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

[mvf-m11c]

Well one more week to go for my 4 day stay at the VGC and MHP. I just can't wait! I am very busy this week with "stuff" and barely have time to pack. At least, the weather looks very good for now.

I hope everyone has a dry and fun MHP tonight!

Hope you have a great time during your visit and hope the weather is calm and nice.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Just got in from the party. Started out with steady rain, then it cleared up after about half an hour. I thought it very, very crowded until after the fireworks

Got a ton of candy, far better than what they give at WDW!
Cavalcade is cute, nothing to get excited about.
Fireworks were spectacular, better than WDW.
Saw a few character photo ops, but not many, I am sure it was because of the weather.

Tired, clothes are wet, and I am going to sleep.

 

[silence]

Just got back to GCH after the party tonight.

While we enjoyed it, I was a little frustrated at several points during the night.

It rained. No one seemed to know what was going on. They changed where the candy and the characters were....but didn't tell all the CMs so they could let all the people asking know where to go. So, we got different answers from everyone we talked too.

We encountered many not so friendly CMs. Most appeared to be supervisors, but they were just rude and kinda mean actually.

Hardly any of the party specific decorations were out. None of the trick or treat trail lights/signs were out that I saw, so it was hard to tell what you were standing in line for at some points.

Love the fireworks. Definately the highlight of the night.

DS was dressed as the "new" Madhatter. Boy, he got so many compliments it was crazy. Had several people ask to take his picture even.

Anyways, here's hoping that if it rains again, it goes smoother.

 

[Woodduck]

We just got back to the hotel from tonight's MHP and had a great time, even with the rain. We arrived at the park about 3:30.

We received over 20 pounds of candy for the 4 of us. Got pic taken with at least 15 characters and we skipped another 10 or so.

These are the ones we saw on Photo Op Meet and Greets, not including ones in the parades
Cinderella
Jasmine
Snow White
Aurora
Jafar
Gennie
Cruella De Vil
Evil Stepmother witch
Evil Stepmother normal
Wicked Stepmother and step sisters
Queen of Hearts
Captain Hook
Mickey
Minnie
Wendy
Peter Pan
Jack Skullington
Br'er Bear
Br'er Fox
Super Sleuth- Pooh
Super Sleuth- Tigger
Green Army Men
Woody and Jessy
Some other evil gennie type by the front of the park, neither of us knew who it was.

The park seemed empty to us. We could walk on to any ride we wanted. The lines for the candy stations moved pretty well. The rain caused the candy lines and meet and greets to be moved around, but we still found them by asking the CM's.

 

[Diznygrl]

They already had experience with rain on the Oct. 5th party, when I went. It was a bit frustrating because most of the treat stations were moved, so you kind of had to look at the map to get the general idea of where the station was supposed to be, then kind of look around the area to see where they were hiding them. I got in a line in the back of Critter Country that was SUPPOSED to be a treat station, but ended up being a meet 'n greet for Pooh, LOL.

They also didn't put out the Mickey ghost decorations. The pumpkin ones were there, but not the ghosts. And while the fireworks thankfully went on, the big orb behind the castle where they project all the character images did not come up.

Fortunately, I found all the CMs to be friendly and in high spirits.

 

[funatdisney]

Hope you have a great time during your visit and hope the weather is calm and nice.

Thanks, Bret. The weather looks really good. According to weather.com, it looks like no chance of rain and temps in the low 70's. Exactly what I would have ordered. I'll check again on Sunday to be sure of any changes, but I am encouraged!

 

[barefootmomma]

I apologize if this has been mentioned, I've been trying to keep up but there is so much info! This question is MHP specific. Are the Peter Pan characters available for photo ops together or will I need to hunt each one down individually? Ds is going to be Peter Pan and it is priority number one for me to have his picture with Wendy, Peter, and Captain Hook. Tinkerbell and crew also, but I know they'll be in Pixie Hollow and how that all works. Thanks guys!!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I felt the same way you did. We only encountered one rude CM, at the Ghiradelli station. I saw a wrapper I wasn't familiar with and asked what it was, and I got a very nasty "I already gave you one "

Things would have gone a lot smoother without the rain and then everything being wet. Some of the walkways were a tad slippery.

I am not sure if I would do the party again or not, but I am glad I experienced it once.

Just got back to GCH after the party tonight.

While we enjoyed it, I was a little frustrated at several points during the night.

It rained. No one seemed to know what was going on. They changed where the candy and the characters were....but didn't tell all the CMs so they could let all the people asking know where to go. So, we got different answers from everyone we talked too.

We encountered many not so friendly CMs. Most appeared to be supervisors, but they were just rude and kinda mean actually.

Hardly any of the party specific decorations were out. None of the trick or treat trail lights/signs were out that I saw, so it was hard to tell what you were standing in line for at some points.

Love the fireworks. Definately the highlight of the night.

DS was dressed as the "new" Madhatter. Boy, he got so many compliments it was crazy. Had several people ask to take his picture even.

Anyways, here's hoping that if it rains again, it goes smoother.

 

[Sherry E]

I apologize if this has been mentioned, I've been trying to keep up but there is so much info! This question is MHP specific. Are the Peter Pan characters available for photo ops together or will I need to hunt each one down individually? Ds is going to be Peter Pan and it is priority number one for me to have his picture with Wendy, Peter, and Captain Hook. Tinkerbell and crew also, but I know they'll be in Pixie Hollow and how that all works. Thanks guys!!

Laura, from what I've read in this thread from a couple of different DIS'ers, it appears that Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook are all together in the Pirates area in DL (I guess it's in front of RoA somewhere?). Apparently, their photo op is all of them together, but they trade off with Jack Sparrow. I have no idea what the shifts are - like does Jack come out at the beginning of the MHP and then hand things over to Hook, Peter and Wendy, or do they come out first and then Jack comes in at the end?

I want a Jack Sparrow photo (since he is so rare in DL now), and I know the line for him will be enormous. I don't want to be waaaaaaaaay in another area of DL when Jack is posing for photos but I can't stay in that one place all night, waiting for Jack!! With my luck, probably every time I walk by that photo spot, it will be Peter, Wendy and Hook and not Jack!

 

[Sherry E]

I am noticing that there don't appear to be any reports of seeing the "Monsters, Inc." characters at the MHP - no one has reported seeing them yet. No monsters at a Halloween party? That's crazy!!

I don't know about last year, but in 2008 I think Sulley and Mike were out at the TOTP. So was Buzz Lightyear. No Buzz this year?

Also, Maleficent does not appear to be out consistently. She's sometimes there, sometimes not there.

 

[barefootmomma]

Laura, from what I've read in this thread from a couple of different DIS'ers, it appears that Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook are all together in the Pirates area in DL (I guess it's in front of RoA somewhere?). Apparently, their photo op is all of them together, but they trade off with Jack Sparrow. I have no idea what the shifts are - like does Jack come out at the beginning of the MHP and then hand things over to Hook, Peter and Wendy, or do they come out first and then Jack comes in at the end?

I want a Jack Sparrow photo (since he is so rare in DL now), and I know the line for him will be enormous. I don't want to be waaaaaaaaay in another area of DL when Jack is posing for photos!! With my luck, probably every time I walk by that photo spot, it will be Peter, Wendy and Hook and not Jack!

Awesome! That will be just perfect! I'm so glad I won't have to hunt down an wait in three separate lines just for them. Thank you!!

I'm a little worried that ds is going to want a photo with Jack too (he loves Pirates)! I know his lines will likely be massive.

What we experienced with the Villains during the daytime was 30 minute intervals for trade-offs. Spoke with a CM who confirmed and told us when we could expect the characters we were waiting for (thank goodness we got one who was both friendly and knowledgeable). We jumped in line about 20 minutes before the switch was supposed to happen, and we got to the front about 5 minutes after the switch had been made. Maybe the same theory will work for the Halloween party with adjustment on time depending on the length of the line. I hope you're able to get your picture! Photos are always our #1 priority, so I know how it feels to stress a little hoping that you'll get in before the opportunity is passed.


EDITED TO ADD: Sully was definitely at last year's DCA TOTP. Ds was Mike Wazowski so it was a necessary photo op for us.

 

[Sherry E]

So happy for you that you can make it MHP. Who is taking you?

A shuttle. I'd be going solo. Although I'm still not 100% sure I'm doing it. I'm about 95% sure - I need to get another AP and I figured, if I have to get another AP I might as well get it now. But if I'm gone all day on Friday I might be missing out on work from my client - which I need. This is why I didn't want to do the MHP on Tuesday, because Tuesday is more likely a day when I would have work coming in and I thought I could get away with being away on a Friday. However, now I find out that there may be work for me on Friday, so I am back to debating on what to do! Ugh....every time I think I have figured out my plans for sure, something happens that makes me re-think it!!

 

[silence]

We got our pictures taken with the Peter Pan Crew in the Mark Twain loading area. They had to move it from in front of the Columbia due to rain. We never saw Jack Sparrow, but I heard he was there at some point, or was at least supposed to be.

The rudeness was just snippiness. Telling everyone loudly and in a tone I didn't care for "have your bags open, keep moving". Even when it was pouring rain they were yelling to have autograph books and cameras out. I get that the lines need to keep moving, but telling the people actually standing the rain to do this just seemed to irritate everyone. Supervisors came out a couple of times and "moved" lines. They were extremely rude when doing so. Because of the rain set up, you had the "exits" for some treat stations exiting into a line for a different station, but the exit was the in the middle of the new line, so there was confusion on where to go. People weren't trying to cut but they needed a way out!

The CMs at the Ghiradelli station were litterally blocking a little 2-3 y/o boy from trying to grab a candy. Pushing his hands out of the bin. He just wanted one, he didn't have his bag, his mom did. I dunno, it just seemed like none of them were very happy to be there. There wasn't a lot of Disney "magic".

The characters we saw were wonderful though, all interacting with my kiddos. We just went with the flow because, hey, we were at Disneyland!

They moved Woody and Jessie to the Golden Horseshoe. My DD really wanted to see Jessie. If the woman in front of us hadn't cut in front of my 7 y/o, she would have. So, we saw Woody instead. We went back to see Jessie and they were gone? Went to French Market to see Jack and Sally and they moved them into the shop area of NOS. We saw Sally and the super long line, but no Jack. I dunno why but I thought they would be out together. The Villans were not out in the Villans area. They told us they had 1 in PFF and 2 on Main Street somewhere? So, the only one we saw was Captain Hook.

Overall, I just think they need a better plan for this type of weather. We were bummed we didn't get to do the photo ops we wanted, we got way too much candy, and got to see a great fireworks show. We will most likely be back for the party next year and just hope for better weather.

 

[SueTGGR]

thanks SueTGGR, my question got lost in the shuffle

Your welcome.

I was one of the people asking about the Beignets. I am so bummed that I didn't get any. We got into DL around 5 and they closed @ 6pm for the party. I tried to tell the hostess that I just wanted some to-go. Did you know that the only way to get to-go there is to wait for a table??? Funny that they closed @ 6 for the party. But by the time we got back there, it was about 5:30 and it was a 30-45 minutes wait. I understand the line would be huge if they had to-go but all I wanted was to taste the gingerbread beignets. I love the ones at the Jazz Kitchen & I didn't even get any this trip either. I'm sure all the candy we had was to blame. I'm glad some of you got to enjoy them at least.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I will be getting my pictures in order today. I took a bunch during the fireworks & am hoping some came out. I didn't take many of people in costumes but some people are crazy and some were simple and some in between. I love going to DL for Halloween!!! I will check back today or tomorrow to post a few pictures. Those that go don't forget to get the special Photopass card. $10 for any of your 5x7's or 8x10's. But you have to get them that night or the next day. You can order them online or get them there. We got a great group photo with Minnie & Mickey in costume back in Big Thunder Ranch. If I scan it I will post it.

THANK YOU everyone for sharing and helping me plan out our great 24 hours!!!!!

Can you tell me more about this special Photopass card. I tried to look online and am not finding anything. Could you by chance, give me a link and/or more details.

 

[SueTGGR]

Can you tell me more about this special Photopass card. I tried to look online and am not finding anything. Could you by chance, give me a link and/or more details.

While we were waiting in line to get our pictures with Mickey one of the cast members handed out a special photopass card, it looks different & has the $10 special printed on it. It gives you the special $10 price for 5x7's & 8x10's but you have to use it the night of the party or the following day, in person or online. I would ask one of the photographers when you get into DL after the party starts though. I'm not sure but I think it is a party thing. We had gotten another photo pass earlier & they let us take a picture off that one to use with the special, too. Let me know if you had other questions that I didn't cover.

 

[tdashgirl]

Hardly any of the party specific decorations were out. None of the trick or treat trail lights/signs were out that I saw, so it was hard to tell what you were standing in line for at some points.

This is what I didn't like about the rainy 10/5 party - the mixed up treat trails and not very much decor

Ds is going to be Peter Pan and it is priority number one for me to have his picture with Wendy, Peter, and Captain Hook. Tinkerbell and crew also, but I know they'll be in Pixie Hollow and how that all works. Thanks guys!!

Yup, Wendy/Peter/Captain Hook hang out by the Mark Twain loading dock, they alternate with Jack Sparrow. We were 1/2 way through the line for Jack when Peter's crew moved in ... we didn't want to wait in line again so we just did the photo with Peter and crew ... which turned out super cute so it all works out in the end

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

While we were waiting in line to get our pictures with Mickey one of the cast members handed out a special photopass card, it looks different & has the $10 special printed on it. It gives you the special $10 price for 5x7's & 8x10's but you have to use it the night of the party or the following day, in person or online. I would ask one of the photographers when you get into DL after the party starts though. I'm not sure but I think it is a party thing. We had gotten another photo pass earlier & they let us take a picture off that one to use with the special, too. Let me know if you had other questions that I didn't cover.

This helped a lot - thank you!!!

Also can you, or anyone else, tell me how scary Ghost Galaxy is for kids. I have a DS10 and a DD13, who ride everything but I have heard that it can be scary for kids. Do they mean really young kids? Share with me your opinions.

 

[Diznygrl]

10 and 13 is totally fine for Ghost Galaxy (unless they're VERY easily scared). The warnings are mostly for the little ones, and even then I've seen many small children ride GG and never come out crying or looking upset.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

This helped a lot - thank you!!!

Also can you, or anyone else, tell me how scary Ghost Galaxy is for kids. I have a DS10 and a DD13, who ride everything but I have heard that it can be scary for kids. Do they mean really young kids? Share with me your opinions.

My DD is almost 9 and she hated it. The images really scared her. (Space Mt is one of her favorite usually)