Highs & Lows - Halloween weekend! *photos added*

[DLPDreams]

We got back late last night so, just updating with our highs and lows! We had an absolute ball - such an amazing time .

We went from 31/10 - 2/11 over the Halloween weekend. Stayed in SQL GF floor room.

I'll start with the lows as it's nice to finish on the highs .

- Photopass - booked and payed for it in advance via the booking line, we arrived and were given our voucher at check in. Were told to go to hotel shop to exchange. Went to shop and was told it was out of stock. Nothing was offered to help in anyway other than to give me the guest relation email to email on our return - the CM was really not apologetic at all. I asked if I could have a refund there and then and was told no. Not very good service at all really. The booking line should have been aware that the package was out of stock. We therefore missed out on lots of great ride photos as I wasn't able to pay for them individually at the increased cost.

- While GF was nice, it wasn't spectacular and tbh I felt the person who checked us in was very lacklustre. They didn't explain about things like where to go for breakfast or even about the EMH and the fact it was in the Studios that weekend (thank goodness I had read up beforehand!). Also had a bit of an issue where we asked for an additional drink during afternoon tea to be told we could only have one drink each (DH had a can of fanta and then asked for a cup of tea a bit later on). Afterwards I asked at the GF reception about this ruling and they said they hadn't heard of it and believed the drinks to be unlimited within reason. Our room was OK, but if I'm honest, after staying in the DLH all our previous visits, the room was never going to compare - however, do see my highs below too .

- Not Disney related, however, DH missing his Eurostar on the Friday afternoon due to a course running late, meaning I was left with the children all day on my own after a long day travelling (we were up at 4 am for flight). And, because his ticket wasn't flexible, we couldn't get a refund/exchange, so he had to buy a new ticket at £128 , meaning he didn't arrive until 9.30 pm rather than 6 pm that day!

So, onto the highs...

- The Sequoia Lodge was a lovely hotel and we throughly enjoyed staying here. I definitely think it is an autumn/winter hotel and is themed beautifully. Love the pine/woodland smell when you walk in! The walk was so easy and very nice especially as we had amazing weather all weekend!

- CMs and character interaction - we saw so many lovely CMs (not a bad one at all). We met lots and lots of characters - we concentrated mainly on Halloween characters and just loved it. All characters spent ages with my girls and in particular on Halloween when they were dressed up they got amazing interaction - even at the parade. My DD1 was dressed as Sally and when she met Jack & Sally everyone was so lovely - even people queuing were taking photos . The CM was amazing and even held us back in a discrete way so we could meet Sally as she had left beforehand but they managed to get her back for us!! My DD2 looked so cute as a Minnie Witch. We got stopped by many members of the public (and CMs) asking if they could take photos of them both . I loved it!!

- the park looked amazing with all the Halloween and autumnal decoration - just breathtaking. Loved the ghosts and the girls giggled a lot at the spooky ghost noises.

- Inventions at lunchtime on Halloween (31/10). I booked this last minute and wasn't sure about it. We had a great time, saw lots of characters all in Halloween dress, and who were all very playful too which was sooo funny! Loved it! A lovely CM organised for the girls to have a photo taken/meet with Chip n Dale in their spooky outfits just on their own in a private part of the restaurant which was so kind (I didn't ask - she just offered!).

- New rides - obviously Ratatouille was a highlight - really clever and we all enjoyed it immensely. But we also did a lot of family firsts - Aerosmith, Autopia, DD1 was tall enough to ride Indiana Jones and also SM so she was in rollercoaster heaven. It gives so much joy being able to all enjoy the thrill rides together!

So, overall, as I'm sure you can guess, it was amazing. It was busy on the Friday, but tbh it wasn't that bad on the Saturday or the Sunday. We certainly managed everything we wanted to do and had time to take in all the parades and decorations too. A thoroughly enjoyable trip!!!

Here are a couple of photos - not doing a TR this time, so just thought I'd share a few as I know a few people kindly asked to see some I have so many from the wonderful characters we met that weekend, but had to be strict and choose a few!

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[DLPdaft]

so many highs - fabulous !

It sounds like you picked the right few days to go, in what seems to have been a very busy week at DLP. Its a shame about photopass, but you were ambivalent about buying it and putting it to good use, hopefully you'll get your refund without any delay. Fingers crossed.

 

[Anemone]

Delighted you all had such a good time. That is pants about the photopass+. I'd read they are scarce but that Flora's boutique has stock. Will be pretty upset if that happens on our trip.

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Welcome back sounds like a wonderful trip overall

Annoying that some cm haven't a clue when it comes to the perks of certain club levels!! Sounds really miserly not allowing a cup of tea after a soft drink - my understanding is unlimited drinks.

Scary dh missing his euro star ....well done you managing the kids on your own

Photopass - its a bit frustarting to say the least - especially as lots of people are nervous to buy in advance (me lol) I would be very upset!

Delighted it was a success overall

 

[frozengirl82]

Sound like you had a good trip overall!! Its a shame ur dh missed the eurostar : ( . Regards photopass even paying for it in advance doesn't gurante it?? Thats pretty rubbish.

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Welcome back and great highs! Would love to see a photo of your DDs in their Halloween costumes.

 

[Neeny17]

Great highs! I'm glad your DDs got treated like princesses! Its too bad about photopass; it seems pretty rubbish that they don't have enough in stock to guarantee it even after you pay. Or a way of giving you a refund at the parks.

 

[Jonjo]

Sounds like you had a great time. Was the park very busy for the Halloween Party on the 31st? I was thinking of going one year for this but DW really does not like crowds.

That's a shame about PhotoPass+ Did you try and pick up a pack at one of the other shops in the Park that stocks them? We took our voucher to Flora’s Boutique in Main Street USA to collect ours.

Hope you get your refund for it quickly.

 

[BabyAriel]

Glad you had a great trip but that is disappointing about PP+. I had no idea that availability was a problem. If you've pre-booked, it should be guaranteed.

 

[micksn]

So pleased you enjoyed your visit It's amazing what you can do in such a short time

 

[carlins_leap]

Really glad to hear that you had such a great time.

Re: pp+, I over heard one cm saying that the massive uptake in the offer was unexpected and they'd stopped offering it as widely as a result...not sure how true that is...they do seem great value though

 

[kizzabel]

Delighted you had a great trip but what is the deal with Photopass+ there seems to be issues everywhere!
And that was lovely of the CM to ensure you met Sally.
Thanks so much for sharing

 

[DLPDreams]

so many highs - fabulous !

It sounds like you picked the right few days to go, in what seems to have been a very busy week at DLP. Its a shame about photopass, but you were ambivalent about buying it and putting it to good use, hopefully you'll get your refund without any delay. Fingers crossed.

It really wasn't that bad - park was at capacity on Friday, but we found Sat & Sun. We found it more than manageable.

Agreed about the PP+ however, once purchased that should guarantee your package tbh. I have emailed twice now and had no reply. Not happy at all.

Delighted you all had such a good time. That is pants about the photopass+. I'd read they are scarce but that Flora's boutique has stock. Will be pretty upset if that happens on our trip.

I was specifically told by the CM in the shop that there were none at all anywhere. That may not have been the case but I wasn't going to drag two young children around 10 stores or whatever it was to check. I did ask if she could call another store to ask but she refused .

Welcome back sounds like a wonderful trip overall

Annoying that some cm haven't a clue when it comes to the perks of certain club levels!! Sounds really miserly not allowing a cup of tea after a soft drink - my understanding is unlimited drinks.

Scary dh missing his euro star ....well done you managing the kids on your own

Photopass - its a bit frustarting to say the least - especially as lots of people are nervous to buy in advance (me lol) I would be very upset!

Delighted it was a success overall

Yes, I wasn't too happy about the cup of tea - I mean it wasn't like he was going to take it to the park with us . Have to say though, those little things didn't spoil our time there.

Re PP+ - it is frustrating and I'm annoyed they haven't even replied about the refund yet. It's not on at all.

Sound like you had a good trip overall!! Its a shame ur dh missed the eurostar : ( . Regards photopass even paying for it in advance doesn't gurante it?? Thats pretty rubbish.

Agreed it's rubbish. But they don't seem sophisticated enough to ensure packages are put aside for prebooks!!

Welcome back and great highs! Would love to see a photo of your DDs in their Halloween costumes.

Thanks - I will post a photo at some point, I've hit the ground running this week so pretty maxed out. But thank you for asking - I will post one once I get photos off the camera!

Great highs! I'm glad your DDs got treated like princesses! Its too bad about photopass; it seems pretty rubbish that they don't have enough in stock to guarantee it even after you pay. Or a way of giving you a refund at the parks.

Yep, I think we are all in agreement the system isn't great.

Sounds like you had a great time. Was the park very busy for the Halloween Party on the 31st? I was thinking of going one year for this but DW really does not like crowds.

That's a shame about PhotoPass+ Did you try and pick up a pack at one of the other shops in the Park that stocks them? We took our voucher to Flora’s Boutique in Main Street USA to collect ours.

Hope you get your refund for it quickly.

I wouldn't recommend the party if you don't like crowds. Friday 31st was full to capacity. We didn't even see Dreams as at 30 mins before it started it was so busy around the old hub area. We saw it right from the front on Saturday though so that made up for it!

As you may be aware, we didn't do the party but we did see lots of people piling in for it. It was mainly adults (lots of big groups too) as others have said previously. Some amazing costumes, but some very gory ones too.

So pleased you enjoyed your visit It's amazing what you can do in such a short time

We came back and said we wouldn't have changed anything (well other than PP issue). We did and saw everything we wanted to and didn't feel too tired either which was great.

Really glad to hear that you had such a great time.

Re: pp+, I over heard one cm saying that the massive uptake in the offer was unexpected and they'd stopped offering it as widely as a result...not sure how true that is...they do seem great value though

I can't believe the price compared to the usual photo prices. I didn't see one person with the package though which is very odd.

Delighted you had a great trip but what is the deal with Photopass+ there seems to be issues everywhere!
And that was lovely of the CM to ensure you met Sally.
Thanks so much for sharing

There were two CMs who went out of their way for us this trip and they were my heroes . I found all the staff in great spirits.

There is a fair way to go with PP+ imo.

I just want my money back!!

 

[Ms Poppins]

So glad to hear you had a good time It sounds like you had a fantastic time with great character interaction.

That's awful about the photo pass - I did see it in every shop we went into (I know this was earlier) I wonder why they wouldn't call to check for you? I did consider getting it, but honestly if it's only for ride photos and organised meets, then there's not much we couldn't take ourselves, so decided against it. If they ever get more photographers around the park, like in front of the castle for example I might think again. Hope you get a reply from them soon.

Would love to see some photos when you're organised

 

[DLPDreams]

So glad to hear you had a good time It sounds like you had a fantastic time with great character interaction.

That's awful about the photo pass - I did see it in every shop we went into (I know this was earlier) I wonder why they wouldn't call to check for you? I did consider getting it, but honestly if it's only for ride photos and organised meets, then there's not much we couldn't take ourselves, so decided against it. If they ever get more photographers around the park, like in front of the castle for example I might think again. Hope you get a reply from them soon.

Would love to see some photos when you're organised

We loved the Halloween characters and Marie of course . She was gorgeous.

The CM said she wouldn't call around as she knew it was out of stock everywhere. I didn't question it at that point as we'd been up since 4 am, I had just got the children dressed up and face paint on (all in the toilets as they didn't have anywhere private we could use for 15 mins!), and they were just desperate to hit the park! You just presume that what the staff tell you is correct - although I should have realised that isn't always the case at DLRP . Like I said though, we saw lots of characters and saw people buying ride photos but I saw no one with PP+ cards or lanyards.

Like you, I wasn't sure about buying it and this is why I dithered. However, as I said earlier, we rode the 'big' photo rides together as a family this trip and it would have been amazing to have all those memories to keep - my DDs love to pull funny faces at the cameras ! But, there was no way I could have bought 3 or 4 at full price (even with the multiple discount they do). So, I am really disappointed about that. I agree about the character and around the park photos being poor atm, but if you are a serious rider, then I do think PP+ is a bargain - if you can get it that is !

I have finally had an email reply from guest comms about the refund. They are processing it, but it will take up to 3 weeks to reach my bank!! Good job I'm not desperate for it!

Will put some pics in shortly.

 

[micksn]

At least you have Photo Pass /Memory Maker to look forward to in WDW Lots of photographers in the parks, character and ride phots and if you have meals in restaurants with photographers those will be included too

 

[DLPDreams]

At least you have Photo Pass /Memory Maker to look forward to in WDW Lots of photographers in the parks, character and ride phots and if you have meals in restaurants with photographers those will be included too

Yes, I haven't booked it yet, but will be for sure. I love all the overlays and magic shots you can get and as we'll be at WDW for 18 nights or so, the value is great!

I think the DLP PP+ will grow and become more like the US MM version over time. In fact, I think DLP will change a lot over the coming years with the US taking a greater control in how the park is run etc. A debate could take place about whether that is a good thing or not.... but I'll not get into that one .

 

[ROBEAR84]

Glad you had a great time.

I'm a little worried about prepaying for the photopass + now, that does seem like a right faff, I too would have imagined that prepaying for it would guarrantee it, I'd have thought you'd get it on arrival rather than just get a voucher for it. Shame, but hopefully by the time we go they'll have ironed out some of these early kinks.

Next stop WDW for you now!!

Memory Maker at wdw is fab! I'm gutted we didn't get more magic shots, really wanted the Simba one in AK! they are great With the torrential rain we had there were times we were in areas but the photographers weren't. However even not making full use of it we came home with 175 photos on it!

 

[DLPDreams]

Glad you had a great time.

I'm a little worried about prepaying for the photopass + now, that does seem like a right faff, I too would have imagined that prepaying for it would guarrantee it, I'd have thought you'd get it on arrival rather than just get a voucher for it. Shame, but hopefully by the time we go they'll have ironed out some of these early kinks.

Next stop WDW for you now!!

Memory Maker at wdw is fab! I'm gutted we didn't get more magic shots, really wanted the Simba one in AK! they are great With the torrential rain we had there were times we were in areas but the photographers weren't. However even not making full use of it we came home with 175 photos on it!

Thanks Ro - I am sure you will be fine. Someone actually called me today from Paris to apologise and they said the system is now much better - so fingers crossed for you. I hope you have an amazing time.

The Simba shot looks amazing in WDW. Only 8+ months to go . Hoping to book and pay for a few more bits like Discovery Cove dolphin swim after Christmas .

I have just posted a few photos (added to my first post) of the girls tonight. We did have such good fun at DLRP at Halloween. I would love to take the girls again, but it won't be for a few years now. It was quite nice to go this time, after a 2 year break, and see the new things and experience some of the rides as a family that we haven't one before - it's like a whole new experience .

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Wow those costumes are amazing and your girls are just so cute!!! Fantastic photos even without the PhotoPass+ and the girls really steal the show.