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

[jaydoe]

My DD is also 9, but she liked it. I mean there were parts that she said were scary....but it didn't stop her from going on it several times. It really just depends on your kid and what they can handle.

 

[where's_my_prince]

the line for Jack Sparrow was not long AT ALL! maybe 8 minutes,
the longest line there is for jack & sally, i had to wait in line, to get in the actual line!!

 

[Cesilie]

so is anyone going to be there on friday? I'm thinking about going for my 21st birthday and wanted to know what to expect.... how has the weather been like down south? should I prepare for rain?

 

[Sherry E]

so is anyone going to be there on friday? I'm thinking about going for my 21st birthday and wanted to know what to expect.... how has the weather been like down south? should I prepare for rain?

Hi, Cesilie! I think I might be at the party on Friday (and in the parks during the day). From this board, I know Halloweenqueen and iKristin will be there as well. There is someone else I'm forgetting, though. RweTHEREyet will be in the parks, from what I recall, but not at the party.

It is raining today in SoCal - it's actually very nice Fall weather and I love it. It's not a really heavy, annoying rain. The thing that's irritating is if you have to be out in it - like at Disneyland or at the Halloween party!!!

BUT, you're in luck - the rain is scheduled to clear up after today and it will be all gone and dry before Friday!!

Early happy 21st birthday, by the way!

 

[Sherry E]

So...from all the info and reports on the MHP that I have read here, this is what I've gathered (and let me know if I am forgetting anything important)...


1. The lines for rides are not long (at least not too long).

2. The lines at the treat stops are very long.

3. The line for characters may or may not be long, and certain characters seem to be out on some nights but not on others (like Maleficent).

4. Very few shops are open in DL during the MHP, and the ones that are open will be noted on the MHP map.

5. Bring or buy another bag to carry your candy - the bag they give you at the MHP barely holds anything.

6. The restaurants that are open will be noted on the MHP map.

7. The character photo locations for the MHP will be noted on the map.

8. The MHP is very crowded in terms of the general areas where people walk around.

 

[stitch4336]

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?:

Sherry, we actually asked about the character rotation at Star Wars Weekends in WDW when we were there. We had an awesome CM handler that explained to us how they do it there. I'm guessing it's handled the same at DL for events like this. For what it's worth, the CM told us that for the special photo spots with multiple characters, they rotate characters about every 30 minutes - the CM manning the station "should" have that schedule and if they are in a good mood can tell you "roughly" who will be at that spot when. It worked great for us at WDW. My nephew just HAD to have a picture with Kit Fisto (some green Star Wars guy ) We asked the CM and he told us an aprox time. We got in line, but SHOCK the line moved too fast. So when we got to the front, we just let people go in front of us and explained we were waiting for the characters to change. Other guests didn't mind and we told the CM what we were doing and they were cool with it too. We had to let about 5 groups ahead of us and presto, characters changed, nephew got to meet the green guy, lots of awesome photos and everyone was happy

So, I would suggest asking the CM managing that photo spot - there IS a schedule and maybe they will share it with you.

 

[stitch4336]

so is anyone going to be there on friday? I'm thinking about going for my 21st birthday and wanted to know what to expect.... how has the weather been like down south? should I prepare for rain?

Cesilie, I'll be there with DH. I'll be Malificent and DH is the White Rabbit.

 

[mom4princesses]

5. Bring or buy another bag to carry your candy - the bag they give you at the MHP barely holds anything.

I strongly recommend a backpack. Granted there were 8 of us but the candy bags not only get full fast but heavy. I think it was much easer to cary on your back than in your hand or even shoulder. But just my opinion.

 

[Hojoanaheim]

Have fun! Heading to the HoJo tomorrow!

Thanks!

We had a blast and the crowd level was practically nill! I cannot remember when I've ever seen the Parks so empty. The 'no wait' for rides was something a girl could definitely get used to, haha!

Get here safely!!
Lorealle

 

[SueTGGR]

I strongly recommend a backpack. Granted there were 8 of us but the candy bags not only get full fast but heavy. I think it was much easer to cary on your back than in your hand or even shoulder. But just my opinion.

I second that!

Also, I only witnessed one long line for a candy station but the lines move VERY quickly! The later you go the shorter the line it seemed.

Another note about SMGG, I thought it was pretty cool. The images are great as it looks like the ghost is trying to catch you. I believe it would depend on your child. If they like the ride to begin with and they know a pretend ghost is inside this time, it might work out great. I envy you as my son won't go on any of the "fast" rides. But we did have my MIL and they went back to the hotel after the fireworks, while DH & I went on a few rides.

I want to go again so badly but instead I am trying to convince DH to go early December. Now have to find a cheap hotel or go when MIL is in town so we can stay in Van Nuys.

 

[iKristin]

There were no ride lines last night but there were for the candy stations. All candy stations were short after the fireworks So that's when I would recommend trick or treating!!

 

[daniele_ut]

There were no ride lines last night but there were for the candy stations. All candy stations were short after the fireworks So that's when I would recommend trick or treating!!

This is what we did on Friday 10/15 and we never waited in line for candy. Dh said it was hilarious, though, that at the stroke of midnight there was a security type person closing and locking the lids at every candy station he could see in Tomorrowland. I was on SMGG, the last group of the night, and I walked right on just before it closed.

 

[jaydoe]

I agree. We sent last Tuesday and the lines for rides where GREAT!!! Didn't really have to wait for any of them. I think Space Mountain (ghost galaxy) was like 15 minutes!!! At the beginning of the night lines for candy were kinda crazy but were dead after fireworks. We never waited for character pics......i just don't have the patience for those lines.

On a side note.........there was the MOST AMAZING Davey Jones walking around!!!!!! I mean AMAZING!!!!! I wish I would have taken a pic!!!

 

[DizneyDogs]

Does anybody know if there were any Halloween specific big figures (large resin statues) available this year? They are usually at Off the Page and at World of Disney in the villain's room.

 

[KBelle5]

I had sooooo much fun last night! This mini trip report will be slightly redundent concerning characters and such, but I had such a great time I'm going to make you read it again anyway! I'm going to do it in two parts, because it's kind of long.

At first, when there was thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour, I kept coaching myself for the probability that the calvacade and fireworks would be canceled. From about 3:30 to 5ish, it was kinda miserable. Getting on and off attractions while juggling an umbrella, long skirt and heavy bag was not fun.

Smee and I were the only ones there until about 6, 6:30. I was called Cinderella many times, and Belle and Giselle once. Surprisingly, no one called me Alice. As you'll see in pictures when I finally get around to putting some up, I have really dark hair...definitely not a blond. The first Cinderella was from a little kid, so I can forgive that, but a CM calling me Cinderella?! Sham, shame! I did hear the other CM near him say "No, that's Wendy." Poor Smee, no one knew who he was except for Jack Sparrow. One of our friends who works Big Thunder said he looked like he should be working Small World, just exchange the red cap for a straw hat and he was good to go!

We first hopped on POTC, kept walking the entire way. Big Thunder was a walk on too. The only thing we actually waited in line for before the party officially started was Matterhorn, but it was a shorter line than usual. At that point, Ghost Galaxy posted a 25 minute wait. The line for Rapunezel/Tangled was really short (no Flynn though). She's so cute, but I was quite angry that I forgot to have her sign my autograph book! We rode the carousel too. Lines were pretty short, I'm assuming because of the rain.

The party had just started when we got in line for Jack Sparrow, and the CM there was great. We talked to her a lot while waiting in the short line. The lines for him and the Peter Pan crew got longer as the night went on, though, and then shorter as it neared 11. Jack was a ton of fun! He said something about Smee not being with his captain, and Smee came back with, "Well, at least we've never lost our ship!" Jack proceeded to explain that the Pearl was commandeered by Barbossa, nautical term, not lost. Commandeered!

Jack also made Smee get on the ground, then put his foot on him kind of Capt Morgan style, and that's how we took the picture. He asked me what the difference was between a writing quill and a raven while signing my book, and when I said I didn't know, and what was the difference, he said he didn't know, that it was a riddle for me to figure out, haha.

We then wandered around, hopped on a 10 minute GG, which was really however long it took us to walk the line, got some candy from insanely short lines, with me slipping all over the place. I was wearing my dance character shoes, and they lost all traction when on really wet surfaces. I simply said that Wendy was trying to fly without pixie dust. Finally, about 6:30, we received word that Captain Hook had finally made it into the park, so we went to pick him up on Main Street. We jumped on POTC again, then wandered again, getting more candy. Now, with the addition of Capt Hook, people didn't mistake who we were.

 

[KBelle5]

Part 2: Peter arrives!

Finally, at about 7:30, Peter and Tink finally arrived, and they brought a surprise: John Darling! Our original John moved to Texas unexpectedly a week before, so it was nice to see a different friend show up. Unfortunately, our Tiger Lily lost her ticket, and apparently they couldn’t reprint it for her – utter crap in my book, considering she works in ticketing, but who knows?

We saw Jafar on Main Street and took a pic with him, then proceeded down Main Street to find a place to sit for the cavalcade. We got stopped once for a picture, and made them do it quickly because the little girl looked so sad that she couldn’t take a picture with us. The cavalcade was delayed slightly from the weather, so we spent our time taking themed pictures of me kissing Peter, Tink pulling my hair while kissing Peter, etc. Our Peter was very excited when Cavalcade Peter came over and shook her hand. After the cavalcade, we rushed over to see if we could hit Peter, Wendy and Hook before fireworks, but they were just about ready to leave, so we slightly accosted them as they exited the meet and greet area. They were very excited to see us. Hook signed to us that we needed to come see him, forget those other two brats. Wendy said she loved my sense of style, and Peter ran up, said he liked her (pointing to our Peter) then they ran off.

We got some more candy, then found a place for fireworks, which were very good. I enjoyed them a lot. We then “followed the leader” back to the Mark Twain meet and greet, but unfortunately, the three were going to be leaving again in 20 minutes, so we hiked our way over to GG, which was again a simple walk through the queue. Finally, we made our way back to Rivers and got in line for Peter. A few people were making a fuss about not getting to meet Jack, so when Peter and Wendy showed up, they came alongside the line to talk to us while waiting for Jack to finish.

Our Peter said she had something for both of them, and they got really excited, wanting their presents. Peter was quite anxious, and demanded it right then and there. Our Peter said he would have to wait, and boy, did he pout! When we finally got up to them, Peter was given the thimble kiss I gave our Peter earlier, and Wendy got a sword, to which Peter said that we couldn’t give that to her because she was a girl and would hurt herself. We unfortunately don’t have a picture, but both Wendys immediately crossed their arms and glared at Peter for that remark. Peter then gave our Peter a yellow flower, a “Neverland Kiss.”

As it was nearing 11, we went to Fantasyland to go on Peter Pan’s Flight. On the way there, I was suddenly accosted by Hood and Smee and “kidnapped.” Those two stinkers had apparently plotted while we were on GG. We ran practically the entire way from the entrance to Adventureland to PP’s F. Once we got off, the park was closed, but we took more photos in front of the castle on the Fantasyland side, and literally closed down that land. Once outside the gates, we got a picture with each letter, as they are leaving soon. By that point, I was so tired and my feet felt like they were going to fall off, but I wouldn’t have traded this night for anything! I want to go again for my birthday next week, haha!

 

[BubbaGrump]

16.7 pounds of candy at the Disneyland Halloween Party,last night,for just the two of us! Rained for a while , but just when we were about to go back to the car , it stopped. The rain seemed to have caught Disneyland off guard. They were very unorganized as far as where to put the treat stations. They were moved a few times throughout the night. Same with the character photo opps. People had planned their evening around previous nights maps as to where the photo opps and candy stations were and this was all changed due to the rain. A lot of castmembers seemed like they didnt want to be there and would not even look up when you tried to engage them in conversation. A few were really chincy on the candy too. We got plenty for sure , but to only drop one tootsie roll or sucker into your bag is kinda uncalled for! Some even seemed to be putting a lot of the "good" candy off to the side and were handing out the small stuff a couple at a time. What was that all about???? But we still enjoyed ourselves and the Halloween fireworks were great. All the rides that were open were pretty much walkons, but we were there all day and they were like that before the party too. So we mostly just trick or treated and people watched. Lines were TOO long to get any character photos. Oh, and we were unable to get holiday biegnets at Orleans cafe! Some bs about not taking any walk ins! And this was earlier in the day!! Then they closed early for the party, so we were outa luck on that one!

 

[KBelle5]

A lot of castmembers seemed like they didnt want to be there and would not even look up when you tried to engage them in conversation. A few were really chincy on the candy too. We got plenty for sure , but to only drop one tootsie roll or sucker into your bag is kinda uncalled for! Some even seemed to be putting a lot of the "good" candy off to the side and were handing out the small stuff a couple at a time. What was that all about????

This just shows how experiences can be so different on the same night, because we had mostly good CMs! There were a token few who were not happy, one of whom we knew, and she was pissed to not be working stores, but overall they were fun. One gave me some extra candy because she loved my dress, and another, when John got really excited for the craisins, gave him 3 bags. We always seemed to get a lot of candy, but stupidly forgot to go to the Ghiradelli line!

 

[Shimmer]

We made it! After driving for 17 hours...we are here!!

We made it to the HoJo about 4:30 and quickly checked in. We are staying in a Kid Suite on the top floor which we LOVE! (It's our second time in one.)

We got unloaded, changed and headed for the parks since we have passes. We made it into to Disneyland right before 6:00.

The crowd level was so low this evening! Folks were lining up for the parade so we took advantage of the time and rode rides. We had a 5 minute wait for Buzz, a 15 minute wait for Nemo, walked on Tea Cups, walked on Dumbo and had a 5 minute wait for Thunder Mountain. Crazy!!

We headed over to CA to see if we could see WoC without a FP. It turns out we could, behind the Mickey Wheel. Kids were starting to melt down and the view wasn't great so we decided to go back to the hotel.

Tomorrow's my daughter's birthday so we are hoping for low crowds and little or no rain.

 

[Woodduck]

Both parks were very empty today. We got to DCA about 11:00 and got fast passes for WOC red section. 10 minute waits for Screaming and Soaring both times we rode. Midway Madness had 30 minutes.

We headed over to DL after the Pixar parade and waited about 10 minutes to get on Nemo. Astro blasters had no line outside when we walked by. Matterhorn was about 10 minute wait also. Walked on to Dumbo, Carosal, Pinnocio and Mr Toad.