MHP, Entertainment & Character Questions?

[Elias1901]

We're going to MHP on the Friday, October 24th, and we're really excited! I have been to the party once or twice before, so I have a general idea of what goes on. However, they have added things and I certainly don't want to underestimate crowd levels and wind up missing stuff. What time should you arrive for a good spot to watch the cavalcade? What about the fireworks? Getting a good spot for the fireworks is a priority for us. We want in the Hub, just behind the Partners Statue and in front of the castle. We don't like views where the trees obstruct the castle... the two in front of the castle should be cut down, IMO, they are tall and ruin the view of the castle from both the right and left sides. Besides, there's plenty of trees in the Hub area. Anyway, that's off topic, haha!

In the past, all we have participated in was trick-or-treating, the cavalcade and the fireworks. Is there anything else as far as special entertainment or events go that are must-sees or fun additions? I've heard there is the Conjure a Villain tent in the Big Thunder Ranch area which is quite popular and fun. We certainly want to see that. I've heard it gets very crowded and lined-up for that... any tips? Is it worth seeing more than once to get different villains? Is it even possible to do that with the other happens in the night?

Also, we really want the chance to see Lady Tremaine and the Ugly Stepsisters... we always see hilarious videos of them on YouTube... mostly at WDW, and they don't come out at DLR during regular times... actually, most villains don't come to think of it... but do they come out at all during the party? How about Dr. Facilier? I'd really like to meet him.

Lastly, our trip dates are from October 21st - 26th... does anybody know if the Royal Big Band Ball thing goes on for any swing dancing during that time? We'd love that. Oh... and we've always wanted to catch the Pearly Band's performance and never have. Do they do that at all during this time of the year, or is that a Summer specific thing?

Any other tips about the Halloween Time season would me much obliged!

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[figment_jii]

For the MHP and HalloweenTime questions, hop on over to the HalloweenTime SuperThread.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3270919

There has been a lot of great discussion about MHP and HalloweenTime activities on that thread.

 

[Nonsuch]

You will find useful information in the HalloweenTime superthread.

...What about the fireworks? Getting a good spot for the fireworks is a priority for us. We want in the Hub, just behind the Partners Statue and in front of the castle.

Halloween Fireworks is also a priority for me, and agree about your choice of viewing location
The walkway leading down from the Partners Statue toward the castle is used for reserved seating (VIP tours and other "special" guests). On October 3rd, I found a spot directly in front of the reserved seating 90 minutes in advance

 

[Elias1901]

Halloween Fireworks is also a priority for me, and agree about your choice of viewing location
The walkway leading down from the Partners Statue toward the castle is used for reserved seating (VIP tours and other "special" guests). On October 3rd, I found a spot directly in front of the reserved seating 90 minutes in advance

I'll try and heed your 90 minute warning.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...Lastly, our trip dates are from October 21st - 26th... does anybody know if the Royal Big Band Ball thing goes on for any swing dancing during that time? We'd love that...

The Royal Swing Ball goes on every Saturday night (unless it rains, which cancels the show) at PFF from 7:30pm until 11pm. The band on 10/25 is scheduled to be The Tim Gill All Stars -- one of our favorites (find them on YouTube and their own website). The other location for swing dancing during the week is Paradise Gardens in DCA. If the band is The Ellis Island Boys, you might find a few dancers there.

 

[Elias1901]

The Royal Swing Ball goes on every Saturday night (unless it rains, which cancels the show) at PFF from 7:30pm until 11pm. The band on 10/25 is scheduled to be The Tim Gill All Stars -- one of our favorites (find them on YouTube and their own website). The other location for swing dancing during the week is Paradise Gardens in DCA. If the band is The Ellis Island Boys, you might find a few dancers there.

Copy that. Thanks for the info!

 

[Jennafoo]

I'm going to the party on 10/24, too! It's my birthday, no less.

I really don't have any "must dos" EXCEPT for the Tremaines. I'm not into character pictures usually, but I've become quite obsessed with them. Everyone else I can pretty much take or leave...

That and I want to trick or treat in all the lines. I'm not even that worried about fireworks or cavalcade, though I'll probably at least watch the former.

 

[Elias1901]

I'm going to the party on 10/24, too! It's my birthday, no less.

Awesome! Happy birthday! Mine will be on the 20th. I'm going to the party dressed as Walt. Funnily enough, my travelling companion will be dressed as P.L. Travers... haha! We kinda got a "Saving Mr. Banks" theme going on. If you or any other DISer sees a Walt Disney and P.L. Travers walking around the park, don't be afraid to stop us and say hello! Hopefully we'll be the only ones there dressed as such that night!

Anyway, does anybody have any tips on the Conjure a Villain thing? As I said, I've never experience this before.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

Awesome! Happy birthday! Mine will be on the 20th. I'm going to the party dressed as Walt. Funnily enough, my travelling companion will be dressed as P.L. Travers... haha! We kinda got a "Saving Mr. Banks" theme going on. If you or any other DISer sees a Walt Disney and P.L. Travers walking around the park, don't be afraid to stop us and say hello! Hopefully we'll be the only ones there dressed as such that night!

Anyway, does anybody have any tips on the Conjure a Villain thing? As I said, I've never experience this before.

Amazing costume ideas! In all of our party years we have never seen a Walt Disney or P.L. Travers. Share a photo after (if you are comfortable with that!)! Have a great time!

 

[CassieF]

Since the Tremaines are your must, you'll be happy to know they are pretty easy to meet! On Oct 6th party they did 2 (maybe 3, but I think just two) sets where they were out in town square and basically mobbed. The first one the had people gather around, no line, and Lady T would select the next visitor. The second set they formed a line for them. They also did the official M&G line once, for the 30-45 minutes right before fireworks, so you have better lighting and a photopass photographer. Do check with a character host the night of, they should be able to give you specifics about all characters!

 

[CassieF]

For Conjure a Villain it's pretty basic, line up and go in. Lines will be shorter in the morning and you can get into a few right away. the villains seem to do 45 minute sets, so that can be 2-3, rarely 4 groups per set, depending on the size of the group and the length of interactions. The line does get long toward the end of the day,me specially on weekends, and they will close it off so they will be done meeting at closing time, so plan accordingly. One Saturday they closed off the line 50 minutes before actual closing and it still went over by an entire group!

 

[Elias1901]

Amazing costume ideas! In all of our party years we have never seen a Walt Disney or P.L. Travers. Share a photo after (if you are comfortable with that!)! Have a great time!

Of course! I have no problem with sharing a photo or two!

For Conjure a Villain it's pretty basic, line up and go in. Lines will be shorter in the morning and you can get into a few right away. the villains seem to do 45 minute sets, so that can be 2-3, rarely 4 groups per set, depending on the size of the group and the length of interactions. The line does get long toward the end of the day,me specially on weekends, and they will close it off so they will be done meeting at closing time, so plan accordingly. One Saturday they closed off the line 50 minutes before actual closing and it still went over by an entire group!

Thanks for the tips on the Tremaines and this! However, I'm a bit confused on the operation of the Conjure a Villain event. By the sound of it (and your use of the word "morning"), this leads me to believe that the Conjure a Villain tent operates daily during regular park hours, not just during Mickey's Halloween Party? Or am misunderstanding things and is it only during party hours? Or perhaps does it open during the pre-party (3 PM or 4 PM)? I'm just a bit turned around on those specifics...

 

[purple figment]

Thanks for the tips on the Tremaines and this! However, I'm a bit confused on the operation of the Conjure a Villain event. By the sound of it (and your use of the word "morning"), this leads me to believe that the Conjure a Villain tent operates daily during regular park hours, not just during Mickey's Halloween Party? Or am misunderstanding things and is it only during party hours? Or perhaps does it open during the pre-party (3 PM or 4 PM)? I'm just a bit turned around on those specifics...

Conjure a Villain is part of the Halloween Carnival back in the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree area during the daytime. When we were there it took place between 10:30-6:00. The weekly Times Guide you pick up at the turnstile will list the Halloween Carnival Hours. It is not part of MHP.

 

[Elias1901]

Conjure a Villain is part of the Halloween Carnival back in the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree area during the daytime. When we were there it took place between 10:30-6:00. The weekly Times Guide you pick up at the turnstile will list the Halloween Carnival Hours. It is not part of MHP.

Ah, thank you!

 

[lorijohnhill]

Awesome! Happy birthday! Mine will be on the 20th. I'm going to the party dressed as Walt. Funnily enough, my travelling companion will be dressed as P.L. Travers... haha! We kinda got a "Saving Mr. Banks" theme going on. If you or any other DISer sees a Walt Disney and P.L. Travers walking around the park, don't be afraid to stop us and say hello! Hopefully we'll be the only ones there dressed as such that night! Anyway, does anybody have any tips on the Conjure a Villain thing? As I said, I've never experience this before.

My daughters birthday is the 20th also! We will be at the party that night. She has no idea we are even going to DL, let alone going to the party for her birthday! I'm so excited! I can't wait! We head down on Friday. She thinks we are going to San Diego to see a mission. Lol

 

[Elias1901]

My daughters birthday is the 20th also! We will be at the party that night. She has no idea we are even going to DL, let alone going to the party for her birthday! I'm so excited! I can't wait! We head down on Friday. She thinks we are going to San Diego to see a mission. Lol

Awesome! You all have fun!