at that time. Characters will be out in Halloween attire. There used to be a Halloween Carnival with pumpkin carvers, games, and lots of rustic decor -- but that is gone forever.

At the Disney hotels, so far there isn't much to see or do that is Halloween-themed, although the hotels do give out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween, and the Grand Californian Hotel may or may not have another one of these in the lobby -- https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...in-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa-lobby/.

Edited to add: One thing I forgot to mention is that you will probably see the beginning of the crossover time, when the parks transition from Halloween Time into the holiday season. The holidays won't officially begin for at least another 10 days after Halloween, I would guess, but the holiday decor slowly begins to go up even before 10/31 in some spots, and then it picks up steam after 10/31, with more holiday decorations appearing every day.

Awesome thanks for all the info!
A few questions arose from reading your reply:

1. I've seen that more villains are out at this time, are they out every evening or only during the Halloween Party nights and how should I plan around that to be able to make the most of meeting as many villains as I can?
2. With the transitions of Halloween decor to holiday decor occurring is it anything that will cause closure of anything important (as I already know many things will still be closed down for the whole SW business) or covering up things to get decorations up and whatnot?

Thanks again!

 

[Sherry E]

Awesome thanks for all the info!
A few questions arose from reading your reply:

1. I've seen that more villains are out at this time, are they out every evening or only during the Halloween Party nights and how should I plan around that to be able to make the most of meeting as many villains as I can?
2. With the transitions of Halloween decor to holiday decor occurring is it anything that will cause closure of anything important (as I already know many things will still be closed down for the whole SW business) or covering up things to get decorations up and whatnot?

Thanks again!

You're welcome!

The Villains have had an interesting journey for the last several Halloween Time seasons. At one point, years ago, you could find some Villains in California Adventure, in the Hollywood area of the park. That was in the daytime, and then you'd also see them during the Halloween party, which used to be held in DCA. Then, in 2009 the Villains moved over to a dedicated daytime Villains photo spot near It's a Small World in DL, where they stayed for a few consecutive Halloween seasons. The party eventually moved over to Disneyland as well, and you could meet more Villains there.

Then, the Halloween Carnival debuted at the Big Thunder Ranch area of Frontierland in 2012, and the Villains were suddenly scaled back in terms of daytime appearances. In other words, for a few consecutive years, instead of being able to meet 2-4 Villains at one photo spot, all at the same time, you had to wait in line at this "Conjure a Villain" tent at the Carnival, where you could only meet one Villain at a time. Some people waited in the line, only to later find out they were meeting a Villain they had already met. The Villains' appearances outside of the Conjure a Villain tent were gradually reduced to the Halloween party only. It seemed like a deliberate ploy on Disney's part to coax people into buying MHP tickets -- making the Villains mostly party-exclusive.

Last year there was no more Carnival (since that area of Disneyland is going to be razed) and, if I recall correctly, there were some Villains back out in the Town Square area, as well as at the actual party, of course. Corinna or someone else here may have a better memory of who was out last year in the daytime, and at which approximate times, to give you a sense of what to expect and plan for.

There was a new paid-event-within-a-paid-event last year, with the addition of the new Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou -- https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...o-mickeys-halloween-party-at-disneyland-park/. It was only accessible to people who paid for it, and who also paid for Halloween party tickets. Dr. Facilier was there.

When the holidays start moving in during your trip, you will see the closure of Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, most likely. That should be closed immediately after 10/31 is over, for the removal of the overlay. It should only be closed a couple of days, however. So you will want to ride that in the first couple of days of your trip if you want to experience the Halloween version. Likewise, all of the Halloween decor in Disneyland should start coming down almost immediately after Halloween, though it may take a day or two to get it all down.

It's a Small World will close sometime in October -- my guess is that it will be closed as of 10/17, but I could be wrong -- for the installation of the holiday overlay, which takes about 2-1/2 weeks to put together. So it should be closed for the duration of your trip -- however, there is a chance (not a guarantee) that It's a Small World Holiday could soft open on your last day, November 4th. In fact, a few holiday things could soft open on 11/4 this year, depending on what Disney is going to do for the season and when it officially starts. if the holidays officially begin, for example, on 11/11, then I would expect soft launches of IASWH and maybe some of the other entertainment on 11/4. If the season is beginning later than 11/11, then it's possible everything could soft open later too. We won't know what's happening with that for a while.

Haunted Mansion Holiday stays open for the rest of the year once it opens at the start of Halloween Time in September, so you won't miss that.

 

[Kilala]

Last year they still had IASW running in Oct 16th. I asked a CM about and they told me that it takes less time to put up the decorations for IASWH. They told me that they would start shutting down IASW after the 31st. I might be able to go 4 times this year. I'm going the whole week my friend is coming down from Oregon. I will try to go with my other friend on the second party.

 

[Sherry E]

Last year they still had IASW running in Oct 16th. I asked a CM about and they told me that it takes less time to put up the decorations for IASWH. They told me that they would start shutting down IASW after the 31st. I might be able to go 4 times this year. I'm going the whole week my friend is coming down from Oregon. I will try to go with my other friend on the second party.

Last year, October 16th was a Friday. That's why IASW was still open. But it stayed open through the weekend and then was closed as of Monday, 10/19. As I mentioned above, it takes about 2-1/2 weeks to install the IASWH overlay (inside and out), and they had it up and running as a soft launch by 11/6, which was a Friday.

That's why I think it will be closed as of Monday, 10/17 this year. IASW will stay open through Sunday, 10/16, and then should be closed as of Monday, 10/17 for the overlay installation -- unless the holiday season is starting later than 11/11, in which case IASW might close later than 10/17. But if the holidays begin on 11/11, then IASW will soft open about one week before that date, in which case it has to close around that time in October.