Matt's Fall 2015 nine-day adventure at the DLR.

[whoever]

Around 5PM, we headed back to our enclave. Food abundant in the E-ticket Lounge, The family set, I decided to set out for my PERSONAL adventure around 7PM!

Where was I going, you might ask?


Welcome to my review of the 2015 MahaloWeen event put on at the Disneyland Hotel by Disney special events. This event was offered two nights, October 12th, and 13th of this year. This was a ticketed event at the same price as last year’s event at $150/head but that is where the similarities ended.

The event was to start at 8:00 PM, but knowing how these type of events tend to attract a lot of interest I made the decision to arrive about half an hour early. I left our room on the 11th floor of the Advetureland Tower at 7:20 with a quick stop into the E-ticket lounge to grab a bite and drink and made my way down to Trader Sam’s a few minutes later. Not quite sure where I should be going, I went around the lower walk area by Trader Sam’s, where I found an umbrella and podium set up with two CMs manning it and a line of people already waiting.

A few differences from last year… Last year was held on the patio of Trader Sam’s / Tangaroa Terrace. That was not to be the case tonight, but this is where we started our event. Lack of prior knowledge of where the venue was being held also lead to a slight issue with my camera gear selection. Not wanting to lug multiple lenses, I picked my 14-24mm ultra-wide zoom thinking we’d be in a compact area. Disney had apparently learned from last year, and with the increase in attendance, we’d be utilizing a different venue tonight. That was going to cause some challenges for my photography.. Oh well. The near-pitch black setting also made for some challenging shots, so please excuse the lack of quality in the shots. I learned my lesson and will always take at least two lens in the future.

I waited in the line to check-in, which actually ended up moving fairly quickly because people who just wanted a table at Trader Sam’s were in it. As they quickly peeled off when it became aware this was for a special event, I only had to wait a few seconds before I was at the front of the line. I gave them my name, number in party, and was asked about food allergies. The pleasantries over, I was handed a white envelope which contained two drink tickets and a self-parking voucher. I was told to head over towards Goofy’s Kitchen where the previous people who had checked in were waiting. Imagine my surprise when as I rounded the corner to venture over the bridge over the pools that I saw truly how many people were going to be at this event. Last year’s event was roughly 50 people in capacity, however this year each event was roughly a 200-seat capacity per night based upon a quick survey of number of seats per table (10) and number of tables (20). We were almost going to be at capacity tonight from the looks of things.

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[IMG]http://www.wazny.com/images2/2015_10_12_MahaloWeen/DSC_7988%20(Large).jpg

 

[whoever]

Around 5PM, we headed back to our enclave. Food abundant in the E-ticket Lounge, The family set, I decided to set out for my PERSONAL adventure around 7PM!

Welcome to my review of the 2015 MahaloWeen event put on at the Disneyland Hotel by Disney special events. This event was offered two nights, October 12th, and 13th of this year. This was a ticketed event at the same price as last year’s event at $150/head but that is where the similarities ended.

The event was to start at 8:00 PM, but knowing how these type of events tend to attract a lot of interest I made the decision to arrive about half an hour early. I left our room on the 11th floor of the Advetureland Tower at 7:20 with a quick stop into the E-ticket lounge to grab a bite and drink and made my way down to Trader Sam’s a few minutes later. Not quite sure where I should be going, I went around the lower walk area by Trader Sam’s, where I found an umbrella and podium set up with two CMs manning it and a line of people already waiting.

A few differences from last year… Last year was held on the patio of Trader Sam’s / Tangaroa Terrace. That was not to be the case tonight, but this is where we started our event. Lack of prior knowledge of where the venue was being held also lead to a slight issue with my camera gear selection. Not wanting to lug multiple lenses, I picked my 14-24mm ultra-wide zoom thinking we’d be in a compact area. Disney had apparently learned from last year, and with the increase in attendance, we’d be utilizing a different venue tonight. That was going to cause some challenges for my photography.. Oh well. The near-pitch black setting also made for some challenging shots, so please excuse the lack of quality in the shots. I learned my lesson and will always take at least two lens in the future.

I waited in the line to check-in, which actually ended up moving fairly quickly because people who just wanted a table at Trader Sam’s were in it. As they quickly peeled off when it became aware this was for a special event, I only had to wait a few seconds before I was at the front of the line. I gave them my name, number in party, and was asked about food allergies. The pleasantries over, I was handed a white envelope which contained two drink tickets and a self-parking voucher. I was told to head over towards Goofy’s Kitchen where the previous people who had checked in were waiting. Imagine my surprise when as I rounded the corner to venture over the bridge over the pools that I saw truly how many people were going to be at this event. Last year’s event was roughly 50 people in capacity, however this year each event was roughly a 200-seat capacity per night based upon a quick survey of number of seats per table (10) and number of tables (20). We were almost going to be at capacity tonight from the looks of things.

 

[whoever]

On to the food review…The seared Ahi.. merely OK. I LOVE me some Ahi, but it wasn’t stellar. A bit of a let-down. Didn’t stop me going back for four more spoons-worth though. The Asparagus.. Seemed merely blanched. Very al dente. I liked it as well, but some grilled asparagus would have been more in line with the Luau theme and amped up the flavor. The meatballs were tasty and made especially for the event. They aren’t on any menu at the resort per the servers, however they tasted suspiciously like the ones severed in the E-ticket lounge. The panko-crusted Chinese Long Beans… the STAR of the meal. I think Trader Sam’s serves these on the menu. I ended up going back and getting three full trays of them. They were out instantly and I had to wait around, but oh so worth the wait. I’m definitely ordering these up next time I’m at Sam’s. The Big Island Sliders again, merely OK. Again, nothing to write home about. I’d give the meal a 6 out of 10 score. Let’s hope the entertainment and dessert would be plussed.

While we were waiting for the show to start, I socialized with the members around my table. I believe every other person at the table had attended MahaloWeen #1 and said this was already WAY better of an experience. I didn’t catch everybody’s name and background, but most people were bi-coastal Disney fans rocking Premier passes. Most everybody was from somewhere not in the immediate area. I think I heard Colorado, Texas, and the Bay area just to name a few. Only name I caught was Virginia who was here with her friend. Hi if you are reading this!!

Before the show kicked off, I made sure to get up and get another of the signature drinks and hit the dessert buffet. Here, we had some skewered fruit (mango and black berries if I recall), and some tiny cupcakes with a mouse topping and Jack Skellington sugar toppers. All tasty.

My meal done, it was time to settle in and get this show going. Out came the band and they started in with some Tahitian rhythms. Shortly thereafter, our MC for the night, Dr. Skip Town rushed on stage… He would have some advice for us and let us know that he was Sam’s HEAD chef. He also explained that he had unearthed six enchanted tiki masks each with unique powers…

 

[whoever]

After the intro, we were treated to some really fun Disney storytelling… The first Tiki god was Kungaloosha….We were told of a strange and mysterious place where adventurers met near a volcano to tell their tales and salute each other in merriment with a secret toast KUNGALOOSH!! For those of you not indoctrinated, that would be the now defunct Adventurer’s Club at Pleasure Island in Walt Disney World. I loved this aspect of the show as I really LOVED Adventurer’s club, and have a small collection of memorabilia from it. I really wish they’d bring this back… maybe put it where we were sitting in fact… Wonder if it could draw a crowd like it did at WDW… Maybe put it in DTD… that place is always swamped with people. At the end of the tale we all raised our glasses in a toast of kungaloosh!!

Kungaloosha:

Next up were told of the mysterious god Drink Samoa. This mask represented the Tiki god of libation.. We were told to indulge in the great offerings our hosts had prepared for us.
Drink Samoa:

Our next god was to come with a fable… Eat Samoa. There once was a girl who lived with her mother all alone in a small village. Every day she passed a hunched over broken down old lady offering up apples on the side of the road between the village and her home. She was told not to take food from strangers so she passed by day after day. One day the lady was offering bananas which the girl loved. She took one and ate it. She was offered another and ate it greedily as well. Once more a banana was produced and offered to which she eagerly snatched it up and wolfed it down. By now she was full and tired and she made her way home. When she awoke the following morning it was to a blood curdling scream for her mother had come to awaken her only to find her turned into that which she had over indulged on… bananas… and that is the tale of Chiquita, and should it serve as a warning to those who would over indulge in food..

Chiquita in her now cursed state:

And the revered tiki god Eat Samoa:

Next up was TongaToast’a. TongaToast’a was the Tiki god of breakfast and he preferred Tonga-Toast. You see ʻaumakua are spirits which inhabit sacred places. There once was a man named Kahuna Lei-a-Low-Ha. He bought a house in a village which was said to be haunted by the ‘aumakaua. To appease them, he left out toast every day, and every day the toast was gone. One day he forgot and the dishes flew off the shelves and smashed and the doors slammed, the lights flickered. TongaToast’a was angry because he had skipped breakfast. And do you know why? Because breakfast was the most important meal of the day.

I present TongaToast’a:

Legend once told of an extremely rich man with no friends who hailed from Timbuktu (or Timbukthree). He lived in a small hut despite his riches. One day he vanished. People would continuously search for his treasure, but it was never found. The man was never seen again, but legend has it he was actually the tiki god Eureka Tiki who was a shape-shifter which is why he could never be found. Queue Grim Grinning Ghosts on a ukulele. It was pretty darn awesome if I must say myself.

I give you Eureka Tiki:

Lastly… a Tiki god we are ALL familiar with…. Pele she has been angered by all of our celebrating!!!

 

[whoever]

Our introduction to the Tiki gods complete it was time to venture to Tahiti and some dazzling and alluring displays of traditional hula…

Our Tahitian excursion complete, it was now time to travel to the land of the long white cloud… New Zealand. We were to be treated to a demonstration of the Māori Haka… a traditional dance and greeting exemplifying the display of the tongue and some terrifying dashes into the audience to greet our guests…

I must say some of the ladies were shrieking as the Māori dashed into the audience… I couldn’t tell if it was fear of the chance to see them up close. Behave yourselves ladies…

 

[whoever]

Skip now returned once the festivities had ended. He had a few more performances up his sleeve for us. First the tiki room song bellowed out of his ukulele. Such a great rendition. Next he did an original ditty about Trader Sam’s Tiki bar, and lastly he did a vocal performance of the Adam’s Apple Serenade using only his throat muscles. Truly a great performer. As an aside, Skip’s cousin, Tex Tumbleweed plays over at the Big Thunder Ranch, and he’s nearly as great a performer, so go check him out while you have the chance before the end of January when the Big Thunder Ranch rides off into the sunset for good.

By now it was 9:14 and the show had come to a close. People started to file out of the show area and headed towards the meet and greet with the artists who had created the swag for the show and to claim their party favors. I hung back a bit (poor decision), took in the show pieces, grabbed a few of the cardstock tiki masks which had been left on the tables (only got two distinct ones), and then made my way over to a now huge line.

Yes, even kid friendly…. Thanks Disney!!!

 

[whoever]

Now ready, I filed my way towards the West end of the Frontierland Tower of the Disneyland Hotel. The line long, and growing steadily longer… I went up, grabbed my bag, which came with my brown tiki mug and artist print.. I was told inside, I could purchase an orange mug as well. Not to be daunted by the line which was already rivaling Space Mountain on an early afternoon, I headed into the tower and stood in line yet again for my opportunity to purchase not one, but two orange mugs. Some people had procured five, even six extra, likely to have signed and sell on eBay (I haven’t checked, but I’m sure there are a slew out there). These orange mugs were to be offered up later at Trader Sam’s, but tonight was the only night the artists would be signing them (well… outside of the next night that is).

My spoils collected, I ventured out and to the back of the line…

The theming extended over here..

The line moving slower than molasses in January, I couldn’t catch a shot of these before the Disneyland light crew had removed the accent lighting. Wait a while, won’t you next time????

I whiled away the minutes trying to drown out the conversations of the groups on either side of me in line… not who I’d invite over for a Disney good time… (the eBayers). Finally, I was up to the front!!! I proudly removed my three mugs from their boxes and instructed Tim Wollweber to make one orange and one brown out to me (Matt), and the other orange to just sign. He quipped about this being the eBay mug… nope… It was to be a Christmas gift for a special friend… He said “I hope she moves back then”. Pleasantries exchanged, it was time for Marcus Gonzales who would be signing the print. He while not quite as engaged as Tim was a jovial fellow and once my print was singed, I was wished well and on my way.

My trip back to the room quick, and uneventful with the exception of a cat crossing my path. Not only a Disneyland cat, but a black one….. I thought about the angry tiki gods, their wrath, whether it was an omen or not and whether I should alter course… but I didn’t… I headed past Sam’s and up the elevator with my spoils walking in at 10:32 and ready to show Amy my plunder and get some much needed rest…

 

[cruisehopeful]

I can't remember why I didn't attend Mahaloween, but I do remember stalking the internet for information for when tickets would come up for sale. Maybe they sold out before I could get some? Maybe something was going on with a family member. I just know I spent many hours trying to get a ticket. It's nice to see a trip report that includes it.

 

[whoever]

I can't remember why I didn't attend Mahaloween, but I do remember stalking the internet for information for when tickets would come up for sale. Maybe they sold out before I could get some? Maybe something was going on with a family member. I just know I spent many hours trying to get a ticket. It's nice to see a trip report that includes it.

I also did an interview on the DisUplugged Podcast about it.

http://disunplugged.com/2015/10/27/dis-unplugged-podcast-102515-disneyland-show/

 

[whoever]

6AM found us quick. We showered and dressed and got everything set for the day. This is my favorite part of Disneyland mornings honestly, being up before EVERYBODY. I'm always an early riser and find my time up and out so Magical before others rise...

At 10 minutes before 7 we were already through DTD.... Love the emptiness.

After what seemed like an eternity at the gates (7:35 now), we were queued up nicely. Little Char always warms my heart.

Vic continues to wear Minnie Mouse (She's not wearing the same outfit, we brought THREE identical outfits).

At 7:45 we were let into the gates... EMPTY Main Street and front of the crowd!!

My GOSH, K was so small...

60th Celebration in full effect.

The crowd behind is DAUNTING!!

The Cast Member in charge (because BADGE) Gave the count down....

Vic was READY!! 3 mins before 8.....

I don't think Katherine touched the ground the entire time.

 

[whoever]

Firs Attraction every time, Peter Pan's Flight.

The queue has so much...

Our view over London was great. Big Ben was pronounced..

Mickey sticks his head out from time to time.

My FAVORITE DIORAMA EVER!!!!

How many times haved I encountered this view..

Tink always helps us..

We typically only do two things after Peter... Alice or Dumbo. Dumbo it is...

I find the water features relaxing..

Timothy is conducting us superbly.

We can fly!

Fantasyland has never looked so good.

 

[whoever]

As we exited Alice, we noticed ALICE.. and the Mad Hatter.

The Mad Hatter wasn't interested in stopping as he had a tea party to attend, but Alice briefly paused for a pic.

Up Next, one of our absolute favs (even more so during parades). Tea Cups!!

Outside of LATE evening, EARLY morn is the BEST time to ride this attraction.

Amy had taken Vic and K. Char got the whole time with me.

LOVE the T-cup photo-op. Way easier to get people smiling when their brains aren't spinning in their skulls...

 

[whoever]

We broke from tradition and swapped out on BTMRR... Each kid getting a ride with one of the parents because Victoria just wasn't having it...

While some probably assume that's me in the first mine car, it's NOT.... I need to hit that guy up for royalties/residuals on my trademarked pose... Amy is in the car after..

There she is...

When it was my turn, Char hammed it up extensively...

This lift hill is AMAZING when the fireworks are going. You literally have a front-row seat.

GOAT!!!

The GOAT STARE!!!! It's so fun for those of us not inclined to have motion sickness.

I've often wondered about the anatomical correctness of this show piece. Until I'm made an Imagineer, I'll have to keep wondering.

 

[whoever]

Given that it was now a quarter to 10, it was time for a morning snack which is typically a tradition for us whenever we are in Disneyland Park in the mornings.

The kids were taking Peter Pan to heart on the way there.

They can fly..

they can fly..

they can fly..

Amazing what a sprinkling of early morning pixie dust does and we are about to sprinkle them with actual pixie dust....

But not before we stop for a photo op with Tianna.

NOW for the physical Pixie dust which will provide even more flight energy. We do love this morning snack!!

Beignets are never complete without a Julep or two..

Victoria likes to lick off ALL the powdered sugar for some reason. Eat it whole kid, c'mon!!

Halloween decorations have made their way to the French Market..

I have ALWAYS loved these Roman Shades. Just MAKES the ambiance of the French Market. One of my favorite places in the park.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Gosh, those pictures of your daughter skipping gave me a flashback to my daughters when they were little. It must be really endearing for you to look through those. What fun times.

 

[whoever]

Gosh, those pictures of your daughter skipping gave me a flashback to my daughters when they were little. It must be really endearing for you to look through those. What fun times.

I MUCH preferred them at this age. These days, they need to be sent to military school.

 

[whoever]

Mansion was obviously up next for us. It's usually a toss-up between Mansion or Pirates but Mansion won out this time..

We typically hit DLR after the overlay goes up and slightly less frequently the normal. I honestly prefer the normal iteration.

The smallest details are always what draws me in. So well done.

These look like actual stained glass. Hat off to the imagineers...

I especially like thay they had the swinging corpse present in the HMH overlay.

They are ALWAYS watching me...

There's a serious opportunity here in the loading area to retheme it with more than just black walls. That being said, the chandeliers are superb..

 

[whoever]

As we entered the mansion, there were decorations about...

Teddy was fishing...

Ooohh treats for Zero.

He came out, but just for a glimpse

Teddy was back and he was pounding angry..

 

[CO2CA]

Still following along! Loving the attention to detail, especially in HM

 

[whoever]

As we made our way down the long and spooky hallway, we eventually entered a room where a séance was in full swing. Ghoulish ornaments hovered throughout the room taunting us from somewhere beyond.

Madame Leota was looking as youthful as ever and her voice echoed throughout the chamber from somewhere beyond…

Instead of beckoning us from a crystal ball, she found herself captured in a holiday ornament..

Onward to the Ball Room where a ghoulish House of Cards greeted us as the centerpiece of the dining room table.

Into the creepy attic we were swept by an invisible hand... Jack-o- lanterns scattered throughout.

Ah... some deadly nightshade you say. I wonder who may have left that there..

Out the attic doors, we tripped and fell over the edge of the balcony. Down, down, down, we were swept until we found ourselves greeted by none other than Jack Skellington at the entrance to a graveyard!!

As we entered the eerie graveyard, we were serenaded by ghouls from beyond the veil. One with a set of bagpipes and a pirate with a harp.

The ghouls seemed to be having a party. One even stopped his revelry to have some tea.

As we entered a crypt at the back of the graveyard's edge, who greeted us, but none other than Oogie Boogie!

Time to return to the land of the living, we ascended from the tomb. Sally was there, in the distance wishing us to come back for another round into the ether of beyond.