Haunted Mansion Closes Earlier for Refurb for Holiday Overlay - August 30...

[joseph821]

For the first time since the overlay began, the Haunted Mansion will be closed beginning on August 30 through September 16. Usually the Mansion closes the Tuesday after Labor Day for the overlay installation, but since Disney moved up the start of Halloween Time which begins on Friday, September 17, the refurb was moved up. The Mansion is a popular attraction that has always been open for the Labor Day Weekend/Marathon Weekend, which is a popular weekend. But Disney is closing the Mansion after Disney's "summer season" ends on August 29. This year Disney's "summer season" began on June 11 and ends on August 29.

Halloween Time begins in the summer but fall/autumn begins on September 22. Disney is cashing in on the crowds that Halloween TIme brings. It is OK with me but Halloween season starting on Sept. 17? Closing the Mansion before Labor Day?
Please make adjustments to your HM riding plans.

 

[Belle Ella]

This has been known for a while now. Rides have to go down sometime for overlays, refurbs, etc. Nothing new.

 

[joseph821]

This has been known for a while now. Rides have to go down sometime for overlays, refurbs, etc. Nothing new.

Just thought I would post it. I know that rides go down. But this is the first year ever that the Haunted Mansion will not be open during Labor Day. No harm in posting it.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Just thought I would post it. I know that rides go down. But this is the first year ever that the Haunted Mansion will not be open during Labor Day. No harm in posting it.

No harm. I just think Belle Ella meant the fall refurbs and closures were posted a week or so ago.

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks for posting, but yes- this info has been known for a while. We have discussed it a bit on the "Halloween at DL" super thread, and in the thread about Fall Refurbs. Where did you read it today? Was it part of some other news item? I ask because the "official" HalloweenTime agenda and press release will be out some time between now and Friday, with the full roster of activities and highlights, so I just wondered if you had gotten an advance scoop on other info.

I had previously thought HM would stay open until immediately after Labor Day and then shut down for the overlay, specifically because other rides will be down during Labor Day and HM is so popular, and I figured it wouldn't take long for them to do the HMH overlay after all these years. I was a little surprised to hear that it would close on 8/30, but I guess it's not that shocking. Maybe they have other maintenance to do inside of HM and just decided to do it all in one swoop.

The last time HalloweenTime started early was in 2007, and that was on the next to last Friday in September. In 2008 and 2009, it begn on the last Friday in September.

 

[joseph821]

Thanks for posting, but yes- this info has been known for a while. We have discussed it a lot on the HalloweenTime thread. Where did you read it today? Was it part of some other news item? I ask because the "official" HalloweenTime agenda and press release will be out some time between now and Friday, with the full roster of activities and highlights, so I just wondered if you had gotten an advance scoop on other info.

I had previously thought HM would stay open until immediately after Labor Day and the shut down for the overlay, specifically because other rides will be down during Labor Day and HM is so popular, and I figured it wouldn't take long for them to do the HMH overlay after all these years. I was a little surprised to hear that it would close on 8/30, but I guess it's not that shocking. Maybe they have other maintenance to do inside of HM and just decided to do it all in one swoop.

The last time HalloweenTime started early was in 2007, and that was on the next to last Friday in September. In 2008 and 2009, it begn on the last Friday in September.

Hi. A friend who works in Guest Communcations told me that it looks like Halloween Time will begin on Sept. 17. Things could change but I was told that Disney anticipates larger crowds than last year and Disney wants an extra week for Halloween time. I was also told that they have gotten emails and phone calls complaining about the early closure of HM before Labor Day.

Added after initial reply: I also was told that many guests assumed that the HM would be open in late August and over Labor Day based on prior years and Guest Communications is getting complaints. Also there have been numerous complaints that Halloween Time events and schedule should have been announced in the Spring - like most travel events that occur in the fall (industry standard) so people can plan both their summer and fall vacations.

 

[Sherry E]

Hi. A friend who works in Guest Communcations told me that it looks like Halloween Time will begin on Sept. 17. Things could change but I was told that Disney anticipates larger crowds than last year and Disney wants an extra week for Halloween time. I was also told that they have gotten emails and phone calls complaining about the early closure of HM before Labor Day.

Heather on the Disney Parks Blog revealed the 9/17 start date quite a ways back (like maybe late May, I think? I can't recall if it was late May or early June), when she announced that the Halloween party was moving over to DL and away from DCA. It was very surprising!

I was shocked to hear that the Halloween season would start so early, since 2008 and 2009 were later starters. (And why did 2007 start early, I wonder?) I was thinking we would get a 9/24 start date this year so I was pleased to hear it would be one week earlier. I had wondered if it was due to crowd expectations that they made it an early start date this year, so I'm glad to know (by your confirmation) that I wasn't too far off base! The last two Octobers at DLR seemed particularly crowded - last year even more so than in 2008. I can see where they would kind of want to stretch the season a bit in hopes of managing crowds. I suspect that is also why, last year, the Christmas season started one week earlier than it had been starting at DLR - crowd expectations. I would not be surprised if Christmastime has another early start date this year, because last year it was packed!!

Labor Day is a major holiday to have both TSMM down and HM down (not to mention Star Tours). I can see where many folks would be annoyed. The poor Guest Communications people are probably overwhelmed with complaints about the HM closing so early, as well as early complaints about the rumor that the Halloween Party and fireworks may be accessible to guests who didn't buy a separate party ticket (in other words, a mix-in party)!

 

[joseph821]

Heather on the Disney Parks Blog revealed the 9/17 start date quite a ways back (like maybe late May, I think? I can't recall if it was late May or early June), when she announced that the Halloween party was moving over to DL and away from DCA. It was very surprising!

I was shocked to hear that the Halloween season would start so early, since 2008 and 2009 were later starters. (And why did 2007 start early, I wonder?) I was thinking we would get a 9/24 start date this year so I was pleased to hear it would be one week earlier. I had wondered if it was due to crowd expectations that they made it an early start date this year, so I'm glad to know (by your confirmation) that I wasn't too far off base! The last two Octobers at DLR seemed particularly crowded - last year even more so than in 2008. I can see where they would kind of want to stretch the season a bit in hopes of managing crowds. I suspect that is also why, last year, the Christmas season started one week earlier than it had been starting at DLR - crowd expectations. I would not be surprised if Christmastime has another early start date this year, because last year it was packed!!

Labor Day is a major holiday to have both TSMM down and HM down (not to mention Star Tours). I can see where many folks would be annoyed. The poor Guest Communications people are probably overwhelmed with complaints about the HM closing so early, as well as early complaints about the rumor that the Halloween Party and fireworks may be accessible to guests who didn't buy a separate party ticket (in other words, a mix-in party)!

You are right about Heather revealing that. But it was not supposed to be announced then. Also I think things may go back to "normal" for Halloween next year. DCA is supposed to get the Halloween parties back in 2011 - I was told that is the plan.

I also was told that many guests assumed that the HM would be open in late August and over Labor Day based on prior years and Guest Communications is getting complaints. Also there have been numerous complaints that Halloween Time events and schedule should have been announced in the Spring - like most travel events that occur in the fall (industry standard) so people can plan both their summer and fall vacations. Disney always does what it wants and changes things!

 

[Sherry E]

You are right about Heather revealing that. But it was not supposed to be announced then. Also I think things may go back to "normal" for Halloween next year. DCA is supposed to get the Halloween parties back in 2011 - I was told that is the plan.

I also was told that many guests assumed that the HM would be open in late August and over Labor Day based on prior years and Guest Communications is getting complaints. Also there have been numerous complaints that Halloween Time events and schedule should have been announced in the Spring - like most travel events that occur in the fall (industry standard) so people can plan both their summer and fall vacations. Disney always does what it wants and changes things!

I know! People want their info and need it to plan, so the poor Guest Comm. folks at DLR get to hear all the anger and frustration! I feel bad for them - they don't make the plans on when to release info or which rides will be closed when. That's done on the business/corporate side of things, and then it trickles down to the CMs at DLR. Often times they might be the last to know something and yet they have to field calls and letters from annoyed guests!

Well, if that's true that the plan is to move the Halloween Party back to DCA next year (I suppose this is assuming they get all the work done on the street car track in Hollywood Backlot), I think it may be for the best. I think the idea of a party in DL is intriguing, and there is a lot of potential to make it really wonderful if Disney decided to devote time and money into doing that. But in a way, it seemed like it was easier, almost, to just have it in DCA. Logistically, it worked better. It didn't matter so much if DCA closed early for the night to have the party. With DL, it matters more to other guests if it closes early. Also, the prices were cheaper when it was in DCA. And there was no hassle over Halloween Screams being exclusive or not exclusive to party guests because it was showing over in DL last year and had nothign to do with the party. Plus, I think DCA needs something to get it into the spirit of the holidays - any holiday. DL can have the fireworks and HMH/SMGG, and DCA can have the party and it's a nice balance. And maybe then they can do a Halloween-themed World of Color.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Hi. A friend who works in Guest Communcations told me that it looks like Halloween Time will begin on Sept. 17. Things could change but I was told that Disney anticipates larger crowds than last year and Disney wants an extra week for Halloween time. I was also told that they have gotten emails and phone calls complaining about the early closure of HM before Labor Day.

The new calander on the DLR website has a "banner" across the top of the dates (starting Sept 17) showing "Halloweentime in DLR".

 

[joseph821]

The new calander on the DLR website has a "banner" across the top of the dates (starting Sept 17) showing "Halloweentime in DLR".

I was just going to post that. So my friend in Guest Communications knew the scoop and passed on to me the correct info!

 

[reynmagsmom]

it also had a banner on 1rst week of Sept as still being Summer Nightastic through the 8th I think!!

 

[amamax2]

Well, if that's true that the plan is to move the Halloween Party back to DCA next year (I suppose this is assuming they get all the work done on the street car track in Hollywood Backlot), I think it may be for the best.

Also, the prices were cheaper when it was in DCA.

But don't you think that if they can have a successful stint at this year's prices, even if they move it back to DCA, the prices will not go down, but up again?

I understand the reasoning for moving it this year, but am just so disappointed with the huge increase in price....

 

[arthur06]

Good to know!

 

[Lights_Out]

NNOOOOOOOooooooo!!!!!!

 

[reckoner13]

I can't wait, this will be my first Halloween in Disneyland and I'm really looking forward to it!!!

 

[Gisele]

I don't appreciate this time frame either. But then I simply cannot stand HMH anyway.... so therefore the timing is never right for this so called Halloween event. I still stand by my sentiments that NBC does not have any proper right to a true Halloween event or the season to begin with.

 

[joseph821]

I don't appreciate this time frame either. But then I simply cannot stand HMH anyway.... so therefore the timing is never right for this so called Halloween event. I still stand by my sentiments that NBC does not have any proper right to a true Halloween event or the season to begin with.

I know snow and Christmas songs on Sept. 17. The overlay is not a favorite of mine and I think the HM should be in its original form all year long.

 

[Lights_Out]

I haven't been on the regular Haunted Mansion in over SIX years (and I go every year!) because the only free time I have is when HM has its Nightmare overlay.... Ugh!

Haunted Mansion is my favorite ride at Disneyland too

I'm not even gonna go on HMH this year.

 

[Tommy_B]

This has been known for a while now. Rides have to go down sometime for overlays, refurbs, etc. Nothing new.

It is certainly new, depending on how you define 'new', when I worked for the Mouse they would never have closed an E ticket ride during summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) other than for a safety reason.

I have to believe delaying everything by another week, close the ride the Tuesday after Labor Day (Sept. 7) and start the Holiday/Halloween (Oct. 31) overlay Sept. 24 would be a huge difference.

I think they are more likely to irritated locals who like to go over Labor Day weekend than to make locals happy starting the Holiday/Halloween (Oct. 31) overlay on Sept. 17.