Ideas - 40th Birthday weekend bash @ Disneyland for 32-40. Pimp my party out!

[DisneyPhans]

Hi thanks for some great tips so far from community. This is my first interaction here but I've been a Disneyland/Halloween since 1978. I'm looking for advice & ideas from anyone who has done or is interested in doing large Disney/Halloween type of party events.

Premise: If you were with all of your family members (ages 1-50+) at Disneyland on excursion, what would you realistically want to do/see that is fun and affordable for the most number of people?

For my 40th B-day I am having a 32-40 person weekend Disney/costume & slumber party. Staybridge & Holiday Inn. Both are Disney Good Neighbor and guests will have privileges at both. I've already booked out a bunch of 2-bedroom suites and event space at both for 3-nights.

We have several Disney cast staying with us and we don't mind some shared singing/Character photos interaction with other families. Pretty much have age ranges from 0-50 in my family - mostly female and a few old farts like me.

Unplanned Activities/Optional

• Anaheim Costume Parade - Free and all of us will be in costumes anyways.
• Blue Bayou/Steakhouse 55. We want to figure out best way to get max guests to enjoy these. If we do MHP definitely Blue Bayou.
• CHOC/Disney 5k walk. Based on feedback looks actually reasonable.
• Any other ideas? Anyone tried these? Are there any logistical concerns (have to reserve early - need to get in 2 hours early and stake out a spot, etc).

Tentative Planned Schedule:

Friday, Day 1. Suites open at 4pm, Pimp out our rooms with Party City items, stock refrigerators, possibly have in-suite dining or go out together. Can also do MHP.
Saturday, Day 2. Haunted House Workshop 12:00am-2pm @ Jazz Kitchen. Multi-suite costume party @ Staybridge with Character Dining in-suite all night. Starts at ~6 or 7pm. Interact with and take photos with Princesses for several hours.
Sunday, Day 3. Lunch @ Rainforest Cafe if available. Family gathering/show & cake @ Holiday Inn with Disney Talent & Singing. 2pm-4pm. Cleanup rooms/go home, or do Mickey's Halloween Party and sleepover again.

Thanks for feedback so far, as it's directly helping me develop itinerary. This means a lot to me, as planning Disney stuff is already putting me at midlife crisis. I will blog progress and will have 2-man film crew on this event. Will update or respond to any suggestions as things progress.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Did you mean Mickey's Halloween Party or Mickey's Costume Cavalcade (the traditional "parade" for MHP, although PTN was shown last year)? If you mean the parade, your guests will need MHP tickets to see it. If your guests do want to attend MHP, get ready to buy the tickets as soon as they go on sale. Last year I think every party but one sold out. The Gingerbread Haunted House Workshop is lots of fun, but you must book that early. For a group as large as yours, talk with the Jazz Kitchen (ask for Bruno, I believe) about booking a private party just for your group. You can bring extra candy and a box to carry your creation back to the hotel. S55 has a private dining room, but I'm not sure how many it seats.

 

[gottalovepluto]

What a bash! I wish I had something to add but I have never done anything like that. However, I would like to nominate you for Disneyland Planning Boss of the year!

(Ooh, it was like 10 years ago now but I did dine with a large group at Rainforest Cafe once if that's your style. We were about 80 people so I'm sure 30 wouldn't be an issue. Might be easier to arrange than something in-park & the monorail drops off right next to the restaurant making it super convenient.)

 

[DisneyPhans]

@theluckyrabbit - Wow thanks -- that's exactly the kind of detailed logistical info I'm looking for and yes, Mickey's Halloween Party and everything included therein. If you've run into any other issues or enjoyed anything else with your family I'd love to know. I am combing through this thread and researching sites to help set up this event.

@gottalovepluto - Really appreciate the encouragement, made my day. I'm no planning boss but I've taught college-level courses for about 20 before. This is equal parts family, community/friend involvement, and experimentation. There's quite a bit of stage, film, and theater experience in my family so that also helps with working with talent.

Mickey's Halloween Party (thanks rabbit)
I mentioned it because it really seems like a "half-day" ticket priced at $70-$85 for evening access (entry as early as 4pm). On that basis alone, I'm already down with this event. We'll just figure out which day(s) we want to shoot for it... Possibly all 3 days, or 1 only.

Haunted House Workshop
Sounds AWESOME, all families liked this idea. Called Jazz Kitchen and spoke with Alyssa (No Bruno). Alyssa said they're still finalizing the event and will begin sales in August and no other details. We can also just carve pumpkins and do graham cracker haunted houses in our own suites.

VIP Tour Guide ? (max 6 guests for $899)
What do y'all think of this? In light of the above, If 6 guests split cost, each pays ~$160 on top of his ticket/pass. Allows us to shoot in, cover more than twice as many rides, get priority restaurant access and better shooting positions at key areas of the park. Has anyone tried a VIP Tour guide?

Downtown Disney (thanks gottalovepluto)
Definitely a great option because some will not want to spend money on park tickets. We can surely figure out something to do here. AMC Theatre, Jazz Kitchen, Rainforest Cafe, House of Blues might even have a good artist playing.

Location Scouting & Setup
Last month, my photography crew mate and I scouted out the rooms for measurements. In the video you can see staff working with us to initially scout out space and I start getting ideas on the event. We will be redecorating interiors, adding lights, and installing camera rigging, etc. Conference room seats 10 - perfect for Texas Holdem and a couple of Staybridge staff even said they'd play. Initial scouting and Photos we took were consistent with previous guest photos and reviews.

These are 2-Bedroom/2-Bath/furnished kitchen & living room suites that will work for a customizable self-cater setup. ~750 square feet so it can sleep up to 8. I booked out a few of these already, max 32 guests (parking/internet/breakfast privileges all included). Possible scaling to 40 guests.

Now Casting!

Mystery Princess 1

5'10 Actress/Fashion Model on HBO/Showtime I've been working with for over 2 years, and it's HER B-day, too!
And she'll cook for us and hang out all night! Uh oh, she's gonna eat all the cake...
Guess which princess ??


Mystery Princess 2

Another 5'10 fashion model, brunette brown eyes. Will reveal later. Guesses or requests?


Thanks so much guys, this is insanely fun. Definitely welcome as much input/critique (or even requests) as possible. Will post more updates/videos of how the event is unfolding as we progress. It won't really kick into 5th gear until August, when reservations for restaurants and Halloween events become available. Once I get that information I can lock down the schedule more easily, and focus on program and events.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Jazz Kitchen is great for group dinners, by the way. The staff there is very helpful with private rooms and menus. We've done several group dinners there (not as large as your group) and had great experiences each time.
CHOC Walk is an absolute blast if you enjoy doing charity events. There is no way to describe what it is like sharing Main Street with 16,000 other people all focused on the same goal: raising money for Children's Hospital OC. The energy level is super high, people are really friendly, there are photo M&Gs with characters (last year we did Pocohontas, Chip and Dale, Mater, Genie, Woody, etc.), CMs are out giving High 4s and cheering on the walkers. Of course this all takes place at dark o'clock, so if you aren't a morning person then this probably isn't a great choice. But it is a lot of fun for a good cause. If you are an AP, you can walk with the DLR AP team. Or you can join another team or make you own. It isn't necessary to walk with a team, but it is fun to be with other people. Register well before the event because it usually sells out.

 

[DisneyPhans]

@theluckyrabbit Dang it, you keep shedding new light on events.

CHOC/Disney 5k Walk. I'll see what my family members say. I am interested in great photo opportunities here, based on what you mentioned...

• 16,000 people, Character interaction
• Reduced Disneyland day ticket price
• Does not conflict with other activities

Downtown Disney. Options seem limitless. Jazz Kitchen is definitely more my style, and the kids prefer Rainforest, Wetzel's Pretzels, etc.

Thank God I jumped on this early so we have time to mull over this. It's like surgery trying to figure out the scheduling. August is when they allow reservations.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Btw, House of Blues is now closed in Downtown Disney. It will open it's new location in "Fall 2016" at GardenWalk.

 

[DisneyPhans]

Btw, House of Blues is now closed in Downtown Disney. It will open it's new location in "Fall 2016" at GardenWalk.

Y'know what, after you mentioned this I'm a bit more excited about House of Blues because Gardenwalk is a 10 minute walk from theHoliday Inn, and I just saw its new venue is much larger.

Also you pretty much hit it on the head - the kids prefer Rainforest Cafe for food/ambience. HOWEVER, they ALSO want Haunted House workshop. AND, of course, they want to go to Disneyland. Going to have to make some decisions here.

 

[jammyjam25]

For a group your size I would purchase Halloween Party tickets for the date(s?) you are planning to attend as soon as possible after they go on sale.

Also I'm confused by the "character dining in-suite" you have scheduled for Day 2. Are you all heading to Goofy's Kitchen for dinner that night or does this mean something else?

 

[cruisehopeful]

VIP Tour Guide ? (max 6 guests for $899)
What do y'all think of this? In light of the above, If 6 guests split cost, each pays ~$160 on top of his ticket/pass. Allows us to shoot in, cover more than twice as many rides, get priority restaurant access and better shooting positions at key areas of the park. Has anyone tried a VIP Tour guide?

I have not done this, yet, but if you are willing to pay for it, it is a good idea.
I recently did a VIP at the San Diego Zoo and paid almost $1200. for 2 of us to have a personal guide for 5 hours. It included lunch and lots of behind the scenes encounters and I have to say, if we could pay for a private guide anytime we went anywhere, we would do that going forward. I am sure we will do that at Disneyland at some point.

Downtown Disney (thanks gottalovepluto)
Definitely a great option because some will not want to spend money on park tickets. We can surely figure out something to do here. AMC Theatre, Jazz Kitchen, Rainforest Cafe, House of Blues might even have a good artist playing.

I recommend Rainforest Cafe for the atmosphere. The food is average and overpriced, but the atmosphere cannot be beat. If you have a Landry's card, you get priority seating. If you don't already have the card, you can get one at http://www.landrysselect.com/ It works with lots of other restaurants, too. I think you have to pay $25 to get the card, but you get a $25. credit to use at your first visit. You'll get a $25 credit for any of their restaurants for your birthday month forever afterward.

EDIT TO ADD: I was wondering why it was cheap for the VIP guide and then I noticed that it was through a third party. I wouldn't use a third party. I would only do it through DL, which would probably raise the cost too high. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/

 

[DisneyPhans]

For a group your size I would purchase Halloween Party tickets for the date(s?) you are planning to attend as soon as possible after they go on sale.
Also I'm confused by the "character dining in-suite" you have scheduled for Day 2. Are you all heading to Goofy's Kitchen for dinner that night or does this mean something else?

Agreed, good idea. I really wish they'd tell us when these tickets are on sale. I just sent a facebook interest-check request to family heads. MHP might be the best-value way to enjoy Disney during October, as it seems cheaper than a regular ticket while still allowing substantial hours in the park. I'm definitely all-ears for advice, caution, tips on how to do things.

For Character "in-suite" dining, the idea is more similar to Ariel's Grotto and more in-depth. The Princesses will be in our suites for a few hours -- ACTUALLY dining with us and playing games with the kids. In addition, they will appear in the public areas for brief periods for free photography with other families/guests. Anyone here could show up for free shots if they wanted. We will be passing out business cards, and some guests may even tip. We *may* invite other guests into our suites because they'll be themed like Haunted Mansion, dry ice punch bowl, some bedrooms darkened for UV lighting effect, etc. Depending on the layout of our suites, I will structure the party and positioning of the Characters accordingly. The whole idea here is to have fun with characters, OUR way (which includes other guests opinions/input).

Thanks for the response. I'm definitely taking notes on what people suggest, what they like/don't like, any words of advice/caution, etc.

 

[DisneyPhans]

I have not done this, yet, but if you are willing to pay for it, it is a good idea.
I recently did a VIP at the San Diego Zoo and paid almost $1200. for 2 of us to have a personal guide for 5 hours. It included lunch and lots of behind the scenes encounters and I have to say, if we could pay for a private guide anytime we went anywhere, we would do that going forward. I am sure we will do that at Disneyland at some point.

I recommend Rainforest Cafe for the atmosphere. The food is average and overpriced, but the atmosphere cannot be beat. If you have a Landry's card, you get priority seating. If you don't already have the card, you can get one at http://www.landrysselect.com/ It works with lots of other restaurants, too. I think you have to pay $25 to get the card, but you get a $25. credit to use at your first visit. You'll get a $25 credit for any of their restaurants for your birthday month forever afterward.

EDIT TO ADD: I was wondering why it was cheap for the VIP guide and then I noticed that it was through a third party. I wouldn't use a third party. I would only do it through DL, which would probably raise the cost too high. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/

NICE. Thanks a lot for the Landry's tip. I personally don't care much for Rainforest Cafe, but kids' desires are a strong factor. I last went to the one in South Coast Plaza though (dunno if it's still there), so maybe a refresher is also due for this old man.

Regarding the VIP, Thanks a lot for that response because I was looking for a second opinion as to whether I'm crazy. The third party is basically TripAdvisor, so out of any third-party, they would be one to use. What I did not like was the party cap of 6 - I was hoping for 10.
Disney VIP allows cap of 10, but now $400-$550 per hour. For a full day, this is too expensive (I might as well just book us all at Disneyland Hotel LOL). What if I want to do Blue Bayou, several rides, and STILL have time for Mickey's Cavalcade from a good position? Also, what if they could specifically get us into other areas "off-menu". At this point, *maybe* a few hours would be worth it if 10 split cost. Basically, each person pays 40-$55 extra per hour of VIP support...

... Also, what if we ONLY booked 1 hour with a VIP. What would that get us? I'll have to give them a call..

Again, thanks so much for the intel and personal stories. Browsing the web just doesn't tell you what's really going on.

 

[jammyjam25]

Agreed, good idea. I really wish they'd tell us when these tickets are on sale. I just sent a facebook interest-check request to family heads. MHP might be the best-value way to enjoy Disney during October, as it seems cheaper than a regular ticket while still allowing substantial hours in the park. I'm definitely all-ears for advice, caution, tips on how to do things.

For Character "in-suite" dining, the idea is more similar to Ariel's Grotto and more in-depth. The Princesses will be in our suites for a few hours -- ACTUALLY dining with us and playing games with the kids. In addition, they will appear in the public areas for brief periods for free photography with other families/guests. Anyone here could show up for free shots if they wanted. We will be passing out business cards, and some guests may even tip. We *may* invite other guests into our suites because they'll be themed like Haunted Mansion, dry ice punch bowl, some bedrooms darkened for UV lighting effect, etc. Depending on the layout of our suites, I will structure the party and positioning of the Characters accordingly. The whole idea here is to have fun with characters, OUR way (which includes other guests opinions/input).

Thanks for the response. I'm definitely taking notes on what people suggest, what they like/don't like, any words of advice/caution, etc.

I too am waiting for Halloween Party dates, it's so frustrating!

And okay, I have to know. How on earth are you getting Princesses to your party?! I'm guessing some sort of access to Disney insiders? Either way I'm incredibly jealous.

 

[DisneyPhans]

I too am waiting for Halloween Party dates, it's so frustrating!

And okay, I have to know. How on earth are you getting Princesses to your party?! I'm guessing some sort of access to Disney insiders? Either way I'm incredibly jealous.

Believe me, no reason to be jealous. Most 40 year old guys are already married with family & kids in college. I just never had that. Trying to find a new lease on life.

Thel Princess talent in the suites will be from IMDB (Hollywood) or Model Mayhem fashion/print models. I met Mystery Princess like 2 years ago and we had good chemistry working together on photography. Now she'll have her birthday party with me and help run the event.

For real singing, we have a niece that is part of Disney singing cast - you need to be outstanding talent if you're 16 and accepted into Disney shows. Her cast friends will pop in to sing with us for private family show. That's just sheer luck, but I'm thrilled about that.

The reason for this is that I want both great images/video, and great music/singing. There will certainly also be terrible singing and dancing.. We are a large family and it's still about fun.

 

[Kiwigirls]

... Also, what if we ONLY booked 1 hour with a VIP. What would that get us? I'll have to give them a call..
.

I'm sure you'll get all the details if you call, but I'm fairly sure that with the VIP booking through Disney there is a minimum time period of 6 hours. Quite a lot of money to spend, but potentially worth it depending on your circumstances.

 

[DisneyPhans]

I'm sure you'll get all the details if you call, but I'm fairly sure that with the VIP booking through Disney there is a minimum time period of 6 hours. Quite a lot of money to spend, but potentially worth it depending on your circumstances.

Thanks Kiwigirls. I've made the preliminary phone calls and have some useful information to share to all (for a change).

About VIP Tours in General

Called Disney VIP office and spoke with Nicole.

• Most common reason to buy these is line-skipping and priority seating areas and viewing locations.
• This is a "day-of" type of service. Benefits begin upon meeting the tour guide. Any prior reservations are done by you.

A good review is available here. Their priority, as usual, was line-skipping and they loved it. They did a split-cost visit through Disney VIP. As as an interesting note, they recommend not only tipping, but also buying snacks/water for the guide as they are catering to you the whole time. VIP guide tells you interesting stories and history about each ride, then clocks you in. While you're on that ride they run off to the next ride to clock you in.

VIP Tours During Mickey's Halloween Parade

• VIP is generally NOT recommended during MHP, because line-skipping is not necessary. Rides are generally no-wait anyways during this event. Guests are trick-or-treating, interacting with Characters, and positioning for Cavalcade/fireworks.
• Blue Bayou may be reserved for other special private events during evening, which was the cast last MHP season. If it is available, then you CAN dine at Blue Bayou in the VIP seating areas.
• You will have better seating/position during Cavalcade/Fireworks

Disney VIP Program

• $400-$550 per hour, 6-hour minimum for 10. Split cost would be extra $240-330 per person for 6-hour period.
• Reservations still need to be made through their standard reservation office and subject to the 60-day in advance
• VIP Tour NOT recommended during Mickey's Halloween Party based on previous years' feedback.
• Won't have any info about Blue Bayou until later (a recurring theme here)
• VIP is Flexible and will assist with off-menu requests, but on a "will try our best" basis

For example, I asked if they could walk us into Disneyland Hotel and check out special rooms. Nicole stated that the VIP guide can take you ANYWHERE in the park and will try to accommodate - surely can get you into the Lobby and possibly allow you to tour rooms and take photos.

Viator (TripAdvisor) VIP Program

• Price is $899 for 6 + tip recommended. Split-cost would be ~160 per person.
• When asked what recommended tip was, customer service agent laughed and said he didn't know -- even he thought $900 was a lot
• Brand new program, no one has booked it yet, 0 ratings
• Line Skipping, VIP Seating similar to Disney
• Will give you a local contact # upon booking. You can call that # and work with the office, which will leave notes for tour guides prior to your scheduled date.

Verdict.

• If your priority is ONLY line skipping, then Viator is probably a better deal @ $899. Otherwise you're paying MINIMUM $2400 through Disney.
• If you need help with any off-menu requests, probably Disney VIP.
• If I was to try this, it makes more sense to test with Viator/TripAdvisor as you are committing less and still getting guaranteed line-skipping. I would do VIP Disney ONLY if I've got a lot of off-menu requests (which I do, so this is an interesting dilemma).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Just to note, last year was the first year MHP had a special dinner package. I think it was called the Mystical Spirits Dinner or something like that. You got a party ticket, dinner at Blue Bayou with special entertainment hoted by Dr. Facilier, a special lithograph gift, a bag of candy (to make up for the loss of trick or treating), and special seating for the fireworks. You will lose ride time, but the seating for the firworks might make up for that. Just one more thing to add to your list!

 

[DisneyPhans]

Just to note, last year was the first year MHP had a special dinner package. I think it was called the Mystical Spirits Dinner or something like that. You got a party ticket, dinner at Blue Bayou with special entertainment hoted by Dr. Facilier, a special lithograph gift, a bag of candy (to make up for the loss of trick or treating), and special seating for the fireworks. You will lose ride time, but the seating for the firworks might make up for that. Just one more thing to add to your list!

As per usual you are complicating my plans, theluckyrabbit LOL. This would be an absolutely spectacular experience for 2, and I have a date in mind. The VIP office said she wasn't sure if they were doing Mystical this year. It's not listed on DISboards or the Disney site. I would prefer they did NOT do it so I can get more people in and out at a better price, much faster. Mystical only looks worthwhile for a anniversary or very special occasion for 2. I can't see myself hauling a bunch of screaming nephews and nieces < 7 years of age in there.

BTW your tip on Haunted House pretty much sold it to my family - it is unanimously approved. Only issue is - we don't know which dates it will be offered. Last year it occured on Oct 26, 27 2015 which are extremely awkward dates (monday and tuesday??!). They like this so much we're also fine with simply buying kits from Amazon or some specialty shop, and carve pumpkins/build houses in our own suite. This is simply an outstanding idea and I hope to see your family there if you guys show up.

Regarding MHP, it looks like it's going to be more expensive. In Disneyworld, they are employing a FLEX-type pricing, in which it creeps up from ~$80 to $95 closer to Halloween. And, as luck would have it, we'll end up with the most expensive one. If it matches Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween (Orlando) schedule, it would occur here on Oct 28, and then again on Oct 30, then finale on Oct 31.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

MHP at DL also offers flex pricing, but there is never a discount offered for Oct. 31st. I don't think there were discounts last year for Friday nights either. MHP did offer discounts for APs, DVC members, and Disney Visa card holders for certain nights (again, not 10/31). And I think prices were lower for early purchase for certain nights. Last year, all this was announced in July, so we don't have too long to wait for the news. Since 10/30 is CHOC Walk Sunday, I would be surprised if there were a MHP that night. But you never know with Disney... Are you by chance a D23 member? There is a special date for the Gingerbread House parties just for D23 members, both for Halloween and for Christmas.

 

[DisneyPhans]

MHP at DL also offers flex pricing, but there is never a discount offered for Oct. 31st. I don't think there were discounts last year for Friday nights either. MHP did offer discounts for APs, DVC members, and Disney Visa card holders for certain nights (again, not 10/31). And I think prices were lower for early purchase for certain nights. Last year, all this was announced in July, so we don't have too long to wait for the news. Since 10/30 is CHOC Walk Sunday, I would be surprised if there were a MHP that night. But you never know with Disney... Are you by chance a D23 member? There is a special date for the Gingerbread House parties just for D23 members, both for Halloween and for Christmas.

I'm looking at this right now.. $74.99... Will I be able to purchase tickets on behalf of non-D23 members? If this is going to force every member of my party to pay an additional $74.99 + $48 + $12 just to make a house, then obviously we'll go to Plan B.

EDIT: NVM I think I found it... $104.95 to bring 3 guests to a D23 event... This might be doable with maybe 2 adults buying that pass. I would buy it if I knew which dates they are granting for D23 members.