HalloweenTime at DLR Superthread- 9/14-10/31; Mickey's Halloween Party starts 9/28!

[funatdisney]

6 months to my trip to DL for Halloween Time!

 

[funatdisney]

Bumping with pictures.

 

[tzeitel]

Liza - we can now say we have less than 6 months to go!

 

[Sherry E]

Bumping with a picture.

Thanks for the bumping of the thread, Liza. We need a lot of help (even more help than on this thread) over on the Christmas thread with bumps, so dig out those holiday photos! Now you know that when you make your Christmas time journey to DLR this year, you have to get tons of photos! You said you have more HalloweenTime photos than Christmas ones - so you know what you have to do! Catch up on those Christmas photos!

I, of course, do have tons of holiday photos...but I can't use Photobucket right now while this PC is in its dying days. In fact, if you all recall, I was in the process of trying to round up Halloween photos to post here in this thread and was copying IMG codes from my HalloweenTime album on Photobucket...only to have my PC crash the next day, before I was done with the codes. So I am scared to fiddle with that again at this point, until I have salvaged everything I need to salvage from this PC and can get a new one. I wish the PC had crashed after I got done with the Halloween photos, but no luck!

Liza - kimara posted this (below) last week. You didn't reply, but since you go to the party every single year, you might be able to answer some of these questions better than I was able to, especially about the kids and the teens.

We are planning a trip for October and have never done the Halloween Party before. I am considering it, but not sure.

Is there much for a 3 year old to do besides the trick-or-treating?

Are there many rides open for the teenagers?

Do most people wear costumes? Will I feel like the only lazy mom if we opt for Halloween style tshirts?

Your reviews all seem so positive, but...is there a dark side of tired, wired, sugar-hyped little children throwing tantrums?

(We will have a 3yr old, 6yr old and 6 other kids 10-15 and 4 crazy parents)

Thanks for your advice Sherry.
I will keep watching to see what others say about the Halloween party with younger children.
Thanks to all for all of the amazing info you share

You're welcome, kimara! And thank you for the nice comment! I really appreciate it. Hopefully, Liza and some other folks with kids will be able to add to what has already been said.

Saving the Halloween thread from page 3!

Quick question for this oh so "in the know" group - have you seen ticket promotions over Halloween? I have clicked aroung in the thread but I haven't found any info? Maybe the 3-for-5 in October?

Just wondering if I should get tickets now or hold out for discounts!!

ducky_love - Thank for saving this thread from the murky depths of Page 3. Page 3 is no place for a holiday thread when people need to plan their trips! The Halloween season is now less than 5 months away, so many plans are coming together around now.

You asked about ticket promos - while I have seen DLR hotel discounts that extended through Fall, I don't recall seeing any ticket deals past the end of September. The 5-for-3 deal ended in late September the last 2 years. If October had not become so popular, there might be more ticket promos. That's not to say there won't ever be any discounts on tickets in October, but it sure seems like it's unlikely.

Looks like we may be going for Halloween instead of Christmas time as planned. Hubby found out the week we were going in December is unavailable because his boss is taking that week off (the boss just didn't put it on the calendar the employees use to plan)......anyways......no Christmas dates were available for vacation for him, so looks like middle of October if that gets the ok.

How busy is it during that time. I know it's gonna be busy.....but Spring Break/Easter busy or typical summer crowd busy???

Took a look at the front page & tons of pics......so getting my mind set for some villianous-fun!!!!

Laurie - I'm glad you joined us on this thread! As for how busy it is, it seems like October is quite busy up until around mid-month - or right after Columbus Day. Then it tapers off a bit. Then it gets busy again right before Halloween. Some folks said that the last couple of Octobers have been so busy that they no longer want to go during that time, and I must admit that the last time I visited DLR in October (2 years ago, since I had to skip last year), the crowds were significantly larger than they had been the year before.

If we were to look at numbers and statistics, I'm sure the October crowd numbers would not be as high as the Spring Break numbers, but there is no denying that the October crowds have increased a lot.

Plus, add to the fact that there are 2 new rides opening at DLR this year (I count Star Tours as being a new ride, even though that's only partially true), and lots of people will come out to ride them.

And, if by some miracle, DLR decides to add anything new into its Halloween roster of entertainment or highlights, that, too, will attract tons of people. LIke if they suddenly say, "We're having a full-blown parade for HalloweenTime!" That will bring people in.

Hi there! Hubby and I are planning an escape for just the 2 of us after all my treatment is finished. We had thought end of August, but decided perhaps to wait till after the labor day weekend and head down that way, taking about 10 days stopping in Eureka, SF, Carmel, Big Sur, then 2 more stops, arriving at DL about the 16th or so.
My big question is, will The Haunted Mansion be back from getting it's Nightmare overlay by then? how long does it usually close for this transformation? and when in Sept. does it close?
Thanks in advance for any help here....
There are just too many pages in this thread to read them all! lol...
We've never been for the Fall/Halloween time but have always wanted to, but I'm not willing the miss out on Haunted Mansion! So we would have to just go earlier, and miss the season, because for the time being the November trip for the Christmas season is still on, and we need some time at home between the 2 trips, so going the second half of Sept. would be too late. again, thanks in advance for any help...

smileyface_2 - As Sherri (TheColtonsMom) mentioned, you will get to experience HalloweenTime on Setember 16, as the season begins on that day.

You don't need to look through the whole thread, but on the very first page of this thread, in the first 2 posts (Intro and Table of Contents), there is lots of good info and direct links to other info that may help you, so you know exactly what to plan to see/do/eat/buy at DLR for HalloweenTime. This thread is much more organized than its predecessor - the previous Halloween thread!

I do hope everything is getting better for you. I am very pleased to see that you will be most likely making a Halloween visit and the traditional Christmas time visit to DLR (not to mention seeing beautiful Carmel and Big Sur!). I know you have had such a rough year in many ways. It's time for you to have some fun!

 

[funatdisney]

Thanks for the bumping of the thread, Liza. We need a lot of help (even more help than on this thread) over on the Christmas thread with bumps, so dig out those holiday photos! Now you know that when you make your Christmas time journey to DLR this year, you have to get tons of photos! You said you have more HalloweenTime photos than Christmas ones - so you know what you have to do! Catch up on those Christmas photos!


Liza - kimara posted this (below) last week. You didn't reply, but since you go to the party every single year, you might be able to answer some of these questions better than I was able to, especially about the kids and the teens.

I sure do have lots of catching up to do with the number of Christmas photos vs. those I have of Halloween Time. You know what's on top of my list for my Christmas trip this year. I sure do love both times of the year at DL, and each should have equal attention!

Ok to answer, Kimara's question. I will relay what I know.

Is there much for a 3 year old to do besides the trick-or-treating?

There has been crafts and coloring tables for the much younger set to enjoy when the Party was held in DCA. My kids are now teenagers, so I don't know what they had last year since it was at Disneyland for the first time. Maybe, someone can offer more help with this one.

Also, if your little one isn't afraid of the characters, you can get some niffy shots with the 3 year's favorites in their Halloween costumes. I personally like the photo meets. You just don't see the characters in different outfits very often.Fantasyland should be open until a certain time and closed for the fireworks.

Are there many rides open for the teenagers?

YES, and all the favorites. Ghost Galaxy (Space Mountian) will be a favorite. I think Toontown was the only area that was closed for the Party (for the fireworks). We were busy trick or treating and didn't do much of the rides. My DD(15) wouldn't be caught dead trick or treating in our neighborhood, but didn't have any problems trick or treating during the Party. She made a point to visit each station three times! Teenagers should have a great time and will probably like doing what usually is not acceptable among their friends. Like trick or treating.

Do most people wear costumes? Will I feel like the only lazy mom if we opt for Halloween style tshirts?

In my opinion, about half of the people dress up and others do not. Some are elaborate and look very authentic. Some here have reported that some of the guests thought they were the princess they dress up as. Other groups or families dressed together in themes. For instance, a family will dress up as the Incredibles or a group of friends as the cast from Peter Pan. Others are just put together, and look much like what you would see while trick or treating at home.

Last year, I wore a Not So Scare Halloween Party (WDW's Halloween Party) t-shirt, my DD(15) wore her western riding clothes (she rides - no stretch there), my DD(13) wore an outfit designed and made by DD(15), and DH just wore a t-shirt. We covered it all in my family of 4 and felt very comfortable in our attire.

You may want to dress the 3 and 6 year old. Most kids that age were dressed in costumes.

I hope that helps.

A picture of my girls during last year's MHP.

 

[Presley]

I'll be attending Sept 26/27th this year. I love halloween time at DL.

As far as the pay extra night party goes - it wasn't worth it for my group. We were ages 44, 19, 18 and 13 last year. Most of the rides that the teens wanted to go in were not open. The cast members working didn't know basic things like, where exactly was the trick or treating set up.

The one good thing were the fireworks. While we enjoyed the fireworks, I wouldn't pay again just for that. They sent me the survey after the party - I let them know that it wasn't worth paying extra for.

 

[Sherry E]

I'll be attending Sept 26/27th this year. I love halloween time at DL.

As far as the pay extra night party goes - it wasn't worth it for my group. We were ages 44, 19, 18 and 13 last year. Most of the rides that the teens wanted to go in were not open. The cast members working didn't know basic things like, where exactly was the trick or treating set up.

The one good thing were the fireworks. While we enjoyed the fireworks, I wouldn't pay again just for that. They sent me the survey after the party - I let them know that it wasn't worth paying extra for.

Presley - Thanks so much for your feedback in this thread! I think it's really important that we have a good range of opinions about the party represented here, as everyone's experiences will be different. Some people will definitely find it worthwhile to go to the party; others will not.

Even though I was not able to make it to DLR for HalloweenTime last year, I saw the Halloween Screams fireworks in 2009, and, while I thought they were very cool...that was when they were included as part of the general HalloweenTime entertainment, not as an exclusive to the party.

So I agree with you - the fireworks are good but, for me, they wouldn't be the sole reason I would pay for a party ticket.

I really enjoyed the Halloween party when I went in 2008. I had intended to go to the party in 2010 before my plan backfired. Now I am fully planning to go to the party this year, if everything goes off without a hitch - but I know that it's not something I am going to do every year (unless I strike gold somewhere along the line!). I can get away with enjoying the HalloweenTime season without needing to do the party every year. I could easily go to the party every other year, or even less often than that if they don't add anything new to it. It's a lot of fun - but it carries a hefty price tag on top of an already hefty price tag to visit the parks in general. For me, there would have to be more stuff added into it to make it a yearly must-do for me. But this year I will go and I will enjoy it!

I do think the Halloween party is important to the Halloween season at DLR because it fills out the season's festivities a bit more and adds something extra to them. So I am glad it's offered as opposed to not being offered, even if I don't attend every year.

 

[mvf-m11c]

We definitely need some more photos of the Halloween season since we are only less than 6 months away till the season.

Here are some Halloween windows and with decorations & merchandise

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Love the pics guys getting me in the mood.... Did we ever settle the question of whether or not those Jack o Lanterns are in Goofy's garden in Toontown all year long?

 

[funatdisney]

Someone had posted that they are there all year long. I should go and see for myself the next time I go to DL.

 

[Brer Cameron]

My trip this September is going to be the first time I have ever gone when the park is decorated for Halloween. We are arriving Sep. 19th, and I believe I read that the Halloween 'season' starts Sep. 16th.

I was just wondering if anyone knows if Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy are both open by that time? I would think that they would have them open for the start of the Halloween season, but since it's not actually October yet, I'm not sure. I really hope they are.

Also, from personal experiences, are very many rides closed for refurbishments during Halloween time?

 

[kimara]

Thank you SO much for your information!!
The choices are just getting harder the more I plan.
We will have a family gathering and will need to decide if all 14 ($700!!!!) want to go to the party or if some would be fine skipping. There is a lot we could do with that $700. But I don't know how long it will be until we return to Disneyland in October....decisions, decisions!

Additional question--(I'm sure it has been answered before, but )

Is Space Mountain the Ghost Galaxy during the day, or just at night? Our littlest is now tall enough for Space, but I think the Ghost Galaxy might be a bit too scary.

Thanks again!!!!

 

[funatdisney]

My trip this September is going to be the first time I have ever gone when the park is decorated for Halloween. We are arriving Sep. 19th, and I believe I read that the Halloween 'season' starts Sep. 16th.

I was just wondering if anyone knows if Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy are both open by that time? I would think that they would have them open for the start of the Halloween season, but since it's not actually October yet, I'm not sure. I really hope they are.

Also, from personal experiences, are very many rides closed for refurbishments during Halloween time?

Brer Cameron, welcome to DISboards and the Halloween Superthread!

Both the Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy should be open. They were both operating the first day of Halloween Time last year. As for ride closures, there are a few of rides that are closed, but not as many as you would think for an "off" season. Last year, one the more popular rides was off line, Toy Story Mania in DCA, in September. My quick inquiries on the net have shown that most of the rides closed in the fall were scheduled around Halloween Time. Most closures were scheduled at the beginning of November. There were one or two rides closed, though, but not the more popular ones, except TSM.

In addition, the openly revamped Star Tours 2, the Little Mermaid and Goofy's School School will be open. Overall, it looks good in the ride department. your friend should have a great time for his first time in DL. Be careful, you might want to come back every year, like I do.

 

[funatdisney]

Thank you SO much for your information!!
The choices are just getting harder the more I plan.
We will have a family gathering and will need to decide if all 14 ($700!!!!) want to go to the party or if some would be fine skipping. There is a lot we could do with that $700. But I don't know how long it will be until we return to Disneyland in October....decisions, decisions!

Additional question--(I'm sure it has been answered before, but )

Is Space Mountain the Ghost Galaxy during the day, or just at night? Our littlest is now tall enough for Space, but I think the Ghost Galaxy might be a bit too scary.

Thanks again!!!!

I am happy that I could help . Space Mountain the Ghost Galaxy is offered all day. It is an overlay that is installed for Halloween Time and does not some down until the season is over. IMHO, I do think it is scary for little ones and wouldn't recommend it for kids under 10. Of course, you know your little guy best.

 

[kimara]

Thanks for the info Liza.
I am a little bummed by the scary space mountain overlay...maybe we will have to plan another little trip so my little guy can ride space mountain. An extra Disney trip? I'm always game )

 

[Brer Cameron]

Brer Cameron, welcome to DISboards and the Halloween Superthread!

Both the Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy should be open. They were both operating the first day of Halloween Time last year. As for ride closures, there are a few of rides that are closed, but not as many as you would think for an "off" season. Last year, one the more popular rides was off line, Toy Story Mania in DCA, in September. My quick inquiries on the net have shown that most of the rides closed in the fall were scheduled around Halloween Time. Most closures were scheduled at the beginning of November. There were one or two rides closed, though, but not the more popular ones, except TSM.

In addition, the openly revamped Star Tours 2, the Little Mermaid and Goofy's School School will be open. Overall, it looks good in the ride department. your friend should have a great time for his first time in DL. Be careful, you might want to come back every year, like I do.

Awesome, thanks! Yeah, I was concerned that more of the bigger rides would be closed for his first trip. But that would be great if they tend to wait until November. Makes sense too.

Oh and trust me, I already want to go back every year. I went last summer too and immediately started planning this trip with my friend. I'm very excited to experience the parks with someone who has never been before.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

6 months to my trip to DL for Halloween Time!

How did I miss your milestone (and mine since I am going just before you are) I have been studiously not looking at my ticker for a while now since when I first put it up our trip was so far away and I didn't like looking how much longer it would be. When I saw you posted you only had 6 months I went wait a sec isn't her trip after ours and ran to see our ticker...wow 5months looks not so bad!

I am happy that I could help . Space Mountain the Ghost Galaxy is offered all day. It is an overlay that is installed for Halloween Time and does not some down until the season is over. IMHO, I do think it is scary for little ones and wouldn't recommend it for kids under 10. Of course, you know your little guy best.

I don't suppose you could elaborate on that a bit? (DS6) Colton loved SM on our last trip and has seen a pic of the sign for ghost galaxy and says he can't wait to ride it. (I wish there was a you tube video but I have not found one yet and video inside Space is usually not that good anyway) You don't have any pics hidden up your sleeve do you? If not can you tell me exactly what is scary and how scary...I would hate to ruin his love of SM if it is really bad.

 

[Brer Cameron]

I've seen a video of ghost galaxy somewhere that was pretty good, let me see if I can find it. Although you're right, it is dark so it's a little hard to see.

 

[Brer Cameron]

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTXhnzqre0&feature=related


It's still hard to see very much of what is going on, but every now and then you can get a glimpse of some of the effects they use. Also, you can hear the music and sound cues.

Hope it helps a little bit.

 

[funatdisney]

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTXhnzqre0&feature=related


It's still hard to see very much of what is going on, but every now and then you can get a glimpse of some of the effects they use. Also, you can hear the music and sound cues.

Hope it helps a little bit.

Thanks Brer Cameron for finding and posting this link!

I don't suppose you could elaborate on that a bit? (DS6) Colton loved SM on our last trip and has seen a pic of the sign for ghost galaxy and says he can't wait to ride it. (I wish there was a you tube video but I have not found one yet and video inside Space is usually not that good anyway) You don't have any pics hidden up your sleeve do you? If not can you tell me exactly what is scary and how scary...I would hate to ruin his love of SM if it is really bad.

Did you see the You tube video, Brer Cameron posted a link to? Between the sound track, the speed of the ride and the dark, some kids will be too scared. Especially those kids that have been limited to G-rated movies. It is quite intense. If parents want their kids to enjoy Space Mountain for years to come, I wouldn't recommend it. Otherwise, it may be years before very scared kids will try SM. But, let me add, some kids are up to it and they do fine. Each parent knows their child and can make the right decision for them. I am only saying this ride in this form is more intense than a fast roller coaster ride. The urgency created by the music is enough to give me the willies.

I like the ride BTW, and can't wait to get on it again.